SpawnPoint - Where Game Begins

Videogames: Training for the Future

In my most recent editorial I touched on the subject of different generations and how they remain relevant to the technology of their upbringing. This was made apparent to me while watching the younger generation of my family play with Kinect. You can read the article here.

Now I’d like to expand on this subject and propose a few possibilities as far as human innovation. More specifically, are the generations that grew up on videogames at a distinct advantage to handle technological advancements from here on out? Does playing videogames instill you with the tools to tackle the new technology on the horizon? For now this question remains a bit ambiguous, but Mercedes Benz is creating a car that looks to mold to the generation that will be driving it.

Despite the cars sleek design, there aren’t any serious external indications that this car is unlike anything you’ve seen before (although those hubcaps are a bit loud…).

We’ve all been told that it is what’s inside that really matters. What if I told you this car features a joystick in place of a steering wheel, and a video monitor in place of a rear-view mirror? Would you believe it?

What if I showed you?

As you can see there is no steering wheel and no pedals. The car looks to be operated entirely by using your right hand, and maneuvered with the use of a joystick; every gamers dream.

I questioned the validity of these images, and upon further inspection I’ve come to learn that they are genuine photographs of a real car, but that car was constructed as a research vehicle, not as something to be made available for purchase by consumers. Also, this design isn’t necessarily new; it was introduced over ten years ago. The above-displayed photos are pictures of DaimlerChrysler’s F 200 Imagination concept study, produced by the Mercedes-Benz design team and unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in 1996.  

Regardless, these images really highlight the possibilities for the future. When I imagine the conversion to driving a car controlled by a joystick, it’s easy to imagine the videogame generation having a smoother transition.

Personally, I’m really excited for what the future brings. I’ve always been fascinated with mankind and his strides forward, unlocking what’s possible in this universe. As far as we know for sure, we are the most advanced beings in existence, so I find it a priority of mine to try to remain on the forefront of technology. I think it’s easy to have animosity towards younger generations, or to retain bias towards what we’re used to during “the good ol’ days,” but these biases cloud our judgment and can handicap us from remaining concurrent with relevant technology. How many men in their 70’s do you see walking around with an iPad?

Remaining relevant and up-to-date with technology is no easy feat. It requires a great deal of tolerance and patience to learn. I’m certain when my mom went to college she didn’t have a virtual library to do research in, or better yet, she wasn’t able to google her answers, so it’s understandable why the learning curve for a new gadget can vary between age groups. I’m just a firm believer that open-mindedness and the will to learn can be enough to keep everyone concurrent. I hope not only to be the parent that knows what that new hot gaming peripheral is called that my kid wants, but the one playing it also.

So what do you guys think? Is it easier to transition into the future if you’re a gamer?