Video games and business leadership might seem like an unlikely pairing, but many top executives swear by the benefits of gaming. From improving strategic thinking to enhancing problem-solving skills, gaming could be the unexpected tool that shapes stronger, more adaptable leaders.

In fact, a surprising number of CEOs and executives are avid gamers. Elon Musk has admitted to playing games like Overwatch and Bioshock, while former PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi once shared her love for Angry Birds. Even Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, has spoken about how gaming influences his perspective on technology and innovation.

But is there actual science behind this? And can playing Candy Crush or Call of Duty really help you in the boardroom?

Great leaders anticipate challenges before they arise, just like expert gamers map out their strategies before entering a high-stakes battle.

• Games like Civilization, Age of Empires, and StarCraft train players to think multiple steps ahead, manage resources, and adapt to changing conditions—skills that mirror the demands of running a business.
• CEOs often face situations where they must allocate limited resources, assess risks, and anticipate competitors’ moves—much like in a strategy game.

In fact, a study published in the Journal of Applied Cognitive Psychology found that gamers tend to develop superior problem-solving and strategic planning abilities compared to non-gamers.

Fun Fact: Microsoft once used Age of Empires II as part of an interview process for certain roles to test candidates’ strategic thinking skills!

Fast-paced games require split-second decisions—just like leading a company in high-stress situations.

• Action games like Call of Duty, Fortnite, and League of Legends push players to make rapid decisions based on incomplete information, a skill that translates well to leadership roles.
• A study from the University of Rochester found that gamers can process information faster and make quicker, more accurate decisions than non-gamers.

In the business world, leaders often face time-sensitive decisions with high stakes. Training your brain through gaming could make those high-pressure moments feel more manageable.

Example: Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn, has compared business strategy to playing Settlers of Catan, where players must constantly make tactical decisions based on limited resources and shifting dynamics.

Multiplayer games are all about teamwork, leadership, and communication—key skills for any executive or manager.

• Games like World of Warcraft, Dota 2, and Counter-Strike require players to coordinate with teammates, delegate responsibilities, and execute complex strategies.
• Leaders who game understand how to build trust, manage conflict, and keep teams motivated—skills that are invaluable in business settings.

Real-World Example: Former President Barack Obama revealed that he played video games with his daughters and saw value in how they encouraged problem-solving and teamwork.

Fun Fact: The U.S. military has used video games as training tools for leadership and strategy development!

Great leaders—and great gamers—know that failure is just a step toward success.

• In games like Dark Souls, Elden Ring, and Rogue-like games, players must fail repeatedly to learn and improve—a mindset crucial in leadership.
• Resilience, adaptability, and persistence are critical qualities in both gaming and executive leadership.

When faced with a business setback, leaders who have spent years perfecting their resilience in gaming may be more likely to bounce back, analyze mistakes, and try again with a new approach.

Example: Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, is known for his love of video games. His ability to pivot and adapt in the tech industry mirrors the iterative problem-solving that gaming fosters.

Beyond specific skills, gaming offers cognitive advantages that can enhance leadership abilities:

🧠 Improved Memory & Focus – Puzzle and role-playing games boost cognitive function and concentration.
🧩 Better Multitasking – Games that require players to track multiple objectives enhance cognitive flexibility.
🎯 Increased Creativity – Open-world games like Minecraft and Zelda: Breath of the Wild foster creative problem-solving.

Research from the University of Glasgow even found that students who played video games developed better communication and resourcefulness—traits essential for leadership.

Final Level: Should You Start Gaming for Leadership Growth?

If you’re already a gamer, congratulations—you’re unconsciously sharpening your leadership skills! But if you’re new to gaming, here’s how to start:

🎮 Choose the Right Games: Strategy, multiplayer, and problem-solving games offer the best leadership benefits.
⏳ Set Time Limits: Use gaming as a tool for skill-building, not a distraction from real-world responsibilities.
👥 Play with Purpose: Join multiplayer games to practice communication, delegation, and teamwork.

From CEOs to military leaders, gaming is proving to be more than just entertainment—it’s a training ground for better decision-making, problem-solving, and leadership.

So, the next time you’re playing Candy Crush, remember: You might just be levelling up your leadership game. 🚀