The Effect and Process of Playing Games During School
Sometimes classwork can be boring and feel like it’s neverending, but as a teenager, it’s common to find something to pass the time. Whether you want to play games on your Chromebook, your phone, or even a board game, there’s always something available. One game in particular has been on the rise at Malden High School: Clash Royale.
Clash Royale is a real-time multiplayer strategy game combining elements of tower defense, collectible card defense, and a multiplayer online battle arena. Players gather and enhance cards that depict troops, spells, and defensive buildings to battle opponents in quick three minute duels, aimed at destroying enemy towers. The game was launched globally on March 2nd, 2016, marking Supercell’s first spin-off of Clash of Clans.
With students getting bored during class, this game has quickly become a go-to. The games have a short play time, allowing anyone to get a quick match in during the limited free time that students may have between assignments or even passing periods.
AUNDREA CIFUENTES
AUNDREA CIFUENTES
“At least once a day during my classes I hear the Clash Royale opening sound during assgnments,” junior Camila Ramas highlighted. Sophomore Hannah Coggswell stated that these students will “pause their assignments just to get a quick match in,” both agreeing that this can be somewhat annoying.
Sophomore Gyovanna Gomes explained her opinion, “I usually get in a match almost every class when I’m bored and I’ll play against my friends sometimes in a 1v1. It just takes up my time when I don’t want to finish the assignment right away or when I have free time.”
Most teachers believe non-educational video games such as Clash Royale can often be distracting, as they take away from students’ attention and concentration. Brunelli principal, Jean Ewald Charles, shared his frustration over it interfering with students’ education.
Chemistry teacher Katherine Haskell believes “if they play the game during an appropriate time when school work is over, I have no problem with it, and as long as it doesn’t take away from their work.”
Games in general for students can be a lot to handle when they prioritize their game over their work, but if a student can find the balance between handling a little freedom to go on their phones and still getting their work completed, it can teach responsibility and self-control rather than becoming a distraction.
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