One of the things that I've started doing during this lockdown period was to try my hand at Starcraft 2 again. It has been 3 years since I've last played. Starcraft 2 is a real-time strategy game that used to be rather popular. It still is now, although when compared to games like call of duty, this is not as popular and for good reason. One of the reasons behind it is how complicated it is to play the game. In many ways, trying to play Starcraft 2 reminded me a lot of my job as a teacher.
The Macro and Micro of Starcraft 2
One of the key fundamentals to get right in Starcraft 2 to get right is one's macro and micro game. Macro here refers to build orders and what to do in view of the big picture. Micro, on the other hand, refers to how you control individual or groups of your units as you move around the battlefield.
In many ways, teaching has its very own macro game. In theory, we learn about how to play the game of teaching. We learn about strategies and theories. We get how all of it works, in theory. But when we are placed in an actual classroom, all those theories could fall apart spectacularly.
As for micro game, well that takes a lot of training. I am terrible at my micro game and I have no idea how those pro-gamers get so good at controlling so many units. They almost remind of coordinators from the Gundam series (thumbs-up to you if you get the reference).
The drive to be better
I don't know about you, but there is something about Starcraft 2 that makes you want to get better at it. There is this hope that lingers when you play the game. Perhaps you will win? Perhaps that diabolical strategy that you have concocted would work? I mean, the only thing more wonderful than winning is actually having your plan run perfectly.
I can't remember the days I've spent reading through build orders and strategies just to get better at the game. The same applies with teaching, there is something about it that would just push you to go the extra mile. This could be gratitude from the students or at the very least the thought knowing that maybe, someone will get inspired through the lesson.
As for my drive as a teacher, that would be to inspire my students. That is because I always believe that it is possible that one day, one of my students may be teaching my child. As for Starcraft 2, well, I doubt I would be a pro-gamer, but at the very least, climbing the ladder is always fun. I'm only in gold league at the moment.
Of course, there is a small problem.
Conclusion
Starcraft 2 can be rather brutal and losing often enough will really kill one's motivation to play. Of course, I'm sure Starcraft 2's matchmaking does try to make sure that you don't play against the really good ones too often. The same applies to teach. While we don't get any form of matchmaking in what classes that we are assigned to. I think it is important for some form of a support structure in place to ensure that we don't quit the game.
That's all for me, now off I go for another game of Starcraft 2.