The unexpected thing that changed the way I live.

February 16, 2025

Introduction

I was stuck between two paths. I had just finished a year of medical studies but failed the entrance exam. Still determined to work in healthcare, I decided to become a nurse. The problem? I had to wait an entire year before I could take the entrance exams. So, what was I supposed to do in the meantime?

I tried enrolling in a psychology degree, but while some courses were interesting, most didn’t capture my interest. I felt completely alone. My high school friends were either fully immersed in their studies or traveling abroad, while I was left behind, stuck in limbo. It was a tough time for me.

Already a passionate online gamer, I stumbled upon a game that would change the way I lived my life: StarCraft 2.

What is StarCraft 2?

StarCraft 2 is a real-time strategy (RTS) game developed by Blizzard Entertainment and released in 2010. It is the sequel to the legendary StarCraft (1998) and is divided into three distinct campaigns: Wings of Liberty (Terrans), Heart of the Swarm (Zergs), and Legacy of the Void (Protoss). The game features an intergalactic war between these three races, each with unique units and mechanics.

Multiplayer Mode

The multiplayer mode is the core of the game, focusing on strategic battles in 1v1, 2v2, 3v3, and 4v4, as well as custom modes. Players choose a race and compete using economic management, base construction, and unit micro-control. The ranked mode is based on a league system (from Bronze to Grandmaster), determined by a competitive matchmaking rating (MMR).

Competitive Scene

StarCraft 2 has long been a pillar of esports, notably with the GSL (Global StarCraft II League) in South Korea, DreamHack, and the ESL Pro Tour. The game peaked in the 2010s, featuring large-scale tournaments and legendary players like Serral, Maru, and ByuN. While its influence has declined, the competitive scene remains active with international events.

This game is incredibly demanding on a mental level. It changed a lot in me. I played exclusively 1v1, and what’s great about it is that the only person to blame when you lose is yourself.

I’ll now go over the key aspects of the game that helped me grow, both in and beyond StarCraft 2.

StarCraft 2 and Problem-Solving: A Mental Training Ground

StarCraft 2 is not just a real-time strategy game, it is an intellectual challenge that tests a player's ability to solve problems in real time. This highly demanding game, requiring quick decision-making and strategic adaptation, develops many skills applicable beyond gaming. Here, we explore the connection between StarCraft 2 and problem-solving, competitive mindset, "try-hard" mentality, and how these skills impact my daily life.

In this video, you can see a professional player competing in a game of StarCraft 2. You'll witness just how mechanically demanding this game is. A pro player can reach between 200 and 350 APM (Actions Per Minute).

StarCraft 2 and Problem-Solving

Problem-solving is at the heart of StarCraft 2 gameplay. Every match is a dynamic situation where the player must make decisions under pressure while analyzing multiple factors:

  • Game Reading: Understanding the opponent's strategy through scouting.

  • Resource Management: Balancing the economy and unit production.

  • Rapid Adaptation: Changing strategies based on the opponent’s actions.

  • Optimization of Actions: Using hotkeys, mastering multitasking, and managing units efficiently.

These elements require critical thinking, fast decision-making, and effective planning, essential skills in many professional and academic fields.

For me, this is the most important point. It unlocked new thought patterns, allowing me to think faster, recognize the different paths available to me in everyday life, and make decisions more easily. And above all, it gave me greater self-confidence.

The Competitive Mindset

StarCraft 2 is one of the most competitive games in esports, emphasizing several aspects of the competitive mindset:

  • The Importance of Defeat: Every lost match is a learning opportunity.

  • Continuous Improvement: Reviewing replays and training to progress.

  • Resilience Under Pressure: Staying focused even in difficult situations.

  • Desire for Excellence: Striving to reach the highest ranks (such as Grandmaster) pushes players beyond their limits.

This competitive spirit also applies to real life, where perseverance and the drive for self-improvement are key to success in any field.

The "Try-Hard" Mentality: The Art of Determination

The term try-hard refers to the intense and consistent effort to improve. In StarCraft 2, this is demonstrated through:

  • Strategy Repetition: Testing different openings and mastering precise timings.

  • Grinding the Ladder: Playing numerous matches to refine skills.

  • Self-Analysis: Studying personal mistakes and seeking solutions.

  • Mental Endurance: Accepting failure as a necessary step toward mastery.

This mindset extends beyond gaming. In daily life, try-hard is seen in persistence at work, studies, or sports, where repeated efforts lead to excellence. I am a passionate person. I love optimizing everything I do down to the smallest detail. But it's important not to forget to take action. Studying and absorbing tons of information without applying it is a waste. You have to take action.

The Impact of Problem-Solving on Daily Life

The skills I developed in StarCraft 2 have practical applications in many aspects of life:

  • In Academics: The ability to analyze complex problems, organize work, and manage time effectively.

  • In Professional Life: Quick decision-making, stress management, and adaptability to unexpected situations.

  • In Personal Management: Conflict resolution, project planning, and productivity enhancement.

StarCraft 2 is more than just a game, it is a cognitive training tool that builds discipline, resilience, and adaptability, essential qualities for tackling life’s challenges.

Thank you for reading my first newsletter! This serves as an introduction to the topics I'll cover next. I won’t be discussing other video games, but I will dive deeper into the mechanics of problem-solving and its impact on daily life.

Feel free to let me know if there's anything I can improve!

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