"They problem-solve, they're spatially aware, they do multiple things at the same time," Duffy said about the compatible skills between gamers and air traffic controllers. Gaming with higher stakes — the American skiesUnder Trump, Duffy and the Federal Aviation Administration launched a targeted recruiting campaign to address a persistent national shortage of air traffic controllers by specifically appealing to the "gamers." Video gamers frequently utilize multitasking skills, pattern recognition, predictive thinking, rapid decision-making, and are accustomed to sustained attention on screens, all of which are skills emphasized in the air traffic industry. As a result, applications for the “Air Traffic Control Specialist – Trainee” role initially capped at 8,000 but ultimately drew over 12,000 submissions in a short period, which Duffy called “wildly successful.” It aligns non-degree holders and those with alternative experience more directly with federal workforce needs in technology, management and other areas.