Washington ? From Halo to Harvard? In good news for video games, scientists said their addictive nature can be harnessed for education.

The Federation of American Scientists declared Tuesday that video games can help redefine learning. After a year of study, the group called for federal research into how video games can be converted into serious educational tools for schools.

The theory is that games teach skills that employers want: analytical thinking, team-building, multitasking and problem-solving under duress.

Unlike humans, the games never lose patience. Another bonus: They are second nature to many kids.

The idea might stun those who consider games to be the symbol of teenage sloth.

In order for games to work in the classroom, they would have to be created and evaluated with the goal of raising achievement, said federation president Henry Kelly.

There’s already an audience; more than 45 million homes have video-game consoles.

“If we can’t make the connection, shame on us,” Kelly said at a news conference.