Games

Gaming has become increasing popular within society. "Games today come in more forms, platforms, and genres than at any other time in human history." (McGonigal. 2011. p20) There is such a wide range of games, such as digital games played on computers and consoles and non digital games, such as board games or cards. A game invites a gamer to tackle unnecessary obstacles which involves hard work and optimistic engagement. Jane McGonigal (2011) believes there are four defining traits of games. They are the goal, the rules, feedback system and voluntary participation.

McGonigal states that winning and competition are features which enhance the gaming experience but they are not seen as defining traits. The defining traits of games are as followed: The goal is the purpose and the outcome that the gamers is trying to achieve. The rules are the limitations that the gamer must follow in order to achieve their goal. Feedback system is the process of the gamers performance which include levels and scores. A gamer must be willing to follow these traits in order to play the game correctly, this is known as voluntary participation. Every game, whethers its a digital or non digital, all of these four traits are relative. 

Gamers feel a sense of achievement, happiness and hard work when they play games. They enjoy how games give them the opportunities to explore learn and improve their skills. Gamers care about their games and the outcome matters to them. James P Carse explains how their are two types of games, finite and infinite. Infinite games are played to win, for example, Mario Kart. The goal is to finish the kart race whereas, a game such as Temple Run, is an infinite game. Infinite games means gamers strive to play the game long as possible. Infinite games are also known as unwinnable games. There is no chance that an individual will win Temple Run, it is a constant game to stay alive and not get caught by the demons. It is about beating the highest score. Some gamers would rather keep playing a game instead of winning because "..the state of being intensely engaged may ultimately be more pleasurable than even the satisfaction of winning" (McGonigal, 2011. p25)

Games are so popular today because of the emotions they are producing. 'Fiero' is a Italian term meaning pride. This term has been adopted into the gaming world describing gamers emotions towards the sense of success they feel when they overcome a challenge. Scientists believe that "fiero is one of the most powerful neurochemical highs we can experience."(McGoniga, 2011. p33) 


Bibliography:

McGonigal, J. 2011. Reality Is Broken: Why Games Make Us Better and How They Can Change the World. Penguin Press HC. p19-34.