The Gaming Way

BLOG WEEK 6

The chapter, “What exactly is a game?” (1) In the book, Reality is Broken written by Jane McGonigal she goes into detail in how we view and how gaming itself is perceived. With games nowadays there is something for everyone, games ranging from Barbie games for younger girls to play on their Nintendo 3DS all the way up to games with massive scales and endless free roam abilities like GTA and Assassins creed.

To the average person, video games may seem like a waste of time, something to get a kick out of while you’re bored, as they are often stereotyped as “nerdy” and unsocial. But it’s far from it, Jane McGonigal looks into the smaller details and how playing video games can not only help you socially but mentally. A lot of games require teamwork, through the use of Xbox live for example, you can communicate to others around the world, from living next door or at opposite ends of the globe. By doing this you gain social skills that will help you in the real world, and at the same time having a hell of a good time.

Sometimes it feels like video games have an addictive drug in it, “When you do fall off, you feel the urge to climb back on.” (1) This sums up video games perfectly, something always pulling you in that “hooked” feeling you get when you start to really enjoy a game, is what gamers strive for.

REFERENCES

Jane McGonigal (2011). Reality is Broken. New York: The Penguin Press. 19-34.