McGonigal's Analysis of Games

Games are a substantial part of our culture today. They come in many different forms, platforms and genres for example card games, quiz games, puzzle games and console games. However as McGonigal states “When you strip away the genre differences and the technological complexities, all games share four defining traits” (McGonigal; 2011, pg. 21).

Firstly there is the goal; that all players strive to achieve, to ‘beat’ the game. Although there is no reward when completing a game, players feel the sense of accomplishment and self-belief if they manage to reach the goal.  The rules are another trait that makes the goal more difficult to reach. This trait creates restraint and makes the player think and unleash creativity in order to complete the game. The feedback system is provides the motivation to keep playing the game as it lets the gamer know how far they are and how close they are to achieving the goal. Finally there is voluntary participation that is up to the player to accept the other three traits in order to play the game correctly. Bernard Suits expands on this trait by stating “Playing a game is the voluntary attempt to overcome unnecessary obstacles.” (McGonigal; 2011, pg. 22). In our day to day lives, we develop a routine that sometimes doesn’t push us to our limits. Gaming provide us with voluntary obstacles that help us put our personal strengths to better use.

Although games are seen as a hobbie, they still make us work and think to reach the goal. Gamers can get lost in the game, play them for numbers of hours, keep being defeated but still will consider it as an enjoyable experience. “Games make us happy because they are hard work that we choose for ourselves, and it turns out that almost nothing makes us happier than good, hard work.” (McGonigal; 2011, pg. 28)

Games, especially computer games are known to receive bad press and how they are a bad influence for children growing up today. However after reading this text, I agree with McGonigal that games give us a sense of freedom and personal accomplishment. “A good game is a unique way of structuring experience and provoking positive emotion. It is an extremely powerful tool for inspiring participation and motivating hard work” (McGonigal; 2011, pg. 33)

Bibliography:

McGonigal. J (2011) - Reality is Broken