'The Gameness of Games

Games have become increasingly used in today's society. We can play games on a number of different platforms and can play games almost anywhere due to mobile phones, tablets and laptops.

McGonical states when playing games we are 'actively participating' (McGonical 2011 pg:21) In other words we are willing to overcome obstacles that we would never be willing to do in reality. Gamer's knowingly accept the rules and the goals of the game they are playing and have the freedom to enter or leave a game whenever they choose to. (McGonical 2011) This ensures that the game is as a safe and pleasurable to play as possible. But why are games so satisfying to play? McGonical writes 'Compared with games, reality is too easy. Games challenge us with voluntary obstacles and help us put our strengths to better use' (McGonical 2011 pg:22)

Games provoke positive emotions because they let the gamer have a sense of achievement through the game. In reality we see hard work as something that we have to do to earn a living and to keep ourselves and our families in good health, care etc.. We usually try to avoid hard work as we see it as something that will stress us out. McGonical states that games are a form of hard work. It is because of this that games can help us feel positive. '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' (McGonical 2011 pg:28) This is why games are so mood boosting. It may be hard work even though we do not usually think of playing a game as hard work, but when we play a game we are working but it is work that we enjoy doing. So we both have a feeling of enjoyment and fulfillment when playing a game.

An important benefit on emotions when playing a game is 'Fiero' (McGonical 2011 pg:33) this term is an Italian phrase that for 'pride' it's when we have a sense of triumph which we often feel when playing a game. When shouting and throwing your hands in the air after finishing a mission on Grand Theft Auto or Getting a nuke on Call of Duty.

Overall games can have a positive effect on your emotional state. They may be hard work but it's fun work. Work that you the gamer can enjoy and leave you on the edge of you're seat. 'It is an extremely powerful tool for inspiring participation and motivating hard work. And when this tool is deployed on a top network, it can inspire and motivate tens, hundreds, thousands, or millions of people at a time' (McGonical 2011 pg:33/34)

Bibliography: Jane McGonical, Reality is Broken, 2011, The Penguin Press (USA)