Bridging the Gap between Gaming and Real World

Bridging the Gap between Gaming and Real World

Playing computer and phone games can evoke either favorable or unfavorable results. The general perception that people play games primarily for escapism or the desire to flee from reality for a while is questionable. Skeptics presume and advocate the notion that games impact the personalities of gamers and the community at large adversely. Also, many parents associate the violence portrayed, and time taken in playing games to subjugation, procrastination, introversion, or laziness.  Nevertheless, the question that needs to be considered is, can games be used to instill vital life skills to people? Jane McGonigal, in Reality Broken, addresses the immense potential in improving lives through games. She demonstrates the existing gap and relationship between reality and the gaming world. Besides, she presents an alternative ideology, one that points to the positive aspect of electronic games and how they can be tapped to transform our lives for the better.

One may wonder why many people all over the world are opting to use much of their time playing games; hence, justifying the precept that the reality is broken. “The truth is this: in today’s society, computer and video games are fulfilling genuine human needs that the real world is currently unable to satisfy” (McGonigal 4).  In other words, gaming is fun; it also derives happiness, provides constructive challenges and offers rewards. The real world is uncertain, highly susceptible to change, and does not offer such coordinated and definite outcomes. Also, games are instilling fundamental lessons, engaging players, and bringing them together in a manner the real world does not. Games are substantially advancing the application of one’s knowledge in a virtual context, some of which are not, or are underutilized in the real world in workplaces or at home..

Primarily, not all games negatively affect people.  Some of them help eradicate mental frustrations or turmoil in distressing moments. Also, when one is idle or waiting, it is common for many to engage in a game to avoid boredom. Furthermore, it is typical for a person to get exhausted after a long day of hard work. To eradicate the exhaustion, most people indulge in playing their favorite games. Necessarily, games are fun activities, and many engage in them not to escape reality but to enjoy and alleviate undesired thoughts or mental burnout (McGonigal 10). Generally, outperforming opponents make the underlying motivational factor in any game. Love for winning makes one competitive, goal-oriented, committed to setting and achieving even higher targets, and able to solve common and intricate problems. Similar inspiration and dedication are imperative in our daily living. It would depict a more purpose-driven and successful life. In addition, it would mean the acquisition of critical analysis skills, persistence even in the face of challenges, and a distinct focus on the main goals. Playing games can instill relevant life skills, only if the developers keenly inculcate the right concepts in the mechanisms of the game. Thus, it is possible to influence and transform the lives of people through playing games. Notably, severe and ordinary life events can be transcribed in games to stimulate and train players on how to handle similar scenarios in real life and make them prosperous.

Life in the real world entails making continuous decisions. Every person makes strategic choices on how to best allocate their disposable, limited resources among competing events or needs to achieve optimal benefits (Wu et al. 1). Such decisions are a foundation of human life with everyone striving to survive, live better, or attain more satisfaction in comparison to past experiences. Respectively, gaming designs involve making critical choices for one to effectively compete, outshine the opponents, and emerge as a winner. Fundamentally, it necessitates the identification of justifiable objectives, targets, and means to achieve the desired motive. The same persistence and inspiration are vital in general living and can be applied in personal projects or work settings. As such, games can be tailored to include relevant social, entrepreneurial, or general life concepts and themes, to impact players with relevant skills and experiences they can apply in real life. Therefore, games are more than escapist avenues. They are learning and simulation tools that can help improve human beings.

In conclusion, we live in a world where no one is self-sufficient. We need each other in more than one way to fulfill personal and collective desires. Besides, playing games helps teach people necessary, technical, and vital life skills. Since players indulge each other in a competition, playing games inspires teamwork, cooperation, and inclusivity traits. Such attributes help people acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of others in contributing to achieving a set target. Also, individuals become responsible and accountable by understanding they have a role to play and that their contribution is crucial for the common good of all. However, it is crucial to comprehend how to influence people to play games that will result in positive and productive outcomes at individual and community levels.

Works Cited

McGonigal, Jane. Reality is broken: Why games make us better and how they can change the world. Penguin, 2011.

Wu, Junhui, et al. “Life history strategy and human cooperation in economic games.” Evolution and Human Behavior 38.4 (2017): 496-505.