Smart thoughts on why do we play games

[ernefere]

I found this nice article which discuss few topics that are quite popular these days on tip.it. It's not about Runescape but RS would easily fit here. Why do we play it when its so repetitive and what (how) do games teach us. Of course it will not answer all questions, but and i think its there few very good insights.

 

Its quite long read, but well written. Hope you find it interesting too.

 

 

 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/6932785.stm

 

its BBC site should be safe.

 

Enjoy

[Lefke123]

omg?? games teach me things?? i need to quit, and i need to quit NOW!!

[nerdattack16]

Wow, I couldn't even finish that article because I think the author was total crap.

 

 

 

I play games because they're fun. They almost never cease to be entertaining, and they don't make me feel like a failure.

 

 

 

Especially Kingdom Hearts II but that game made me feel like the best game ever. Waaaaay too easy...

 

 

 

Okay, went back and skimmed the rest. Sure, many games teach you things... but when I learn that the Fatal Crest Keyblade is very effective for mage-based characters and the Oathkeeper is awesome for Final Form, and what abilities to equip for maximum damage, and what spells to use when, and knowing what monsters drop what items for synthesis... that won't help me a bit in five years.

 

 

 

Sure, I learned a lot from playing that game. But it's useless knowledge that I won't need for anything except... being slightly fanboy-ish and nerdy. :D

 

 

 

Sooooo... just about all of us probably play games... because they're fun. If I didn't enjoy RuneScape, I sure wouldn't still be playing it.

[Scoriginal1]

Interesting...useless,kinda stupid but interesting anyway.

 

 

 

But still anyone who plays games to satisfy your brains need for learning things should find something else to do,like a read a book(that satifies my need for learning anytime.

 

 

 

I personally play games for fun. And to laugh at the official forum's rant subforum. But as the author him/herself said everyone finds a use to gaming.

[Aquashock]

Runescape taught me what a vial was >.> glad to be the only person in a senior highschool chem class to know what it was L0l

 

 

 

They subconciously teach you random little things, little quipts, that MIGHT come up IRL.

 

 

 

Vials the only one i remember, but i know there are a few more.

[highlanders]

Wow, I couldn't even finish that article because I think the author was total crap.

 

 

 

I play games because they're fun. They almost never cease to be entertaining, and they don't make me feel like a failure.

 

 

 

Especially Kingdom Hearts II but that game made me feel like the best game ever. Waaaaay too easy...

 

 

 

Okay, went back and skimmed the rest. Sure, many games teach you things... but when I learn that the Fatal Crest Keyblade is very effective for mage-based characters and the Oathkeeper is awesome for Final Form, and what abilities to equip for maximum damage, and what spells to use when, and knowing what monsters drop what items for synthesis... that won't help me a bit in five years.

 

 

 

Sure, I learned a lot from playing that game. But it's useless knowledge that I won't need for anything except... being slightly fanboy-ish and nerdy. :D

 

 

 

Sooooo... just about all of us probably play games... because they're fun. If I didn't enjoy RuneScape, I sure wouldn't still be playing it.

 

 

 

Err people rarely play for fun. They play to achieve goals. They play to have competition with their friends. The play because they have low self-confidence and playing a game gives them a false temporary self-confidence. They play because physically they're ugly but in games everyone looks normal and the same. They play because they're addicted to gaining levels. They play because they love gaining friends. They play because they love being in control. To each his own. I wouldn't call that for "fun", "fun" is just a word used to sum up a ton of attractive and motivation factors. Mmorpgs are a frigging drug. And I know what I'm talking about, I've read many scientific essays about mmropg addiction.

 

 

 

You didn't catch the point of the article. The author didn't say mmorpgs teach you things, he just said mmorpgs occupy your brain and show you how smart your brain is.

[fakeitormakeit]

I actually play just because its fun and I exit when ever I want and do not feel like a failure. Who feels like a failure after losing at a virtual game?

[Kriseo]

I actually play just because its fun and I exit when ever I want and do not feel like a failure. Who feels like a failure after losing at a virtual game?

 

I wonder how is it possible to lose in Rs #-o #-o #-o

[Star_Fox]

I actually play just because its fun and I exit when ever I want and do not feel like a failure. Who feels like a failure after losing at a virtual game?

 

I wonder how is it possible to lose in Rs #-o #-o #-o

 

 

 

 

 

dieing and losing millions? :P

[Dharockslayer]

 

Err people rarely play for fun. They play to achieve goals. I find achieving goals fun.

 

They play to have competition with their friends. Competition is healthy, and against friends only makes it more fun

 

The play because they have low self-confidence and playing a game gives them a false temporary self-confidence. Low self-confidence? Not at all

 

They play because physically they're ugly but in games everyone looks normal and the same. Oi dont get personal, not all obsessed people are ugly, and if they attach meaning to their looks more then their inner being, then it might be better for them to stay away from me and the outside world. The world is messed up enough as it is

 

They play because they're addicted to gaining levels. Only some of them do

 

They play because they love gaining friends. Wouldn't you define gaining friends fun?

 

They play because they love being in control. To each his own. I wouldn't call that for "fun", "fun" is just a word used to sum up a ton of attractive and motivation factors. Go get drunk with your friends if you call that fun

 

Mmorpgs are a frigging drug. And I know what I'm talking about, I've read many scientific essays about mmropg addiction. The one who calls themself wise, is often more foolish then first expected.

 

Do you know what I mean by this? Its the fact that no matter how skilled or smart you may be. You should not think you know or can do all. Because there is always more.

 

 

 

 

 

Another post busted. Anyhow back on topic. Ive learned some real life things about Runescape. Like tin+copper= Bronze. But I play for fun. Not to learn.

 

If I want to learn, I read a book or a tutorial or be in school or practice or... But I wouldnt play a game to learn. Not including simulators, you can learn from them.

[SwreeTak]

Nice article that you found...It's true that you learn things from games. I have greatly improved my english thanks to RS and other games :D

[Italian5kamikaze]

I play runescape when i have nothing else to do lol

 

 

 

So being boreds the only reason i play, I wouldnt of even started runescape if i had something better to do the day i found it :P sure its fun when you reach your goals but really if you have something else to do its not even worth it.

[Piscis_Rex]

I read up to the bit where it said that games were designed to make you feel like a failure and then realized that she was full of crap, games aren't designed to make you fail they are designed to present a challenge, maybe they made her fell like a failure because she's not very good

[Jimmyw3000]

It's fun and keeps or sprits up. Why else?

[nerdattack16]

Wow, I couldn't even finish that article because I think the author was total crap.

 

 

 

I play games because they're fun. They almost never cease to be entertaining, and they don't make me feel like a failure.

 

 

 

Especially Kingdom Hearts II but that game made me feel like the best game ever. Waaaaay too easy...

 

 

 

Okay, went back and skimmed the rest. Sure, many games teach you things... but when I learn that the Fatal Crest Keyblade is very effective for mage-based characters and the Oathkeeper is awesome for Final Form, and what abilities to equip for maximum damage, and what spells to use when, and knowing what monsters drop what items for synthesis... that won't help me a bit in five years.

 

 

 

Sure, I learned a lot from playing that game. But it's useless knowledge that I won't need for anything except... being slightly fanboy-ish and nerdy. :D

 

 

 

Sooooo... just about all of us probably play games... because they're fun. If I didn't enjoy RuneScape, I sure wouldn't still be playing it.

 

 

 

Err people rarely play for fun. They play to achieve goals. They play to have competition with their friends. The play because they have low self-confidence and playing a game gives them a false temporary self-confidence. They play because physically they're ugly but in games everyone looks normal and the same. They play because they're addicted to gaining levels. They play because they love gaining friends. They play because they love being in control. To each his own. I wouldn't call that for "fun", "fun" is just a word used to sum up a ton of attractive and motivation factors. Mmorpgs are a frigging drug. And I know what I'm talking about, I've read many scientific essays about mmropg addiction.

 

 

 

You didn't catch the point of the article. The author didn't say mmorpgs teach you things, he just said mmorpgs occupy your brain and show you how smart your brain is.

 

 

 

I dearly hope that you were being sarcastic there. Let's see here... responses to your points, in order of your list:

 

 

 

I never actually achieve goals in RuneScape, yet still have fun.

 

RuneScape is basically the only multiplayer game I play.

 

I have high self-confidence and high self-esteem. So, no.

 

I'm not ugly. I'm not beautiful, but I'm decent looking enough for girls to be somewhat attracted.

 

If I were addicted to gaining levels, I'd be on RuneScape right now instead of replying to your... well, your blatant stereotyping.

 

I like making friends; tons of people do. I bet you like making new friends.

 

I don't love being in control and in charge. Too many responsibilities.

 

 

 

American Heritage Dictionary's definition of fun: A source of enjoyment, amusement, or pleasure.

 

 

 

Games amuse me. They pleasure me. Especially console games, with deep, involving storylines, beautful character designs, gameplay, graphics, et cetera.

 

 

 

Obviously, your definition of fun is different than mine. Like you said, to each his own. But you can't change my opinion of what I think it is, so I won't try to change yours.

 

 

 

And your final point: Addictions only happen if you let them. Someone strong-willed can easily avoid addiction to games. I used to be somewhat addicted to games, but I changed. I gained control over it; if I could, anyone can.

 

 

 

But I guess I'm one of the only people that plays video games for fun. I'm just a rarity, aren't I?

[SomeWelshGuy]

[hide]

Wow, I couldn't even finish that article because I think the author was total crap.

 

 

 

I play games because they're fun. They almost never cease to be entertaining, and they don't make me feel like a failure.

 

 

 

Especially Kingdom Hearts II but that game made me feel like the best game ever. Waaaaay too easy...

 

 

 

Okay, went back and skimmed the rest. Sure, many games teach you things... but when I learn that the Fatal Crest Keyblade is very effective for mage-based characters and the Oathkeeper is awesome for Final Form, and what abilities to equip for maximum damage, and what spells to use when, and knowing what monsters drop what items for synthesis... that won't help me a bit in five years.

 

 

 

Sure, I learned a lot from playing that game. But it's useless knowledge that I won't need for anything except... being slightly fanboy-ish and nerdy. :D

 

 

 

Sooooo... just about all of us probably play games... because they're fun. If I didn't enjoy RuneScape, I sure wouldn't still be playing it.

 

 

 

Err people rarely play for fun. They play to achieve goals. They play to have competition with their friends. The play because they have low self-confidence and playing a game gives them a false temporary self-confidence. They play because physically they're ugly but in games everyone looks normal and the same. They play because they're addicted to gaining levels. They play because they love gaining friends. They play because they love being in control. To each his own. I wouldn't call that for "fun", "fun" is just a word used to sum up a ton of attractive and motivation factors. Mmorpgs are a frigging drug. And I know what I'm talking about, I've read many scientific essays about mmropg addiction.

 

 

 

You didn't catch the point of the article. The author didn't say mmorpgs teach you things, he just said mmorpgs occupy your brain and show you how smart your brain is.

 

 

 

I dearly hope that you were being sarcastic there. Let's see here... responses to your points, in order of your list:

 

 

 

I never actually achieve goals in RuneScape, yet still have fun.

 

RuneScape is basically the only multiplayer game I play.

 

I have high self-confidence and high self-esteem. So, no.

 

I'm not ugly. I'm not beautiful, but I'm decent looking enough for girls to be somewhat attracted.

 

If I were addicted to gaining levels, I'd be on RuneScape right now instead of replying to your... well, your blatant stereotyping.

 

I like making friends; tons of people do. I bet you like making new friends.

 

I don't love being in control and in charge. Too many responsibilities.

 

 

 

American Heritage Dictionary's definition of fun: A source of enjoyment, amusement, or pleasure.

 

 

 

Games amuse me. They pleasure me. Especially console games, with deep, involving storylines, beautful character designs, gameplay, graphics, et cetera.

 

 

 

Obviously, your definition of fun is different than mine. Like you said, to each his own. But you can't change my opinion of what I think it is, so I won't try to change yours.

 

 

 

And your final point: Addictions only happen if you let them. Someone strong-willed can easily avoid addiction to games. I used to be somewhat addicted to games, but I changed. I gained control over it; if I could, anyone can.

 

 

 

But I guess I'm one of the only people that plays video games for fun. I'm just a rarity, aren't I?

[/hide]

 

I just play games for fun. I don't want to be the best. I've played for longer than my friends (since feb '06, which aint a very long time), and I have worst stats and levels than them, because I play for the fun. I kind of set goals, although never complete them, and just chat to friends, kill some autoers, and enjoy myself. :)

[hephaestos8]

i play for fun, the only reason to play

[Rainy_Day]

Well I believe many people simply play the games for fun and stress relief. I know the game helped me in times when I've been really stressed, so I simply play the game, speak to some friends and calm down.