Jane McGonigal’s presentation on how video games differ from real life was eye opening for me. I never considered that our drive to succeed in video games is not shown in many real life situations. As she said, we do not feel “as good in reality as in games.” I feel like this is partly because in games you tend to have numerous, if not infinite, “lives” or attempts at succeeding at a task. You are driven to do you best and be the “best version of ourselves.” She then discussed how in real life, we tend to lack motivation because we do not feel like real life is as great as the gaming world. I believe this is why people are so addicted to games: we are stuck in the reality that we are immortal and unbeatable. I agree with McGonigal’s view that if we could put as much mind power and drive into solving real world problems, we would live in a stronger world.
I agree with you that the ability to have multiple lives does give the gamer the sense that they are invincible and therefor more courageous. However, I feel that the main factor that makes gamers strive to be better and achieve more is that, like Mcdonigal said, “every mission is perfectly matched to your current level in the game.” I believe that it is this aspect that pushes us, the idea that success is attainable. It might be difficult, but it is within our grasp. If you eliminated multiple lives in games, but still had attainable goals, do you think this would change the viewpoint and actions of gamers striving for “an epic win?”
I think having attainable goals is crucial and would indeed change the viewpoint. I agree that video games can be beneficial for people I just know of the bad side effects too. If her ideas were taken literally, that gamers could change the world if they channeled their energy and drive into real life situations, I feel as if they would have to have passions already instilled of social or world issues. The goals must be attainable, and unfortunately most of the things that happen in video games are not realistic so it takes a different point of view.