Gaming is the answer to saving the world? I'm skeptical....

Today in class we discussed the idea that video gaming could be the answer in raising the human race to its highest potential. While I respect McGonigal's theory, I wonder if special games will really solve all of the world's problems. I can see how applying the same principles to real-life issues COULD work, I really doubt that it will for a few reasons.

1. Games have a set beginning and end. The goals set by games may at times depend on the gamers themselves, games do have limitations. If the game creators did not consider certain solutions to the game, the game itself would not be possible because there is only so much a video game can do. Using video games to test out really theories to solve problems might be a good idea, but using them to find the actual solution seems a bit too outlandish. Technology is every changing, and although we currently have games that can change based on a players actions, they cannot think for themselves.

2. Jane mentioned that several games that can produce real-life changes have been tested, but she said that they always lacked the "fun factor". In my opinion, a game use to solve a real dilemma could almost never be fun psychologically. When I read books at home for my own leisure, I love to read. When my teachers assigns a book to read, I just don't want to read it even if it's a good book. The same principle can be applied to video games. The second a gamer feels like their game is work, they could be prompted to give it up entirely because it loses its appeal.

3. Gamers often take up gaming to lose themselves from reality. Yes, it feels good to complete a level. Real life is much more complicated than that, and solutions aren't always possible. Gamers continue games because they know for a fact that the gaming creator created a real solution. It is always possible to win even if it is difficult. Real life is not always like that.

Although I admire McGonigal's theory, I feel as if it is incomplete and needs more evidence of real life application to back it. If she was able to use an example of a real life problem being solved by a gamer, I would certainly reconsider this stance, but considering a game is just that, I don't see how her theory is 100% feasible.