Gaming Saves the World

I completely agree with Jane McGonigal and her idea of diverting the same time and energy used in playing video games to try and solve some of the planet’s major problems and issues.  It’s like tricking people into doing something they don’t want to do.  The issue is that these problems (pollution, available clean water, etc.) aren’t recognized as urgent enough to be properly addressed. 

There should be no shame or guilt for a gamer and the time they spend in front of their monitor or screen.  Most people don’t want to do what they’re told.  As an example, I like to read, a lot.  But I’m picky.  If I have to read a book I don’t want to, I probably won’t have a good experience.  I would imagine that gamers have a similar experience, when new games come onto the market – if it is something they are interested in, then the experience is one that is enjoyable, maybe even ‘game-changing’.  But if the interest isn’t there, then neither is the experience. 

On a somewhat related note, my dad was a captain in the US Army. He once told me that when a group was presented with a serious problem, the leader usually picked the laziest soldier to figure it out.  As counterintuitive as it seemed, this was often the most efficient way to solve the problem because the lazy soldiers would find the easiest and fastest way to get it done – the most efficient, if you will.  I’m not saying gamers are lazy, but perhaps efficient, and if perhaps there was a way to add a major fun and entertainment factor to solving the worlds problems, then the interest in doing so would be greater, and individuals would be more invested in helping to find these solutions.

For me, this is a great example of what could be a positive influence on society. In my opinion, one of the few negative effects of gaming is when someone can’t separate reality and the virtual world. When it starts to stay with you in your head, it can lead to problems.  For me, I played too much Tony Hawk years ago. Everywhere I went I thought about doing a rail slide on parked cars or front side hose grinds down roofs that seemed harmless, but in reality, weren’t.  When the fantasy of the game interferes with the reality of basic life, shit gets compromised – real but compromised.

One final note - I think there is a lot of good in gaming. The future of gaming is exciting.  Let’s hope we see more positive results with its influence.