E.G. Analysis: Why We Play
It’s a question that we rarely ask ourselves. When we participate and engage in activities in which we enjoy, the obvious answer to why we do them is because “it’s fun.” I would like to imagine there being a deeper reason why we do the things we do.
Why do we eat? The obvious answer is to not starve, but I would like to think it’s to indulge your senses as well as feeding your stomach.
The reasons as to why we do certain things, I think, always come in two: the obvious reason and the deeper reason. Why do we work? I would hope the reasons would be to feel fulfilled and have sense of accomplishment aside from just making a living.
Why do we play video games? I think the answer is more complicated than it seems.
We could say simply that video games provide an outlet to invest our free time. However, the same could be said of most hobbies. Is there a deeper reason for why we play games? The obvious answer is “yes,” however, what may not be as obvious is that there may be more than one universal reason why people play games.
For the World of Warcraft player, experiencing a life not lived in the real world would be the deeper reason for engaging in the fantasy that WOW provides. For fighting game players, it might be to experience an exhilaration of combat not possible in real life. These two examples are indicative of one of the universal reasons why we play video games: role playing.
Aside from the ability to role play, video games offer something else that really feed into our addictive side of our personalities. To explain, I’ll use the example of puzzle players. These people play to not simply flex their mind muscle but to also have a feeling of accomplishment. For racing fans, wouldn’t coming in first or beating a record time be the reason why you would play in the first place? These are examples of the accomplishments that help feed a need and want in all of us.
Games should have a goal or some sort of accomplishment that we can achieve in order to be called a game. Speaking of achievements, there is a reason why so many are so-called “achievement whores.” When you play a game on 360 and an achievement is unlocked, there is a sense of accomplishment, a sense of your time being worthwhile.
On a personal note, I play games to fulfill this want to do as much good for humanity as possible. As a child, I always dreamed of being a super hero. I always dreamt of being the one who would save the day. Video games offered me the chance to be that hero. I got to experience what it would be like being the savior of humanity. Speaking of which, Fallout 3 actually designated me as “the last, best hope for humanity” right after I liberated slaves from a slaver camp. The experience was exhilarating and a memory I will not forget.
Most modern games now offer a chance to be good or bad; however, I could never choose the evil route. I appreciate the opportunity, but I cannot be a villain in any capacity. A villain is essentially a sadist who cares nothing for other people and would enjoy seeing others suffer. I have always been one with the bleeding heart and could never enjoy the suffering of others. Again, I appreciate the chance to indulge whatever dark side I have, but I think I’ll pass.
On a final note, I play games to fulfill a need to have a reason for doing something. If I’m going to risk my life or the lives of others, I want a damn good reason for it. I also have a need for structure and balance. Any game that allows me to resource manage such as Fallout 3 has my gratitude. Although games are meant to give you entertainment, I feel it helps us fulfill other deeper wants and needs. For me, I don’t believe my mother when she says, “video games are a waste of time.”
-jj
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