Content Table:
Why We Play Games, Part 1
There exists some ephemeral quality that separates gamers from the rest of humanity, something that makes us, us and them, not us. I’ve never been able to quite put my finger on it, but it is inescapably there. Today, in hopes of moving closer to that essential quality of gamerosity, we examine part of what makes us tick. In particular, we take a look at what draws different types of gamers to the hobby. Every gamer plays for different reasons, but there are common threads that tie the experience together.
The Challenge Motivated Gamer
Many gamers are motivated by the challenge a game can present. Success in a game may be governed by a wide variety of abilities. A First Person Shooter requires twitch reflexes, a steady hand, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. A word puzzle game may require an extensive vocabulary and the ability to rethink the uses of old words, but no measure of speed. A sports simulation might well require an in-depth knowledge of the topic, in addition to arcade skill, but is unlikely to have much concern for linguistic acumen.
The common thread is that all games challenge some subset of a player’s abilities. This challenge can be a powerful motivator. The Challenge Motivated gamer is drawn to a game that tests their skills, preferably one that pushes them to their limits. This type of gamer is not only driven to excel but also to improve. Challenge Motivated Gamers thrive whenever a game pushes their skill set of choice but may be disinterested in games that fall too far outside that target.
The Competitive Edge
Competition is a close cousin of challenge. Many gamers are driven by the need to prove they are the best, to be pitted against their peers and come out on top. Competition-minded gamers range from those seeking a challenge in a fair fight to the sort of win-at-all-cost players that give us all a bad name. While competition can enhance the gaming experience, it is essential to remember that it can be taken too far. There is nothing inherently wrong with being driven by competition; it is merely challenge taken to the extreme.
It becomes problematic only when it leads to mistreating fellow players, transitioning from motivation to an unfortunate personality quirk. Competition Motivated players thrive on games where they are pitted against one another, with outcomes dictated by skill at playing the game. They often wane in environments that require cooperation, such as many MMORPGs, or in games where skill plays a smaller role, like less sophisticated card or dice games.
What’s Next?
Next week, we will take a look at some other common gamer motivations, including Creativity and Escapism. These aspects further enrich our understanding of why we engage with games and what draws us into these virtual worlds.
