Why We Play Games, Part 1
There exists some ephemeral quality that separates gamers from the rest of humanity, some thing 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.
Many gamers are motivated by the challenge a game can present. Success in a game may be governed by any of 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 terribly much concern for linguistic acumen.
The common thread is that all of the 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 tests them to their limits. The gamer may also be motivated by the natural improvement that comes from working at peak. They are driven then, not only to excel, but 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 away from the target.
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 fellows and come out on top. Competition minded gamers range from those looking for a challenge in a fair fight to the sort of win-at-all cost leet speaking infants that give us all a bad name. Competition can be easy to take too far. There is nothing inherently wrong with being driven by competition. To some extent, competition is merely challenge taken to the extreme. It is only when it leads to mistreating your fellow player that it begins to become less a motivation and more an unfortunate personality quirk. Competition Motivated players thrive on those games where they are pitted against one another with the outcome dictated by skill at playing the game. They will often wane in those environments that either require cooperation, such as many MMORPGs, or in games where skill plays a much smaller role, such as in less sophisticated card or dice games.
Next week we will take a look at some other common gamer motivations, including Creativity and Escapism.
Steve is a member of the GrandMatrix team. They provide a broad range of games articles and reviews. Read more articles, download and play the latest PC games for free plus enjoy thousands of user submitted puzzles, quizzes and word games at GrandMatrix Free Game Downloads
Latest News
 WELT ONLINE | After glorious Games, what's next challenge? Bangkok Post, Thailand - Now that people's attention has shifted away from the Games, China may be faced with many crucial economic issues that deepen people's concerns about the ... Video: Raw Video: Fireworks Mark Close of Beijing Games Turkish parliamentary speaker praises success of Beijing Olympic Games What chance London calling Smith and Carlos? |
 Washington Post | Did the Games improve rights in China? BBC News, UK - By Jill McGivering When China was awarded the Olympic Games, the International Olympic Committee promised the granting of the Games would be "a force for ... Beijing residents see Olympic Games as transforming their city Hong Kong Skies Clear -- Thanks to Nature, Not Games (Update1) Chinese mainland's Olympic gold medallists impress HK people with ... |
 InTheNews.co.uk | London plans widespread opening Games ceremony Scotsman, United Kingdom - ORGANISERS of the London 2012 Olympics will mark the opening with events across the city and will not try to imitate the pageantry of the Beijing Games. ... The Games that was more than a sporting event UK mulls new concept for 2012 Olympic ceremonies More world leaders congratulate China on success of Beijing Olympics |
 Los Angeles Times | GOLDBERG ON FOOTBALL: Other 'greatest' games CBS 2, CA - It was a great game. But was it the greatest? Over the years, the title ''greatest game ever played'' has been bestowed on the Colts' victory, ... 18 games the right ticket NFL Investigates Cutting Preseason, Expanding Schedule Preseason is not worth it |
 SLAM! Sports | Dodgers Lose Eighth Straight, 4.5 Games Back RealGM.com, IL - ESPN - The Los Angeles Dodgers lost their eight-straight game on Friday night against the Diamondbacks, and have fallen 4.5 games back of Arizona in the NL ... Dodger losing streak extends to eight games Dodgers try to halt skid, gain ground in Arizona • NL West up for grabs as rivals prepare |
 National Post | Vikings McKinnie suspended 4 games Minneapolis Star Tribune, MN - McKinnie will be eligible to play his first game Oct. 6 at New Orleans. McKinnie met with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell this spring to discuss his ... NFL suspends Vikings' McKinnie for 4 games McKinnie suspended for four games NFL suspends Bryant McKinnie for four games for violating conduct ... |
Forget math - new games aim to teach kids manners Globe and Mail, Canada - Toy maker Hasbro Inc. will try to help children learn how to mind their manners with a new line of games. Marketing managers at the Pawtucket, ... |
 Sky News | Sydney Olympics: best games ever? Independent Online, South Africa - Sydney - Eight years after it hosted an Olympics that were famously hailed as the "best games ever", Sydney confessed that it had faked one of the key ... Aussie orchestra mimed at Sydney games: report Sydney Olympics Fakery Sydney orchestra mimed music at 2000 Games |
10 other games you should know about Chicago Tribune, United States - •Quick hit: Junior RB Kevin Starke scored from 3 yards out to put Lincoln-Way East up 18-14 with 2:55 left in the game. A 24-yard run by Pete Merenowicz ... |
 National Ledger | 'Guitar Praise' or 'Guitar Hero': New Choice in Shopping for Games National Ledger, AZ - The game sounds and looks quite similar to Guitar Hero but will use Christian Rock for music and you won't be jamming in front of your High Definition ... |
Resources
-
PSP Downloads
PSP Games downloads for members download unlimited Games for your PSP with a one time fee
-
Learn to Play The Piano With A Top Piano Expert
From the makers of Jamorama, includes video lessons plus numerous Games. High conversions!
-
UnlimitedGameDownloads.com : Free Unlimited Game Downloads
Great website that converts, great Ppc sales 75% for you! By Platinumpartner.com.
-
PSP Games
PSP Games downloads for members download unlimited Games for your PSP with a one time fee
-
Dvd Wizard Pro Copy Dvd, Copy Games.
New products! www.i-z.com Webmasters* extremly high sign up ratio!
-
Free Flash Animations for Your website
Free Flash Animations, Customizable for YOUR Website - No Flash knowledge or authoring software required. Free Flash Games, Flash Banners, Flash Intros
-
Flash Animations - Website Designs - Flash Website Banners - Flash Games - WebSite Templates - Free
Custom Flash animations. Flash website banners, Flash entrance pages, Games, Splash pages and intro website designs. Free Flash downloads too. No Flash experience or any software required.
-
Baby Shower Games Package,Printable Baby Shower Games
Everything you need to host the most 'talked about' baby shower ever. The package includes Games, invites, and lots more.
-
PS2 Games Download Services
15DaysCash brings only the highest converting affiliate programs. Promote ps2 Games downloads here! *New On Cb!
-
MoviesDirectPro
Incredibly high converting Unlimited Downloads site. Unlimited Moves, Tv Shows, Documentaries, Music Albums, Software & Games.