I ended last week’s post by emphasizing the importance of viewing our lives and the challenges ahead as a game.
A study* revealed that the motivations behind players are driven by a sense of belonging to a community, gaining control, and a desire for autonomy.
People prefer games that are challenging enough to present a test but not so difficult that completing missions becomes impossible.
This applies to life and business as well. If we don't have set goals, or if those goals are unattainable, it is challenging to experience and share success.
We often worry if children play computer games too much, sometimes even if they play at all.
As a child in the '90s, I played many strategy games (Age of Empires, Dune, Warcraft, Command and Conquer). I learned as much from them as from the chess games I played with my father.
In recent years, The Last of Us has drawn me in as much as it did when I was a child, when kids don’t just say which character they like but fully identify with them, saying, “I am the prince.” Not like the prince, but they are the prince.
It’s a liberating and exciting feeling to experience fear, encounter unknown and terrifying things from the safety of my living room, sitting on the couch, without actually being in danger.
I feel similar when I work as a sparring partner with a company leader. I put myself in their shoes and experience what they are going through. Then, stepping back, I reconsider everything, putting aside all the feelings, fears, and beliefs I experienced inside.
I’m glad I get to play.
Why do you play?
*Richard Ryan, Edward Deci's research into the motivations of virtual game players
