+3 intelligence. +7 strength. Level 5 Rolling Cutter. Level 8 Cloaking. 

These are all terms that are easily recognized when said to me outside of what would be considered a normal conversation. I know what they mean, as I also fully understand their benefits to a player in a specific gaming environment.

I have grown up playing role playing games since I was a young child. I remember my brother’s first Nintendo and playing Final Fantasy III on it. I became so engrossed with it, spending about 26 hours finishing the game, and even playing it over again a handful of times. It moved from there to games like Secret of Mana, Chrono Cross, Final Fantasy VII and Final Fantasy VIII. My iPhone has role playing games on it as I write this. 

For an online gamer like myself, the above video is truly rather inspiring and I can see precisely what Jane McGonigal is trying to put forth. However, let me start by first saying this: it does not mean that I do not believe that we should all dwell inside of these games solely. Yes, we should be going outside, make friends in reality, exercise, go camping. These are all normal social functions that are healthy to the human condition. Personally, I love being outside of the house, going to Starbucks with friends, and going out to dinner. I love working and making money just like everyone else who does not play these games.

However, McGonigal does have a point behind talking about ‘epic wins’ and how games are much more rewarding than how we are rewarded in reality. Yes, we’re willing to spend more time working hard in games because we become stronger, have better skills, and kick some ass. We also make money, make friends, join guilds, raid castles, and make war. We always get something out of everything. We troubleshoot, work together, and solve problems.    

What is extraordinary, though, is that in gaming, it is easier to collaborate with people. That is absolutely true. It is also unbelievable how easily gamers come to solve virtual issues. McGonigal has the right idea when attempting to make games that revolve around problems that we are actually facing today (oil shortage, water shortage, global warming, cultural crises, the recession). It allows people to envision the possibilities of what may happen in those instances and gives them the opportunity to solve those problems, if not adjust to living with them. Most of the complications our planet faces today will eventually occur (if they’re not happening already), and when they do, what are we as a society and as a people going to do?

Perhaps if there were more games made to evoke these possibilities, we will be more prepared to challenge them. After all, games are made to be won.