The Reasons Why We Play

The reasons why we play games are many and varied, but it seems that a lot more people want to make some form of money out of their game play. As soon as you involve yourself in the business of making an income out of gaming then the process of playing leaves the realms of being leisure and turns in to work. I have had the opportunity to work in a number of different jobs across a number of different fields and every single job has turned in to a number of repetitive tasks performed on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. Even those jobs inwhich I felt that I had the opportunity to make a difference for people turned in to repetitive tasks. Unfortunately, I haven't had the opportunity to turn something that I love doing (namely writing and playing games, although I have had the opportunity to be paid to have my short stories published this has become full time) in to a job. So, I can't relate what I am saying about gaming and relate it directly to the notion of working in a chocolate factory and not enjoying chocolate any more. However, it does make me think that this is what would happen if you turned gaming in to a full time profession.

So, why do we play games? Ultimately, it is a form of recreation and entertainment. Some people play games to relax and unwind from whatever pressures they are under in the world. Gaming presents the opportunity for people to suspend their notion of disbelief and involve themselves in worlds which are completely unlike our own. It also allows them to role play in a way which does not present itself in real life. Where our lives are mainly mundane and repetitious games provide us with the opportunity to be the hero. To save the world, or possibly not save the world as a matter of choice. The hero journey itself is a well defined process (thanks to Joseph Campbell and The Hero with a Thousand Faces) and represents the perfect opportunity for plot development in game. This type of hero based escapism allows for every person to feel as though they actually can make a difference whereas in real life the reality is often the complete opposite. Games allow us to do things that we would not be able to do in real life. There are a number of management type simulations which can indulge either the entrepeneur or megalomaniac (or both) in any person. Once again giving people opportunities to experience simulated situations which they would probably not be able to utilize in life.

While some people may play games for purely escapist reasons others play games to fulfill their competitive needs. There are many leagues and clans which provide opportunities for people to compete against others on a (relatively) level playing field across a number of different game types. While first person shooters and RTSs take most of the glory when it comes to competitive online games. Others, such as, Industry Player allow players to compete in a capitalist business development simulation online.

Further to this other people play games for purely veyeuristic reasons. The Sims franchise has mixed a number of game play elements and provided a veyeuristic gaming experience for those who are inclined this way. While, I am sure, there are a minority who play this game for Sadistic reasons most want to see their online avatars develop in a way which they could not in real life. Sometimes substituting the success of their characters in a purely emotional form of satisfaction which can over ride the successes or failures in their own lives.

Not to mention that many people play games (especially online or via LAN) for purely social reasons. One of the things which is not talked about much is the very social nature of online and LAN play. Teamspeak and other simple programs have made communication while playing accessible to everyone. For many gamers it creates the opportunity to catch up with friends regularly in the comfort of their home without making the effort of having to go out. Many enduring friendships and rivalries are created online often without people actually meeting each other in person. When gamers aren't playing games they are talking (or typing) on forums, either talking the talk or chewing the fat. Either way gaming is a very social form of communication which allows people to communicate and participate with other people in ways that they would not necessarily do in their working life.

I am sure there are other reasons why people play games, but I think that has covered the major areas. What happens to these things when you turn gaming in to a job? The game turns from being a form of entertainment in to work. They change from being objects of escapism and entertainment and turn in to forms of study. Where general gameplay leisure time turns in to regular practice. General repetitive duties such as farming to manufacture objects becomes an ongoing task to make money. In order to make regular money from games will change The reasons why we play the games in the first place. The notion of gaming would then inherently change to the user.