Why Computer games?

[Tikat]

Greetings, i have a school project regaring my education and have some questions for you, i would appreciate it if you would take just a few minutes to think about and answer these 3 short questions if you have an opinion about it. Thank you

 

Why do you think people play computer games?

 

What can you learn by playing computer games?

 

Why make computer games?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ps. Im very sorry if i posted this the wrong spot, if so, could someone direct me to where i should post it?

[Chr1s]

Well i can only give how i see at it though but

 

1. To have fun and escape the bitter reality for a time ( no real point in playing if you don't have fun).

2. Languages or other history, cultural etc stuff depending on what the game emphasis on.

3. Milking customers cash (sry if it sounds negative but the last years have been greedy by a lot of devs, whether it's EA marketing or stupid DRM) or by spreading your vision or what's fun to others (if you like games why don't try to appeal others to the same hobby)

Edited February 29, 2012 by ChrisGamer300

[BobSmith101]

Because it produces endorphins.

Depends on the game

Because it makes money.

[Gorth]

The answers for 2012 is quite different from the answers to the questions if posed when I started playing computer games (1983).

 

1. Depends on the nature of the game.

 

Some people play games (MMO and multiplayer) as a replacement for real life socialising. Some people play games because if offers escapism. Some people play games because they are addicted to it. Some people play it just to get a short break and kill a bit of time.

 

2. Depends on the nature of the game.

 

Some games can be quite educational in all things history and culture (try Paradox game), some games can improve your twitch skills and some games can give you the illusion of having a life when your tag is on some obscure, unknown ranking somewhere. Mostly you do the opposite of learning by playing games though, like wasting time that had better been spent learning something.

 

3. Depends on who you ask.

 

For those making the game, it's a profession. Tools programmers, engine programmers, etc. do what they do, honing their skills (hopefully) and making a living in the process. Artists (concept, illustration, animation, modelling etc.) gets to do their thing and hopefully make a living doing it etc. Same thing with project managers, designers, the marketing guys etc.

 

Publishers do it to give their investors maximum return of investment, competing with insurance companies, investment funds, pension funds and others in offering returns for your invested dollars.

[Pidesco]

1. For me: Fun. Challenge. Making me think. Laffs. Socializing with the fambly. To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentation of their women.

 

2. Skills, general knowledge, a language.

 

3. Money, power, glory. Also, to crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentation of their women.

[entrerix]

Why do you think people play computer games?

- to relax, to stretch their mind, to see and be a part of a relatively new artistic/entertainment medium

 

 

What can you learn by playing computer games?

- resource management, hand-eye-coordination, logic, design, language, critical thinking, economics, strategy

 

Why make computer games?

- what better way to interact with art/entertainment than to create? (also, that conan quote is pretty accurate, thanks Pidesco!)

[Tigranes]

Why do you think people play computer games?

I tend to think that for people who don't play very regularly or feel a strong sense of attachment, it really is a form of relaxation; for people who do, it's the same as most other forms of art and media post-1890s; there is a whole world of institutions, knowledge, competition, friends, language, etc. that makes video games a world of its own with its own systems of rewards, satisfactions and desires.

 

What can you learn by playing computer games?

Potentially: critical thinking, knowledge of history and culture, ability to memorise, synthesise information and develop intelligent hypotheses, quantitative / arithmetic skills, spatial reasoning and navigation, appreciation of various types of art styles and music, knowledge of computers, computer software and popular media, socialisation and new social networks, etc. But really what you get out of games depends a lot on (1) what range of games you play, and (2) the 'culture' of your playing - who do you play with, how do you play (very focused, on and off, ultracompetitive or idle roaming, etc).

 

Why make computer games?

Are you asking us to speculate why we would, or why we think professionals do, or why society should? The question might be a little clearer. I'll guess and say that for actual game developers it's both a strong investment in that world (see answer to Q1) and a sense of professional work.

[Gorgon]

Those are some stupid questions. Not saying anyone is stupid for asking them mind you.

Edited February 29, 2012 by Gorgon

[LadyCrimson]

My responses would be akin to Gorth's, so I'm not going to type out my own version of it.

 

....I will say that playing games for me personally is just a form of escapism, pure & simple. Fills the time. Like watching TV/movies or reading a novel. Sometimes I want to do one, sometimes I want to do one of the others.

Edited March 1, 2012 by LadyCrimson