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The popularity of games is rapidly increasing worldwide. Amid the Covid-19 outbreak, a remarkable 82 percent of people across the globe engaged in playing videogames and consuming videogame content. The number of gamers reached a staggering 3.2 billion in 2021. It is projected that the videogame market will surpass $500 billion by 2030.
Video games have been a popular form of entertainment and recreation for a significant amount of time. However, they are not only becoming more accessible to a wider audience, but we are also witnessing a diversification in their purposes. In “serious” games, the main objective is to successfully complete tasks, progress through levels, and engage in competition with others, similar to sports or traditional board games.
However, unlike basketball or Monopoly, the main objective is not for amusement. In modern times, games are often created with the intention of having a long-term positive effect on the player. They have the potential to assist us in real-life accomplishments, such as acquiring a new language, enhancing our well-being, or making more informed financial choices.
The lockdown during the pandemic has been especially challenging for young individuals. The academic performance of average students, particularly in math, has significantly declined. Keeping students focused outside of the traditional classroom setting is a struggle. Prodigy Math addresses this issue by providing math instruction that aligns with standards through an immersive fantasy game. Students are able to create their own unique characters, go on quests, compete against friends, and solve math puzzles as they progress. The ultimate objective is not only to earn rewards like pets and gear, but also to improve students’ understanding and proficiency in math.
Games are becoming increasingly popular in the realm of health and fitness. Peloton, a prominent platform for at-home workouts, gained significant traction during the pandemic. Many members joined in on online fitness classes using their bikes and treadmills. Recently, Peloton introduced a new game called Lanebreak, combining music and exercise. In this game, the bike is used as a controller and players must adjust their leg speed to stay in sync with the rhythm and “switch lanes” to avoid obstacles. This unique combination of elements, along with the competitive aspect of playing with other fitness enthusiasts, serves as motivation for subscribers to push themselves to new athletic levels while enjoying the experience.
A prime example of the potential impact of serious games is EndeavorRx, a game targeted towards children aged 8 to 12 years old with ADHD. In this game, players take on the role of space cadets on missions to rescue endangered alien species. While it may seem like a typical video game, it is actually based on over 10 years of neurological research and is specifically designed to activate the attention function of the brain. Unlike traditional video games, EndeavorRx adapts its speed and difficulty to the individual player, allowing children with autism and ADHD to succeed and enjoy the game. The ultimate objective of the game is to save alien creatures, but its true purpose is to enhance attention, improve working memory, and teach conflict resolution skills to children. This is supported by clinical studies that have shown the cognitive benefits of games, even for older adults.
In 2020, the FDA approved EndeavorRx as a “drug”, making it the first game to receive such approval. This allows physicians to prescribe EndeavorRx in the same manner as they would a pill.
How can we generate additional “games for good” like the previously mentioned instances? In order to address this inquiry, we must first comprehend the underlying factors that make games so impactful. Playing games is a fundamental part of being human. Through play, children acquire knowledge and skills. Games serve as a tool for teaching both children and adults how to strategize, empathize, and handle challenging emotions (such as losing). They also tap into fundamental aspects of human psychology, including our innate desire to achieve goals, establish status, and form connections with others. Games leverage our vanity and competitive nature, but also unleash our creativity and social inclinations.
If a game is not enjoyable, it will not be successful. To create a good game, the first question should be, “where is the enjoyment?” Even a “serious” video game should have an engaging storyline and mechanics, just like any other video game. This responsibility falls on the game designer, who develops and perfects game concepts through extensive trial runs and testing with players. This creative skill can be enhanced by incorporating research-based knowledge, as seen in the EndeavorRx game.
Games are powerful. As videogames become more and more popular, it is important that we embrace their potential for positive change. As more and more examples demonstrate, from education to healthcare, games and gaming can be a force for good.
Source: independent.co.uk
