I’m taking a summer class about the managerial applications of social networking and collaboration. So far, it’s been a great class. The instructor invites a guest speaker (expert on the topic) to class to discuss whatever topic is on the syllabus.
This week, we talked about gaming. I have to admit I wasn’t too thrilled about the subject. I’m not a gamer. Growing up, my parents (especially my mom) believed the devil existed in things like the television, radio, and games. Games were totally off limits to me and my sisters.
When I was in middle school, I recall going with my family to the local pizza joint and pretending I needed to use the restroom. But instead of going to the bathroom, I took two quarters with me and snuck over to the Pac-Man machine to play a couple rounds. I must have been good at sneaking around, because I never got caught. It was my little secret!
So, as we studied gaming this week in summer school, I got to hear about the positive side of it. In particular, a TEDS talk by Jane McGonigal (“Gaming Can Make a Better World“), really got me excited. If you have 20 minutes to spare, I highly recommend listening to Jane’s talk. She debunks the old myth that playing games is a waste of time. In fact, Jane says that we are our best selves when we are gaming. When gaming, people collaborate, solve problems, help one another, and find confidence we didn’t know we had. She believes we can take the skills we learn while playing games and apply them to solving real world, urgent problems. If you only have 5 minutes to spare, watch Jane being interviewed by Stephen Colbert!
Here are some interesting statistics about gaming:
- 42% of gamers are female
- 94% of females under the age of 18 play online games
- 65% of US households play games
- The average age of a gamer is 32 years old
- New gamers have less than 2 years experience
- Established gamers have more that 2 years experience
- Gamers spend an average of 18 hours per week on their hobby
In her TEDS presentation, Jane talks about the super powers of gamers. I love this concept.
The Four Super Powers of Gamers:
- Urgent Optimism – willing to take on tough tasks
- Strong Social Fabric – collaborative, trustful, helpful
- Blissful Productivity – we are happier when we’re working hard rather than relaxing
- Epic Meaning – the desire to be attached to something that is big and meaningful
By not playing games, I feel like I’ve been missing out on something productive and fun. I think it’s time I start gaming!



























