Why We Play: Philosopher Unlocks the Psychology of Games
Games, often dismissed as frivolous pastimes, hold a profound key to understanding human agency, according to philosopher C. Thi Nguyen. In his book, “The Score,” Nguyen argues that games aren’t just distractions; they offer a unique lens through which we can examine how we choose goals, navigate limitations, and invest ourselves in pursuits that may seem inconsequential on the surface. But why are these “inconsequential” pursuits so engaging? Nguyen’s work delves into the core reasons why humans are drawn to games, and his findings have implications far beyond the digital or physical playing field.
The Allure of Voluntary Constraints
One of the surprising appeals of games, according to Nguyen, lies in the voluntary constraints they impose. Unlike the often overwhelming and chaotic realities of everyday life, games offer defined rules and boundaries. These constraints, paradoxically, liberate us. By willingly submitting to limitations, we create a space where skill, strategy, and creativity can flourish within a safe and predictable environment. This controlled environment allows us to experience a sense of mastery and achievement that can be difficult to attain in the complexities of the “real world.” Think of chess, or even something like Candy Crush – the rules are simple, but the potential for strategic depth is vast, offering continuous challenges and rewarding experiences.
Modern Life: A Gamified Reality?
Nguyen’s analysis extends beyond the realm of traditional games. He argues that modern life is increasingly being “gamified,” with scores, metrics, rankings, and performance indicators shaping our values and behaviors. While these tools promise clarity and efficiency, Nguyen cautions that they can also distort our understanding of what truly matters. The relentless pursuit of metrics can lead to a narrow focus, potentially overshadowing intrinsic motivations and genuine engagement. For instance, the pressure to achieve high grades can overshadow the joy of learning, or the focus on sales figures can overshadow the importance of building meaningful customer relationships.
Embracing Play, Avoiding Distortion
Ultimately, Nguyen’s message isn’t an indictment of games or metrics, but rather a call for mindful engagement. Play, in its purest form, is a valuable tool for exploring our agency and developing our skills. However, we must be wary of the potential for gamification to distort our values and undermine our intrinsic motivations. By understanding the underlying psychology of games, we can better navigate the increasingly gamified landscape of modern life, ensuring that we remain driven by genuine purpose rather than simply chasing arbitrary scores. The key lies in consciously choosing which games we play and being aware of how those games shape our perceptions and actions.
SOURCE: Vox
Based on materials: Vox
