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Why do we play games after all? part 1
In the first part we began to delve into the motivation of the player. We talked about the challenge and his ugly step-sister competition, two of the most common motivators. Today, we look at two more on the road to forming a general model of what moves us.
Perhaps less common than the first two motivators, creativity is nonetheless a major driving force in the player's psyche. Although at first the game does not seem like a particularly creative act, with its formalized rules and structured systems, there is much more room for self-expression than one might think. Some games play with this directly through unique presentations or artistic themes. Music games and many of the Sim titles are basically expressive outlets that are governed by a computerized system of rules. Other creatives find their outlet in multiplayer games. Modern MMORPG sports equipment and decorative combinations number in the millions. The creatively motivated gamer takes pleasure in designing how his character looks, as well as changing the way he interacts with his environment. Creatively motivated players thrive when outlets are available. Anything that involves a high degree of expression, decoration or a large abstract component attracts them. They wither in game environments governed purely by numbers, and in those in which the presentation is extremely homogeneous.
Although sometimes we don't like to admit it, escapism is a motivation that lives in the heart of every player. By design, a game creates an inherently different world. Even games that have as one of their main objectives the simulation of some aspect of the real world transform the player into a role that they find more exciting than their own. Escaping into the role of adventurer, pilot, quarterback, or even zoo keeper provides motivation for almost every player. Escapism Motivated players look for games where the environment is rich, complete and real. They thrive in worlds where the suspension of disbelief is high, where they can get lost in the depth and complexity available to them. They gravitate toward role-playing games and simulation, environments where the world is rich and credible. They tend to avoid abstract games where the underlying reality is difficult to believe or understand. It's a strange paradox that MMORPGS, with their incredibly deep storylines and expansive worlds, are not as appealing to Escapism Motivated players as pure RPGs. This effect arises from the multiplayer aspect. Players speaking on a public channel about non-game topics, or worse, about the mechanical and numerical aspects of the game world, can ruin the escapists' experience and cause them to seek the company of non-player characters or others they share your motivation.
Much has been made of the downside of escapism. A player who spends too much time in a world that is not his own can start to lose touch. This kind of dissociation from reality can and has led to all kinds of problems with work, school, and personal relationships. However, this does not mean that escapism is in itself unhealthy. It is a basic part of the human experience. The reason we vacation, watch movements, enjoy sporting events, or go camping is inherently escapist. As people, we are often dissatisfied with our things in life. It is natural to look for activities that allow us to experience something outside of our day to day. The games are no different. However, as gamers, we are an often misunderstood community. We owe it to ourselves and to the world at large, both to struggle with information, spreading the positive realities of games and player culture, and to internally fight obsession. No matter how good a game may sound as a substitute for the real world, in the end, it's just a hobby. Leave it once in a while.
