Gaming is probably the most popular right now that it has ever been. With the abundance of consoles and portable systems out there right now, it's pretty easy to get into gaming. We've come a long way from the stigma of 'geekiness' once associated with gaming. I'm guessing 'games' like SingStar have opened it up somewhat for those who aren't into your typical shoot-em-up's. The learning curve for games like SingStar are very short and can be picked up right away by nearly anybody.
So does the new generation of gaming cater for the social interaction offered to us by the trusty ol' board game? Surely most of you can recall a particularly competitive game of Monopoly with family friends or the ensuing hilarity in The Game of Life. The main difference between board games and the new console/computer games is the visual concentration that the latter requires. Most computer games require constant visual attention to avoid being shot, run over or something similar (yeah, I play Grand Theft Auto), while a typical board game encourages players to communicate with each other, usually involving some kind of visual contact.
Is this new breed of gaming reducing the social aspect? Sure, you can go online and 'talk' to other players via Bluetooth headsets and the like, but does this constitute social contact? I've heard stories of people who met online through World of Warcraft who went on to get married. Maybe someday, the technology will reach a point which will be able to recreate the social feeling that can only be achieved through an intense board game with friends. Until then, try to avoid ending up like this kid whose parents deleted his World of Warcraft account:
So does the new generation of gaming cater for the social interaction offered to us by the trusty ol' board game? Surely most of you can recall a particularly competitive game of Monopoly with family friends or the ensuing hilarity in The Game of Life. The main difference between board games and the new console/computer games is the visual concentration that the latter requires. Most computer games require constant visual attention to avoid being shot, run over or something similar (yeah, I play Grand Theft Auto), while a typical board game encourages players to communicate with each other, usually involving some kind of visual contact.
Is this new breed of gaming reducing the social aspect? Sure, you can go online and 'talk' to other players via Bluetooth headsets and the like, but does this constitute social contact? I've heard stories of people who met online through World of Warcraft who went on to get married. Maybe someday, the technology will reach a point which will be able to recreate the social feeling that can only be achieved through an intense board game with friends. Until then, try to avoid ending up like this kid whose parents deleted his World of Warcraft account:
In order to overcome World of Warcraft addiction you have to attempt to insert a remote up your bum and hit yourself on the head with a shoe.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete