PC & Social Websites

            Do you like using a PC? Do you like going to social websites? Do you love playing games on these websites? If yes, then consider yourself part of the gaming population. When you think of video games, the first thing most would think of are the current generation consoles: PS3, 360, Wii. However, the term “video game” also includes PC users and online users.

            PCs have many qualities and one of them is being highly efficient for gaming. As stated in Harz’s article, “67 percent of homes in America either own a console or PC used for interactive entertainment…”[2]. Majority of homes have some sort of gaming console which include PC. PCs also have the unique quality of surfing on the web. As users surf on the web, they may eventually stumble across numerous websites, one of them being social.  

            Social Websites are a popular way to find people around the world, express opinions, and build relationships. Yet, websites like Facebook also contain social games. Social games are unique in that not only are they a way of entertainment, but also a way to play with other people online across countries. According to Davis Kho’s article, “The term ‘gamification’ refers to application of gaming techniques and mechanisms…integrating these techniques into online interactions appeals to a range of fundamental human desires, including rewards, status, achievement, self-expression, competition, and even altruism”[1]. Social games provide the same feeling of success as with console games, but developers of social games find it a need to combine success with social interaction.

            As I think about it, that sounds right. I sometimes go on Facebook and play different games, like FarmVille or CastleVille and invite players to join my game. Usually afterwards, the players and I have a better friendship. As stated in Davis Kho’s article, “Good game design must inspire a larger purpose or meaning for the user. ‘It may be increased status, social impact, more knowledge…Those types of intrinsic rewards are even more important than prizes and other extrinsic rewards’”[1]. The reward for these games is more than points or medals, but to build your social skills and learn more of society.

            PCs are a path to online worlds filled with social interaction. Social Interaction is made possible by popular websites filled with casual people, businessmen, and even gamers. Gamers playing online social games have greater benefits than winning games, but winning a part of society. 

References

[1]. Davis Kho, N. (Mar. 2012). Getting Gamified. EContent. Retrieved from http://www.econtentmag.com/Articles/Editorial/Feature/Getting-Gamified-Publishers-Score-Big-With-Online-Games-80935.htm

[2]. Harz, E. (2010, July). Everyone and their Mother’s a Gamer. Adweek. Retrieved from http://www.adweek.com/news/advertising-branding/everyone-and-their-mothers-gamer-102798