We’ve talked a lot about the “how” here at Haptic. How do you play this game. How do you build a structure. How do you farm. How. How. How. But what about the “why?” Why do we play the games we play? What exactly do we get out of it? I can’t answer that question for you . . . but I can answer it for me.

1.     Entertainment: Video games are a source of entertainment and enjoyment, that allows me to just relax and “veg” out.

2.     Challenge: As Thor said “MAKE IT A CHALLENGE FOR ME.” Part of the fun I get from games is the challenge of overcoming difficult levels, puzzles, or opponents, etc. which provide a sense of accomplishment and mastery for me.

3.     Social Interaction: Multiplayer and online games enable me to connect and socialize with friends or make new acquaintances in virtual environments.

4.     Competition: Sometimes I am motivated by the desire to win and outperform others, whether in esports, online leaderboards, etc. I don’t like playing against my friends. At all. Instant turn off for me.

5.     Stress Relief: Video games offer a way to relieve stress and unwind by providing an outlet for frustration or tension. This is a big one for me. I play games to relax and think about other things.

6.     Storytelling and Narrative: I am very drawn to video games for their compelling stories, character development, and immersive narratives that rival those of movies or books.

7.     Exploration and Discovery: Open-world games and exploration-based titles allow you to explore virtual landscapes and uncover hidden secrets. All the easter eggs all the time.

8.     Creativity: I really enjoy a game with robust customization or building mechanics, such as Minecraft or The Sims. Though I am terrible at it it really lets me express my creativity and ability to design virtual worlds.

9.     Escapism: Video games provide an escape from the pressures and responsibilities of daily life for me, offering a chance to be someone else or live in a different world temporarily. (This is also one of the reasons why I play tabletop roleplaying games.)

10. Cognitive Benefits: Yeah, maybe. But seriously, some games just sharpen you up. We’ve seen lots of studies touting the cognitive benefits of video games, such as improved problem-solving skills, hand-eye coordination, and strategic thinking.

Our world is increasingly digital and the things that we used to do in person we’re just doing online or with computerized assistance. Think about it. Do you really make phone calls anymore? No, you text or direct message others. You socialize on social media. You play online games with friends. Playing videogames is just a natural extension of that and as we go on the games will grow more sophisticated and take up mor of our every day lives.