{"id":1441,"date":"2025-05-23T10:51:27","date_gmt":"2025-05-23T08:51:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.videogames4good.eu\/?p=1441"},"modified":"2025-05-23T11:47:14","modified_gmt":"2025-05-23T09:47:14","slug":"from-pixels-to-purpose-is-it-as-easy-to-impact-the-world-in-real-life-as-it-is-in-online-games","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.videogames4good.eu\/?p=1441","title":{"rendered":"From Pixels to Purpose : Is it as easy to impact the world in real life as it is in online games?"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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From Pixels to Purpose : Is it as easy to impact the world in real life as it is in online games? <\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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We\u2019ve all been in the middle of a video game, completely immersed, solving complex challenges, teaming up with others, and making big decisions that shape the fate of \u201cthe world\u201d. The best part of it? We feel like we’re making a difference.<\/p>

Then we log off and real life hits. Suddenly, our energy, motivation, and sense of purpose, all gone…<\/p>

But who wouldn\u2019t feel as \u201cgood\u201d in reality as they are in games? Good as successful but also as motivated to do something that matters, to be inspired to collaborate and to cooperate.<\/p>

Which brings us to the question: Is it as easy to make an impact in the real world as it is in a video game?<\/p>

In her book Reality is Broken (2010), Jane McGonigal, an American game designer and researcher, provides a bold answer. Her main argument is that reality\u2014considered as everything that isn\u2019t a game\u2014isn\u2019t designed as well as games are and that games can actually inspire us to make the reality better.<\/p>

\u201cWhat is it about games that makes it possible to feel that we can achieve everything?\u201d<\/p>

Video games are powerful. They can make you feel that so much is possible than in real-life. The entire structure of video games is built to make you experience what McGonigal calls an epic win, \u201can outcome that is so extraordinarily positive, you had no idea it was even possible until you achieved it\u201d:<\/p>

  1. You encounter characters who trust you with a world-saving mission.<\/strong><\/li><\/ol>

    But not just any mission, the mission. The one that is perfectly matched to your current level, skills, and experience in the game. In video games, this kind of clarity and purpose comes naturally. You know exactly what you’re supposed to do, and you\u2019re motivated to do it.<\/p>

    Now, compare that to real life.<\/p>