Avatars are a way to express our true selves, our most heroic, idealized version of who we might become.

What's really amazing about games is how they change our emotional response to challenges

It's a bit counter-intuitive to think about the future in terms of the past. But...I've learned an important trick: to develop foresight, you need to practice hindsight. Technologies, cultures, and climates may change, but our basic human needs and desires - to survive, to care for our families, and to lead happy, purposeful lives - remain the same.' p 5

We can boost our immune systems by strengthening our social networks and decreasing stress.

I see a future in which games once again are explicitly designed to improve quality of life, to prevent suffering, and to create real, widespread happiness.

A game is an opportunity to focus our energy, with relentless optimism, at something we’re good at (or getting better at) and enjoy. In other words, gameplay is the direct emotional opposite of depression.

When we play games, our brains respond differently to stress and obstacles. We're better able to control our attention and ignore distractions.