I want gaming to be something that everybody does, because they understand that games can be a real solution to problems and a real source of happiness. I want games to be something everybody learns how to design and develop, because they understand that games are a real platform for change and getting things done. And I want families, schools, companies, industries, cities, countries, and the whole world to come together to play them, because weโre finally making games that tackle real dilemmas and improve real lives.
Jane McGonigalIf you are a gamer, itโs time to get over any regret you might feel about spending so much time playing games. You have not been wasting your time. You have been building up a wealth of virtual experience that, as the first half of this book will show you, can teach you about your true self: what your core strengths are, what really motivates you, and what make you happiest.
Jane McGonigalA game is an opportunity to focus our energy, with relentless optimism, at something weโre good at (or getting better at) and enjoy. In other words, gameplay is the direct emotional opposite of depression.
Jane McGonigalEvery game designer should make one explicitly world-changing game. Lawyers do pro bono work, why can't we?
Jane McGonigalThe real world just doesnโt offer up as easily the carefully designed pleasures, the thrilling challenges, and the powerful social bonding afforded by virtual environments. Reality doesnโt motivate us as effectively. Reality isnโt engineered to maximize our potential. Reality wasnโt designed from the bottom up to make us happy.
Jane McGonigal