Why Do We Play Games?

TL;DR

Games serve as a way for humans to fulfill higher needs, provide psychological rewards, and simplify the complexities of life.

Transcript

Hey, Vsauce. Michael here. Why do humans play games? Whether it's a video game or a board game or a physical game, like soccer - or football. I don't have to put the ball in the net to survive, and, even if I did, why would I invite a goalie and another team? Games are weird. This lead Bernard Suits to say in the 70's that a game is a voluntary att... Read More

Key Insights

• ✋ Games provide a means of fulfilling higher needs and providing psychological rewards.
• 👾 Life itself can be seen as a game, with complex rules, indeterminate goals, and varied methods.
• 👾 Games simplify the complexities of life and offer clear and immediate feedback.
• 🤓 The division between jocks and nerds is a societal construct and does not define an individual's worth.
• 🇺🇸 The word "soccer" originated in England, not the United States of America.
• 🧠 Games, especially during formative years, contribute to brain development.
• 🎮 Animals also play games, but the complexity of human games aligns with the complexity of our needs.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why do humans play games?

Humans play games as a way to overcome obstacles and fulfill higher needs, providing psychological rewards and simplifying the complexities of life.

Q: How should we feel about intellectualism vs. athleticism?

The division between "jocks" (athletic individuals) and "nerds" (intellectual individuals) stems from societal constructs and stereotypes. Both pursuits have value and are a part of human life.

Q: How did the word "soccer" come into existence?

The word "soccer" originated in Oxford, England in the 1870s as a result of adding the suffix "-er" to the end of words. It was not coined in the United States of America.

Q: Do games play a role in brain development?

Games, especially during formative years, contribute to the development of certain brain structures, such as the cerebellum. However, other methods like exercise or teaching can have similar effects.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Games, whether physical or virtual, are voluntary attempts to overcome unnecessary obstacles.

• The word "soccer" originated from the British themselves in the 1875 and not from the United States of America.

• Games can be defined as interactive, goal-oriented activities involving other agents, and play a role in brain development.