I was intrigued by the thoughts on using both cheats and play outside the game. I have often commented to my son that he should not be using the "cheats" that it is not possible to cheat and get away with it indefinately and that always taking the shortcut would lead to failure eventually. However, on page 222 in the second paragraph Peter comments that he doesn't look at it as cheating, but as another creatvie way to have fun and "do funny things. This is notwithstanding his prior comment, "but when the game becomes too grustrating or long, I feel that i need to move on." Is teaching youth to move on by cheating creating negative habits that may never be unlearned.
My gaming experience is very limited. I was introduced to the world of Dungeons and Dragons and while I thought the die were cool, I just could not get into the fantasy world. I do like to play some online puzzle games, but have never connected with the mindset of todays youth on gaming. By "today's youth" I am referring to those up the their early 30s. I was never a part of the "gaming" generation although my children are. Todays youth are missing out by gaming in front of a monitor or TV instead of in the neighborhood backyards where hide and seek and tag used to be played. Now that was gaming.
I did find it interesting to note that there has been a spectator side of game identified. On page 231 paragraph 3 it is identified that this supportive role is stereotypical of the cheerleaders of physical gaming. I have spoken with a variety of young people over the year who were knowledgable about a particular game, but were not competent in the game. There are armchair quarterbacks in all aspects of gaming.
In all types of gaming, whether it be virtual or physical, there are challenges and benefits. Not all youth are created equally and as such different challenges, and avenues for expression are important. Not all youth are physically equally and up the physicality of the real world. My nephew, Matthew, was born with club feet and as a result of many surgeries he has no flex in his ankles. His physical gaming was limited to wrestling as it was not dependent upon being on his feet. While he was not a wrestling star he was a competent wrestler and he loved his sport. As a young man, he is the manager of the Gaming Section of a Best Buy. It is his job to play and be proficient at the games that are on the market. He can outplay many physically stronger individuals because the virtual world is his oyster.
Matt benefited from the social aspects of the real world and he continues to benefit from the social and economic aspects of the virtual world of gaming.
I don't think using "cheats" is cheating. I think it demonstrates insider status in the gaming world. The game designers develop the games with the expectation that players WILL and SHOULD develop and use "cheats". It fuels the social aspects of the game. They actually promote collaboration and team work. I know. It is a very different world then when we grew up. I used to get very upset with my son for using "cheats". But not anymore.
ReplyDeleteI liked the comparison of gaming to sports in terms of their social benefits. However, I do think that the physical activity sports provide children should not be underestimated. I too questions the amount of socialization that goes on behind a screen rather than in the backyard.
I always enjoy your honest and thoughtful responses to the course readings!