Jane McGonigal, a game designer and bestselling author known for her work on SuperBetter, dives into the fascinating world of gaming. She discusses the cognitive and psychological benefits of video games, revealing how they can boost resilience and foster community support. Addressing concerns around gaming addiction, Jane also explores the transformative effects of games for individuals with disabilities. Plus, she shares insights on the future of gaming, including the impactful role of VR and AR in personal development.
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insights INSIGHT
Self-Efficacy Through Games
Games can increase self-efficacy, which is the belief in your ability to achieve goals.
This happens by improving skills, acquiring resources, and achieving milestones, leading to a growth mindset.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Embrace Newbie Frustration
Embrace the initial frustration of being a newbie in games and real life.
Gradually improve with effort, applying this resilience to various aspects of life.
insights INSIGHT
Games as Reality
People who view games as real and not as escapism tend to benefit more.
They translate the learned resilience and problem-solving skills to real-life situations.
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SuperBetter is an innovative approach to living gamefully, based on Jane McGonigal's personal experience of turning her recovery from a severe concussion into a resilience-building game. The book draws on scientific research to show how games can enhance psychological strengths such as attention control, relationship building, and self-motivation, leading to post-traumatic growth and improved well-being.
Reality Is Broken
Why Games Make Us Better and How They Can Change the World
Jane McGonigal
In 'Reality Is Broken,' Jane McGonigal argues that games provide rewards, challenges, and epic victories that are often lacking in the real world. She suggests that gamers are expert problem solvers and collaborators and introduces cutting-edge games that are already addressing social problems like depression and obesity, as well as global issues like poverty and climate change. The book proposes that by understanding and designing games, we can improve our daily lives, work, philanthropy, and relationships outside of gaming.
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Games! Play! Fun! Addiction? Flim-flam? From the origins of tabletop classics to the future of VR, Dr. Jane McGonigal answers our burning questions. This video game developer, TED speaker and bestselling author is an expert on how playing -- and especially video games -- can motivate, soothe and connect us. Will video games turn your child into a future car thief? How do they make you stronger? How much is too much? What about slot machines? Everyone who loves games (and everyone who hates games) should hear this one.
Ologies with Alie Ward 
