Playing games is simply human nature. People have been playing games for as long as humanity has existed. Even the most desolate of all communities and people living in utter poverty play games. We investigate what prompts people to play games.
For entertainment
Before people around the world became couch potatoes, they played games for entertainment. Playing a game allows people to participate in the entertainment rather than being a passive audience and deriving pleasure from watching others play.
It’s a social experience
Humans are hard wired to respond to and crave social interaction. We learn how to behave in society through our interactions with others and playing games provides a great way to learn the rules of human society.
It allows them to experience competition
Being competitive allows people to test their worth and their talent against each other. By experiencing competition, people are able to see just how good their skills are and what improvements they need to make within themselves personally and as a group to refine their skills.
It’s an evolutionary instinct
It is through playing games that we hone our gross and fine motor skills. By learning how to play games like football, hockey and basketball etc., we are able to improve and exercise our hand eye coordination while games like wrestling, martial arts, running etc. help us build and test out physical strength and endurance.
It’s a great pastime
Throughout history, man has been preoccupied with ensuring that there is enough food to eat and that they are protected against the elements. Playing games provides people with a mental break from the rigor of surviving.
It releases hormones that make us happy
Playing games triggers the pleasure centers of the brain which are helpful in de-stressing the human mind and body.
