Chapter 13
Coda
Games are a reflection of humanity. Each game glints with certain values, truths, and recollections of your evolutionary past. Games show you who you are and invoke your imaginations.
Games have been around for at least as long as human memory, and there is a lot to themâand you. Although I donât propose to have created the Grand Unified Theory of Fun, Iâve nevertheless attempted to weave together a number of unifying themes regarding social games throughout this book.
Anything Can Be a Game
Wouldnât the world be a better place if things were more fun? Fun is the feeling you get when you experience flowâthat sense of deep engagement, timelessness, and satisfaction that comes from doing the things you enjoy. This enjoyment makes you smile and laugh, actually affecting your brain chemistry in positive waysâincreasing your brainpower and good health. Fun isnât just about entertainment; it can sharpen your interest, engrave your memories, and keep you returning time after time to any experience.
Gamification has emerged as a term for applying the principles of game design to everyday life. Although the goals are admirable, too many people miss the point. Games arenât a collection of point systems, achievements, levels, or any of the other cognitive devices that games employ to provide feedback and reward. Thatâs just one part of an effective game system. Chapter 2 explains how games and experience making impacting way business is conducted. Chapter ...
