Blog # 3

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/12/061226134706.htm

This author claims that research has suggested that most gamers play video games because of an "intrinsically satisfying" feeling, not just for the fun of the game. The author also states that people play video games because they provide "opportunities for achievement, freedom, and even a connection to the other players." I believe it is true that people like to feel a sense of achievement and freedom and feel like they are a part of something, however the first claim that people feel an "intrinsic" satisfaction that runs deeper than fun is kind of silly. I would describe intrinsic satisfaction as fun, plain and simple.


http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/08/060818014551.htm

This article is about how video games may actually enhance or encourage one's social skills. The article focuses mainly on mmos like that of WOW. The article has a quote from a researcher that believes mmos owe their popularity to a lack of "cool hangouts" in real life. I think the suggestion off mmos enhancing social skills is just ridiculous. Most people that engage in mmos do so because of a lack of social relationships in general, not just "hangouts", so to suggest that they encourage sociability through a computer screen is just odd to me.