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21.02.2023

Fascination Gaming – What makes gaming fun? 

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3 minutes reading time
6-17 years
Communication
Entertainment
Games
Article
© photothek.net

The passion for video games is unmistakable for many people, especially children and teenagers. Whether on a console, PC, or smartphone, video games offer a variety of ways to entertain yourself, gain new experiences, and improve skills. But what exactly is the appeal of gambling?

Immerse yourself in game worlds

One of the most important resources of video games is the possibility to immerse yourself in other worlds and put yourself in different characters. The players stimulate their creativity and imagination. They experience adventures, make decisions and solve problems outside the limited possibilities of our real world.

For non-gamers, it is sometimes not so easy to empathize with this. Talk openly with your child about his or her experiences and try to understand them. Sit next to your child when they are playing and observe what they are playing and how they are playing. Let them explain the game to you and play together. If your child gets the feeling that you, as a parent, are really interested in what he or she is doing there, your child will talk about it more openly.

Measure yourself with others

Many games are designed for competition, which appeals to many game players. Whether against other players or against the AI (artificial intelligence) of the game – children and young people can measure their skills against others and thus prove themselves. This gives a good sense of satisfaction and pride, especially if they are successful in doing so.

Your child proudly tells about a virtual victory? Don’t belittle the accomplishments. For children and young people, they are just as important and relevant as winning a soccer game or creating a work of art. Show your child appreciation. Note: Games are made in such a way that game players always want to continue playing and create the next level or victory. Agree on rules for when to stop gambling.

Switch off and get into the flow

Another factor that makes gaming appealing is the ability to relieve stress and relax. Many people use video games as a balance to their hectic everyday lives. Focusing on something else can help to take a break from the challenges of daily life.

In gaming, many game players get into a “flow”. In psychology, “flow” refers to a state that describes lightness, in which people are fully absorbed in what they are doing and forget everything around them. The reward systems in video games are designed to actively promote and build on this very “flow experience.”

Be aware that sometimes your child is in “flow” and it is not necessarily bad faith if he or she does not come to eat even after multiple requests. With all understanding, it is still important to set boundaries.

Maintain friendships and exchange ideas

Online games have become a medium that children and young people use to meet their friends and exchange information about their interests. While the nature of the contact is purely virtual, the important socialization processes for your child still occur. Especially children and young people from rural areas have the chance to “meet” their circle of friends in Games even if they live far away.

Does your child communicate in gaming chats and use digital tools like Discord to share ideas? Talk to your child about the platform rules. Make your child aware of communication risks such as cybergrooming and create a trusting basis for conversation so that your child can always come to you if problems arise.

Learn new things and expand competencies

Video games can also be a valuable learning tool. Many games like Minecraft require the application of mathematical and logical skills. Learning new languages and cultures can also be facilitated through games, as in the English-language Among Us . Some games also encourage the development of critical thinking and decision making.

These learning experiences are an important part of today’s world. Our everyday life is characterized by social networks, computer technology, smartphones, cryptocurrencies and much more. In order to keep up with this, it is important to train a quick grasp, to train basic technical understanding and, above all, to develop logical problem-solving skills. Your child does all this automatically and enthusiastically by playing computer games.

What parents of passionate gamers should pay attention to

Stay informed about your child’s hobby, choose games with your child based on interest and developmental level, and be aware of video game age restrictions. The most important thing for children and young people when playing, besides all the points mentioned, is that it is fun. Not everything in the life of children and young people must pursue a goal, or as already the Duden writes to it: “[Spielen ist] itself for the pleasure, pastime and alone from joy in the thing itself in any way operate, with something occupy “.

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