Unravel the Mysteries of Your Gaming Relationship!
Discover the in-depth world of digital gaming relationships and what it reveals about you.
Ever wondered why you're so hooked on your favourite video game or why your friend's gaming habits are so different from yours? Well, you're not alone. According to a new study, each of us has a unique digital gaming relationship, shaping how we engage and find meaning in gaming!
A New Lens on Gaming
The world of gaming is far more complex than just controller skills and leaderboard rankings. The Digital Gaming Relationship (DGR) theory, proposed by Miikka Sokka (ref. below), dives into this complexity, exploring how each individual engages with gaming in their own unique way.
"Gaming is a mirror that reflects our personal narratives, and DGR theory helps us understand this reflection better." - Miikka Sokka.
The Beauty of Complexity
The DGR theory takes into account everything from personal meanings given to gaming, internal and external influences, to the level of engagement. It's a reminder that gaming isn't just a pastime, but a complex social world with its own subtleties and nuances.
Techniques for Understanding Your Gaming Relationship
- Reflect on your gaming habits: What games do you play and why?
- Examine your gaming history: How have your gaming preferences changed over time?
- Consider external influences: How have friends, family, or popular culture shaped your gaming experiences?
Examples of DGR in Action
- Fortnite Fanatic: “Jane's” love for cooperative games and competitive spirit makes Fortnite her game of choice, reflecting her collaborative nature and competitive edge.
- Casual Candy Crusher: “John's” relaxed approach to gaming and preference for puzzle-solving mirrors his laid-back personality and problem-solving skills.
- The MMO Master:” Emily's” dedication to MMO games reflects her love for exploration and social interaction.
What DGR Change For You
Understanding your digital gaming relationship is about more than just exploring your gaming habits. It's about gaining insights into your personality, preferences, and even your social behaviour. Who knew gaming could tell us so much about ourselves?
Remember, every game you play is a story about you. So, game on and discover yourself!
However, there are many challenges and potential pitfalls of overusing gaming and dislocating oneself from the real world. Stay well connected with people around you, and enjoy your time with your family and friends! Gaming should be only a tiny part of your life. If it gets that way - please talk to us - we may help you to find the balance.
Reference:
Young people’s engagement with digital gaming cultures – Validating and developing the digital gaming relationship theory. Mikko Meriläinen https://doi.org/10.1016/j.entcom.2022.100538
For sure, there’s a lot more to think about and talk about, so let’s share and create a Voix Guide together, and find out what’s important for YOU.
