Gaming 'Single Most Productive' Way to Spend Time

Futurist McGonigal spoke at the 2011 DICE Summit in Las Vegas on Friday and talked about some of the stigmas that linger around the game industry and the effects they have on society.

McGonigal offered examples of research that showed positive side effects of gaming, such as a lessening of post-traumatic stress disorder in soldiers, increased interest in playing real musical instruments after playing games like Rock Band, and a sustained boost in real-life confidence after successful virtual conquests.

"Feeling good in a game does transfer to real life. ... It's not a crazy idea," she said. "Games are changing the way we think and how we spend our real lives." McGonigal also argued against the common notion that games are about escapism. "I think this is a very dangerous idea. ... We are powering up our real lives when we play them," not escaping.

"The positive emotions that we get from games are spilling over into real life," she added. "Our games are like the radioactive spider that bit Peter Parker. They're giving people new powers." Games, she said, have the ability to provide positive emotion, strong relationships, meaning and a sense of accomplishment.

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So I'd like to know what you guys think; Is gaming productive for you?

For me personally? It's a hobby which gives me lots of fun in my spare time. Can't say it's productive for me though. Regardless, its my spare time and I enjoy playing video games, it doesn't have to be productive. Going to Uni is productive.

For me personally? It's a hobby which gives me lots of fun in my spare time. Can't say it's productive for me though. Regardless, its my spare time and I enjoy playing video games, it doesn't have to be productive. Going to Uni is productive.

It does spill over into my real life, by making me wish I was at home gaming instead of being at work :P

Playing videogames is never going to be seen as a productive way to spend time. Never has playing videogames been called productive or ever will be see as productive.

For the simple reason is that you are "playing" which is not productive. Your are doing something to relax, have fun, Something that you enjoy. But playing videogames or playing anything else is not Productive.

Playing is never productive.

Playing videogames is never going to be seen as a productive way to spend time. Never has playing videogames been called productive or ever will be see as productive.

For the simple reason is that you are "playing" which is not productive. Your are doing something to relax, have fun, Something that you enjoy. But playing videogames or playing anything else is not Productive.

Playing is never productive.

Megavideogamer

Playing is never productive.

Megavideogamer