How Gaming Can Be a Force for Good | Noah Raford | TED

Summary

In this thought-provoking talk, the speaker explores the rise of 'gamecults,' a new form of social movements fueled by video games. Drawing parallels with historical cults and charismatic leaders, the speaker argues that as video games become more integral to daily life, they will shape future cultural and political battles. The discussion highlights how gaming dynamics can drive both extreme beliefs and potentially positive societal change, emphasizing the need for awareness and action from various sectors, including policymakers, game designers, and parents, to ensure the future of gaming fosters inspiration rather than domination.

Takeaways

• 😀 Video games are becoming a dominant form of entertainment, surpassing the global film and music industries combined.
• 😀 A significant portion of teenagers, particularly in the U.S., are spending more money on virtual fashion and items in games than on real-life clothes.
• 😀 The concept of 'gamecults' is introduced, where video games could become platforms for social movements and recruitment for strange or impactful causes.
• 😀 Video games provide deep social engagement, community, and purpose, which meet people's primal psychological needs for belonging and achievement.
• 😀 The myth of the Assassins and their devotion to Hassan ibn Sabbah highlights how belief and purpose can be cultivated using the best tools available, much like how games are used today.
• 😀 The in-game economy, where virtual goods are bought and sold, is a multi-billion dollar industry, showing the power of virtual worlds.
• 😀 Games not only provide escapism but also build a sense of commitment to shared narratives, which is especially powerful for younger generations.
• 😀 Video games are shaping the culture of the future, particularly for younger generations who already prioritize in-game currencies and emotes over physical goods.
• 😀 Rising global crises, like climate change and pandemics, are contributing to mental health struggles, creating fertile ground for charismatic leaders to offer solutions through cult-like movements.
• 😀 The combination of virtual reality, crypto economies, and widespread crisis could lead to the rise of 'gamecults'—large social movements rooted in extreme beliefs within virtual worlds, with real-world consequences.

Q & A

What is the main argument presented in the script?

The main argument is that video games will become a major platform for social movements and cultural shifts in the future, with the potential for 'gamecults' to emerge—large-scale, radical movements born from virtual worlds but with real-world consequences.

How does the script relate video games to historical cults like the Order of Assassins?

The script draws a parallel between the charismatic leadership of Hassan ibn Sabbah, who used a form of 'virtual reality' to inspire fanatical devotion, and the immersive nature of modern video games, which engage players and create deep communities, potentially fueling social movements or radical groups.

What are the economic implications of the video game industry, as highlighted in the script?

The script emphasizes the vast scale of the video game industry, particularly its in-game economies, which generate over 130 billion dollars annually. These economies, involving virtual goods and NFTs, are rapidly becoming a significant part of global commerce and the metaverse.

What psychological needs do video games address according to the speaker?

Video games fulfill several psychological needs, including a sense of effectiveness, achievement, belonging to a group, and working towards something greater than oneself, which can be more satisfying than real-world jobs or relationships.

Why does the speaker refer to the phenomenon of 'gamecults'?

'Gamecults' refer to large-scale social movements that are powered by extreme or bizarre beliefs originating in virtual worlds. These beliefs are driven by game dynamics and could have real-world consequences, potentially shaping future culture and politics.

How are video games already influencing modern society and politics?

The script highlights examples like white nationalist groups using gaming platforms like Call of Duty to recruit followers and train them. It also mentions how movements like QAnon have evolved from online communities into real-world political action.

What concerns does the speaker raise about the future of video games and social movements?

The speaker is concerned that as video games become more immersive and interconnected with virtual economies, they could foster violent, evangelical, or harmful movements. These movements could lead to societal unrest or even real-world violence, as seen in some extreme gaming-related examples.

What are the potential positive uses of gamecults suggested in the script?

The script proposes positive uses for gamecults, such as games like 'Druidica,' which could help restore ecosystems, or 'Walkabout,' which could foster mutual aid among refugees. These ideas aim to use the power of gaming communities for social good and collective action.

How does the speaker envision the future role of video games in society?

The speaker envisions a future where video games are deeply integrated into everyday life, influencing everything from education to health care. Entire communities may be built around virtual identities, and games could shape real-world political and cultural narratives.

What advice does the speaker give to parents, media companies, and game developers?

The speaker advises parents to engage with their children's gaming experiences to understand their world, media companies to consult experts on radicalization, and game developers to engage with people outside the gaming world to understand the dynamics at play in gaming communities.