In search of the next level

Abstract

Computer games are successful, engaging media applications. Millions of people play them on a regular basis. They are absorbing and entertaining. They are drivers of technological innovation. Their sales rival Hollywood box office turnovers. Computer games do something right – socially, technologically and economically. Many people who own a computer have had the experience of being sucked into playing Patience or Minesweeper or Tetris to the point where deleting the game was the only solution for a return to work. And they’re just the simple games. It is worth paying attention to exactly why games have such pull.