Study Says Gaming Fulfills Man's Need To Win, Stating The Obvious But With Proof!
I must admit, I'm a extreme completist when it comes to games, particularly RPGs. I don't know why, but whenever the need arises to collect things, be them coins, trophies or achievements, the OCD side in me breaks loose and go nuts. Explains the 150+ hour save file in Pokemon D/P.... But according to US researchers it's not because I have a addictive personality (thank god), but apparently because I'm "wired" that way as a member of the male sex.
Professor Allan Reiss and his research crew wired up both male and female subjects to a scanner while playing a unknown game that involved winning territory (most likely an FPS), with predictable results. While women had a good understanding of both the game mechanics and goals required to win, the male subjects were "alot more motivated to succeed". The research also 'discovered' that the most popular types of games for men are"territory and aggression-type" games.
The real discovery though in the study and the belief for the findings is that when men win, a part of their brain, linked to the section that controls rewarding feelings and addiction, is stimulated. I can imagine an teenager using this an excuse to his parents: "but mum! My gender is making me do it!".
While this is stating the obvious to a degree, it's at least nice to know how and why there are guys who take things slightly too seriously in a usually friendly match online. And I know quite a few gals who are just as dedicated to laying down the pain. But regardless of gender, it's always good to remember moderation. Tell me what you think. Plausible or total BS?
Wii men's 'want to conquer' urge [The Sun]
[Via GoNintendo]
Mr.Mog!
Posted to Video Games on 27 May 2008
· Comments (1)
Other stuff like this: addiction, gaming, men, winning
heheh...you're only 150 hours? I'm about 10 minutes of gameplay away from 600 hours with all contest accessories and full, legit 490 (with 491 this weekend for the Darkrai). Mwahahaha...ah crap...at least this article that I walked right into was stating the already obvious.