It’s a classic scene: two gentlemen seated across from each other in the park, chess board between them, no words are spoken, and there’s only the peaceful quietness of a social gaming experience. While this scene may still occur in parks around the world, it’s quickly becoming over-shadowed by advances in technology. Now the scene may look something like this: two ladies seated across from each other in the park, both holding iPhones, no words are spoken, and there’s only gentle finger taps on the screen as they play Words with Friends.
Both are still considered social gaming, or games played for the purpose of social interaction. Both can still be mentally stimulating. The only difference is the platform and the way we interact with each other. Interaction is key in social gaming. Working cooperatively with others can benefit both parties in multiple ways, including learning from others, boosting confidence, and improving communication skills.
Types of Social Games and Gamers
There are many examples of social games that have been around for decades, including, but not limited to:
Card games
Board games
Multiplayer video games
Now, more involved and technology-based examples have arrived, such as:
Social networking games
Live action role-playing games
Alternate and virtual reality games
With the release of smartphones and tablets, the online and computer gaming world has exploded with a wide variety of games that anyone can play from anywhere. The extensive list of gaming apps makes it easy for users to challenge other users to Draw Something or visit their own virtual world. PC gamers can choose to join their favorite movie characters in their latest journey, battle zombies, or go off to war with other gamers virtually by their side.
More and more companies and medical organizations are looking for ways to gamify their brand, public image, marketing materials, and more. They know the appeal that games hold, and so they look for a variety of gamification techniques to attract more attention. Gamification can be found in social media, the design of gamified websites, and the advancing technology of eLearning and online continuing medical education (CME) platforms. By using gamification in the design and development of media and interactive platforms, you’re adding an interactive tool to draw users in and motivate them to spread the word throughout their social circles.
Interactive online games take socializing to a new level, and can build relationships with other gamers next door or from across the country. Working side by side to face shared challenges, gamers learn about teamwork and camaraderie, which can only be understood by interacting with others. This quality to social gaming can help businesses and organizations enhance cohesion in their work teams, getting them better prepared to work together to confront and overcome challenges. Best of all, anyone can be a gamer. As soon as we learn hand-eye coordination, we can use this skill to manipulate a mouse, touch screen, or controller and let the gaming begin. Social gamified platforms thus offer benefits to virtually anyone.
If you have a new social gaming idea that you would like to see come to fruition, contact DDA Games. From conception to completion, DDA Games is a gamification developer that has produced digital games that engage users and inspire interaction. Call or email for more information today (215-355-6442/info@ddacorp.com).
