Fix 3 is "More satisfying work - compared with games, reality is unproductive. Games give us clearer missions and more satisfying, hands-on work" (McGonigal, 2011 p. 55). I have to say that I agree with this. I might leave my sink full or dishes, but I am going to be more willing to wash digital dishes in a game if it gets me XP to help my character along. Sure washing virtual dishes is easier. I'm sitting on the sofa, a bean bag chair, my bed, or the floor and pushing buttons. I'm not standing there elbow deep in soapy water. But how much of that is really contributing? I feel that the virtual dishes are more satisfying. When I complete them, I am rewarded in some way. I feel a sense of accomplishment that isn't quite the same with that real pile of dishes. I think that has probably contributed, at least in part to the popularity of games. "Playing World of Warcraft is such a satisfying job, gamers have collectively spent 5.93 million years doing it" (McGonigal, 2011 p. 52). What makes work satisfying? According to McGonigal (2011) it is a clear goal and an actionable next step.
Fix 3 More Satisfying Work in the Settlers Online
In any game, how do you know you are doing well? Leveling Up, of course! In the vast majority of games, the first few levels come quickly and easily. The longer you play, the harder it is to level up. You have to fight (often figuratively fighting, it is only in some games that you literally fight to gain levels) to make progress. I am currently about half way through level 28. Could I be leveling up faster? Sure. For me, and many other gamers, the level isn't necessarily the purpose of the game. The level matters, to an extent. In some games it is bragging rights, in others you are allowed access to new places/materials/resources/jobs/other things that keep the game interesting.
The main way to level up in the Settlers Online is to complete quests, which is a clear goal and an actionable step. Some games use tasks, some quests, some each activity progresses you towards your next level. Others are even more complicated where specific actions, such as running builds stamina, but you need to be well rounded across numerous catagories to actually make level progress. As far as level progression, the Settlers Online chose a fairly simple route - do the quests, gain XP (shorthand for experience), level up. Leveling up gives you a new number, but it also comes with prizes. The prizes vary from game to game. In the Settlers Online, you might get wood, gold, building permits, or more population. It can vary by level. To keep the game on pace, you can't give the same reward to a level 2 as a level 32. At level 2, 5 coins and a few simple pinewood planks is a pretty big deal. At level 32, it's essentially almost worthless. The prize has to scale to the level to keep it feeling like an actual reward.
My goals are to complete the quests to level up, gain experience, and to have resources to further my town. I can gain all three through the clear goal provided in a quest book. Seen below is a screenshot of my current quest book. On the left, is my clear goal. I am currently working to increase my population.
I can reach this clear goal by following the actionable next steps shown below in this additional screen capture. I have two tasks to accomplish this quest. I had to open my mail and read a new message and I have to raise my population level. When this is done, I reach the goal. The goal in this specific quest is some settlers and some XP. The XP helps me get closer to leveling up. The settlers allow for a variety of things, including workers and soldiers. They are essential to the success of my civilization. After all, what is a civilization if no one lives there!
By providing a clear goal and an actionable next step, I am able to easily see what I need to do to further my position in the game. If I am lacking the clear goal or the actionable step, I may become frustrated. Life often lacks clear goals or actionable next steps to reach that goal. McGonical (2011) addresses this when she states that the lack of the clear goal and actionable step means that "it's not work - it's a problem (p. 56).
Fix 4 is "Better hope of success - compared with games, reality is hopeless. Games eliminate our fear of failure and improve our chances for success" (McGonigal 2011 p. 68). Hope helps us go forward, both in games and in life. We hope we succeed. We hope we will do well. McGonigal (2011, p. 72) discusses the game Rock Band. Rock Bank allows you to play with friends to form a band and go on to success as a rock star. You play before cheering and adoring (if you are playing well) fans. The game allows the player to live in a dream world where they are a rock star. Of course they are not actual rock stars, but the little plastic instruments and the fun with friends all while your fans cheer is still pretty fun.
Fix 4 Better Hope of Success in the Settlers Online
The Feedback in the Settlers Online gives you a sense of control and a desire to succeed. The feedback comes in several different ways. There is negative feedback - which comes in the form of running out of what your town needs to succeed. This can be resources in the red or a factory that has stopped production because you failed to provide enough raw materials. No one likes to see a huge warning sign showing them that something is really wrong and you aren't doing well. This kind of feedback offers motivation to ensure that you are working to balance the tasks at hand. Positive feedback comes in the form of rewards and completed quests, new lands, and new items you can access. As you play the game, you get closer to Mastery. Mastery is when you are good at the given tasks. An example of mastery in the Settlers Online is getting to a point where you aren't running out of resources. There are multiple levels of this. In the Settlers Online, mastery can happen in small things - not just big picture. You work and work and finally get where there are enough trees being planted to ensure that you will have a steady supply of wood, while ensuring that you have enough chopped wood and planks for factories and construction. So you don't have to master every part of the entire game, small mastery gives hope that you are working towards running a successful and thriving society.
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