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Getting Gamers

The Psychology of Video Games and Their Impact on the People who Play Them

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Getting Gamers

By: Jamie Madigan
Narrated by: Stephen Bel Davies
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About this listen

Getting Gamers will show that rather than being a waste of time, video games can help us develop skills, make friends, succeed at work, form good habits, and be happy. Taking the time to learn what's happening in our heads as we play and shop allows us to approach games and gaming communities on our own terms and get more out of them.

With sales in the tens of billions of dollars each year, just about everybody is playing some kind of video game whether it's on a console, a computer, a web browser, or a phone. Much of the medium's success is built on careful (though sometimes unwitting) adherence to basic principles of psychology. This is something that's becoming even more important as games become more social, interactive, and sophisticated. This book offers something unique to the millions of people who play or design games: how to use an understanding of psychology to be a better part of their gaming communities, to avoid being manipulated when they shop and play, and to get the most enjoyment out of playing games. With examples from the games themselves, Jamie Madigan offers a fuller understanding of the impact of games on our psychology and the influence of psychology on our games.

©2016 Harold James Madigan (P)2019 Tantor Developmental Psychology Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Social Psychology & Interactions Social Sciences Game Video Game Gaming History

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All stars
Most relevant
All his points are well thought out and derived. The reading quality is one of the better ones.

Well thought out

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This book was more about the phycology that the game makers use to sell games, things I never thought of, it's definitely worth a listen.

Interesting Points

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Fascinating for anyone interested in video games or psychology. I loved it! if you're a games designer or marketer this book is essential reading. If you're a 'gamer' this book might make it into your top 10 books ever read. If you're not a gamer, you'll understand why video gaming is a more lucrative industry than other media such as movies. Enjoy!

A fantastic insight into the psychology of games

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Jamie writes wonderfully and I enjoyed his arguments nad theories. I will highly recommend this book to any who is curios about the psychological aspects of playing games, gamers, and game producers.

I will however point out that for a person without a psychological education some of his arguments will seem rushed. Particularly his arguments founded in some of history's more controversial psychological experiments. Those that view humans as quick to selfishness and violence. The faults and critiques of these experiments are important to include, if only briefly.

Good points

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Absolutely critical to understanding why gamers play and come back to play. Indie developers a must.

Missing link

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