I'm$Jane$McGonigal.$I'm$a$game$designer.

$I've$been$making$games$
I'm$Jane$McGonigal.$I'm$a$game$designer. I've$been$making$games$
online$now$for$10$years,$and$my$goal$for$the$next$decade
is$to$try$to$
online$now$for$10$years, and$my$goal$for$the$next$decade$is$to$try$to$
make$it$as$easy$to$save$the$world$in$real$life
as$it$is$to$save$the$world$
make$it$as$easy to$save$the$world$in$real$life$as$it$is$to$save$the$world$
in$online$games.$Now,$I$have$a$plan$for$this,
and$it$entails$convincing$
in$online$games. Now,$I$have$a$plan$for$this,$and$it$entails$convincing$
more$people,$incl
more$people, incl uding$all$of$you,$to$spend$more$time$playing$bigger$
uding$all$of$you,$to$spend$more$time playing$bigger$
and$better$games.$
and$better$games.
Right$now$we$spend$three$billion$hours$a$week$playing$online$games.
Right$now$we$spend$three$billion$hours$a$week playing$online$games.$
Some$of$you$might$be$thinking,$"That's$a$lot$of$time$to$spend$playing$
Some$of$you$might$be$thinking, "That's$a$lot$of$time$to$spend$playing$
games.$Maybe$too$much$time,$considering
how$many $urgent$problems$
games. Maybe$too$much$time,$considering$how$many
we$have$to$solve$in$the$real$world."$But$actually,$according$to$my$
we$have$to$solve$in$the$real$world." But$actually,$according$to$my$
research$at$The$Institute$For$The$Future,
it's$actually$the$opposite$is$
research at$The$Institute$For$The$Future,$it's$actually$the$opposite$is$
true.$Three$billion$hours$a$week$is$not$nearly$enough
game$play$to$
true. Three$billion$hours$a$week$is$not$nearly$enough$game$play$to$
solve$the$world's$most$urgent$pro blems.$
blems.
In$fact,$I$believe$that$if$we$want$to$survive$the$next$century$on$this$
In$fact,$I$believe$that$if$we$want$to$survive the$next$century$on$this$
planet,$we$need$to$increase$that$total$dramatically.
I've$calculated$the$
planet, we$need$to$increase$that$total$dramatically.$I've$calculated$the$
total$we$need$at$21$billion$hours$of$game$play$every$week.
So,$that's$
total$we$need at$21$billion$hours$of$game$play$every$week.$So,$that's$
probably$a$bit$of$a$counterintuitiv e$idea,$so$I'll$say$it$again,$let$it$sink$
e$idea, so$I'll$say$it$again,$let$it$sink$
in:$If$we$want$to$solve$problems$like$hunger,
poverty,$climate$change,$
in: If$we$want$to$solve$problems$like$hunger,$poverty,$climate$change,$
global$conflict,$obesity,$I$believe$that$we$need$to$aspire
to$play$games$
global$conflict,$obesity, I$believe$that$we$need$to$aspire$to$play$games$
online$for$at$least$21$billion$hours$a$week,
by$the$end$of$the$next$
online for$at$least$21$billion$hours$a$week,$by$the$end$of$the$next$
de cade.$(Laughter)$No.$I'm$serious.$I$am.
cade.$(Laughter) No.$I'm$serious.$I$am.$
Here's$why.$This$picture$pretty$much$sums$up$why$I$think$games$are$
Here's$why.$This$picture$pretty$much sums$up$why$I$think$games$are$
so$essential$to$the$future$survival$of$the$human$species.$(Laughter)$
so$essential to$the$future$survival$of$the$human$species.$(Laughter)$
Truly.$This$is$a$portrait$by$a$photographer$named$Phil$Toledano.
He$
Truly. This$is$a$portrait$by$a$photographer$named$Phil$Toledano.$He$
wanted$to$ca pture$the$emotion$of$gaming,$so$he$set$up$a$camera$in$
pture$the$emotion$of$gaming, so$he$set$up$a$camera$in$
front$of$gamers$while$they$were$playing.$And$this$is$a$classic$gaming$
front$of$gamers$while$they$were$playing. And$this$is$a$classic$gaming$
emotion.$Now,$if$you're$not$a$gamer,
you$might$miss$some$of$the$
emotion. Now,$if$you're$not$a$gamer,$you$might$miss$some$of$the$
nuance$in$this$photo.$You$probably$see$the$sense$of$urgency,
a$little$bit$
nuance$in$this$photo. You$probably$see$the$sense$of$urgency,$a$little$bit$
of$fear,$but$intense$concentration,$deep,$deep$focus$on$tackling$a$really$
of$fear,$but$intense$concentration, deep,$deep$focus$on$tackling$a$really$
difficult$problem.$
difficult$problem.
If$you$are$a$gamer,$you$will$notice$a$few$nuances$here:$the$crinkle$of$
If$you$are$a$gamer,$you$will$notice a$few$nuances$here:$the$crinkle$of$
the$eyes$up,$and$around$the$mouth$is$a$sign$of$optimism,
and$the$
the$eyes$up,$and$around$the$mouth is$a$sign$of$optimism,$and$the$
eyebrows$up$is $surprise.$This$is$a$gamer$who$is$on$the$verge$of$
$surprise. This$is$a$gamer$who$is$on$the$verge$of$
something$called$an$epic$win.
(Laughter)$Oh,$you've$heard$of$that.$OK,$
Oh,$you've$heard$of$that.$OK,$
something$called an$epic$win.$(Laughter)

good,$so$we$have$some$gamers$among$us.
An$epic$win$is$an$outcome$
good, so$we$have$some$gamers$among$us.$An$epic$win$is$an$outcome
that$is$so$extraordinarily$positive$you$had$no$idea$it$was$even$possib
that$is$so$extraordinarily$positive you$had$no$idea$it$was$even$possib le$
until$you$achieved$it.$It$was$almost$beyond$the$threshold$of$
until$you$achieved$it. It$was$almost$beyond$the$threshold$of$
imagination.$And$when$you$get$there$you$are$shocked
to$discover$what$
imagination. And$when$you$get$there$you$are$shocked$to$discover$what$
you$are$truly$capable$of.$That$is$an$epic$win.$This$is$a$gamer$on$the$
you$are$truly$capable$of.$That$is$an$epic$win. This$is$a$gamer$on$the$
verge$of$an$epic$win.$And$this$is$the$face$that$we$ne
verge$of$an$epic$win. And$this$is$the$face$that$we$ne ed$to$see$on$
ed$to$see on$
millions$of$problem T solvers$all$over$the$world$as$we$try$to$tackle$the$
solvers$all$over$the$world as$we$try$to$tackle$the$
obstacles$of$the$next$century$ TT$the$face$of$someone$who,$against$all$
TT the$face$of$someone$who,$against$all$
odds$is$on$the$verge$of$an$epic$win.
odds is$on$the$verge$of$an$epic$win.$
Now,$unfortunately$this$is$more$of$the$face$that$we$see$in$everyd
Now,$unfortunately$this$is$more$of$the$face$that$we$see in$everyd ay$life$
now$as$we$try$to$tackle$urgent$problems.$This$is$what$I$call$the$"I'm$
now$as$we$try$to$tackle$urgent$problems. This$is$what$I$call$the$"I'm$
Not$Good$At$Life"$face,$and$this$is$actually$me$making$it.$Can$you$see?$
Not$Good$At$Life"$face, and$this$is$actually$me$making$it.$Can$you$see?$
Yes.$Good.$This$is$actually$me$making$the$"I'm$Not$Good$At$Life"$face.
Yes.$Good. This$is$actually$me$making$the$"I'm$Not$Good$At$Life"$face.$
This$is$a$piece$of$graffiti$in$my$o ld$neighborhood$in$Berkeley,$
ld$neighborhood in$Berkeley,$
California,$where$I$did$my$PhD$on$why$we're$better$in$games$than$we$
California,$where$I$did$my$PhD on$why$we're$better$in$games$than$we$
are$in$real$life.$And$this$is$a$problem$that$a$lot$of$gamers$have.
We$feel$
are$in$real$life. And$this$is$a$problem$that$a$lot$of$gamers$have.$We$feel$
that$we$are$not$as$good$in$reality$as$we$are$in$games.$
that$we$are$not$as$good$in$reality$as$we$are$in$games.
And$I$don't$mean$just$good$as $in$successful,$although$that's$part$of$it.
$in$successful, although$that's$part$of$it.$
We$do$achieve$more$in$game$worlds.$But$I$also$mean$good$as$in
We$do$achieve$more$in$game$worlds.$But$I$also mean$good$as$in$
motivated$to$do$something$that$matters,$inspired$to$collaborate$and$to$
motivated$to$do$something$that$matters, inspired$to$collaborate$and$to$
cooperate.$And$when$we're$in$game$worlds
I$believe$that$many$of$us$
cooperate. And$when$we're$in$game$worlds$I$believe$that$many$of$us$
become$the$b
become the$b est$version$of$ourselves,$the$most$likely$to$help$at$a$
moment's$notice,$the$most$likely$to$stick$with$a$problem
as$long$at$it$
moment's$notice, the$most$likely$to$stick$with$a$problem$as$long$at$it$
takes,$to$get$up$after$failure$and$try$again.$And$in$real$life,$when$we$
takes,$to$get$up$after$failure$and$try$again. And$in$real$life,$when$we$
face$failure,$when$we$confront$obstacles,$we$often$don't$feel$that$way.
face$failure, when$we$confront$obstacles,$we$often$don't$feel$that$way.$
We$feel$overcome,$we$feel$overwhelmed,
we$feel$anxious,$maybe$
We$feel$overcome, we$feel$overwhelmed,$we$feel$anxious,$maybe$
depressed,$frustrated$or$cynical.$We$never$have$those$feelings$when$
depressed,$frustrated$or$cynical. We$never$have$those$feelings$when$
we're$playing$games,$they$just$don't$exist$in$games.
So,$that's$what $I$
we're$playing$games, they$just$don't$exist$in$games.$So,$that's$what
wanted$to$study$when$I$was$a$graduate$student.
wanted$to$study when$I$was$a$graduate$student.$
What$about$games$makes$it$impossible$to$feel$that$we$can't$achieve$
What$about$games$makes$it$impossible to$feel$that$we$can't$achieve$
everything?$How$can$we$take$those$feelings$from$games
and$apply$
everything? How$can$we$take$those$feelings$from$games$and$apply$
them$to$real T world$work?$So,$I$looked$at$games$like$World$of$Warcraft,
world$work? So,$I$looked$at$games$like$World$of$Warcraft,$
whic h$is$really$the$ideal$collaborative$problem T solving$environment.$
solving$environment.
And$I$started$to$notice$a$few$things$that$make$epic$wins$so$possible$in$
And$I$started$to$notice$a$few$things that$make$epic$wins$so$possible$in$
online$worlds.$
online$worlds.

So,$the$first$thing$is$whenever$you$show$up$in$one$of$these$online$
games,$especially$in$World$of$Warcraf
games, especially$in$World$of$Warcraf t,$there$are$lots$and$lots$of$
t, there$are$lots$and$lots$of$
different$characters$who$are$willing$to$trust$you$with$a$world
different$characters who$are$willing$to$trust$you$with$a$world T saving$
mission,$right$away.$But$not$just$any$mission,$it's$a$mission$that$is$
mission,$right$away. But$not$just$any$mission,$it's$a$mission$that$is$
perfectly$matched$with$your$current$level$in$the$game.$Right?
So,$you$
perfectly$matched with$your$current$level$in$the$game.$Right?$So,$you$
can$do$it.$They$
can$do$it. They$ never$give$you$a$challenge$that$you$can't$achieve.$But$it$
never$give$you$a$challenge$that$you$can't$achieve. But$it$
is$on$the$verge$of$what$you're$capable$of.$So,$you$have$to$try$hard,$but$
is$on$the$verge$of$what$you're$capable$of.$So,$you$have$to$try$hard, but$
there's$no$unemployment$in$World$of$Warcraft.$There$is$no$sitting$
there's$no$unemployment$in$World$of$Warcraft. There$is$no$sitting$
around$wringing$your$hands,$there's$always$something$specif
around$wringing$your$hands, there's$always$something$specif ic$and$
important$to$be$done.$And$there$are$also$tons$of$collaborators.
important$to$be$done. And$there$are$also$tons$of$collaborators.$
Everywhere$you$go,$hundreds$of$thousands$of$people$ready$to$work$
Everywhere$you$go,$hundreds$of$thousands$of$people ready$to$work$
with$you$to$achieve$your$epic$mission.
with$you to$achieve$your$epic$mission.$
That's$not$something$that$we$have$in$real$life$that$easily,$this$sense$
That's$not$something$that$we$have$in$real$life$that$easily, this$sense$
that$at$ou r$fingertips$are$tons$of$collaborators.
And$also$there$is$this$
r$fingertips are$tons$of$collaborators.$And$also$there$is$this$
epic$story,$this$inspiring$story$of$why$we're$there,$and$what$we're$
epic$story,$this$inspiring$story of$why$we're$there,$and$what$we're$
doing.$And$then$we$get$all$this$positive$feedback.
You$guys$have$heard$
doing. And$then$we$get$all$this$positive$feedback.$You$guys$have$heard$
of$leveling$up$and$plus T one$strength,$and$plus
one$strength, and$plus T one$int elligence.$We$
elligence. We$
don't$get$that$kind$of$constant$feedback$in$real$life.$When$I$get$off$this$
don't$get$that$kind$of$constant$feedback$in$real$life. When$I$get$off$this$
stage$I'm$not$going$to$have$plus
stage$I'm$not$going$to$have plus T one$speaking,$and$plus T one$crazy$idea,$
one$crazy$idea,
plus T 20$crazy$idea.$I$don't$get$that$feedback$in$real$life.
20$crazy$idea. I$don't$get$that$feedback$in$real$life.$
Now,$the$problem$with$collaborativ e$online$environments$like$World$
e$online$environments like$World$
of$Warcraft$is$that$it's$so$satisfying
to$be$on$the$verge$of$an$epic$win$
of$Warcraft is$that$it's$so$satisfying$to$be$on$the$verge$of$an$epic$win$
all$the$time$that$we$decide$to$spend$all$our$time$in$these$game$worlds.
all$the$time that$we$decide$to$spend$all$our$time$in$these$game$worlds.$
It's$just$better$than$reality.$So,$so$far,$collectively$all$the$World$of$
It's$just$better$than$reality. So,$so$far,$collectively$all$the$World$of$
Warcr aft$gamers$have$spent$5.93$million$years
solving$the$virtual$
aft$gamers have$spent$5.93$million$years$solving$the$virtual$
problems$of$Azeroth.$Now,$that's$not$necessarily$a$bad$thing.
It$might$
problems$of$Azeroth. Now,$that's$not$necessarily$a$bad$thing.$It$might$
sound$like$it's$a$bad$thing.$But$to$put$that$in$context:
5.93$million$
sound$like$it's$a$bad$thing. But$to$put$that$in$context:$5.93$million$
years$ago$was$when$our$earliest$primate$human$ancestor
years$ago was$when$our$earliest$primate$human$ancestor s$stood$up.$
s$stood$up.
That$was$the$first$upright$primate.$
That$was$the$first$upright$primate.
Okay,$so$when$we$talk$about$how$much$time$we're$currently$investing$
Okay,$so$when$we$talk$about$how$much$time$we're$currently$investing
in$playing$games,$the$only$way$it$makes$sense$to$even$think$about$it$is$
in$playing$games,$the$only$way$it$makes$sense to$even$think$about$it$is$
to$talk$about$time$at$the$magnitude$of$human$evolution,
which$is$an$
to$talk$about$time at$the$magnitude$of$human$evolution,$which$is$an$
extraordinary$thing.$But$it's$also$apt.$Because$it$turns$out
that$by$
extraordinary$thing. But$it's$also$apt.$Because$it$turns$out$that$by$
spending$all$this$time$playing$games,$we're$actually$changing$what$we
spending$all$this$time$playing$games, we're$actually$changing$what$we$
are$capable$of$as$human$beings.$We$are$evolving$to$be$a$more$
are$capable$of$as$human$beings. We$are$evolving$to$be$a$more$

collaborative$and$hearty$species.$This$is$true.$I$believ
collaborative$and$hearty$species. This$is$true.$I$believ e$this.$
e$this.
So,$consider$this$really$interesting$statistic;$it$was$recently$published$
So,$consider$this$really$interesting$statistic; it$was$recently$published$
by$a$researcher$at$Carnegie$Mellon$University:$The$average$young$
by$a$researcher$at$Carnegie$Mellon$University: The$average$young$
person$today$in$a$country$with$a$strong$gamer$culture
will$have$spent$
person$today in$a$country$with$a$strong$gamer$culture$will$have$spent$
10,000$hours$playing$online$games$by$th
10,000$hours$playing$online$games by$th e$age$of$21.$Now$10,000$hours$
e$age$of$21. Now$10,000$hours$
is$a$really$interesting$number$for$two$reasons.
First$of$all,$for$children$
is$a$really interesting$number$for$two$reasons.$First$of$all,$for$children$
in$the$United$States$10,080$hours$is$the$exact$amount$of$time
you$will$
in$the$United$States 10,080$hours$is$the$exact$amount$of$time$you$will$
spend$in$school$from$fifth$grade$to$high$school$graduation
if$you$have$
spend$in$school from$fifth$grade$to$high$school$graduation$if$you$have$
perfect$a ttendance.$
ttendance.
So,$we$have$an$entire$parallel$track$of$education$going$on
where$young$
So,$we$have$an$entire parallel$track$of$education$going$on$where$young$
people$are$learning$as$much$about$what$it$takes$to$be$a$good$gamer
as$
people$are$learning$as$much$about what$it$takes$to$be$a$good$gamer$as$
they$are$learning$about$everything$else$in$school.$And$some$of$you$
they$are$learning$about$everything$else$in$school. And$some$of$you$
have$probably$read$Malcolm$Gladwell's$new$book$"Outliers."
So,$you$
have$probably$read Malcolm$Gladwell's$new$book$"Outliers."$So,$you$
would$have$heard$of$his$theory$of$success,$the$10,000$hour$theory$of$
would$have$heard$of$his$theory$of$success, the$10,000$hour$theory$of$
success.$It's$based$on$this$great$cognitive$science$research
that$if$we$
success. It's$based$on$this$great$cognitive$science$research$that$if$we$
can$master$10,000$hours$of$effortful$study$at$anything
by$the$age$o f$21,$
can$master$10,000$hours of$effortful$study$at$anything$by$the$age$o
we$will$be$virtuosos$at$it.$We$will$be$as$good$at$whatever$we$do
as$the$
we$will$be$virtuosos$at$it. We$will$be$as$good$at$whatever$we$do$as$the$
greatest$people$in$the$world.$And$so,$now$what$we're$looking$at
is$an$
greatest$people$in$the$world. And$so,$now$what$we're$looking$at$is$an$
entire$generation$of$young$people$who$are$virtuoso$gamers.
entire$generation$of$young$people who$are$virtuoso$gamers.$
So,$the$big$question$is,$"What$exactly$are$gamers
So,$the$big$question$is, "What$exactly$are$gamers $getting$so$good$at?"$
$getting$so$good$at?"
Because$if$we$could$figure$that$out,$we$would$have$a$virtually$
Because$if$we$could$figure$that$out, we$would$have$a$virtually$
unprecedented$human$resource$on$our$hands.
This$is$how$many$people$
unprecedented human$resource$on$our$hands.$This$is$how$many$people$
we$now$have$in$the$world$who$spend$at$least$an$hour$a$day$playing$
we$now$have$in$the$world who$spend$at$least$an$hour$a$day$playing$
online$games.$These$are$our$virtuoso$g
online$games. These$are$our$virtuoso$g amers,$500$million$people$who$
amers, 500$million$people$who$
are$extraordinarily$good$at$something.$And$in$the$next$decade
we're$
are$extraordinarily$good$at$something. And$in$the$next$decade$we're$
going$to$have$another$billion$gamers$who$are$extraordinarily$good$at$
going$to$have$another$billion$gamers who$are$extraordinarily$good$at$
whatever$that$is.$If$you$don't$know$it$already,$this$is$coming.
The$game$
whatever$that$is. If$you$don't$know$it$already,$this$is$coming.$The$game$
industry$is$deve loping$consoles$that$are$low$energy$and$that$work$
loping$consoles that$are$low$energy$and$that$work$
with$the$wireless$phone$networks$instead$of$broadband$Internet
so$
with$the$wireless$phone$networks instead$of$broadband$Internet$so$
that$gamers$all$over$the$world,$particularly$in$India,$China,$Brazil,$can$
that$gamers$all$over$the$world, particularly$in$India,$China,$Brazil,$can$
get$online.$They$expect$one$billion$more$gamers$in$the$next$decade
It$
get$online. They$expect$one$billion$more$gamers$in$the$next$decade . $It$
will$bring$us$up$to$1.5$billion$gamers.$
will$bring$us$up$to$1.5$billion$gamers.
So,$I've$started$to$think$about$what$these$games$are$making$us$
So,$I've$started$to$think$about$what$these$games are$making$us$
virtuosos$at.$Here$are$the$four$things$I$came$up$with.$The$first$is$
virtuosos$at. Here$are$the$four$things$I$came$up$with.$The$first$is$

urgent$optimism.$OK,$think$of$this$as$extreme$self
urgent$optimism. OK,$think$of$this$as$extreme$self T motivation.$Urgent$
motivation. Urgent$
optimism$i s$the$desire$to$act$immediately$to$tackle$an$obstacle,
s$the$desire$to$act$immediately to$tackle$an$obstacle,$
combined$with$the$belief$that$we$have$a$reasonable$hope$of$success.
combined$with$the$belief that$we$have$a$reasonable$hope$of$success.$
Gamers$always$believe$that$an$epic$win$is$possible,$and$that$it$is$
Gamers$always$believe$that$an$epic$win$is$possible, and$that$it$is$
always$worth$trying,$and$trying$now.$Gamers$don't$sit$around.
Game rs$
always$worth$trying,$and$trying$now. Gamers$don't$sit$around.$Game
are$virtuosos$at$weaving$a$tight$social$fabric.$There's$a$lot$of$
are$virtuosos$at$weaving$a$tight$social$fabric. There's$a$lot$of$
interesting$research$that$shows$that$we$like$people$better$after$we$
interesting$research$that$shows that$we$like$people$better$after$we$
play$a$game$with$them,$even$if$they've$beaten$us$badly.
And$the$reason$
play$a$game$with$them, even$if$they've$beaten$us$badly.$And$the$reason$
is,$it$takes$a$lot$of$trust$to$play$a$game$with$someone.
We$trust$that$
is,$it$takes$a$lot$of$trust to$play$a$game$with$someone.$We$trust$that$
they$will$spend$their$time$with$us,$that$they$will$play$by$the$same$
they$will$spend$their$time$with$us, that$they$will$play$by$the$same$
rules,$value$the$same$goal,$they'll$stay$with$the$game$until$it's$over.
rules, value$the$same$goal,$they'll$stay$with$the$game$until$it's$over.$
And$so,$playing$a$game$together$actually$builds$up$bonds$and$trust$and$
And$so,$playing$a$game$together$actually$builds$up bonds$and$trust$and$
co operation.$And$we$actually$build$stronger$social$relationships$as$a$
operation. And$we$actually$build$stronger$social$relationships$as$a$
result.$Blissful$productivity.$I$love$it.
You$know$there's$a$reason$why$
result. Blissful$productivity.$I$love$it.$You$know$there's$a$reason$why$
the$average$World$of$Warcraft$gamer$plays$for$22$hours$a$week,
kind$
the$average$World$of$Warcraft$gamer plays$for$22$hours$a$week,$kind$
of$a$half T time$job.$It's$because$we$know,$when$w
time$job. It's$because$we$know,$when$w e're$playing$a$game,$
e're$playing$a$game,
that$we're$actually$happier$working$hard$than$we$are$relaxing,$or$
that$we're$actually$happier working$hard$than$we$are$relaxing,$or$
hanging$out.$We$know$that$we$are$optimized,$as$human$beings,
to$do$
hanging$out. We$know$that$we$are$optimized,$as$human$beings,$to$do$
hard$meaningful$work.$And$gamers$are$willing$to$work$hard
all$the$
hard$meaningful$work. And$gamers$are$willing$to$work$hard$all$the$
time,$if$they're$given$the$right$wor k.$
k.
Finally:$epic$meaning.$Gamers$love$to$be$attached$to$awe
Finally:$epic$meaning. Gamers$love$to$be$attached$to$awe T inspiring$
missions$to$human$planetary
missions to$human$planetary T scale$stories.$So,$just$one$bit$of$trivia$
scale$stories. So,$just$one$bit$of$trivia$
that$helps$put$that$into$perspective:$So,$you$all$know$Wikipedia,$
that$helps$put$that$into$perspective: So,$you$all$know$Wikipedia,$
biggest$wiki$in$the$world.$Second$biggest$wiki$in$
biggest$wiki$in$the$world. Second$biggest$wiki$in$ the$world,$with$
nearly$80,000$articles,$is$the$World$of$Warcraft$wiki.
Five$million$
nearly$80,000$articles, is$the$World$of$Warcraft$wiki.$Five$million$
people$use$it$every$month.$They$have$compiled$more$information$
people$use$it$every$month. They$have$compiled$more$information$
about$World$of$Warcraft$on$the$Internet$than$any$other
topic$covered$
about$World$of$Warcraft on$the$Internet$than$any$other$topic$covered$
on$any$other$wiki$in$the$world.$They$are
on$any$other$wiki$in$the$world. They$are $building$an$epic$story.$They$
$building$an$epic$story. They$
are$building$an$epic$knowledge$resource$about$the$World$of$Warcraft.
are$building$an$epic$knowledge$resource about$the$World$of$Warcraft.$
Okay,$so$these$are$four$superpowers$that$add$up$to$one$thing:$Gamers$
Okay,$so$these$are$four$superpowers$that$add$up$to$one$thing: Gamers$
are$super T empowered,$hopeful$individuals.$These$are$people$who$
empowered,$hopeful$individuals. These$are$people$who$
believe$that$they$are$ind ividually$capable$of$changing$the$world.
And$
ividually$capable of$changing$the$world.$And$
the$only$problem$is$that$they$believe$that$they$are$capable$of$changing$
the$only$problem$is$that$they$believe that$they$are$capable$of$changing$
virtual$worlds$and$not$the$real$world.
That's$the$problem$that$I'm$
virtual$worlds and$not$the$real$world.$That's$the$problem$that$I'm$
trying$to$solve.$
trying$to$solve.

There's$an$economist$named$Edward$Castronova.$His$work$
There's$an$economist$named$Edward$Castronova. His$work$ is$brilliant.$
He$looks$at$why$people$are$investing$so$much$time$and$energy
and$
He$looks$at$why people$are$investing$so$much$time$and$energy$and$
money$in$online$worlds.$And$he$says,$"We're$witnessing$what$amounts
money$in$online$worlds. And$he$says,$"We're$witnessing$what$amounts$
to$no$less$than$a$mass$exodus$to$virtual$worlds$and$online$game$
to$no$less$than$a$mass$exodus to$virtual$worlds$and$online$game$
environments."$And$he's$an$economist.$So,$he's$rational.
And$he$says$...$
environments." And$he's$an$economist.$So,$he's$rational.$And$he$says$...$
(Laughter)$Not$like$me$
(Laughter) Not$like$me$ TT $I'm$a$game$designer;$I'm$exuberant.$But$he$
$I'm$a$game$designer;$I'm$exuberant. But$he$
says$that$this$makes$perfect$sense,
because$gamers$can$achieve$more$
says that$this$makes$perfect$sense,$because$gamers$can$achieve$more$
in$online$worlds$than$they$can$in$real$life.$They$can$have$st
in$online$worlds$than$they$can$in$real$life. They$can$have$st ronger$
social$relationships$in$games$than$they$can$have$in$real$life;
they$get$
social$relationships in$games$than$they$can$have$in$real$life;$they$get$
better$feedback$and$feel$more$rewarded$in$games$than$they$do$in$real$
better$feedback$and$feel$more$rewarded in$games$than$they$do$in$real$
life.$So,$he$says$for$now$it$makes$perfect$sense
for$gamers$to$spend$
life. So,$he$says$for$now$it$makes$perfect$sense$for$gamers$to$spend$
more$time$in$virtual$worlds$than$the$re al$world.$Now,$I$also$agree$that$
al$world. Now,$I$also$agree$that$
that$is$rational,$for$now.$But$it$is$not,$by$any$means,$an$optimal$
that$is$rational,$for$now. But$it$is$not,$by$any$means,$an$optimal$
situation.$We$have$to$start$making$the$real$world$more$like$a$game.
situation. We$have$to$start$making$the$real$world$more$like$a$game.$
So,$I$take$my$inspiration$from$something$that$happened$2,500$years$
So,$I$take$my$inspiration$from$something$that$happened 2,500$years$
ago.$These$are$ancien
ago. These$are$ancien t$dice,$made$out$of$sheep's$knuckles.$Right?$
t$dice,$made$out$of$sheep's$knuckles.$Right?
Before$we$had$awesome$game$controllers,$we$had$sheep's$knuckles.
Before$we$had$awesome$game$controllers, we$had$sheep's$knuckles.$
And$these$represent$the$first$game$equipment$designed$by$human$
And$these$represent$the$first$game$equipment designed$by$human$
beings.$And$if$you're$familiar$with$the$work$of$the$ancient$Greek$
beings. And$if$you're$familiar$with$the$work$of$the$ancient$Greek$
historian$Herodot
historian Herodot us,$you$might$know$this$history,$which$is$the$history$
us,$you$might$know$this$history, which$is$the$history$
of$who$invented$games$and$why.
Herodotus$says$that$games,$
of who$invented$games$and$why.$Herodotus$says$that$games,$
particularly$dice$games,$were$invented$in$the$kingdom$of$Lydia
during$
particularly$dice$games, were$invented$in$the$kingdom$of$Lydia$during$
a$time$of$famine.$
a$time$of$famine.
Apparently,$there$was$such$a$severe$famine$that$the$king$of$Lydia$
Apparently,$there$was$such$a$severe$famine that$the$king$of$Lydia$
decided$that$they$had$to$do$something$crazy.$People$were$suffering.$
decided$that$they$had$to$do$something$crazy. People$were$suffering.$
People$were$fighting.$It$was$an$extreme$situation,$they$needed
an$
People$were$fighting. It$was$an$extreme$situation,$they$needed$an$
extreme$solution.$So,$according$to$Herodotus,$they$invented$dice$
extreme$solution. So,$according$to$Herodotus,$they$invented$dice$
games$and$they$set$up$a$kingdom
games and$they$set$up$a$kingdom T wi de$policy:$On$one$day,$everybody$
de$policy: On$one$day,$everybody$
would$eat,$and$on$the$next$day,$everybody$would$play$games.
And$they$
would$eat, and$on$the$next$day,$everybody$would$play$games.$And$they$
would$be$so$immersed$in$playing$the$dice$games$because$games$are$so$
would$be$so$immersed$in$playing$the$dice$games because$games$are$so$
engaging,$and$immerse$us$in$such$satisfying$blissful$productivity,
they$
engaging, and$immerse$us$in$such$satisfying$blissful$productivity,$they$
would$ignore$the$fact$that$they$had$no$food$to$eat.$And$then$on$the$
would$ignore$the$fact$that$they$had$no$food$to$eat. And$then$on$the$
next$day,$they$would$play$games;$and$on$the$next$day,$they$would$eat.
next$day,$they$would$play$games; and$on$the$next$day,$they$would$eat.$
And$according$to$Herodotus,$they$passed$18$years$this$way,
surviving$
And$according$to$Herodotus, they$passed$18$years$this$way,$surviving$
through$a$famine$by$eating$on$one$day$and$pl
through$a$famine by$eating$on$one$day$and$pl aying$games$on$the$next.$
aying$games$on$the$next.

Now,$this$is$exactly,$I$think,$how$we're$using$games$today.
We're$using$
Now,$this$is$exactly,$I$think, how$we're$using$games$today.$We're$using$
games$to$escape$real T world$suffering.$We're$using$games$to$get$away$
world$suffering. We're$using$games$to$get$away$
from$everything$that's$broken$in$the$real$environment,$everything$
from$everything$that's$broken in$the$real$environment,$everything$
that's$not$satisfying$abo ut$real$life,$and$we're$getting$what$we$need$
ut$real$life, and$we're$getting$what$we$need$
from$games.$
from$games.
But$it$doesn't$have$to$end$there.$This$is$really$exciting.
According$to$
But$it$doesn't$have$to$end$there. This$is$really$exciting.$According$to$
Herodotus,$after$18$years$the$famine$wasn't$getting$better,
so$the$king$
Herodotus,$after$18$years the$famine$wasn't$getting$better,$so$the$king$
decided$they$would$play$one$final$dice$game.$They$divid
decided$they$would$play$one$final$dice$game. They$divid ed$the$entire$
kingdom$in$half.$They$played$one$dice$game,
and$the$winners$of$that$
kingdom$in$half. They$played$one$dice$game,$and$the$winners$of$that$
game$got$to$go$on$an$epic$adventure.$They$would$leave$Lydia,
and$they$
game$got$to$go$on$an$epic$adventure. They$would$leave$Lydia,$and$they$
would$go$out$in$search$of$a$new$place$to$live,$leaving$behind$just$
would$go$out$in$search$of$a$new$place$to$live, leaving$behind$just$
enough$people$to$survive$on$the$resou
enough$people to$survive$on$the$resou rces$that$were$available,$and$
rces$that$were$available, and$
hopefully$to$take$their$civilization$somewhere$else$where$they$could$
hopefully$to$take$their$civilization somewhere$else$where$they$could$
thrive.$
thrive.
Now,$this$sounds$crazy,$right?$But$recently,$DNA$evidence
has$shown$
Now,$this$sounds$crazy,$right? But$recently,$DNA$evidence$has$shown$
that$the$Etruscans,$who$then$led$to$the$Roman$Empire,
actually$share$
that$the$Etruscans, who$then$led$to$the$Roman$Empire,$actually$share$
the$same$DNA $as$the$ancient$Lydians.$And$so,$recently,$scientists$have$
$as$the$ancient$Lydians. And$so,$recently,$scientists$have$
suggested$that$Herodotus'$crazy$story$is$actually$true.
And$geologists$
suggested that$Herodotus'$crazy$story$is$actually$true.$And$geologists$
have$found$evidence$of$a$global$cooling$that$lasted
for$nearly$20$years$
have$found$evidence of$a$global$cooling$that$lasted$for$nearly$20$years$
that$could$have$explained$the$famine.$So,$this$crazy$s
that$could$have$explained$the$famine. So,$this$crazy$s tory$might$be$
true.$They$might$have$actually
saved$their$culture$by$playing$games,$
true. They$might$have$actually$saved$their$culture$by$playing$games,
escaping$to$games$for$18$years,$and$then$been$so$inspired,
and$knew$
escaping$to$games$for$18$years, and$then$been$so$inspired,$and$knew$
so$much$about$how$to$come$together$with$games,$that$they$actually$
so$much$about$how$to$come$together$with$games, that$they$actually$
saved$the$entire$civilization$that$way.$
saved$the$entire$civilization$that$way.
Okay,$we$can$do$that.$We've$been$playing$Warcraft$since$1994.
That$
Okay,$we$can$do$that. We've$been$playing$Warcraft$since$1994.$That$
was$the$first$real T time$strategy$game$from$the$World$of$Warcraft$
time$strategy$game from$the$World$of$Warcraft$
series.$That$was$16$years$ago.$They$played$dice$games$for$18$years,
series.$That$was$16$years$ago. They$played$dice$games$for$18$years,$
we've$been$playing$Warcraft$for$16$years.$I$say$we$are$ready$for$our$
we've$been$playing$Warcraft$for$16$years. I$say$we$are$ready$for$our$
own$epic$game.$Now,$they$had$half$the$civilization
go$off$in$search$of$a$
own$epic$game. Now,$they$had$half$the$civilization$go$off$in$search$of$a$
new$world,$so$that's$where$I$get$my$21$billion$hours$a$week$of$game
new$world, so$that's$where$I$get$my$21$billion$hours$a$week$of$game T
play$from.$Let's$get$half$of$us$to$agree
to$spend$an$hour$a$day$playing$
play$from. Let's$get$half$of$us$to$agree$to$spend$an$hour$a$day$playing$
games,$until$we$
games, until$we$ solve$real T world$problems.$
world$problems.
Now,$I$know$you're$asking,$"How$are$we$going$to$solve$real$world$
problems$in$games?"$Well,$that's$what$I$have$devoted$my$work$to
over$
problems in$games?"$Well,$that's$what$I$have$devoted$my$work$to$over$

the$past$few$years,$at$The$Institute$For$The$Future.
We$have$this$
the$past$few$years, at$The$Institute$For$The$Future.$We$have$this$
banner$in$our$offices$in$Palo $Alto,$and$it$expresses$our$view$of$how$we$
$Alto, and$it$expresses$our$view$of$how$we$
should$try$to$relate$to$the$future.$We$do$not$want$to$try$to$predict$the$
should$try$to$relate$to$the$future. We$do$not$want$to$try$to$predict$the$
future.$What$we$want$to$do$is$make$the$future.
We$want$to$imagine$the$
future. What$we$want$to$do$is$make$the$future.$We$want$to$imagine$the$
best T case$scenario$outcome,$and$then$we$want$to$empower$people
to$
case$scenario$outcome, and$then$we$want$to$empower$people$to$
make $that$outcome$a$reality.$We$want$to$imagine$epic$wins,
and$then$
$that$outcome$a$reality. We$want$to$imagine$epic$wins,$and$then$
give$people$the$means$to$achieve$the$epic$win.$
give$people$the$means$to$achieve$the$epic$win.
I'm$just$going$to$very$briefly$show$you$three$games$that$I've$made$that$
I'm$just$going$to$very$briefly$show$you$three$games$that$I've$made that$
are$an$attempt$to$give$people$the$means$to$create$epic$wins$in$their$
are$an$attempt$to$give$people$the$means to$create$epic$wins$in$their$
own$ futures.$So,$this$is$World$Without$Oil.
We$made$this$game$in$2007.$
futures. So,$this$is$World$Without$Oil.$We$made$this$game$in$2007.
This$is$an$online$game$in$which$you$try$to$survive$an$oil$shortage.
The$
This$is$an$online$game$in$which$you$try$to$survive an$oil$shortage.$The$
oil$shortage$is$fictional,$but$we$put$enough$online$content$out$there
for$
oil$shortage$is$fictional, but$we$put$enough$online$content$out$there$for$
you$to$believe$that$it's$real,$and$to$live$ your$real$life$as$if$we've$run$
your$real$life as$if$we've$run$
out$of$oil.$So$when$you$come$to$the$game,$you$sign$up,$you$tell$us$
out$of$oil.$So$when$you$come$to$the$game, you$sign$up,$you$tell$us$
where$you$live,$and$then$we$give$you$real
where$you$live, and$then$we$give$you$real T time$news,$videos,$data$
time$news,$videos, data$
feeds$that$show$you$exactly$how$much$oil$costs,
what's$not$available,$
feeds$that$show$you exactly$how$much$oil$costs,$what's$not$available,$
how$food$supply$is$bei ng$affected,$how$transportation$is$being$
ng$affected, how$transportation$is$being$
affected,$if$schools$are$closed,$if$there$is$rioting,
and$you$have$to$
affected, if$schools$are$closed,$if$there$is$rioting,$and$you$have$to$
figure$out$how$you$would$live$your$real$life$as$if$this$were$true.$And$
figure$out$how$you$would$live$your$real$life as$if$this$were$true.$And$
then$we$ask$you$to$blog$about$it,$to$post$videos,$to$post$photos.
then$we$ask$you$to$blog$about$it, to$post$videos,$to$post$photos.$
We$piloted$this$game$with$1,700$players$in$2007,$and$we've$tracked$
We$piloted$this$game$with$1,700$players$in$2007, and$we've$tracked$
them$for$the$three$years$since.$And$I$can$tell$you$that$this$is$a$
them$for$the$three$years$since. And$I$can$tell$you$that$this$is$a$
transformative$experience.$Nobody$wants$to$change$how$they$live
just$
transformative$experience. Nobody$wants$to$change$how$they$live$just$
because$it's$good$for$the$world,$or$because$we're$supp osed$to.$But$if$
osed$to. But$if$
you$immerse$them$in$an$epic$adventure$and$tell$them,$"We've$run$out$
you$immerse$them$in$an$epic$adventure and$tell$them,$"We've$run$out$
of$oil.$This$is$an$amazing$story$and$adventure$for$you$to$go$on.
of$oil. This$is$an$amazing$story$and$adventure$for$you$to$go$on.$
Challenge$yourself$to$see$how$you$would$survive,"$most$of$our$players$
Challenge$yourself$to$see$how$you$would$survive," most$of$our$players$
have$kept$up$the$habits$that$they$lea
have$kept$up$the$habits that$they$lea rned$in$this$game.$
rned$in$this$game.
So,$for$the$next$world T saving$game,$we$decided$to$aim$higher:$bigger$
saving$game, we$decided$to$aim$higher:$bigger$
problem$than$just$peak$oil.$We$did$a$game$called$Superstruct
at$The$
problem$than$just$peak$oil. We$did$a$game$called$Superstruct$at$The$
Institute$For$The$Future.$And$the$premise$was$a$supercomputer$has$
Institute$For$The$Future. And$the$premise$was$a$supercomputer$has$
calculated$that$humans$have$only$2
calculated that$humans$have$only$2 3$years$left$on$the$planet.$This$
3$years$left$on$the$planet. This$
supercomputer$was$called$the$Global$Extinction$Awareness$System,$of$
supercomputer$was$called$the$Global$Extinction Awareness$System,$of$
course.$We$asked$people$to$come$online
almost$like$a$Jerry$
course. We$asked$people$to$come$online$almost$like$a$Jerry$
Bruckheimer$movie.$You$know$Jerry$Bruckheimer$movies,$you$form$a$
Bruckheimer$movie. You$know$Jerry$Bruckheimer$movies,$you$form$a$

dream$team$ TT$you've$got$the$as
TT you've$got$the$as tronaut,$the$scientist,$the$ex T convict,$
convict,
and$they$all$have$something$to$do$to$save$the$world.$(Laughter)
and$they$all$have$something$to$do$to$save$the$world. (Laughter)$
But$in$our$game,$instead$of$just$having$five$people$on$the$dream$team,$
But$in$our$game,$instead$of$just$having$five$people on$the$dream$team,$
we$said,$"Everybody's$on$the$dream$team,$and$it's$your$job$to$invent$
we$said,$"Everybody's$on$the$dream$team, and$it's$your$job$to$invent$
the$future$o f$energy,$the$future$of$food,$the$future$of$health,
the$future$
f$energy, the$future$of$food,$the$future$of$health,$the$future$
of$security$and$the$future$of$the$social$safety$net."$We$had$8,000$
of$security$and$the$future$of$the$social$safety$net." We$had$8,000$
people$play$that$game$for$eight$weeks.$They$came$up$with$500$
people$play$that$game$for$eight$weeks. They$came$up$with$500$
insanely$creative$solutions$that$you$can$go$online,$if$you$Google
insanely$creative$solutions that$you$can$go$online,$if$you$Google $
"Superstruct,"$and$see.$
"Superstruct,"$and$see.
So,$finally,$the$last$game,$we're$launching$it$March$3rd.$This$is$a$game$
So,$finally,$the$last$game, we're$launching$it$March$3rd.$This$is$a$game$
done$with$the$World$Bank$Institute.$If$you$complete$the$game$you$will$
done$with$the$World$Bank$Institute. If$you$complete$the$game$you$will$
be$certified$by$the$World$Bank$Institute,
as$a$Social$Innovator,$class$of$
be$certified by$the$World$Bank$Institute,$as$a$Social$Innovator,$class$of$
2010.$Working$
2010. Working$ with$universities$all$over$sub T Saharan$Africa,$and$we$
Saharan$Africa, and$we$
are$inviting$them$to$learn$social$innovation$skills.$We've$got$a$graphic$
are$inviting$them$to$learn$social$innovation$skills. We've$got$a$graphic$
novel,$we've$got$leveling$up$in$skills$like$local$insight,$knowledge$
novel,$we've$got$leveling$up in$skills$like$local$insight,$knowledge$
networking,$sustainability,$vision$and$resourcefulness.
I$would$like$to$
networking, sustainability,$vision$and$resourcefulness.$I$would$like$to$
invite$all$of$you$to$please$share$this$game$with$young$people,
invite$all$of$you to$please$share$this$game$with$young$people,$
anywhere$in$the$world,$particularly$in$developing$areas,$who$might$
anywhere$in$the$world,$particularly$in$developing$areas, who$might$
benefit$from$coming$together$to$try$to$start$to$imagine$their$own
benefit$from$coming$together to$try$to$start$to$imagine$their$own$
social$enterprises$to$save$the$world.$
social$enterprises$to$save$the$world.
So,$I' m$going$to$wrap$up$now.$I$want$to$ask$a$question.
What$do$you$
m$going$to$wrap$up$now. I$want$to$ask$a$question.$What$do$you$
think$happens$next?$We've$got$all$these$amazing$gamers,
we've$got$
think$happens$next? We've$got$all$these$amazing$gamers,$we've$got$
these$games$that$are$kind$of$pilots$of$what$we$might$do,$but$none$of$
these$games$that$are$kind$of$pilots$of$what$we$might$do, but$none$of$
them$have$saved$the$real$world$yet.$Well$I$hope$that$you$wi
them$have$saved$the$real$world$yet. Well$I$hope$that$you$wi ll$agree$
with$me$that$gamers$are$a$human$resource
that$we$can$use$to$do$real T
with$me that$gamers$are$a$human$resource$that$we$can$use$to$do$real
world$work,$that$games$are$a$powerful$platform$for$change.
We$have$
world$work, that$games$are$a$powerful$platform$for$change.$We$have$
all$these$amazing$superpowers:$blissful$productivity,$the$ability
to$
all$these$amazing$superpowers: blissful$productivity,$the$ability$to$
weave$a$tight$social$fabric,$this$feeling$o
weave$a$tight$social$fabric, this$feeling$o f$urgent$optimism$and$the$
desire$for$epic$meaning.$
desire$for$epic$meaning.
I$really$hope$that$we$can$come$together$to$play$games$that$matter,$to$
I$really$hope$that$we$can$come$together to$play$games$that$matter,$to$
survive$on$this$planet$for$another$century.$And$that's$my$hope,$that$
survive$on$this$planet$for$another$century. And$that's$my$hope,$that$
you$will$join$me$in$making$and$playing$games$like$this.
When$I$loo k$
you$will$join$me in$making$and$playing$games$like$this.$When$I$loo
forward$to$the$next$decade,$I$know$two$things$for$sure:
that$we$can$
forward$to$the$next$decade, I$know$two$things$for$sure:$that$we$can$

make$any$future$we$can$imagine,$and$we$can$play$any$games$we$want.
make$any$future$we$can$imagine, and$we$can$play$any$games$we$want.$
So,$I$say:$Let$the$world T changing$games$begin.$Thank$you.
(Applause)$
changing$games$begin. Thank$you.$(Applause)