Reality is broken: why games make us better and how they can change the world

"Reality is Broken" proposes that games possess an unparalleled potential to transform and enrich human experience. McGonigal argues that the structure of many of our everyday lives lacks the engagement and satisfaction found in games. This book is an invitation to rethink the role of games in our existence. By looking at various case studies, she illustrates how games can fulfill human desires and needs that reality often fails to address, such as the need for purposeful work and the satisfaction of social cooperation.

The book is divided into three distinct parts, exploring the deficiencies of our everyday reality, the beneficial elements inherent in game environments, and the revolutionary impact they can have when applied beyond entertainment. As McGonigal unpacks these concepts, she shares insights into how games already help humanity by fostering emotional resilience, enhancing productivity, and uniting communities towards collective goals.

• Games offer pathways to creating more resilient individuals and communities.
• Gamification can provide motivation and engagement lacking in many traditional forms of education and work.
• Games are powerful tools for solving real-world problems, as they frame challenges in ways that can foster cooperation and creativity.
• By understanding the principles of game design, we can create more enriching lives and societies.

"Compared with games, reality is too easy. Games challenge us with voluntary obstacles and help us put our personal strengths to better use."

"Gaming is an extraordinary way to tap into our best selves."

"Reality is Broken" is more than just a book for gaming enthusiasts; it's a manifesto for a new way of thinking about games. At a time when interactive media continues to expand its influence across industries, this book offers essential insights for educators, designers, business leaders, and policymakers. It challenges preconceived notions about games being mere escapism, showing how they can be powerful catalysts for positive change.

McGonigal's work is essential in shedding light on the substantive roles that games can play in fostering personal development and societal innovation. Her perspective empowers readers to imagine possibilities that reach far beyond mere entertainment, welcoming them into a future where the structure and dynamics of gameplay can be harnessed for societal benefits.