Connectivity Through Games

Game Designer and author Jane McGongial's Game Connectivity speech is unconventional, to say the least. Rather than wax poetic about the advantages of physically engaging games, MgGongial takes the TED platform as an opportunity to teach the audience her favorite one: Massively Multiplayer Thumb-Wrestling. McGongial swears that the effects of taking part in the game are beneficial, despite its relative simplicity and lack of digital stimulation. McGongial notes that the game is poised to deliver joy, relief, love, surprise, pride, curiosity, excitement, awe, contentment and creativity within the span of one minute.

Indeed, McGongial notes the benefits of the release of Oxytocin, a hormone that, when released, allows peoples to feel bonded to one another. The best way to release it is to hold hands with another person for more than 6 seconds. Through the game, which requires physical interaction, one is able to release Oxytocin and experience the bonding effects attributed to it. At its core, McGongial's activity appears to stress the importance of physical intimacy and connecting with others in daily life, for more rewarding emotional interaction and relationship-building.