By Kathleen
“ A game is an opportunity to focus our energy, with relentless optimism, at something we’re good at (or getting better at) and enjoy. In other words, gameplay is the direct emotional opposite of depression. ” ― Jane McGonigal, Reality Is Broken: Why Games Make Us Better and How They Can Change the World
What’s your favorite game? Are you a board gamer or a video gamer? Perhaps you prefer cards or word games. Whatever it is, you are in good company as games seem to be everywhere right now. Pokemon Go, Minecraft, and Roblox have all hugely popular this summer. Quelf, Cards against Humanity and Settlers of Catan have moved board games to a new level of popularity as well. Board game nights at the library and elsewhere have enthusiastic participants and waiting lists! Video games can be played alone or with others or virtually. There is unlimited opportunity when playing video games; your imagination can take you up, down or sideways in Minecraft or Roblox. Pokemon has expanded to the real world now as gamers take the app to the streets and all sorts of interesting places. Did you know the Millennium Library is a Gym and various other libraries are Pokestops? Games and their enjoyment cross all boundaries of country, culture, age, or gender bringing understanding and it must be said competitiveness. People love a challenge and winning brings its own personal reward with a dopamine release causing us to want to repeat the experience. So go on and play; search for the elusive Jigglypuff, create your own mod, push yourself to the limits of your endurance in Catan and thoroughly enjoy the Game!
Need help getting started? The Library has many books for beginners and advanced players.
Minecrafters will love the tips and tricks and gasp in wonder at the fantabulous builds in these titles:
Block Wonders: How to Build Super Structures in Minecraft by Kirsten Kearney
Hacks for Minecrafters: Mods the Unofficial Guide to Tips and Tricks that Other Guides Won’t Teach You by Megan Miller
Minecraft Construction for Dummies by Cordeiro, Adam.
Master the Mods! Minecraft Secrets and Cool Ways to Take Your Game Building to Another Level by Trevor Talley
Pokemon lovers will find these essential in identifying Pokemon and their evolves. Gotta catch ‘em all!
Pokemon Deluxe Essential Handbook: The Need-to-Know Stats and Facts on over 700 Pokémon
Pokemon Visual Companion by Simcha Whitehill
Perhaps you’d like to find fame and fortune by developing your own game or find out about obscure board games or maybe you are a history lover. If so check out these titles:
The Game Inventor’s Guidebook. How to Invent and Sell Board Games, Card Games, Role-Playing Games, and Everything in Between by Brian Tinsman
Games: Learn to Play, Learn to Win by Daniel King
Under the Boardwalk: The Monopoly Story
Games, elaborate or simple, we just love them. What is the first game you ever played? I think it was Peek-a-boo. I’ll see you!
