This SXSW keynote by Jane McGonigal shows the potential of alternate reality games (ARGs) for changing the real world. What I like about her perspective is that you can use the discipline of ARGs to shape our social interactions in a way that the bring out the best in us - and of course have more fun in the process. This opens up the possibility of contributing consistently, feeling useful, engaged, and valued in the real world just like you can in well-designed multi-player online game. Wouldn’t that be nice?
Check out an ARG Jane designed for the Institute of the Future called Superstruct. It’s running for another four weeks, so jump in now if you’re interested. I’m not a gamer because I focus on improving my First Life, but I’m giving this a shot because the purpose is to try to improve the real world. The game is part of the institute’s 10 year forecast. And I sense I’ll learn something valuable.
Filling out the profile page and talking about social solutions in the Superstruct community will remind you of Abundance League meetings!