The Games We Play

I had no idea you could buy and breed cats online, until doing research for this post.  Did you know that your Kitty needs time to rest after it breeds?  A rest period afterward is a regulation in the CryptoKitty video game.  Seriously.  Here is how it reads on the CryptoKitty website.  "Every CryptoKitty knows that making babies is hard work.  As a result, your Kitty needs time to rest after it breeds.  This is call the Kitty's cooldown."  The "cooldown" means your Kitty will be inactive and not able to advance in the game or help the player make a profit (my translation).  Being sidelined can last anywhere from one minute to one week depending on their generation and several other factors.  The rules and guidelines for this video game read like a genetics class.  There are many things to consider:  cat types, traits, genes, mutations, and then, there are the family jewels.  And I'm still not certain of the game's  objective. 

As you may know, I am fascinated with computer terminology and entertain myself by playing with it as an overlay for personal exploration.  Here is Wikipedia.org's definition for video game.  "A video game is an electronic game that involves interaction with a user interface to generate visual feedback on a two or three-dimensional video display device such as a TV screen, virtual reality headset or computer monitor.  The electronic systems used to play video games are called platforms."

I am not a video player.  Games are one of the first things I uninstall when I purchase a new computer.  However, I know many people enjoy connecting with others and testing their skills with video games.  The U.S. video game industry revenue reached $43 billion in 2018.  It's big business. And obviously, people like to play games. 

Let's play with this idea - I know it isn't new, but just play along.  Consider your everyday experience as your user interface.  You are generating far more than visual feedback - audio information, thought computations, and then, there is emotional data, which makes this a very complex game.  Unlike the rules listed on the CryptoKitty website, every time "you buy, breed, and create an auction, you pay a fee."  It seems as if there is a fee every time we turn around, but basically it's a distortion in our monitors.  There are many things you can do without paying a fee. An important point to remember with this game is that our most valued traits cannot be bought.  It adds to the complexity and challenge of the game. Also, don't forget the two-dimensional and three-dimensional monitor difference to factor in.  Now, consider all rules and regulations.  Usually, people don't get upset when reading the directions and guidelines to games - it is just the way the game is played. They may be confusing, but it's nothing personal if you choose to play. In this game many get extremely unsettled and agitated. Think tax season, as an example. Again, the complexity is kicked up a notch.  And last, think about everyone having a different electronic system and platform, there is no doubt this adds to the challenge. 

And what is the objective? And where are the family jewels?

The game is on, and so is the SEARCH.  Join me.