118. Designing Real-Life Systems: Applying Game Design Principles for Equity, Competency, and Fair Play — Part 2

“It must be nice to win every now and then”

“I keep trying and trying and trying and if I still fail, it’s on them, the universe, the god, the leaders, the society…”

These are simple human nature

Video games understands this.

Then why presidents and leaders and policymakers don’t understand this?

Simple Rules:

Make it reasonably possible to win

Same standards for everyone

American Dream is possible in video games for anyone, but is it possible for anyone in real life ?

The simplicity of human nature often boils down to the desire to win, to succeed, and to feel that effort yields tangible results. In the world of video games, this desire is understood and catered to through simple yet profound rules:

1. Reasonable Possibility of Winning: Video games are designed with achievable goals, ensuring that success is within reach for those who dedicate time and effort. This balance between challenge and reward fosters engagement and motivation. In contrast, real-life systems sometimes seem to stack the odds against certain individuals, making the path to success feel insurmountable.
2. Equal Standards for Everyone: In video games, fairness reigns supreme. Every player is subject to the same rules and standards, regardless of their background or circumstances. This fosters an environment where success is determined by skill and effort alone. However, in reality, systemic inequalities often create barriers that hinder certain individuals from reaching their full potential.
3. The American Dream in Video Games vs. Reality: Video games offer a tantalizing glimpse into a world where the American Dream is truly within reach for anyone willing to put in the effort. In these virtual realms, success is not bound by societal constraints or economic status; it is attainable by all. Yet, in the real world, the promise of the American Dream often feels elusive, with systemic barriers preventing many from realizing their aspirations.

Despite the simplicity of these principles, it’s perplexing why presidents, leaders, and policymakers sometimes struggle to apply them in real-life systems. Perhaps it’s a failure to grasp the fundamental desires of human nature or a reluctance to challenge entrenched power structures. Regardless of the reasons, there’s a clear lesson to be learned from the world of video games: success is most fulfilling when it’s achievable by all, guided by simple rules of fairness and equal opportunity. It’s time for real-life systems to take note and embrace these principles to ensure that the American Dream remains a possibility for everyone, not just a select few.

There should be no unwritten rules

Every rule should be clearly written

Same rules for everyone

In video games, rumors cannot affect the players in any way.

The only reputation that a player carries with them is the game points awarded by the game.

In video games, every player begins with a basic avatar which is capable of playing well in the beginner games. No player is pushed into the gaming arena with unfair disadvantages and no one starts with unfair advantages.

And there is no way a player could be keep playing well and yet stays with the basic avatar with zero coins. In real life, someone could be working all their life and yet could not be earning at all. I am also an example for this.

Here I am highlighting the importance of fairness and transparency in rule systems, particularly within the context of video games.

1. All Rules Should Be Clearly Written: This emphasizes the need for explicit rules that leave no room for ambiguity. Clear rules ensure that all players understand what is expected of them and what they can expect from the game environment.
2. Same Rules for Everyone: Equality in rules ensures a level playing field, preventing unfair advantages or disadvantages based on arbitrary factors.
3. Absence of Unwritten Rules: Unwritten rules can introduce confusion and inconsistency, so having everything documented helps maintain fairness and clarity.
4. In-Game Reputation and Rumors: In video games, the reputation system doesn’t affect gameplay, ensuring that players aren’t unfairly targeted or treated based on hearsay or rumors.
5. Equal Starting Ground: All players begin with the same basic avatar and capabilities, preventing anyone from being pushed into the game with unfair advantages or disadvantages.
6. No Unfair Advantages: Players can’t start with unfair advantages, ensuring a fair and balanced gaming experience.
7. No Unfair Disadvantages: Similarly, players shouldn’t be disadvantaged unfairly, mirroring real-life situations where some may struggle despite hard work.

In real life, a person could be preparing for interviews all their life and yet not get a job at all.

In real life, a person could be working on research but never get recognized for their research and ideas and all their ideas could be stolen and they may not even afford to pay rent.

In real life, a person could be attending 10,000 interviews and do well in the interviews and still may not get selected.

In real life, a person could be given reasons for denying opportunities but those reasons may not be valid or justifiable or consistent.

People could exclude someone and cut them off from resources without any valid or justifiable or consistent reason

But in video games, these are not possible.

In video games, everyone is given a fair chance.

American dream is available in video games but not in real life.

#FairPlay

That’s why we need to design real life systems accurately and precisely and with emphasis on fair play and empowerment and incentivized success.

1. Equality of Opportunity: In video games, every player is indeed given a fair chance to succeed, regardless of external factors. This stands in contrast to real-life scenarios where systemic inequalities can hinder individuals’ chances of success, despite their efforts.
2. Recognition and Reward: In video games, success is often directly correlated with effort and skill, with clear and consistent systems for recognition and reward. However, in reality, factors such as recognition, reward, and success can be influenced by numerous external variables, sometimes leading to unfair outcomes.
3. Consistency and Justifiability: Video game systems are designed to be consistent and justifiable, ensuring that decisions and outcomes are based on clear criteria. Unfortunately, real-life situations may lack such consistency and justifiability, leading to frustration and disenchantment for individuals who face arbitrary barriers.
4. Fair Play and Empowerment: Video games exemplify principles of fair play and empowerment, offering a level playing field where success is attainable through merit and skill. This highlights the importance of designing real-life systems with similar principles in mind, aiming to empower individuals and promote fairness and equity.
5. American Dream in Video Games: The observation that American Dream being available in video games but not always in real life underscores the nature of virtual worlds, where opportunities are more readily accessible and success feels more attainable. This contrast serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges present in real-world social and economic systems.

In summary, I would like to emphasize the need for real-life systems to prioritize fairness, empowerment, and consistency, drawing inspiration from the equitable structures found within video games. By aligning real-world systems more closely with these principles, societies can strive to create environments where everyone has a genuine opportunity to thrive.