What is Prosocial Gaming?

Prosocial videogames are games where the player (or the player’s character/avatar) helps in-game characters or other players.  Many such games invite players to take on the role of Hero – to quest, explore, discover, to overcome challenges and defeat enemies – yes! – and to connect with others for mutual support and aid.

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A growing body of scientific research shows that playing prosocial games increases helping behavior in “real” life, sharpens a variety of job skills, and improves well-being.  Gaming also offers a unique and tremendous opportunity for inclusion by creating spaces where individuals feel they belong and are free to express their full facticity.  Videogmes allow us to do and experience things that are only possible in our imaginations – all the while using our very “real” character strengths, personality traits, skills, and intelligences.

 

Videogaming is an integral part of daily life -- about 65% of adults and 71% of kids in the U.S. play games. At Facticity FoV., we believe that understanding how to ‘game for good’ is a strategic imperative for the future. By leveraging the positive aspects of gaming we can build more equitable and resilient families, workplaces, and communities. 

 

How Can I Participate?:

Facticity FoV is delighted to host the Ally Guild – an informal gathering of folks who share the desire to raise awareness of the prosocial benefits of videogameplay and the positive aspects of gaming culture through education, reflection, and creative events.

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Allies are gamers and players. Allies are people who support the gamers in their families and communities. And allies are the artists, craftspeople, designers, editors, and printers who support Facticity’s awareness-raising endeavors.

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We invite you to join the guild by creating and sharing your personal avatar – a version of your Heroic Self, imbued with the character strengths that have built your resilience and contributed to your successes.

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We welcome avatars created in any fashion! To create an avatar like the ones in the avatar art exhibit, you can use the League of Legends Avatar Creator. [link to the avatar creator: https://na.leagueoflegends.com/en/featured/events/avatar-creator#/]

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Curious about your top character strengths? You might like to check out the VIA Character Strengths Survey. [ link to survey: https://www.viacharacter.org/]