The transformative power of video games | Herman Narula

A full third of the world's population -- 2.6 billion people -- play video games, plugging into massive networks of interaction that have opened up opportunities well beyond entertainment. In a talk about the future of the medium, entrepreneur Herman Narula makes the case for a new understanding of gaming -- one that includes the power to create new worlds, connect people and shape the economy.

[ossen]

*I've learned English from video games.*
My gut feeling tells me, that I am not the only one.

[danielbrazell]

I remember how 5 years ago when I was interested in going into Game Design my parents didn't think it was employable. Now, I am studying it and my parents are encouraging me to do it since it's such a growing field.

[stirfriedchuck]

I just felt a disturbance in the force as millions of men just shared this video with their wives and girlfriends.

[Speculaas]

Me when my mom asks why I'm playing games instead of making homework

[YourFatherVEVO]

We, oppressed gamers, will break our chains and rise up

[animationsimplified]

Growing up, I was deeply influenced by RPG games. It gave me my fascination of adventure and creating an impact to those around you. Nowadays, games are becoming more movie like and could actually move people like movies does, provided they have a deeper meaning.

[cavemann_]

Thank you. Finally someone is pointing out how news media divides us. Great talk about video games too, there is too much prejudice and I like how you bring out the positives that are outright ignored.

[ForumArcade]

Many video games make effective use of addictive qualities to establish long-term behavioral patterns. If you use the same principles but geared towards productivity and personal improvement instead of leisure and consumerism, I think it would be profoundly beneficial to society.

[AidenWolf]

It can really bring people together, that's amazing

[kimberley]

he is so articulate! wonderful talk. I wish people would stop giving we gamers side-eye when we tell them we like video games. It’s like movies or books— just another medium for experiences and creativity. Can’t wait to see what the future has in store for us!

[valdemarsimonsen]

just the fact that he showed a picture from Destiny 2 my favorite game when mentioning how beautiful a game can be made me a million times happier about hearing something positive about games in this time where so many people blame games for tons of problems in the world.

[lordspongebobofhousesquare]

You forgot that this is the internet we're talking about. If you gather millions of people in one space, half of them are just gonna shitpost while wearing their anime avatar.

[urfrenjoe]

10:51 he is so right. So many huge companies online have a big responsibility on their goals with their facet on the internet whether that's a video game or a social media platform. it is pretty simple for them to set their goals correctly, they just need to not focus on making money like Herman says in the time slot I have at the beginning of this comment but they need to focus on how they can influence how we think properly, productively and especially ethically.

[Baraz_Red]

Also interesting that it helps break down the barriers between people (cultures/nations), diminishing prejudice, etc. For example, at the moment, many video war game players in the USA and Russia are virtual friends and having fun.

[Umpster]

I´m 37 and I´ve been running gaming communities since the 90's. I´m married, got kids and run a business irl. There is so much misunderstanding about gaming still but it has really changed for the better over the last 10 years. A few years ago I started to study leadership and organization theories at the university and do research on the many benefits online gaming has for people and how it can be used as an efficient tool for learning and empowering peoples creative visions. Its absolutely wonderful and my dream is to be able to do this for a living eventually!

[zoette]

I check back periodically to make sure that there are more people out there liking this video than disliking it. There are. I still have faith in humankind.

[ben]

Nice t-shirt mate :D. They came to our uni and gave away so many!

[invox]

1:31 The ENTIRE audience forgot that they all have Candy Crush on their cellphones right now.

[TrolololololololoMan]

Normies be like: "ah, some uselessly excited geek again"

[cardquest]

So basically we’re all just sims who live in an ancestor simulation?