Understanding the World through Play

Video games can change the world – for the better. That is the conviction of internationally renowned Austrian computer scientist Johanna Pirker. She shows that video games are not only drivers of culture and innovation, but also have potential for politics, business, science, and society.

»Game On« offers insights into a world that is still underestimated: video games have long since become much more than a leisure activity for young nerds – almost half of all gamers are female, and the average age is 36. Numerous studies now show that games promote social behavior, help with learning, and can serve as a model for a wide range of fields, from medicine to industry. In her book, Johanna Pirker introduces readers to the world of gamers, dispelling persistent stereotypes and explaining how video games can help us better understand the world. Backed by scientific facts, she explains how important games are for mental and emotional development, how much of modern life is already based on games, and how many untapped possibilities are yet to be discovered.