The Gathering of The MINDS

When I attend events of any gaming genre there is an anticipation for me.  Something magical happens in these settings that you cannot find anywhere else on earth.  Have you ever watched the Nature Channel specials on different species? They will follow an animal in their natural habitat and show you what dangers lurk, what their patterns of behavior are, how their social interactions build them into the creature and the life they are to live.  THIS is ME at a gaming event.  I cannot WAIT to see and observe the different "species" and see what has brought them together.  

 I call this the Gathering of the MINDS.  Jace chuckled at me the first time I coined the phrase, but after consideration, I have indeed dubbed it as such.  For years I have watched the dynamic of "gamers".  I fancy myself a bit of a people reader.  I love to people watch and will happily pull up a chair somewhere and be completely enthralled and entertained for HOURS by what I see.  Maybe that's what allows me to live the life of a Gamer's Wife quite easily.  My entertainment is provided for me.  

I have always been an introvert and a few years back, I was introduced to this book.  An admired coworker had finished a phenomenal public speaking engagement.  I praised her at the conclusion and thanked her for her incredible ability.  She then let me in on a little secret.  That she too was an introvert.  She didn't say more, but told me I needed to read this book and I would understand HOW she was able to do what she does.  I went home and looked up The Quiet online and had my copy on the way.

I devoured it and loved reading about myself.  It breaks down the DNA of an introvert, while at the same time, explaining beautifully the difference.  How a scenario plays out for an introvert, and then in turn for an extrovert.  What I learned, that was MOST valuable in my life however, was that if you are passionate about something, truly passionate, you COULD be an extrovert for a time.  Before retracting back into that "safe" space, completely drained and spent from the experience.  This was life altering for my reality.  I began to preach this to everyone I met.  Every parent, every sibling, every person, I knew could benefit from this book! Everyone KNOWS someone who would benefit from the understandings in this book.  To my sister, the extrovert-who pushes her introvert child into social settings because that's what SHE would enjoy.  Or the introvert parent-who doesn't see how their extrovert child could possibly benefit from a little MORE social engagement.

Reading this began to open my eyes to many loved ones in my life.  Particularly my gaming loved ones.  I would be willing to BET, though I could not find traces of any statistical studies, that 90 percent...if not MORE...of gamers are INTROVERTS.  NOT just introverts, but in more cases than not, individuals who would not venture out of their homes or safety barriers except for these events.  Somehow, they are able to pull themselves out, into a social setting, and I get to watch them come alive.  

Strike that...reverse it...I just found this great article and although it focuses on online gaming, the gaming community tends to cross the streams frequently enough that I would group them together for this study.

'While there's no single definitive statistic, research suggests a correlation between introversion and gaming, with some studies indicating that introverts are more likely to engage in online video games, potentially finding them a space to overcome social difficulties and form friendships. 

Here's a more detailed look at the relationship between introversion and gaming:

1. Introversion and Gaming:

• Online Games as a Social Outlet:

  Online video games can offer a platform for introverts to engage in social interactions without the pressure of face-to-face communication, potentially compensating for social difficulties. 
• Anonymity and Avatars:

  The anonymity and use of avatars in online games can allow individuals to be less critical of their interpersonal skills, potentially encouraging participation among introverted individuals. 
• Focus and Strategy:

  Introverts may find enjoyment in games that require focused attention and strategic thinking, such as open-world RPGs or simulation games. 
• Problematic Gaming Behavior:

  Some studies suggest a link between introversion and problematic gaming behavior, with gamers who display such behaviors reporting lower levels of extraversion. 

2. Studies and Research:

• INTPs and Gaming:

  A survey of 4,000 participants found that INTPs (Introverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Perceiving) are the most likely to play video games, while ESFJs (Extroverted, Sensing, Feeling, Judging) are the least. 
• Social Benefits of Gaming:

  Some studies suggest that introverted players can experience social benefits from playing, though the links between personality and social outcomes are complex and indirect. 
• Shyness and Online Games:

  Research has explored the potential for online games to provide a space where shy individuals can overcome their difficulties with friendship formation and gain access to new social contacts. 
• Gaming Preferences:

  Some studies suggest that introverts may prefer indie games and RPGs. 

3. Important Considerations:

• Not a Strict Correlation:

  It's important to note that not all introverts are gamers, and not all gamers are introverts. 
• Diversity in Gaming:

  The gaming community is diverse, with gamers coming from all walks of life and with various personality types. 
• Nuance in Personality:

  People are not always purely introverted or extroverted, and individuals can display traits of both. 
• Social Benefits:

  Online gaming can offer social benefits for individuals of all personality types, including introverts. 

Those first few moments as I watch a gamer enter the play hall alone, until the conclusion of the starting round, they turn a complete 360.  Upon entry, they are uneasy, unsure, new surroundings, SO MANY unknown faces, processes and steps unknown.  I almost feel like I should cheer them on and assure them they did it!  They got themselves there and are going to be just fine.  I literally mentioned today to one of the players that "if this wasn't easy for YOU to do, remember that almost all of these other individuals are just like you.  They had to fight the same insecurities, fears, doubts, second guessing, that you did to come here to play today."  That makes this a safe space and one that allows an introvert to truly be an extrovert. Just for a time. And afterward, they can retract back into their safety barriers, having built a little bit more on their confidence, their skills, their community, and their strengths.