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There Are Some Things You Wouldn’t Expect To Provide Value
It is really interesting how something you look at as pure enjoyment can actually expand your knowledge, but still give you that same level of entertainment. Have you ever come across anything like that? Well, I have…and it’s something that I believe gives a wonderful insight to social gaming. Granted, I’m not one to talk about video games here, but if it’s something related to “social” and the interaction of people, then I’m all for sharing it. I also believe that this game helps us expand our knowledge. That game is called Words With Friends and it is available for free for the iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad.
How Does This Game Expand Your Knowledge?
First off, the game is an addiction…secondly, its scrabble. I know many people out there may have played scrabble before and may have been bored playing it as a board game, but this is a different experience. The game allows you to start scrabble games with anyone simply by creating a new game and inviting an individuals username. Its as simple is that and the game is on! So, how does this idea of social gaming expand your knowledge?
The game challenges you to think of words to add to the board and sometimes it can be really difficult. You’re ultimately expanding your vocabulary and this is definitely something many people should learn to do 
. Not to mention, you would be surprised how many words you actually know. Sometimes you run into scenarios where words you didn’t feel were actual words, really are. It combines the concept of competition and vocabulary all into one. Now you may be saying…well I can just play the board game and have the same experience. Actually, I would disagree here. I have done both and not only do I get more value from playing Words with Friends, but I have really felt it challenge my vocabulary and what I really know. Think about it. If you play the board game, are you really keeping score? Do you really know if what your putting on the board is a word? This game does it for you! It constantly keeps you updated on the score between you and your opponent and will let you know if what you are trying to add is a word or not.
Where Does The Social Gaming Concept Come Into Play?
The social gaming concept starts when you invite someone to play you in a game of scrabble. Its a test to see if your friend on the other end has a better vocabulary than you do. Not only that, but your constantly trying to play off their strategy as your opponent tries to gain the maximum number of points possible from their word. I think this concept is put to the best test when you are playing someone who is a friend of yours. Sometimes you find out how smart someone really is. This isn’t your normal Madden NFL Football video game where your knowledge isn’t expanded upon. This game really tests your ability to use strategy, your choice of words, your ability to think, as well as your creativity. All of this while keeping the friendly competition alive with a score ticker.
Not to mention, we all know a board game of scrabble can go on forever, or at least they seem to like any board game. With this app based game, it ends when there are no more letters remaining. I think they have set to a solid point where the games aren’t too long or too short. Words with Friends I would categorize as a game that stimulates the mind. It combines the aspect of being “social” where you are inadvertently interacting with someone via an app and adds in “gaming” as a side benefit.
What Is The Hook Factor?
Plain and simple…it doesn’t get boring. I can the game over and over and it doesn’t become dull. Like I mentioned I believe this is an attribution to social gaming as we discussed earlier. You get the feeling you’re improving your vocabulary with each game you play. You become anxious waiting for your opponent to take their turn so you can see how many points you’ll need to take the lead. You want to see what word that produces the most possible points you can come up with. Its constant enjoyment and educational at the same time. Granted sometimes you will post a word and your opponent may not take their turn for 9 hours. Its all depending on how often they check the game and their availability, but I think this is a good thing.
Look at it this way. If you play a video game with no break in the action, you can become tired, drowsy, or sometimes bored. This game offers breaks in the action. Your turn may be in a 2 minutes, 2 hours, or more. Its all depending on when your opponent makes their move. Also, the more games you have going the less it will seem like you are waiting for your opponent to make their move because you have multiple games going at once. I truly believe this game provides a whole new concept to social gaming and I really feel people should give this one a try.
Are There Any Games Similar?
Do you know of a game similar to Words with Friends? If so, please share it in the comments below. I’d really like to check it out as I feel these types of games provide a ton of value and keep you entertained for the long run. To answer anyone’s potential question of whether or not I will play this game against them, the answer is yes. Alright, maybe you didn’t care if I played against you or not, but I will share my username if you want to invite me to a game. My username is “Frank Angelone.” I know, how original. If you have already played this game, what do you think of it? Also, if you didn’t…try it out and then let us know what you think!
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