Interconnectivity and games

When parents think of people playing video games, one of their first thoughts may be that they are an ‘antisocial’ activity. In the past this may have been true but in todays world of gaming, the majority of games possess some form of connection with others either online or multiplayer. Could the appeal of games really be in connecting with others? Could simple games for smartphones like Draw Something be popular because they have a social aspect? Frank Gibeau, the president of EA Games says he finds it almost crucial to include an element of connection as he prides EA Games on having only published games that include an online component. Could this be because even the most ‘antisocial’ gamer craves some form of interconnectivity with their friends or just others? Like Gibeau, Facebook seems to think that this interconnectivity is also the key to success as it is planning on targeting the more ‘hardcore’ gamers by helping to fund the development of games such as Offensive Combat and Stormfall: Age of War. There are games that don’t blatantly seem to include interaction such as in the Walking Dead where you make choices and are later informed of choices other players chose. Does knowing that others are playing the same game at the same time perhaps comfort gamers or perhaps help to fuel competition? Instead of beating your own game records, would you feel more accomplished by beating someone else?