Have you ever wondered why mobile games effortlessly command our attention? Dr. Felania Liu, a game studies scholar at Beijing Normal University, argues that China's 670 million gamers now inhabit a 'mega-gaming society' – one where game mechanics shape everything from education to workplace culture.
The Hidden Language of Play
In an exclusive interview with KhabarAsia, Liu explains game literacy as the critical ability to "recognize the architecture behind rewards systems" permeating daily life. From food delivery apps offering rush bonuses to educational platforms tracking study streaks, these systems use points, badges, and leaderboards to influence behavior.
Beyond Entertainment
Liu's research reveals how gamification drives China's digital economy:
Logistics companies use achievement systems to optimize delivery routes
Fitness apps turn step counts into social competitions
However, she warns: "Without understanding these mechanics, we risk conflating algorithmic incentives with personal goals."
A New Cultural Framework
As curator of China's first public video game archive, Liu positions games as tools for cross-cultural dialogue. Her upcoming series explores how game literacy could transform education and workplace training across Asia.
With 45% of China's population actively gaming, Liu concludes: "Understanding this language isn't about playing better – it's about living consciously in an algorithm-driven world."
