Meta-Gaming Real Life: Evaluating Offline Change with Online Theory

Oskar Milik

Abstract

This paper uses digital games research and theory to analyze social changes that have occurred with the rise of digitalization and online interaction. Specifically, I look at the Financially Independent Retire Early (FIRE) movement, the rise of digital currencies, stock market phenomena with digital trades, and remote work and online learning. By connecting these "real-world" occurrences to the "digital-world" experiences that have been researched in the past, I attempt to explain their roots and trajectories. By doing so, I propose that there is important toolset available for us to be able to predict further social changes and perhaps avoid problematic outcomes.

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