A research and argumentative essay upon the effects of gaming

Crunching math isn't required for gaming and doesn't really contribute to it promoting critical thinking, in my view. Usually what happens is that some enthusiasts figure out the game mechanics, and then some other enthusiasts figure out strategies for how best to use those game mechanics, and the majority feeds upon those strategies. For the pioneers, the figuring is a game in itself.

However, this is just a stray thought of mine that has little bearing on your essay topic, I think.

You're right, it isn't required for gaming. But it depends on the game. If it's competitive games, at times, math is a necessity. If you can't figure out math, you can't play Pokemon NetBattle / Shoddy Battle, because their system is so complex that even 1 slight miscalculation means you're -1 HP less from surviving. >_>; I would know, played it for years... Because in games like competitive Pokemon, there's .. uhhh, was it 512 or 506 EVs to distribute, 6 EVs = 1 stat up, etc. And you have to learn how to distribute it while figuring it how to use a certain skill-set to counter your weaknesses. In some cases, you also have to be EXTREMELY good at prediction, which takes an amount of skills and training to do (this requires critical thinking as well as memorization).


To elaborate on this, see the min-, min, max, and max+? That represents the total that Hera can get in a certain stats field, the positive and negative represents a positive and negative "nature". Well, doesn't sound complex, rite? You'd be surprised. Before a person even makes a set for Heracross, they have to figure out how much attack they would gain under the effects of Heracross' Guts or Swarm, so for ex, if Heracross had ... 300 att at lv 100 (Lol300...), under the effects of Guts, 50% increase to attack, so now his attack would be 450. But you have to wonder if 450 attack is enough to sweep down a Skarmory with like 600 DEF, and like 300 HP, for example. And depending on that attack used, you could either inflict less, or more damage, or neutral damage. >_>

There's something called STAB (Same type attack boost) in which I think it's a x1.5 multiplier, since Hera is a bug type, by using bug type attacks, his original attack is multiplied BY that multiplier. I think Megahorn was like 120 att? I forgot, so 120x1.5 = 180 att total. So if you use Megahorn on a grass-type, multiple by x2.0 (weakness), it's now 360 att!

There's so much math involved in this game, it's mind-bending. Because you have to ESTIMATE if your attack will either:

a) Hit, or miss
b) Will it be enough to OHKO (One hit ko)
c) Will the other person switch out?
d) Will the other person just do nothing and buff-up?

This is just an example of a game that uses hardcore arithmetics though, I haven't played another game like this.

@EarthAdept: Thanks, bud. I'll need links like that for my essay.