In this TED Talk, renowned game designer Jane McGonigal presents a surprising mission: adding seven and a half minutes to your life by explaining the power of games. She doesn’t mean this figuratively—she backs it up with science and personal experience, showing how games can play a profound role in our lives, including overcoming trauma, strengthening relationships, and even enhancing happiness.
Here’s a deep dive into the core messages of McGonigal’s talk and how we can apply them to our everyday lives.
The Mission: Gaining 7.5 Bonus Minutes
McGonigal starts by setting an ambitious goal: extending the lifespan of every audience member by 7.5 minutes. She calls this “bonus time,” encouraging us to use these minutes meaningfully. You might think she wants us to spend those minutes gaming, but McGonigal’s message is much more complex. She wants to dispel the myth that games are a waste of time and show how they can actually enrich our lives.
The Regrets of the Dying
McGonigal references a hospice study listing the top five regrets of people nearing the end of their lives:
- I wish I hadn’t worked so hard.
- I wish I’d stayed in touch with my friends.
- I wish I’d let myself be happier.
- I wish I’d had the courage to express my true self.
- I wish I’d lived a life true to my dreams, not what others expected of me.
McGonigal believes these regrets reveal deep human desires—desires that playing games can help fulfill.
How Games Address Life’s Biggest Regrets
1. “I wish I hadn’t worked so hard”
For many, this means wishing they’d spent more time with family. McGonigal shares research showing that playing games together fosters stronger family bonds. For example, parents who play video games with their children report closer, more connected relationships.
2. “I wish I’d stayed in touch with my friends”
Games can keep us connected. Social games like FarmVille or Words With Friends allow millions of people to maintain daily contact with friends and family. According to the University of Michigan, these games are powerful tools for keeping relationships strong over time.
3. “I wish I’d let myself be happier”
Clinical trials have shown that gaming can boost happiness. In fact, studies from East Carolina University found that just 30 minutes of online gameplay per day can significantly improve mood and alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.
4. “I wish I’d had the courage to express my true self”
Games offer a space for players to express their ideal selves through avatars and role-playing. Research from Stanford University reveals that when people play as their most aspirational selves in games, they become more confident and courageous in real life.
5. “I wish I’d lived a life true to my dreams”
Games, by their very nature, encourage us to pursue goals and dreams, and to overcome challenges with resilience. McGonigal leaves this point with a question mark, but acknowledges that games can help us start living more in line with our dreams.
McGonigal’s Personal Journey: From Trauma to Triumph
After sustaining a concussion that left her with debilitating symptoms, McGonigal found herself struggling with severe depression and suicidal thoughts. But instead of giving up, she applied her expertise in gaming to create a recovery plan—Jane the Concussion Slayer. This role-playing game allowed her to approach her challenges with optimism, determination, and a sense of creativity.
By framing her recovery as a game, she recruited “allies” (her family and friends), identified the “bad guys” (triggers that worsened her symptoms), and activated “power-ups” (small actions that made her feel better). This game-based approach lifted her out of depression and helped her feel empowered, even while still physically suffering.
The Birth of SuperBetter
Inspired by her experience, McGonigal turned her recovery game into a broader platform called SuperBetter, which allows anyone facing a challenge—whether it’s chronic illness, depression, or even a terminal diagnosis—to adopt a secret identity, recruit allies, and activate power-ups. She began hearing from people around the world who were using SuperBetter to tackle their own difficulties and experiencing remarkable benefits like improved happiness, resilience, and a sense of connection.
The Science Behind Post-Traumatic Growth
The key to the success of SuperBetter is rooted in a concept known as post-traumatic growth—the idea that some people become stronger and happier after facing significant adversity. Games like SuperBetter help individuals shift their mindset, enabling them to face challenges with hope, optimism, and support from loved ones.
McGonigal emphasizes that we often hear about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) but not enough about post-traumatic growth. Yet, her experience, along with the testimonies of others who have played SuperBetter, showcases the transformative potential of gaming in helping people grow through their toughest moments.
Takeaway: Using Games to Level Up in Life
In the end, McGonigal’s talk is about more than just adding 7.5 minutes to your life; it’s about using games to live a better, more fulfilled life. Here are some actionable insights you can take from her talk:
- Play with Purpose: Playing games doesn’t have to be a waste of time. Games can help strengthen your relationships, improve your happiness, and allow you to express your ideal self.
- Adopt a Gameful Mindset: When faced with challenges, think like a gamer—be creative, stay optimistic, and recruit allies to help you tackle obstacles.
- Design Your Own Game: If you’re dealing with a tough situation, why not create a game to help you navigate it? Identify your “bad guys,” find small “power-ups” to improve your day, and enlist friends or family as your allies.
- Grow from Adversity: Look for ways to turn hardships into opportunities for growth, and use tools like SuperBetter to stay resilient through tough times.
By incorporating these principles into your life, you might just find yourself living those extra 7.5 minutes—and many more—with greater joy, connection, and purpose.
Bonus: Now that you've gained your extra minutes, how will you use them? Consider using them to reconnect with someone important, spend time doing something that makes you happy, or even play a game that brings you joy.
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