As a genre, videogames take our minds on journeys, and we can control and experience them much more interactively than passively - especially when they are well-designed.

In this quote, John Maeda highlights the unique capacity of videogames as a genre to provide an immersive and interactive experience. Unlike passive forms of entertainment, such as watching television or reading, videogames actively engage players by allowing them to control and influence the journey they embark upon. The interactive nature of videogames sets them apart, offering a level of involvement that other media cannot match. This makes the experience of playing a game more dynamic and personal, as players are not just spectators but active participants in shaping the narrative and outcome.

Maeda also stresses the importance of design in the quality of the gaming experience. Well-designed games are those that create engaging environments, intuitive controls, and meaningful choices, allowing players to truly immerse themselves in the world. The design elements of a videogame—such as gameplay mechanics, visuals, sound, and story—combine to form a cohesive experience that draws players in and makes them feel invested in the journey. Games that are well-crafted enable a deeper connection between player and game, making the experience more memorable and enjoyable.

The quote underscores the power of videogames to take us on journeys—both fantastical and grounded in reality—while maintaining a level of agency and control that is absent in more traditional forms of storytelling. This interactivity allows for a sense of ownership and exploration, where players can make decisions, solve problems, and confront challenges, all of which deepen the emotional impact of the game. It’s this personal involvement that makes games an especially powerful medium for storytelling.

Ultimately, John Maeda’s words speak to the evolution of videogames as an art form, one that combines technology, creativity, and player agency. As games continue to develop and improve in their design, they offer increasingly sophisticated experiences that can not only entertain but also challenge and inspire players in ways that are distinct from other forms of media.