The humanitarian developers behind World of Warcraft have also discovered a way to bribe gamers into turning off their computers and going outside. If you log off for a few days, your character will be more 'rested' when you resume playing, a mode that temporarily speeds up your leveling.

Clive Thompson’s quote highlights an innovative way that the developers of World of Warcraft (WoW) have encouraged players to take breaks from the game and engage in real-world activities, like going outside. The developers included a feature in the game where if a player logs off for a few days, their in-game character will be placed in a "rested" state, which temporarily speeds up the leveling process when they return. This is Thompson’s way of pointing out how the game’s developers cleverly motivate players to step away from their screens and take care of their health and well-being.

Thompson’s reference to the developers as "humanitarian developers" suggests that, despite the game's potentially addictive nature, they found a way to balance entertainment with promoting more balanced lifestyles for players. The incentive to get rested characters by logging off for a while serves as a reminder to players that taking time away from the game can have benefits, not only in real life but also in the context of the game. This feature represents an effort to avoid players becoming too consumed by the game, promoting moderation.

The quote also draws attention to the broader issue of video games and their impact on the lifestyle of players. Many people worry that games, particularly immersive ones like WoW, can lead to unhealthy levels of screen time and isolation. By creating a system that rewards players for taking breaks, the game offers a solution that ensures players don’t fall into the trap of endless gaming, which might harm their physical or social life.

Clive Thompson, a journalist and writer known for his focus on technology and its societal impacts, uses this example to illustrate how gaming companies are acknowledging the need for balance in their games. This quote also reflects Thompson's broader interest in how technology intersects with human behavior, particularly in terms of health and lifestyle choices.