For this observation, I chose to watch my boyfriend and friends play MarioKart on the Nintendo switch. MarioKart is a very classic group game, and it’s one of my personal favorites. The rules of the game are pretty simple, and there aren’t many - you just need to finish the race, and whoever is first wins. I think there is somewhere on the game where you can read a description of the rules, but since we have played so much, everyone pretty much knows them. Also, if something wasn’t allowed, the game probably just wouldn’t allow the players to do it, so in a way, the game itself enforces the rules.
I think most people want to play the game because it is competitive, so there is a desire and drive to be the best, to be first, and to win. I think the game is fun, especially because it is faced-paced and also includes lots of crazy elements to the game play, such as boosts or attacks to the opponents. There’s also a lot of bright colors, fun characters, and music, not to mention the crazy beautiful and intricate raceways. There are also computers to play against in the game, so there’s more difficulty than just competing against the people you’re physically playing with.
All players race at the same time, so there isn’t much “passive” play or waiting, unless you finish first or early (which gives you time to brag about your win). Active play looks like everyone facing the screen intently, sitting up and furiously racing ahead using the controller to tilt or steer. I think it was interesting that as races started, everyone who was playing would sit up all of a sudden and actually focus on the game, versus just waiting for the next race.