Visionary game designer Jane McGonigal shows how we can harness the power of computer games to solve real-world problems and boost global happiness, since her research suggests that gamers are expert problem solvers and collaborators because they regularly cooperate with other players to overcome daunting virtual challenges.

"This edition with a new appendix 2"--T.p. verso.

Introduction: Reality is broken -- Part 1. Why games make us happy. What exactly is a game? ; The rise of the happiness engineers ; More satisfying work ; Fun failure and better odds of success ; Strong social connectivity ; Becoming a part of something bigger than ourselves -- Part 2. Reinventing reality. The benefits of alternate realities ; Leveling up in life ; Fun with strangers ; Happiness hacking -- Part 3. How very big games can change the world. The engagement economy ; Missions impossible ; Collaboration superpowers ; Saving the real world together -- Conclusion: Reality is better -- Appendix 1: How to play -- Appendix 2: Practical advice for gamers.