From Player to Master: My Journey with Games and Connection

As I mentioned in my previous post (https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/games-portals-unconscious-truths-self-discovery-dmitry-sivov-xosrc/?trackingId=O%2Bq02qsDSDKjQm5NRRUaTg%3D%3D), I’m a big fan of games. Games embody challenges, competition, and a spectrum of emotions - from joy and excitement to frustration and anger (Hello "Pummel Party"). They let you test yourself and push boundaries in a playful setting.

This year, I’ve discovered something new about myself through my love of games. There’s a famous intellectual game in Russia called “Что? Где? Когда?” (translated as What? Where? When?). It’s a unique competition where a team of six players has just one minute to tackle challenging questions and find the right answer. Watching the interaction between teammates as they brainstorm and attempt to crack the questions is captivating. I often imagine myself as part of the team, brainstorming possible answers in front of the TV.

One of the aspects I love most about games is the ability to connect with others - reacting, sharing emotions, and engaging. However, while watching “Что? Где? Когда?” on TV, my ability to engage with others is limited. That inspired me to take things into my own hands and create an offline version of the game for my family and friends.

After organising two games this year, I’ve realised that crafting the game - finding fascinating facts, transforming them into engaging questions, and guiding players through the experience - is a passion of mine. Surprisingly, I’ve found that being the “master of the game” is even more fulfilling than playing as part of the team. Designing the rules, playing a mental game of cat and mouse with participants, and watching their reactions from the sidelines is incredibly rewarding. Moving forward, I plan to hone my skills as a game master and continue bringing people together through these experiences.

Reflecting on this, I’ve come to see how my other hobbies, like music and poetry, align with this passion. Playing the guitar or piano, singing for an audience, or writing and reciting poetry for loved ones all share a common thread: they allow me to evoke emotions, spark interest, and create meaningful connections. Much like being a game master, these activities let me engage with others and share something special with them.

Being a player in a group is certainly fun, but there’s something even greater about helping others express their emotions, fostering interaction, and watching them immerse themselves in something you’ve created. This holiday season, I encourage everyone to take the initiative - whether it’s crafting your own game like I did or simply bringing out a favourite game to share with family and friends. Trust me, the joy and connection you’ll experience will be worth every moment.