Xi Rao – Student, Curator, Gamer

Xi Rao is a research assistant and PhD student in Technology and Humanities at Illinois Tech. She is interested in social media analysis, information design, as well as fan study. She studies and curates Twitter discussions on games such as #1ReasonWhy and #1ReasonToBe

Illinois Institute of Technology, commonly called Illinois Tech or IIT, is a private, Ph.D.-granting institution located in Chicago with programs in engineering, science, psychology, architecture, business, design and law

Do you remember your first video game / arcade you played and what do you remember about it?

The first video game that I played was the Street Fighter. I was about six at that time. It’s an arcade that people can sit in front of it and play. Usually two players played the game, but surrounded by a group of people standing around.

What are your opinions about today’s generation of video games?  How do you compare them to older, classic games?

I think today video games are amazing at graphic, sound, and simulation. It provides people more real-life experience in the game, which is fascinating. I think older, classic games are also great. Though they don’t have great graphics like games nowadays, they still have great storyline and sound. Additionally, the feeling that you played games in the past is what new games can hardly give you. For instance, though I can play the new Super Mario Bros nowadays, I still love the classic one most.

Are you still involved with gaming today, and what role do you play?

I am PhD student, and game culture is one of my fields.

What is your favorite portable gaming device?

My iPhone.

Do you prefer PC or Console gaming and why?

I do prefer PC and Console gaming. The biggest reason is that I love big screens! I do love the feeling that I am just in the game and be a part. I really enjoy the fantasy world in games. Another reason is that, with big screens I usually can sit and play with others. So playing with friends is a big reason for me.

What games today do you play and what are your favorite genres of games?

My favorite game recently is the Assassin’s Creed on XBOX One. I love adventure games and MMORPGs.

If you could own one arcade game or pinball game, what would it be and why? 

Growing up were you team Sega or Nintendo and why?

Are video games aimed mainly at children, adolescents or adults?

I believe that there are different games for children, adolescents, and adults.

Do you believe some Video Games are too violent and lead to violence in America today?

I don’t think so. I think people who are violent can be lead to violence by games, but also by many other things such as bad traffics.

Do you prefer playing video games alone, against friends or online against the world and why?

I prefer playing video games with friends, no matter it’s against friends or online against the world. I love the feeling that people are playing together and talk about the same thing.

Do you learn anything from playing video games?

Yes! I enjoy playing games with rich background story such as Assassin’s Creed. I learnt about French history, culture, clothes, etc. I won’t be interested in reading a thick book or watch a long documentary on this topic. But through playing games, I do want to know more.

Are video games good for relieving stress?

I think so, at least for me. I’d love to play games after dinner when I have some time to do what I like. For me, playing video games is a way to escape from my work, entering to a fantasy world that’s totally different from my daily life. I need to do my work carefully but in games, I can try various ways to play a game. Even I do bad or I die, it’s not a big deal. I can always play it again.

Do you like it when Hollywood makes a movie from the video game?

Sort of, if it’s a supplement to the background story. Otherwise, I like the other way around more.

Who is your favorite video game character and what make that character special?

I don’t really have one. I do like several characters but no one is my favorite. I guess that’s because I care more about the experience in game rather than the character.

Where do you see Video gaming in the next 20 years?

Home and video game bars and IIT library.