Another thing I just thought...
Most people play games in order to achieve self fullfulment or "escape" the real world (this is my speaking from 100% true, verified, and tested experience).
So, let me divide that into two different topics:
1. Self fullfulment
2. "Escaping" the real world
First, let me elaborate on self fullfulment so you understand what I mean, and the implications. People play games in order to feel good, which is addictive. Would you keep coming back to something that makes you FEEL good? People get addicted to the game because of the way it makes them feel, and they forget their other priorities in life (Islam, school, work, family, friends, etc). In a way, the game becomes a drug, similar to marijuana or cocain.
On to my next point, the unreal element of games. People who are depressed, lonely, or find some fault in their lives, often look for outlets. These days, online games are becoming those "outlets," and people are using them more frequently. This can lead to people forgetting the differences between the 'real world' and the online game.
I'm not going to lie to anyone here, I used to be addicted to Rune Scape and World of Warcraft (I'm not afraid to admit it!). I've analyzed them, done my research, and talked to the people who MADE the games.
They've designed them for the sole purpose of addicting people. Sure, it didn't start out like that, and it's just a harmless game right? However, these people began to see the trends that their visitors/members made while playing the game, what made them play more, which led to them building upon that.
Their players became more and more addicted until the freakish acts which players committed leaked to the media. People started realizing that they were going CRAZY over a game which they were just playing for fun.
You can start a game for educational purposes, and I know for a fact that you aren't trying to addict people to it, but eventually you will. The game won't flourish, as people will get bored of it quickly (or finish it). Therefore, you will look for ways to draw more people to it for a longer amount of time (that's always how it starts!). The game will take up too much of your time, which will mean that you will have less time to spend on all your other beautiful sites.
Inshallah you realize that I meant well and that I'm speaking to the best of my abilities. Just remember, this advice is coming from someone who knows video games inside and out. I've programmed them, played them, learned about them, talked to other creators, and was even on an endeavor to create my own MMORPG.
Jazakallah,
Humza
