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I think it's something everyone experiences after sinking too much time into any one thing. It's all about finding balance and making sure that you are addressing all parts of your life and psyche. I know I definitely start to feel pretty lonely if I go a couple days in a row doing nothing but playing video games. At the same time, if people don't give me my space I get really agitated.
If you're looking for a more social gaming experience you should really check out our Friday night fights. It's very light-hearted and most people just joke around while trying to have fun so it's not ever usually about killstreaks or KDRs.
If you're looking for a more social gaming experience you should really check out our Friday night fights. It's very light-hearted and most people just joke around while trying to have fun so it's not ever usually about killstreaks or KDRs.
What so bad about the word "gamer"?
The one thing I really disagree with you on is this point:
"But the thing about books is that they put you in someone else's shoes, or in somone's head, you roughly experience what it's like to be another person, of course there are limits (you can only really describe the outlines...), but it can work quite well. That's something that video games right now are really failing at"
I think video games, along with any other form of creative medium (comic books, movies, music, paintings, etc.) are excellent ways to get into someone else's mind. A lot of creative thought went into making these things. People made decisions about what the graphics should look like, the level design, what the characters should say, how the player interacts with the game world, etc. All of these thoughts went into making the game. So by playing the game, the player can get an idea of how these people think, what kinds of things they like and what kinds of things are on their mind, or what they would find entertaining. It's a little bit different from literature in that more than one person worked to put the game together, so you get the views and ideas of many different people rather than just one, but I'd say it's still the same kind of thing.
That's the main reason why I enjoy gaming so much to begin with. People came up with these ideas. Someone thought up the ideas for the crazy world of Katamari Damacy, those designs and ideas were in their mind. I learn to love the world a little more every time I play a game because of this.
The one thing I really disagree with you on is this point:
"But the thing about books is that they put you in someone else's shoes, or in somone's head, you roughly experience what it's like to be another person, of course there are limits (you can only really describe the outlines...), but it can work quite well. That's something that video games right now are really failing at"
I think video games, along with any other form of creative medium (comic books, movies, music, paintings, etc.) are excellent ways to get into someone else's mind. A lot of creative thought went into making these things. People made decisions about what the graphics should look like, the level design, what the characters should say, how the player interacts with the game world, etc. All of these thoughts went into making the game. So by playing the game, the player can get an idea of how these people think, what kinds of things they like and what kinds of things are on their mind, or what they would find entertaining. It's a little bit different from literature in that more than one person worked to put the game together, so you get the views and ideas of many different people rather than just one, but I'd say it's still the same kind of thing.
That's the main reason why I enjoy gaming so much to begin with. People came up with these ideas. Someone thought up the ideas for the crazy world of Katamari Damacy, those designs and ideas were in their mind. I learn to love the world a little more every time I play a game because of this.
To me video gaming is all about interaction with people. Of course I play a lot of multiplayer games and I've met some wonderful people through it. Some of the people helped me in a very difficult time of my life by being able to give an unbiased opinion, in a way close friends couldn't.
As far as a video game not letting you step into someone else's shoes then let me bring up Red Dead Redemption as one example. I believe it did an excellent job of everything you mentioned a game can't do. By the time I finished the game not only did I sympathize with John Marston's situation, but I wanted to take his son down the path of vengeance because I understood him, and how the story and interaction with his father shaped his views. What about a game like Bioshock? Everything you've been led to believe is a lie. Games can be just as entertaining as books.
Also, what Celica said. They key is finding that balance in the activities you partake in.
As far as a video game not letting you step into someone else's shoes then let me bring up Red Dead Redemption as one example. I believe it did an excellent job of everything you mentioned a game can't do. By the time I finished the game not only did I sympathize with John Marston's situation, but I wanted to take his son down the path of vengeance because I understood him, and how the story and interaction with his father shaped his views. What about a game like Bioshock? Everything you've been led to believe is a lie. Games can be just as entertaining as books.
Also, what Celica said. They key is finding that balance in the activities you partake in.
Is this about social interaction, or character-development? Your focus kind of veered off near the end.
You bring up an excellent point, something I think gamers (Which you should be proud to say that in regards to yourself!) should be aware of, but not afraid of.
Loneliness is a stereo-typical gamer descriptive. The overall view of gamers by society is over/under weight and socially awkward, something that is slowly changing, but still has a way to go. Only time can fix this, as more and more gamers look at that image and say to themselves "I don't want to be that guy, but I still want to play and love my games".
For me personally, I have to say I'm similar to CecilaCrazed. I spend my time split, playing games for a few days, then hanging out with friends for a few. My friends also happen to be gamers, though not as hardcore into it as I, so it helps in a terms of having a medium. Breaking the barrier can be tough for a gamer that spent most, if not all, of their time in grades K-12 playing games over socializing. Half of the reason is peer ridicule, but that is nearly unavoidable in the cliche society of schools.
In terms of character development aiding the negative of the issue, you are partially correct. Most games these days take the "Make your own character and choices" design, giving that complete control. But there are still plenty of games that put you in the shoes of a character that already has a personality and makes all the choices in the story. Jaded points out 2 very good examples, and since it is on my mind of late, take Dead Space 1 and 2 for instance. The story always progresses the same, there are no branching paths and the NPCs say and do the same things no matter how many times you play them. Stream-lined games with one distinct path are becoming a thing of the past, but when one does come around that is designed well, they are more likely than not some of the greatest games.
One last thing, be PROUD of the word gamer! Whats so bad about that word? Notice how you couldn't avoid using it. There is no substitution of the word, just as there is no substitution for us. You continuously spoke to us as a collective, why? Because we are gamers. I'm proud to say I'm a gamer, and infact it is one of the first things I make sure people know. Gaming is a part of my life, it is a part of all of our lives. You make it seem like you REGRET being a gamer. Would you rather have lived your entire life so far without playing games? I know I couldn't, for they have made me who I am today.
I AM a gamer. Say that with pride friend, and may the Force be with you!
Loneliness is a stereo-typical gamer descriptive. The overall view of gamers by society is over/under weight and socially awkward, something that is slowly changing, but still has a way to go. Only time can fix this, as more and more gamers look at that image and say to themselves "I don't want to be that guy, but I still want to play and love my games".
For me personally, I have to say I'm similar to CecilaCrazed. I spend my time split, playing games for a few days, then hanging out with friends for a few. My friends also happen to be gamers, though not as hardcore into it as I, so it helps in a terms of having a medium. Breaking the barrier can be tough for a gamer that spent most, if not all, of their time in grades K-12 playing games over socializing. Half of the reason is peer ridicule, but that is nearly unavoidable in the cliche society of schools.
In terms of character development aiding the negative of the issue, you are partially correct. Most games these days take the "Make your own character and choices" design, giving that complete control. But there are still plenty of games that put you in the shoes of a character that already has a personality and makes all the choices in the story. Jaded points out 2 very good examples, and since it is on my mind of late, take Dead Space 1 and 2 for instance. The story always progresses the same, there are no branching paths and the NPCs say and do the same things no matter how many times you play them. Stream-lined games with one distinct path are becoming a thing of the past, but when one does come around that is designed well, they are more likely than not some of the greatest games.
One last thing, be PROUD of the word gamer! Whats so bad about that word? Notice how you couldn't avoid using it. There is no substitution of the word, just as there is no substitution for us. You continuously spoke to us as a collective, why? Because we are gamers. I'm proud to say I'm a gamer, and infact it is one of the first things I make sure people know. Gaming is a part of my life, it is a part of all of our lives. You make it seem like you REGRET being a gamer. Would you rather have lived your entire life so far without playing games? I know I couldn't, for they have made me who I am today.
I AM a gamer. Say that with pride friend, and may the Force be with you!
You bring up an excellent point, something I think gamers (Which you should be proud to say that in regards to yourself!) should be aware of, but not afraid of.
Loneliness is a stereo-typical gamer descriptive. The overall view of gamers by society is over/under weight and socially awkward, something that is slowly changing, but still has a way to go. Only time can fix this, as more and more gamers look at that image and say to themselves "I don't want to be that guy, but I still want to play and love my games".
For me personally, I have to say I'm similar to CecilaCrazed. I spend my time split, playing games for a few days, then hanging out with friends for a few. My friends also happen to be gamers, though not as hardcore into it as I, so it helps in a terms of having a medium. Breaking the barrier can be tough for a gamer that spent most, if not all, of their time in grades K-12 playing games over socializing. Half of the reason is peer ridicule, but that is nearly unavoidable in the cliche society of schools.
In terms of character development aiding the negative of the issue, you are partially correct. Most games these days take the "Make your own character and choices" design, giving that complete control. But there are still plenty of games that put you in the shoes of a character that already has a personality and makes all the choices in the story. Jaded points out 2 very good examples, and since it is on my mind of late, take Dead Space 1 and 2 for instance. The story always progresses the same, there are no branching paths and the NPCs say and do the same things no matter how many times you play them. Stream-lined games with one distinct path are becoming a thing of the past, but when one does come around that is designed well, they are more likely than not some of the greatest games.
One last thing, be PROUD of the word gamer! Whats so bad about that word? Notice how you couldn't avoid using it. There is no substitution of the word, just as there is no substitution for us. You continuously spoke to us as a collective, why? Because we are gamers. I'm proud to say I'm a gamer, and infact it is one of the first things I make sure people know. Gaming is a part of my life, it is a part of all of our lives. You make it seem like you REGRET being a gamer. Would you rather have lived your entire life so far without playing games? I know I couldn't, for they have made me who I am today.
I AM a gamer. Say that with pride friend, and may the Force be with you!
Loneliness is a stereo-typical gamer descriptive. The overall view of gamers by society is over/under weight and socially awkward, something that is slowly changing, but still has a way to go. Only time can fix this, as more and more gamers look at that image and say to themselves "I don't want to be that guy, but I still want to play and love my games".
For me personally, I have to say I'm similar to CecilaCrazed. I spend my time split, playing games for a few days, then hanging out with friends for a few. My friends also happen to be gamers, though not as hardcore into it as I, so it helps in a terms of having a medium. Breaking the barrier can be tough for a gamer that spent most, if not all, of their time in grades K-12 playing games over socializing. Half of the reason is peer ridicule, but that is nearly unavoidable in the cliche society of schools.
In terms of character development aiding the negative of the issue, you are partially correct. Most games these days take the "Make your own character and choices" design, giving that complete control. But there are still plenty of games that put you in the shoes of a character that already has a personality and makes all the choices in the story. Jaded points out 2 very good examples, and since it is on my mind of late, take Dead Space 1 and 2 for instance. The story always progresses the same, there are no branching paths and the NPCs say and do the same things no matter how many times you play them. Stream-lined games with one distinct path are becoming a thing of the past, but when one does come around that is designed well, they are more likely than not some of the greatest games.
One last thing, be PROUD of the word gamer! Whats so bad about that word? Notice how you couldn't avoid using it. There is no substitution of the word, just as there is no substitution for us. You continuously spoke to us as a collective, why? Because we are gamers. I'm proud to say I'm a gamer, and infact it is one of the first things I make sure people know. Gaming is a part of my life, it is a part of all of our lives. You make it seem like you REGRET being a gamer. Would you rather have lived your entire life so far without playing games? I know I couldn't, for they have made me who I am today.
I AM a gamer. Say that with pride friend, and may the Force be with you!
First of all thank you very much for reading this and writing firendly comments, I was a bit afraid of angry comments because I believe that this is quite a sensitive issue.
@ CelicaCrazed Of course everyone needs to balance social life and in this case playing video games, but I believe that this isn't so easy, because most video games comfort you, they make you feel good and thus offer escape. Social interaction or life in general can be very frustrating, thus less appealing. But of course you are right. I can also understand that you need your own space, everyone needs that, but I believe if we retreat from social life a bit, we usually reflect on things (that's a thing that humans are very good at), but I'm not sure if video games really offer that (if many people really want that). Most just offer escapism and not make you self reflect, I think.
@bbain The reason why I don't like the word "gamer" (this goes to Burnx aswell) is because of mainly of two things. First, you don't call people who watch a lot of movies "moviers" do you (just an example)? Second, the word gamer is often associated with negative characteristics and these are simply not true, also more and more people play video games (look at facebook, even though those games are ethically not good), so I believe the word gamer is simply not good.
Well, your second paragraph is true to a certain extend, but the problem is the authorial intent, authors have control over what their readers read, because they usually have an intent behind their storys. They describe their minds in a way, I know that this sounds weird, but I think it's true. Yes, their are some interesting games that show what kind of person the designer behind the game is. But again since a player is necessary, the designers don't have full control. For example, a designer makes a video game with a serious intent, because he is perhabs experiencing a crysis and he wants to express what this crysis feels like throught the game to the players. But since the players have a certain amount of control, they can still turn this into a lol-fest (if you know what I mean). So fighting this lonelyness, or being put into another person's shoes in video games might not be so easy. Though what is possible I think, is to confront the players with situations that other people are confronted with in real life, so the players can roughly experience what it's like, but I don't know how well that works.
@Jaded Well, ok meeting nice people, who can help you, in multiplayer games is possible aswell, but from my experience there is mostly no social interaction at all between strangers in multiplayer games, or it's just superficial, but I can't speak for everyone, that's true.
It's nice that Red Dead Redemption gave you this experience (I personally couldn't stand the game anymore after a while, because it felt like I wasn't making any progress...) and that you symphasised with the main character, but the problem is that you probably smyphasised with him because what he did/siad in the cutscenes. So the movie in the game wasn't failing, but the game in the game is failing, because if you look what you can do as him in the actual game, well you mostly kill stuff. You're actually a mass murderer, of course you can try to not kill too many people, but there's no way around that in the end... So that's what I mean, sort of.
@DrButler I'm sorry that I didn't made it clear enough, this is a subject I care about, but writing a blog post on the internet feels a bit like spitting into the ocean, so I haven't wrote as much as I wanted.
@Burnx I answered the question why I hate the word gamer in the answer to bbain, so please look there.
Well I'm not sure if I expressed myself well enough, because... hmmm I'm not sure how I'm supossed to say this... Well yeah you got some of my points, but it I'm not sure if you got the most important one, I think I just expressed this whole thing quite badly maybe a video is necessary to really convey my point I will try that soon.
Thank you anyway for answering!
@ CelicaCrazed Of course everyone needs to balance social life and in this case playing video games, but I believe that this isn't so easy, because most video games comfort you, they make you feel good and thus offer escape. Social interaction or life in general can be very frustrating, thus less appealing. But of course you are right. I can also understand that you need your own space, everyone needs that, but I believe if we retreat from social life a bit, we usually reflect on things (that's a thing that humans are very good at), but I'm not sure if video games really offer that (if many people really want that). Most just offer escapism and not make you self reflect, I think.
@bbain The reason why I don't like the word "gamer" (this goes to Burnx aswell) is because of mainly of two things. First, you don't call people who watch a lot of movies "moviers" do you (just an example)? Second, the word gamer is often associated with negative characteristics and these are simply not true, also more and more people play video games (look at facebook, even though those games are ethically not good), so I believe the word gamer is simply not good.
Well, your second paragraph is true to a certain extend, but the problem is the authorial intent, authors have control over what their readers read, because they usually have an intent behind their storys. They describe their minds in a way, I know that this sounds weird, but I think it's true. Yes, their are some interesting games that show what kind of person the designer behind the game is. But again since a player is necessary, the designers don't have full control. For example, a designer makes a video game with a serious intent, because he is perhabs experiencing a crysis and he wants to express what this crysis feels like throught the game to the players. But since the players have a certain amount of control, they can still turn this into a lol-fest (if you know what I mean). So fighting this lonelyness, or being put into another person's shoes in video games might not be so easy. Though what is possible I think, is to confront the players with situations that other people are confronted with in real life, so the players can roughly experience what it's like, but I don't know how well that works.
@Jaded Well, ok meeting nice people, who can help you, in multiplayer games is possible aswell, but from my experience there is mostly no social interaction at all between strangers in multiplayer games, or it's just superficial, but I can't speak for everyone, that's true.
It's nice that Red Dead Redemption gave you this experience (I personally couldn't stand the game anymore after a while, because it felt like I wasn't making any progress...) and that you symphasised with the main character, but the problem is that you probably smyphasised with him because what he did/siad in the cutscenes. So the movie in the game wasn't failing, but the game in the game is failing, because if you look what you can do as him in the actual game, well you mostly kill stuff. You're actually a mass murderer, of course you can try to not kill too many people, but there's no way around that in the end... So that's what I mean, sort of.
@DrButler I'm sorry that I didn't made it clear enough, this is a subject I care about, but writing a blog post on the internet feels a bit like spitting into the ocean, so I haven't wrote as much as I wanted.
@Burnx I answered the question why I hate the word gamer in the answer to bbain, so please look there.
Well I'm not sure if I expressed myself well enough, because... hmmm I'm not sure how I'm supossed to say this... Well yeah you got some of my points, but it I'm not sure if you got the most important one, I think I just expressed this whole thing quite badly maybe a video is necessary to really convey my point I will try that soon.
Thank you anyway for answering!
Sometimes I feel the need to reconsider the validity of social interaction as opposed to something like reading or playing video games. The benefits of interacting with friends or acquaintances are undeniable, but perhaps some require it more than others. Is it truly more important to discuss topics of common knowledge with others than to take in new information by immersing yourself in a fictional setting?
Personal satisfaction is subjective, so for myself, being alone is as fulfilling as being with friends. As a sociological experiment, we can see how I turn out when I grow up having only had a moderate level of social interaction. Your post has certainly got me thinking.
@BurnxAsxEmbers
I find your outlook refreshing. I applaud you for standing up for our status as "gamers". We shouldn't be ashamed of who we are.
Personal satisfaction is subjective, so for myself, being alone is as fulfilling as being with friends. As a sociological experiment, we can see how I turn out when I grow up having only had a moderate level of social interaction. Your post has certainly got me thinking.
@BurnxAsxEmbers
I find your outlook refreshing. I applaud you for standing up for our status as "gamers". We shouldn't be ashamed of who we are.
Interesting point but maybe reading this depressed guys book has you stuck thinking in only one direction? I mean try to look at it this way , if people turn your 'serious' game into a lol fest you may have failed with your intended goal but that ddoesn't stop people from having fun with your game right? And that has to be worth something and is somewhat unique for gaming since you can in soom degree interact with it! Anyways nice blog and some truly thought provoking and nice comments below.
@Charlie Riot
Well, I think it's very important to be around people, I mean just imagine having everything in the world, but being completely alone, that would be terrible. I think both is very important, but I also think that books are currently better at giving you something back thatn video games. But of course video games have some big potential.
@Kaggen Well I was worried that because I became sort of obsessed with this author, that I will, like you say, only think in one direction. But the thing is that I don't know this guy at all, I only know for sure that he believed in traditional values like compassion, sacrificing yourself for others, not in the dramatic heroic way, but in little unsexy ways. He also realised that there was something wrong, because people his age (shortly before he wrote Infinite Jest) commited suicide. Now since his suicide, the media has build this myth about his persona and his work. The media says that he is this tragic writer and blablabla (though his case is certainly tragic and needs to be examined) and they say that his work is very inaccesible and dark. But it isn't, yes it's dark, bleak and sad, but it's also hilarious. Infinite Jest is about something so entertaining that it kills you and his last book (it's not a novel rather a sketch, he didn't finish it) The Pale King is about the most boring world Wallace could conceive of ( I know that sounds not like a good premise for a book).
Well I still have to make up my mind about fun and entertainment to be honest, I'm not sure what to think.
Thank you very much for reading and I'm glad that this little, shitty blog post made you think!
Well, I think it's very important to be around people, I mean just imagine having everything in the world, but being completely alone, that would be terrible. I think both is very important, but I also think that books are currently better at giving you something back thatn video games. But of course video games have some big potential.
@Kaggen Well I was worried that because I became sort of obsessed with this author, that I will, like you say, only think in one direction. But the thing is that I don't know this guy at all, I only know for sure that he believed in traditional values like compassion, sacrificing yourself for others, not in the dramatic heroic way, but in little unsexy ways. He also realised that there was something wrong, because people his age (shortly before he wrote Infinite Jest) commited suicide. Now since his suicide, the media has build this myth about his persona and his work. The media says that he is this tragic writer and blablabla (though his case is certainly tragic and needs to be examined) and they say that his work is very inaccesible and dark. But it isn't, yes it's dark, bleak and sad, but it's also hilarious. Infinite Jest is about something so entertaining that it kills you and his last book (it's not a novel rather a sketch, he didn't finish it) The Pale King is about the most boring world Wallace could conceive of ( I know that sounds not like a good premise for a book).
Well I still have to make up my mind about fun and entertainment to be honest, I'm not sure what to think.
Thank you very much for reading and I'm glad that this little, shitty blog post made you think!
