Last night at 5 PM EST my grandmother passed away.
I reflected on this for quite some time and turned to video games as consolation. This is not an uncommon practice I think, as video games are a very popular escapist route. As I delved my way further into the high school life of Persona 4, I realized something. My grandmother, who recently passed, was one of the biggest enablers in my life in regards to video games.
When I was in elementary school, she would come to visit me and my brothers once a month. During said visit she would buy us one video game. Since it was largely impossible for three brothers to agree on a single game, we would take turns as to who got to pick the game. As a result I was exposed to games that I never would have chosen of my own volition (thanks for choosing Castlevania on the NES big bro, and little bro, you are welcome for Adventures of Lolo).
I further pondered that when most of us were younger, we had to rely on the adults in our life to provide us with video games, either by giving us an allowance, or by rewarding us. I know that I didn't buy my NES, Master System, Genesis, or SNES with "my own money".
My grandmother meant a lot more to me than a new video game once a month, but in the context of my hobby and this blog, my hat is off. To my parents, my grandmother, my cousin, and any adult that has enabled their kids to play video games. And if you are a parent that has kids and you are letting them game on, ha'ts off to you too.
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Its interesting how we connect with people with this hobby. Thanks for sharing!
Such a lovely tribute! Games weren't really around much when I was a kid (though my parents did buy the original PONG game for the black and white TV we had!)... but I have tried to spread the love of my hobby to my nieces and nephews. My youngest nephew seems to enjoy gaming and is appreciative of my influence, though the older one is more into books and sports. My niece just turned 6 and I got her a DS. She absolutely loves it and now all her friends want one too!
My next potential "convert" is actually my 54 year old sister in law. She came for a visit last October and while she had never touched a controller before, we had many fun evenings of playing Little Big Planet. We'll buy her a PS3 slim for Christmas and I'll be able to game once a week with her. It's nice because we can game and it saves on long distance phone calls (she lives on the other side of the country from me).
... now if I can just get her into FPS shooter games! :)
Your grandma obviously loved you very much... again, nice tribute and a nice way for others reading your blog to think about those they have spread the love of gaming to!
The games your parents and my parents bought for us really are important to how we grew up. Makes you wonder what would have happened if our parents condemned them.