Somewhat of a debate: Adults playing videogames!

[Saffron]

LOL ~karma~

 

[WDWHound]

Another loser checking in here. I play games for 5 reasons:

Stress releif - My job can be very stressful sometimes. Iworked hard for the level of responsibility I have, but sometimes the preasure gets to be too much. When that happens, I usually go home, fire up Halo on my PC and take on some other guys over the web. It helps me work off the stress.

Intellectual challenge - Believe it or not, some games are very challenging intellectually. I'm not talking about the shooters, but rather games like Civilization where you must take a wandering tribe and build them into a Civilization capable of space travel while simultaniously managing their resources, scientific research, political system, eduational priorities, international relations. food production and a host of other aspects required for a modern civilization to grow and thrive. Now theres a game that will make you think.

Entertainment - Adventure games frequently have writing and a story that exceeds what we get on TV these days. The first Gabriel Knight game was as well written as most movies I have seen.

Escapism - A well designed game can take you to another place in much the same way Disney World does. Anyone who has played Mist knows what I am talking about. As my sister said of that game, its like you are visiting a whole new world. And anyone who loves amusment parks will find the hours flying by when playing Roller Coaster Tycoon. Imagine being able to build and manage your own theme park. This is quite possibly the most addictive game ever written.

Education - MS Flight Simlator 2003 allows me to stay current on my flying skills and learn new ones, even though I can't afford to fly real planes much anymore. My mom uses her copy of Bridge Baron to replay hands from national bridge tournaments and improve her skills.

In short, anyone who thinks gamers are losers has never seriously tried gaming. There is a type of game for every taste and talent. From puzzle solving, exploring a new world, building a civilization or simply killing the monsters and getting the treasure, there is something in gaming for any adult.

Thinking gaming is just for kids is like thinking animation is just for children (which many people do). Both opinions are formed from inaccurate preconceptions. Maybe someone could explain to me how someone could have such a poor opinion of gamers, because I just don't get it.

 

[lucky_bunni]

I think they are fine as long as you don't play them day and night endlessly. That can get a little annoying. My favorite system is PS2, but I'll only rent a game every few months and play. I didn't really get into video games until the PS1 came out, because the graphics and features were realistic enough to interest me.

DBF bought us a pair of GBA SPs a few months ago and those are a ton of fun. The are so accessible, and the games are fun because they aren't too complex. It's nice too because it plays every kind of GB game, even the old ones. I've bought a ton used and new games off eBay for next to nothing.

I also love to play the Sims. I love downloading unique stuff for my houses, and that can get addictive. But like most VGs I get bored after a few days and the games go away for weeks or months. I'm really a movie person and most days I'd watch a film before playing a VG. I don't think VG players are losers, it's just another form of relaxing entertainment.

 

[BrerMom]

Originally posted by Disney01
My husband has never even looked at a videogame once he outgrew adolescence and neither have I. I just don't get the attraction that a video game would have for an adult. Whenever I hear of an adult playing one, I figuratively make the sign of an 'L' on my forehead. (Loser).

This part of your quote just seemed really inflamatory to me. An adult makes a different choice for spending their free time than you and they're a loser? Don't think so. It's not like it's a question of immorality. I don't get into the games, but I DIS. Am I a loser? And then there are so many people that think once they've "outgrown adolescence" and graduated that they never have to read a book again, too.

I wonder if there's a videogame available in Norway?

 

[02bBarbie]

for fun and jollies I just researched some of your past threads. Pardon me disney01 for saying this, but you strikes me as a wee bit judgmental about other people's lifestyle choices...does this make you feel better about yourself?

 

[WDWLVR]

Originally posted by ToriLammy
And there are some folks who can't understand the attraction of a place such as the DIS (my DH for example). To those folks they too could put an L on their forehead to describe folks who visit chat boards. To each own I say, unless it becomes an obsession each person should be allowed to spend their leisure time the way they feel comfortable or enjoy

I agree with Tori. DH plays a number of them. He does online Nascar racing at least one night a week. He also has played an Army game with some online pals and plays his Gameboy from time to time.

He does it to relax. Others might go out for drinks to relax. We don't drink. Others may go dancing to relax. We don't really dance much. If he gets enjoyment out of it (which he does) and it doesn't interfere with other things around the house (which it doesn't) then its fine with me.

There are much worse hobbies he could have.

 

[Tantorini]

well my husband must be the KING of the losers then... since he's a senior software engineer - for video games!...

but I say "good on you!" he found a way to make quite a nice living from his hobby..

and the best part... since he "plays" all day.. he doesn't play at home..

to me that's brilliant.. not "loser"

 

[jrydberg]

I play video games (mostly on the computer). After my 6 year old daughter goes to bed, there really aren't that many things I can do (since I obviously can't go out). Sometimes I watch TV, sometimes I read, sometimes I play on the computer. While it certainly adds to my geek factor, I don't see any harm in it.

 

[LScot]

Hey Saffron--my sister watches the weather channel all the time. Just call her if you need to know the weather somewhere! LOL

I used to be addicted to Nintendo until I found the DIS! My 67yo mom will play video games until 2 am!! (What a loser! )

I will hardly miss a televised WNBA game--I schedule everything around it if possible. What a loser!

My DH doesn't miss a college football game. He's been known to use a day of vacation for a small town football game. What a loser!

I just think you shouldn't make quick judgements about how people spend their leisure time.

 

[jeleebeene]

I am proud to say that I enjoy playing video games - on the Xbox and on the computer.

I love having to use problem solving skills to get through a game - makes it that much more fun for me.

I could sit and play Tetris for hours - I don't - but I just love to sit and try to see how fast I can get it going.

I also love Simpson's Road Rage and LOTR games. BIG stress reliever for me, as well.