Video Games - good or evil? (RPG, genre, Creed, Action)

[Radek]

Originally Posted by cpg35223

You know, it's all a question of degree.

If you play 1-2 hours a week after your chores are done and your homework is complete, hey no problem.

If you play 1-2 hours a day and your chores aren't done and your homework isn't complete, then it's a problem.

And if you're an adult and you play daily, you have serious emotional problems. I've never seen an adult gamer who wasn't the social equivalent of a thalidomide child.

What's more, any parent who allows their child to plug into these things as part of the regular daily routine should be horsewhipped.

I play 4-6 hours a day over the last two weeks.
I have not missed work.
I have not missed class.
I have not forgotten to eat, sleep or do other vital tasks.
I'm far from socially retarded, since I've been doing so with 1-7 of my close friends, depending on when our schedules work.

So, we're all socially retarded? Or, does your definition of adult mean people who are over 22?

There is nothing wrong with people playing video games. Any video game. The issues come when someone isn't able to grasp the difference between real life and a video game, and that is an issue with that person, and not a societal issue. I have yet to hear of a news story where an ADULT credits GTA or Metal Gear Solid for taking a gun and killing someone. I have heard multiple stories where kids try to fly, or do various other things that are unrealistic due to comic books or tv shows.



And, video games, and the massively multiplayer online games (MMOs) are an entirely different ballpark, as they forge 'fake' relationships that allow people to exclude those that are physically around us, and we all need physical interaction. A video game however, as many people have come to experience with the Wii, is a way for friends to hang out and play.

The Wii is doing a great job of bridging the gap of video games to the masses. Hopefully with that system, more people will come to understand the reason why us gamers enjoy this time spent.

Also, single player is a great way for those of us that are introverts to relax, either absorb ourselves in a puzzle or a challenge... or to just absorb ourselves in mindless destruction. Its just a simple way for us to take care of ourselves.

[Rita Mordio]

The best part about true adult gamers is that we have mastered being ourselves without having to make face. We can have fun without worrying about what the neighbors think. We can also be mature adults when the need arises.

And as stated on another thread - most of us know that in real life, we can't solve our problems by whipping out a 5-foot sword and a pistol... then demolishing everything in our path.

[cpg35223]

Originally Posted by Radek

I play 4-6 hours a day over the last two weeks.
I have not missed work.
I have not missed class.
I have not forgotten to eat, sleep or do other vital tasks.
I'm far from socially retarded, since I've been doing so with 1-7 of my close friends, depending on when our schedules work.

So, we're all socially retarded? Or, does your definition of adult mean people who are over 22?

There is nothing wrong with people playing video games. Any video game. The issues come when someone isn't able to grasp the difference between real life and a video game, and that is an issue with that person, and not a societal issue. I have yet to hear of a news story where an ADULT credits GTA or Metal Gear Solid for taking a gun and killing someone. I have heard multiple stories where kids try to fly, or do various other things that are unrealistic due to comic books or tv shows.



And, video games, and the massively multiplayer online games (MMOs) are an entirely different ballpark, as they forge 'fake' relationships that allow people to exclude those that are physically around us, and we all need physical interaction. A video game however, as many people have come to experience with the Wii, is a way for friends to hang out and play.

The Wii is doing a great job of bridging the gap of video games to the masses. Hopefully with that system, more people will come to understand the reason why us gamers enjoy this time spent.

Also, single player is a great way for those of us that are introverts to relax, either absorb ourselves in a puzzle or a challenge... or to just absorb ourselves in mindless destruction. Its just a simple way for us to take care of ourselves.

Rationalization is the first sign of addiction, you realize.

Let's see. You're playing 4-6 hours A DAY and you're asking me about social retardation? You're investing 4-6 hours a day interacting with a computer playing games. So from 5 pm to 9 or 11 pm, you've got your hand on a joystick, zapping alien invaders and the whatnot.

4-6 hours a day that you could be making friends, reading a book, putting in a little extra effort on the job or your studies, learning a meaningful hobby, watching something decent on television, learning a musical instrument, calling a loved one, taking a nice hike, getting some exercise, seeing a movie or a concert, and you're sitting there telling me that you don't have a problem? You'd rather sit at home and play Doom approximately 25-40% of your waking hours.

Man. Life is a banquet, and you're starving to death.

[jfre81]

Originally Posted by cpg35223

So from 5 pm to 9 or 11 pm, you've got your hand on a joystick, zapping alien invaders and the whatnot.

I know, that's four hours we could be joining the Neanderthals in the Immigration forum here talking about "zapping alien invaders" at the border.

4-6 hours a day that you could be making friends...

I'm friends with Solid Snake. He sends me postcards from his missions. And I've eaten mushrooms with Mario. I know they sure made me feel bigger.

[Radek]

Originally Posted by Kuharai

most of us know that in real life, we can't solve our problems by whipping out a 5-foot sword and a pistol... then demolishing everything in our path.

Says YOU!

[Radek]

Originally Posted by cpg35223

Rationalization is the first sign of addiction, you realize.

Let's see. You're playing 4-6 hours A DAY and you're asking me about social retardation? You're investing 4-6 hours a day interacting with a computer playing games. So from 5 pm to 9 or 11 pm, you've got your hand on a joystick, zapping alien invaders and the whatnot.

4-6 hours a day that you could be making friends
I play these games WITH my friends. Why do I need to make more?
, reading a book
I spent 3+ hours already today reading The Shining Ones By: David Eddings, and I will probably put in a good 15-30mins before I fall asleep.
, putting in a little extra effort on the job
My current job is a weekend only affair, and I have plenty of time at work to increase my skills and to further my training. Its actually mostly what they pay me to do.
or your studies
I'm taking one course right now and have an A in it without the curve that'll arrive at the end of the semester. What exactly do I need to put extra effort into?
, learning a meaningful hobby
Whats meaningful?? This is such an arbitrary word that is indefinable on a general level. Meaningful is basically, "that which has meaning" For some that means persecuting blacks and jews. Thats meaningful for them. MY hobbies don't harm others and in fact bring enjoyment to those around me without harm to others. I'd say thats meaningful.
, watching something decent on television
This is a joke. In addition, while we're playing we often have a movie running, a tv show or music in the background. I am never so wholly absorbed in one thing to the exclusion of others. Also, decent? TV? Please.
, learning a musical instrument
I have no rhythm, but despite that I do sing upon occasion and if the option to be in the choir presented itself, I'd join. However, my inability to enroll in that course has continually come from course or work conflicts rather than my leisure activities.
, calling a loved one
I talk to my family thats 700 miles away at least weekly, and for a 20 yr old college student thats self sufficient (absenting the dues of edumacation), I think I'm well above the average. Of course, I think the average is a little low.. but Im comfortable with my level of interaction, and since I'm generally the one calling them... I'm assuming they are too.
, taking a nice hike
Its snowing right now. When the weather was 75+ degrees, I did take hikes, and will continue to do so as the weather improves.
, getting some exercise
See above. And as a part-time student, I don't have access to the gym.
, seeing a movie or a concert
Saw forbidden kingdom on Friday. No concerts around that I could get tickets for (ticket opening times conflicted with work), that I'd want to see.

Edit: My friend reminds me that we entered through the "door which is no door"

, and you're sitting there telling me that you don't have a problem? You'd rather sit at home and play Doom approximately 25-40% of your waking hours.
Not Doom, not a good multiplayer. But, Age of Empires 2? Certainly.

Man. Life is a banquet, and you're starving to death.

Starving? Hardly. I lead a fulfilling life. Many people are not aware of the things we can gleam for scant interactions with others. For instance, what we express to others in a direct conversation is something along the lines of 7% the words we use, 38% the tone, or how we express it... and 55% in our direct body language.

The tone and words, make 45% of the information expressed. The other 55% are physical cues that we barely even recognize. My point in this is that are a myriad of things that are absolutely foreign to us. Things we do in day to day life that we are completely unaware as to the significance, benefit and indeed harm that become of it.

How can anyone say that my playing video games with my friends, and going on the occasional hike, working my job and going to class are detrimental to my life except for me? How can anyone say that I'm not fulfilling some deep seated need by this interaction that is left unfilled by others?

I'm not stating my life is perfect. I'm stating that I am content with my life as it is, and the absence of a girlfriend from this entire post has entirely to do with my inability to get over past relationships than a 'social retardation' as a result of playing video games.

[austinsmom]

Originally Posted by Radek

Starving? Hardly. I lead a fulfilling life. Many people are not aware of the things we can gleam for scant interactions with others. For instance, what we express to others in a direct conversation is something along the lines of 7% the words we use, 38% the tone, or how we express it... and 55% in our direct body language.

The tone and words, make 45% of the information expressed. The other 55% are physical cues that we barely even recognize. My point in this is that are a myriad of things that are absolutely foreign to us. Things we do in day to day life that we are completely unaware as to the significance, benefit and indeed harm that become of it.

How can anyone say that my playing video games with my friends, and going on the occasional hike, working my job and going to class are detrimental to my life except for me? How can anyone say that I'm not fulfilling some deep seated need by this interaction that is left unfilled by others?

I'm not stating my life is perfect. I'm stating that I am content with my life as it is, and the absence of a girlfriend from this entire post has entirely to do with my inability to get over past relationships than a 'social retardation' as a result of playing video games.

Great response but give up trying to explain anything to people who are determined to believe video games are all bad. My husband has played video games since he was a kid and has played them since we met 12 years ago. He plays sports games and some combat games and he plays online with friends from work. He works odd hours and can't sleep when he gets home so he plays online. He can't exactly do much when our son and I are sleeping can he? Not everyone enjoys reading, going to concerts, blah, blah, blah. It's all about choice. If people spent more time worrying about their own lives instead of what others are doing, they might get more done

[cpg35223]

Originally Posted by Radek

Starving? Hardly. I lead a fulfilling life. Many people are not aware of the things we can gleam for scant interactions with others. For instance, what we express to others in a direct conversation is something along the lines of 7% the words we use, 38% the tone, or how we express it... and 55% in our direct body language.

The tone and words, make 45% of the information expressed. The other 55% are physical cues that we barely even recognize. My point in this is that are a myriad of things that are absolutely foreign to us. Things we do in day to day life that we are completely unaware as to the significance, benefit and indeed harm that become of it.

How can anyone say that my playing video games with my friends, and going on the occasional hike, working my job and going to class are detrimental to my life except for me? How can anyone say that I'm not fulfilling some deep seated need by this interaction that is left unfilled by others?

I'm not stating my life is perfect. I'm stating that I am content with my life as it is, and the absence of a girlfriend from this entire post has entirely to do with my inability to get over past relationships than a 'social retardation' as a result of playing video games.

Yeah, yeah. Heard it all before. I know rationalizing when I hear it.

Look. It boils down to this.

One day, maybe five years, twenty years, or forty years from now, you're going to look up and say to yourself, "Oh My God. I threw away the best years of my youth playing video games. What the heck was I thinking?"

I know from personal experience. Because thirty years ago, I ran with a similar crowd. We spent all our time playing Role Playing Games and computer games. That was it. That was our lives. Suddenly, when I was nineteen, I looked up and said, "Whoa. This is no way to live." So I quit cold turkey and got on with my life.

And my friends? Without exception, they're still playing those games every night. The lucky ones got married and quickly divorced again, because their wives got tired of their husbands who only thought of games all the time. None of them could keep a decent job. Two, last time I heard, still lived with their poor parents. In short, life passed them by because they allowed this dumb hobby of theirs to take over their lives. Kind of like what you've just described.

When you do wake up and see that you squandered your best years staring at a computer game, please remember this post. Because I tried to warn you.

[b. frank]

I wonder how many hours one can spend being needlessly judgemental of other people before it becomes an addiction. Hmmm...

[Rita Mordio]

Originally Posted by cpg35223

The lucky ones got married and quickly divorced again, because their wives got tired of their husbands who only thought of games all the time. None of them could keep a decent job. Two, last time I heard, still lived with their poor parents. In short, life passed them by because they allowed this dumb hobby of theirs to take over their lives. Kind of like what you've just described.

Geesh, then these guys obviously looked for the wrong women. My husband and I are perfectly happy playing our video games together. In fact, because it is because of video games (and anime) that we met and fell in love. We moved out of our parents' place when I was 19 and he was 20. A year (and a few months) later, at 21, we're looking at purchasing a house.

I've got a job as a programmer and he's a manager of a restaurant. Hm.

Oh, and as for playing. We both get about 1-2 hours a day on weekdays... and about 3-6 hours on weekends. Even our daugher, almost 2, loves playing Duck Hunt and such games on her NES. Currently, I'm about to finish Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core and he's playing Assassin's Creed on the PS3.

Video Gaming is just like any other hobby.

But back to the original topic - nothing can be said about video game (even an addiction thereof) that cannot be said about other hobbies that are "perfectly normal". Video Games do not cause obesity.

Video Games cannot be evil because they are inanimate objects.