Video Games

[muscleman]

After all these years I'm still struggling to figure out the exact effects of video games on a person's life. Let me explain.

I realize that watching tv/playing video games is a waste of time. Outside of some stuff on the Discovery and History channels, I haven't learned jack from television - ever. I used to watch a lot of cartoons as a kid and eventually moved on to movies (once we got premium channels) and a few reality shows. Then I lost interest in TV. I've had an ongoing battle with video game addiction since my teen years. I haven't learned sh!t from any of them. Hand-eye coordination and reflexes in a virtual environment aren't really "lifelong skills". I've been able to limit myself to no more than an hour or two a day, but even then I don't feel right playing. It's like .. when I'm not playing, I want to. But when I am, I feel like I'm wasting my time. And yes I have other hobbies, but they still feel like work.

I also want to discuss video games as they relate to becoming the "image" of a "real man". To put it bluntly (and I know opinions will differ), "do real men play video games?" I believe it does affect you as a person, though I still can't figure out exactly how.

Now, I'm not talking about the extreme - grown kid living in parent's basement eating cheetos and playing games all day. I mean someone who's already out there on their own, has other hobbies, etc. Basically someone who's already making a life for themselves. I'm rarely finding time to play games anymore (and I don't watch tv at all), but sometimes the opportunity is there. I just have a hard time deciding, internally, whether to have some of that instant gratification and be done with it or try to be 100% productive all day, every day. And I don't necessarily mean working when I say productive, I just mean doing something that'll have a lasting positive effect.

One constant scenario keeps popping up in my head. If when I'm single on weekedays I work, come home, eat, go to the gym, then come home, maybe play around with my personal business/hobby, then have maybe 1-2 hours before bed of time to do whatever. Then if I spent those 1-2 hours playing games (even though I've been productive most of the day), will I still feel like I've been wasting my time? Also, what if things went really well with a girl and we moved in together. Those couple hours a day would now be dedicated to her. So no more time for games ... ever. Take that one step further to marriage. And having kids. Time for it?

I went to school with a middle aged married guy who had a couple kids, yet he would still find time to invite some friends over to play his 360. Everyone else in my class played video games too.

This whole thing is a struggle and I'd like to know the thoughts/opinions/experiences of others in relation to this. Substitute TV for video games if that's more your thing.

 

[Francisco d'Anconia]

It sounds like you need more substance to your life and you're becoming bored with videogames and/or the predictable nature of your schedule. Here's a question for 'ya, what is the purpose of your life? Once you find out, you'll find that you'll feel more complete if your efforts work toward that purpose.

 

[Maxtro]

There is nothing wrong with video game in moderation. Video games are only a problem when a young guy 12-early 20's spends most of his waking hours playing the damn things.

Growing up I spent way to much time playing video games instead of having friends and playing sports or doing other useful things.

They are fine if you have an hour of downtime or something but anymore is pushing it.

 

[DonRaul]

Listen to Maxtro.

I am quite addicted to the VG scene as well. Heck I spend half my day reading gaming forums just to see how the the console wars are doing. Yes gaming can get out of hand but it isn't necessarily bad. Games do provide skills beyond hand eye coordination like critical thinking, problem solving, and even helping improve your technical skills. Also, following the gaming scene and contributing helps your communication skills as you learn how to get your message across.

One other benefit of gaming is that it can help you with women. It gives you something to do as you avoid calling your girlfriend 24/7, an interest besides girls helps a great deal. I say if you love games, try to get out there in the gaming community or play live with friends. Don't be a loner, as little is gained from being on the couch all day by yourself.

 

[Skel]

If someone plays video games in their off time that is fine.

If someone schedules social aspects of their life around video games you have a problem.

 

[muscleman]

Listen to Maxtro.

I am quite addicted to the VG scene as well. Heck I spend half my day reading gaming forums just to see how the the console wars are doing. Yes gaming can get out of hand but it isn't necessarily bad. Games do provide skills beyond hand eye coordination like critical thinking, problem solving, and even helping improve your technical skills. Also, following the gaming scene and contributing helps your communication skills as you learn how to get your message across.

One other benefit of gaming is that it can help you with women. It gives you something to do as you avoid calling your girlfriend 24/7, an interest besides girls helps a great deal. I say if you love games, try to get out there in the gaming community or play live with friends. Don't be a loner, as little is gained from being on the couch all day by yourself.

Here's the thing. Skills like critical thinking, problem solving, improving technical skills .. video games don't hold a monopoly or even an edge on. In fact, I can't think of a single video game that's better for developing some skill (any skill you name) than something not video game related.

The other point you brought up is "having an interest besides girls" and that video games give you something to do to avoid calling your gf 24/7. If you restructure that sentence, you're saying that if you didn't play video games, you'd be calling your gf 24/7. I wholeheartedly agree that you should have other interests, but video games take time (some more than others) which could be spent on any number of other interests.

Take a look a few years back at games you've played that you're no longer playing. Take a look at all the time you invested in them and ask yourself this: have they made my life any better now? In other words, what have you gained (if anything)? How have you matured and improved as a person based on the time spent playing those games?

You must be a chick. Last time I checked I was a 'REAL MAN' and I really enjoyed playing games, I only wish I had an XBOX360.
Tell me in your opinion, what a REAL MAN is?
Christ I hate when people say that kinda ****... More than likely this is some bullsh1t idea you heard from some insecure asshvle who is trying to play up to what Hollywood has manufactured and spit out as 'THE REAL MAN'. REAL MEN play sports, REAL MEN goto bars, REAL MEN puff their chests out and goto the gym all day, REAL MEN goto work to support their wives, REAL MEN go climb mountains and fight wars. REAL MEN are out there nailing every woman they can find. Blah blah blah... fvck that. REAL MEN don't care what other MEN think about their hobbies. I've yet to meet a REAL MAN who doesn't enjoy video games. Don't let other people tell you how to live your life.

Some of the best *DJ's* I know THE BEST... I'm not talking 'sosuave, trying to teach myself how to pick up women guys', I mean guys who have no idea what 'THE GAME' is and yet are getting laid effortlessly, these same guys LOVE video games, Magic Cards & D&D.

Need a SOCIAL game.. try D&D.. you need at least 4 to 6 people to run a fun game.

I can't tell you what a real man is, I don't think anyone can. But a penis does not make you man. Everyone has their own schemas. Hollywood may spew a ton of crap, but it's not all without substance. As far as developing a definition though, it helps to think about a male's role in the world. What are you strengths, what are your weaknesses, and in what ways do you complement women. However I do believe men and women each seek some very basic things in the other from the beginning of time. It's beyond the discussion at hand but I wrote about it here: http://www.sosuave.net/forum/showthread.php?t=132386

As for getting pvssy, try to look beyond that. When I joined this community a couple years ago under a different alias I had big problems getting girls. Since then a lot has changed and let me tell you, even the most broke, fake ass loser can get laid. It's sad how people want to believe so things so bad that they're so easily mislead. It's why pickup lines and all those techniques you read about work .. for some. It's all fake, it's all BS, but it doesn't take much to get some. Getting laid, once you have the basics, is child's play. It's really not hard. I guess it depends on your definition of a DJ then - if quantifiable by how many girls you've slept with, then we don't share the same ideas.

But let me ask you a couple things.

1) If you walked up to a girl and asked her what her dream man's characteristics were, would "he plays video games" be one of them? Plain and simple. Would it? Bar the trivial exceptions - I'm talking on the whole. If you don't believe me, go ask 10 girls you know (if you know 10 girls) and see if they mention it.

2) If you have a male role model, or at least a type you look up to (whether it be your father, a historical figure, maybe an actor in a movie who played a "badass" role), do you think they play video games (or would if they existed at the time)?

And a social video game is an oxymoron. By default their purpose is to alienate you from reality. Playing Halo 3 with friends, playing a game online by yourself even "with" other people ... it's still not the same as a direct person to person interaction. It never will be.

 

[Ace of Flames]

Playing a video game is just like reading a book, only interactive. It takes your imagination to new places and you get to experience things you'd never be able to do in real life.

It really depends on the type of game you play though. I absolutely despise shooters, it seems like that's all there is anymore. You just aim and shoot, its stupid. Sports games are retarded, go outside and play for real. Racing games? Hold down the gas and steer. Fighting games? Most people play them by just mashing buttons.

I mainly play RPGs, and they usually have very deep, engrossing stories that will draw you in and last much longer than any book or movie. I will confidently say that playing RPGs has helped me with reading comprehension and building a larger vocabulary, and well as critical thinking and understanding skills. You have to pay close attention to really 'get' what's going on sometimes, and that makes you a good listener. I also think its important to have a healthy imagination, and RPGs are full of fantasy and folklore and the mystical and enchanting. They commonly have a much more intricate theme or message than it would seem at first glance.


Anyway, video games are becoming just as much of a viable media as TV, movies, and books are. Like anything in life, if you indulge yourself with it too much, its not good for you. Keep it in moderation, and I don't see why anyone should make fun of you or look down on you for it.

 

[KarmaSutra]

You must be a chick. Last time I checked I was a 'REAL MAN' and I really enjoyed playing games, I only wish I had an XBOX360.
Tell me in your opinion, what a REAL MAN is?
Christ I hate when people say that kinda ****... More than likely this is some bullsh1t idea you heard from some insecure asshvle who is trying to play up to what Hollywood has manufactured and spit out as 'THE REAL MAN'. REAL MEN play sports, REAL MEN goto bars, REAL MEN puff their chests out and goto the gym all day, REAL MEN goto work to support their wives, REAL MEN go climb mountains and fight wars. REAL MEN are out there nailing every woman they can find. Blah blah blah... fvck that. REAL MEN don't care what other MEN think about their hobbies. I've yet to meet a REAL MAN who doesn't enjoy video games. Don't let other people tell you how to live your life.

Some of the best *DJ's* I know THE BEST... I'm not talking 'sosuave, trying to teach myself how to pick up women guys', I mean guys who have no idea what 'THE GAME' is and yet are getting laid effortlessly, these same guys LOVE video games, Magic Cards & D&D.

Need a SOCIAL game.. try D&D.. you need at least 4 to 6 people to run a fun game.

Yep. What this brother is screaming . . .

 

[Craig_87]

Jibb the gaming.......only use it rarely.....fill your time with something better...like guitar or another instrument...not only will you use your time creatively..it'll improve your game as well (no pun intended).

Best decision ive ever mad...im in my second year at university, ive left my playstation at home, with no intention of ever buying any new consoles..I feel ive become too mature for such a waste of time..

 

[WesCottII]

My dad threw away my playstation after my 18th birthday. A year later, I decided that I'd set it up again, and buy some new games. I got to the supermarket and had a look at the games.

Heres the kicker, after a year of not playing, I had no desire to blow £30 on a game, nor any desire to spend a few days playing it. I hated my dad at the time, but he did me a favour.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying playing VG's are a bad thing, but to me, it's instant gratification Vs long term gain. Yes, hitting the gym is harder than flipping a switch, but it's so much less satisfying in the long run. I can honestly see no future use for being brilliant at Halo or whatever, but having a great body? It's a no-brainer.

 

[Bvbidd]

I'm a gamer some of my friend's are huge gamers, some have trouble with girls and others have no problems at all and usually have a girlfriend most of the time. As long as you maintain a social life, what you do when your bored shouldn't matter.

 

[Rex Man]

First off, some people here need to stop thinking in either/or terms. "Flipping a switch vs. going to the gym?" I do both!

Muscleman - You're too worried about other peoples perceptions. Let me tell you something, everybody needs some kind of recreation. Some read books, some paint, others watch CSI, if you like video games, play them. It's not hurting you and its being 'productive' by giving you a rest and making you more productive when it's time to work. Ask managers on the whole break philosophy, I go to school for this sh!t.

Ace of Flames - I like RPG's as well but it's rather dumb to put down other genres

You just aim and shoot, its stupid. Sports games are retarded, go outside and play for real. Racing games? Hold down the gas and steer. Fighting games? Most people play them by just mashing buttons.

You sound just like the opponents of games. FPS are popular mainly because of the multiplayer. Also, they can tell deep stories as well (Bioshock). Sports lets you play in the NBA, NFL, etc....something not realistic for the vast majority......racing......you get the point

I could argue that rpgs (traditional) are stupid because your party just stands there and waits to get hit. But I get it because I play them. Point is, just like other multimedia, there's something for everyone.

But I'm out!

 

[WesCottII]

Never mind.

 

[Punisha]

I'm a gamer some of my friend's are huge gamers, some have trouble with girls and others have no problems at all and usually have a girlfriend most of the time. As long as you maintain a social life, what you do when your bored shouldn't matter.

This dude here said everything.I used to play WoW between 5 to 10 hours a day.yeah its a lot of ''wasted time''.Could i have used that time better?maybe.Would i do it again if i could go back in time?hell yeah.Did i learn anything from it?yes i did.my english improved a lot,i learned some italian and german words and i had fun. And i had a GF,lots of friends(males and females) and still had a social life.
Videogames rule all =)

 

[Ace of Flames]

You sound just like the opponents of games. FPS are popular mainly because of the multiplayer. Also, they can tell deep stories as well (Bioshock). Sports lets you play in the NBA, NFL, etc....something not realistic for the vast majority......racing......you get the point

Don't get me wrong, I like other genres too. I'm dying for Super Smash Bros. Brawl to come out, and that's a fighting game. I can dig a racing game now and then, and I also enjoy platformers and adventure games. Its just that it would have dulled my point about RPGs if I went on about the other genres.

 

[Chase12]

musclemen ur retarded..

Who cares if u play video games sometimes when u got nuthing else to do... as long as u dont put them b4 ur social life (im sorry i cant make it to the party bro.. i gotta stay and farm some gold in wow till 3 am).. I rarely play on the weekends (except maybe sundays) since i gotta stuff to do but its fine.. no1s gonna think ur a nerd cuz u touched a videogame.. almost every jock in my school or "popular" kid plays ps2 or some shiet

atm im suspended from school so all i can do is play videogames all day.. and im bored as hell.. but its still better than school

 

[muscleman]

musclemen ur retarded..

Who cares if u play video games sometimes when u got nuthing else to do... as long as u dont put them b4 ur social life (im sorry i cant make it to the party bro.. i gotta stay and farm some gold in wow till 3 am).. I rarely play on the weekends (except maybe sundays) since i gotta stuff to do but its fine.. no1s gonna think ur a nerd cuz u touched a videogame.. almost every jock in my school or "popular" kid plays ps2 or some shiet

atm im suspended from school so all i can do is play videogames all day.. and im bored as hell.. but its still better than school

Suspended from school ... calling someone retarded ... poor grammar. Perhaps I should request everyone to post their age when they respond. A lot of gaming does, after all, have to do with phases (much more gaming in high school than college, more in college than in real life after). At least that way the discussions might make more sense.

 

[DonRaul]

Here's the thing. Skills like critical thinking, problem solving, improving technical skills .. video games don't hold a monopoly or even an edge on. In fact, I can't think of a single video game that's better for developing some skill (any skill you name) than something not video game related.

I know two friends who came from South America who are extremely thankful to video games because they learned English much quicker than they would have had they just followed their school work. I myself have learned a great deal from games from history to expanding my vocabulary and problem solving skills. Are there other activities better at this? Yes but perhaps they are not as easy to get into and fun to do.

The other point you brought up is "having an interest besides girls" and that video games give you something to do to avoid calling your gf 24/7. If you restructure that sentence, you're saying that if you didn't play video games, you'd be calling your gf 24/7. I wholeheartedly agree that you should have other interests, but video games take time (some more than others) which could be spent on any number of other interests.

Well this is just like reading a book or watching TV. Is a peaceful activity that you can do while you take a break from everyday life. Sort of what you are doing here in this forum.

Take a look a few years back at games you've played that you're no longer playing. Take a look at all the time you invested in them and ask yourself this: have they made my life any better now? In other words, what have you gained (if anything)? How have you matured and improved as a person based on the time spent playing those games?

I spent over 100+ hours in Final Fantasy 7 and even more hours on Age of Empire. My critical reading skills were way above most students at my school thanks to you guessed it, RPGs like FF7. My computer technical skills were also extremely improved by playing Age of Empires. The speed at which I operate a PC is way above average. Even now My mouse sensitivity is set to max. I even realized I wanted to be a software developer for a living during those years. I now make over 100k at an Investment bank as a Software Developer all thanks to what? yep u guess it, Video Games.

BTW PS3 >>>>>>>>> 360. (> mean greater than)
Blu-Ray FTW!

 

[SayWord?]

quit hating on videogames

 

[Crazy Asian]

oh man, i feel ya dude.

i used to be a serious gamer.

but ever since i quit, it hurts so much to look back on the skills i've lost.... all the training and practices and scrims i've played.....all for nothing.

i look at my life right now, and i honestly don't think it was worth giving up. I mean i needed to cut back, but i regret not playing AT ALL.