Hi,
do you think that playing computer games and getting immersed in to that culture/world, including massive multiplier games, is a waste of life?

I mean, just like in some sci fi films people are hooked up to a system and spend large portions of their lives in virtual worlds, not getting a hang of the more real reality.

What implications does that have on our society?

Personally I think nothing beats the more real world experiences. Going out, having experiences, then meeting with other people/travelers in pubs/taverns/tea houses, getting to know each other, discussing the world and those experiences.

The adventure is out there for everyone, yet so many are so lazy that thei better miss it and have an illusion, a faint suggestion rather than the real thing.
I think it's unfortunate and I'm sorry for all the people playing and stuck in World of Warcraft.

no i dont think so, if you spend all your time on them then they can be a problem, but i dont think wasting a bit of time on a game is wrong

Yes, but why play pretend when you have an option to really participate in something, anything and have real experiences that can shape your life, future, personality?

Yes, but why play pretend when you have an option to really participate in something, anything and have real experiences that can shape your life, future, personality?

how many times in your real life can you shoot aliens and die and come back?

You can't play shit when you're dead.

Playing games is fun. But like all things, some will take it too far and waste their life on it, in the same way people watch shit TV for 14hrs a day.

I think you can definately take it too far, especially with games like World of Warcraft. Anything more than an hour or two a day every day is, IMO, getting too caught up in it.

From what you've said I'd guess you're an extroverted person, you like going out and meeting new people and social situations in general. But not everyone is like that, lots of people are more introverted and would rather read a book or work on a hobby or paint or what have you. For these people such activities are just as rewarding as a social situation would be for an extrovert. It may seem like they're missing out on life, but if they enjoy their life what difference does it make?

I'm like that, I go out a few times a week with friends and meet new people, but sometimes it's more rewarding for me to just relax with a good book or spend some time programming. Or even just to waste some time playing games now and then. We have about 80 years of life, it's never a waste to spend a few hours here and there doing something you enjoy.

I think you can definately take it too far, especially with games like World of Warcraft. Anything more than an hour or two a day every day is, IMO, getting too caught up in it.

From what you've said I'd guess you're an extroverted person, you like going out and meeting new people and social situations in general. But not everyone is like that, lots of people are more introverted and would rather read a book or work on a hobby or paint or what have you. For these people such activities are just as rewarding as a social situation would be for an extrovert. It may seem like they're missing out on life, but if they enjoy their life what difference does it make?

I'm like that, I go out a few times a week with friends and meet new people, but sometimes it's more rewarding for me to just relax with a good book or spend some time programming. Or even just to waste some time playing games now and then. We have about 80 years of life, it's never a waste to spend a few hours here and there doing something you enjoy.

i agree with you on world of warcraft i had someone living with me who neglected work, looking after himself to play on it all day, so i kicked him out, no electricity on the street to feed his habit

I think you can definately take it too far, especially with games like World of Warcraft. Anything more than an hour or two a day every day is, IMO, getting too caught up in it.


Why has nobody brought up the "it's soul-crushingly boring after you get a 60th level character or two" angle?

Yes, but why play pretend when you have an option to really participate in something, anything and have real experiences that can shape your life, future, personality?

Because in God of War, I can tear people's hearts out and kill kracken. I really can't do that in everyday life.

Besides, I more like tabletop rpgs - grab some beers, slay some elves, spend a few hours bullshitting. I don't see how that's any less social than, say, trying to scream a conversation at another person in a bar.

I was an introverted person for many years, so I can relate, and I still spend a lot of time reading, but on these online games people interact, socialise and go on adventures, but the quality of such experiences is far, far less than what you can get for real.

You say, where in real life can you go hunting aliens, but they're not aliens in the computer screen either, they're just moving pixels and some programming behind them. And you do not hunt, you push a button on a quite harmless device.
Instead go in to the wild with a bow or a photo camera, search and explore and the intensity of the experience will be much higher than any 3D game effects. And you don't have to be an extrovert person for that, go solitary.

And get mud on my shoes! Eek!

Why has nobody brought up the "it's soul-crushingly boring after you get a 60th level character or two" angle?



Because in God of War, I can tear people's hearts out and kill kracken. I really can't do that in everyday life.

Besides, I more like tabletop rpgs - grab some beers, slay some elves, spend a few hours bullshitting. I don't see how that's any less social than, say, trying to scream a conversation at another person in a bar.

we have the burning crusade now, and you can get to lvl 70 and get epic flying mounts.

i have been playing WOW since it came out and my char (longview)is only lvl 64 i dont play every day, and i dont take it to seriously

Besides, I more like tabletop rpgs - grab some beers, slay some elves, spend a few hours bullshitting. I don't see how that's any less social than, say, trying to scream a conversation at another person in a bar.

Except that there you can meet real travelers, talk for hours with real ale or tea, learn about far away places, compare cultures and worldvies, and maybe decide to go for a real adventure together.

And get mugged. Eek!

Yes, but why play pretend when you have an option to really participate in something, anything and have real experiences that can shape your life, future, personality?

you cant really participate in shooting the fuck out of random people, unless you want to be under lock and key for the rest of your life. also its like saying why watch TV and why read fiction books, when you can go and do something else.

i play computer games, read books and watch a little TV. its a good way of relaxing, after hours of shaolin training, going to work, training in the gym, playing sports, walking around mountains, going out around london. whats wrong with taking a break for an hour per day or a little less or more to unwind in some escapism?

moderation is key.

peace.

Avatar:
Except that there you can meet real travelers, talk for hours with real ale or tea, learn about far away places, compare cultures and worldvies, and maybe decide to go for a real adventure together.

Talk? In a bar? :D
Generally the bars here, you meet college kids out to get drunk and hook up, or middle-aged employees who are bullshitting and hanging out. To have a really amusing time, rooftops are best. You meet the best people on a parking garage roof at three am.

Perhaps it's because I'm generally introverted, but a lot of social interaction is really boring to me, and a lot of men won't really maintain a conversation when they find out I have a boyfriend, and the girls are just as bad.

I like house parties, or concerts, or goth/industrial clubs, or raves or just simply walking around at night with a couple of friends - that's when you meet interesting people, and if you don't like anyone, there's still the music and dancing.


lucifers angel:
we have the burning crusade now, and you can get to lvl 70 and get epic flying mounts.

I played on and off for a year - I liked BC, but it just got too easy to play.

Except that there you can meet real travelers, talk for hours with real ale or tea, learn about far away places, compare cultures and worldvies, and maybe decide to go for a real adventure together.


thats your personal preference, everybody is different. why would you want to stop people doing things that they enjoy, if they are not harming anybody else then its not up to you to decide whats "best for them to do" i know people that think sitting around in a cafe talking every day is a waste of time, when they could be out racing motorbikes around, or going sky diving, or bodybuilding at the gym. its all personal opinion about whats "wasting your time"

what if people dont want to talk to random strangers, about far away lands in a tavern like they are aragorn from lord of the rings, what if they think thats boring and want to do other things?



peace.

Did I say I want to restrict any one? I'm merely being curious.
what if people dont want to talk to random strangers, about far away lands in a tavern like they are aragorn from lord of the rings, what if they think thats boring and want to do other things?
Then that's their choice. I'm talking about the intensity of experience (computer compared to field) not personal preference (ale or tea).

Stop fucking wasting your time wandering mountains and get WoW installed dammit!

Intensity of experience.

Stop fucking wasting your time wandering mountains and get WoW installed dammit!

do you play WOW? what char do you hvae??

You should have seen my ex-boyfriend's roomate, Avatar. This guy got into Halo with an emotional intensity that I reserve for sex.

do you play WOW? what char do you hvae??
Oh I dont play that game. Apparently its a waste of life essence.

Oh I dont play that game. Apparently its a waste of life essence.

its not a waste of life essence, you just ahve to take it bit by bit!! take it in moderation!!

Originally posted by Avatar
Hi,
do you think that playing computer games and getting immersed in to that culture/world, including massive multiplier games, is a waste of life?

Yes.

I mean, just like in some sci fi films people are hooked up to a system and spend large portions of their lives in virtual worlds, not getting a hang of the more real reality.

What implications does that have on our society?

Well, the idea of playing video games or watching television is commonly known as escapism. Escapists tend to withdraw from society. I'm not saying all forms of escapism are bad... going to a concert, watching a documentary, playing games that challenge a person... these can be positive experiences. The problem is that people indulge far too frequently in activities that serve no practical purpose except to entertain themselves. Playing video games is generally worthless. Once you shut the game off, what have you accomplished?

The people who made the game have a different story to tell. They were engaged in creating the game, overcoming physical and mental obstacles to produce a work of art.

Personally I think nothing beats the more real world experiences. Going out, having experiences, then meeting with other people/travelers in pubs/taverns/tea houses, getting to know each other, discussing the world and those experiences.

The adventure is out there for everyone, yet so many are so lazy that thei better miss it and have an illusion, a faint suggestion rather than the real thing.
I think it's unfortunate and I'm sorry for all the people playing and stuck in World of Warcraft.

To each their own, I suppose. It takes a lot of money and effort to travel. Some people take the well-worn path of least resistance.

I played on and off for a year - I liked BC, but it just got too easy to play.

I didn't like TBC. I found it boring. I missed the 40man raids too much I guess. 25man's just did not hold the interest value that 40man's did.

And by the time you hit 70, with the new talent trees, each character became stupidly over-powered.

Did I say I want to restrict any one? I'm merely being curious.

Then that's their choice. I'm talking about the intensity of experience (computer compared to field) not personal preference (ale or tea).


real life adventures are more intense, i prefer playing basketball than playing an NBA game on the playstation. i prefer climbing a mountain and wandering around real forests and jungles than doing it on a computer. real life is better than a computer for reacting to your senses ofcourse. just like i would rather play football than watch it.


but i dont think playing computer games is a waste of your life, unless thats all you do with your life ofcourse, then thats a waste i agree.


peace.

Bells:

I just got tired of having maybe ten easily executed commands. It's a time sink: every character is easy enough to play, but to be powerful you need to spend a lot of time gathering gear. I am not going to spend hours killing trash mobs for felcloth, sorry!

Bells:

I just got tired of having maybe ten easily executed commands. It's a time sink: every character is easy enough to play, but to be powerful you need to spend a lot of time gathering gear. I am not going to spend hours killing trash mobs for felcloth, sorry!

Ech. I think they increased the droprate.:p Last time I played I was herbing in Felwood and got about 6 in an hour.

But you are right. It is a time sink. The hours of grinding for consumables and for gear is a pain in the butt. I think that was why I didn't like TBC as much. I found myself having to start all over again. Just was not fun anymore. And I did not like the raids in BC. I found them boring. I suspect after a while, all games can become boring as it all becomes a 'been there done that' scenario.

There's nothing wrong with enjoying any of the passtimes life offers inclusive of technology based options (TV, video games etc).

Avatar, your arguments could be applied to the amt of time u spend on Sciforums, you have posted over 14600 times; at 1 minute per post thats 243 hours, at 30s a post thats 121 hours. How much of that combined effort could you have used in a real life discussion with a tangible person?

The answer is simple...you enjoy chatting, the same way some people enjoy video games. Whether the person is at your table, or on your screen, you enjoy the passtime. Whether the world adventure is virtualized or real, some people enjoy the adrenaline rush that the input gives them. Same deal, different catalyst.


The abuse of any of one's indulgences is where problems lie.

I didn't like TBC. I found it boring. I missed the 40man raids too much I guess. 25man's just did not hold the interest value that 40man's did.

And by the time you hit 70, with the new talent trees, each character became stupidly over-powered.

i play a night elf hunter called "longview" (named after the green day song) and i dont think he's over powered. paladins, shamans are though

Well, the idea of playing video games or watching television is commonly known as escapism. Escapists tend to withdraw from society. I'm not saying all forms of escapism are bad... going to a concert, watching a documentary, playing games that challenge a person... these can be positive experiences. The problem is that people indulge far too frequently in activities that serve no practical purpose except to entertain themselves.
Seeing as this makes them happy and does no harm, why does it even matter? Who's to say what is too frequent? Everyone is different, gets kicks in different ways, has different styles or morals and so many other things. Why do people make such a big deal out of video games? They don't do this with music, films, sports, or even other social activities; some would say some people spend far too much time in idle chit chat and pointless socialising with others to have accomplished anything. What have they accomplished that is different - achievement(seeing the world or perhaps getting laid), or simply had some fun.
There's no difference at all really and everything is ultimately whatever you want to make of it, we should each accomplish whatever makes us most happy before life ends.
Playing video games is generally worthless. Once you shut the game off, what have you accomplished?
Subjective. Socialising is generally worthless if you don't want new friends or to get laid. A gamer accomplishes something. satisfaction of completion and achieving a target - or just general happiness and relaxation. Spot the similarities. Don't forget, one day we all get shut off.;)
The people who made the game have a different story to tell. They were engaged in creating the game, overcoming physical and mental obstacles to produce a work of art.
Which they wouldn't be able to produce in such a way if people didn't enjoy and buy the games. The creativity wouldn't have the time to flourish, what with them having to hold down other jobs.

To each their own, I suppose. It takes a lot of money and effort to travel. Some people take the well-worn path of least resistance.
I'll agree with this part.

MMORPGs = Total waste of life!

The repetition required to gain levels is pretty mind numbing

Playing video games is generally worthless. Once you shut the game off, what have you accomplished?
Agreed, I was thinking about the same thing. Nothing is achieved, nothing learned or improved, intelectually and more or less psychologically you are at the same place where you started. Maybe relaxed, but the personality is the same.
Socialising is generally worthless if you don't want new friends or to get laid.
You expand the network of people that can help you and that you can learn from.

Agreed, I was thinking about the same thing. Nothing is achieved, nothing learned or improved, intelectually and more or less psychologically you are at the same place where you started. Maybe relaxed, but the personality is the same.
On average a person is awake 5800 hours a year, must they all be spent doing something productive?

Avatar:


Talk? In a bar? :D
Generally the bars here, you meet college kids out to get drunk and hook up, or middle-aged employees who are bullshitting and hanging out. To have a really amusing time, rooftops are best. You meet the best people on a parking garage roof at three am.

Perhaps it's because I'm generally introverted, but a lot of social interaction is really boring to me, and a lot of men won't really maintain a conversation when they find out I have a boyfriend, and the girls are just as bad.

I like house parties, or concerts, or goth/industrial clubs, or raves or just simply walking around at night with a couple of friends - that's when you meet interesting people, and if you don't like anyone, there's still the music and dancing.


lucifers angel:


I played on and off for a year - I liked BC, but it just got too easy to play.

I read everything up until you said you had a boyfriend.

It's probably a huge waste of life.. I should know, having 5 level 68 characters I sold in EQ2, getting back into the game, and grinding/questing/etc up my remaining char to lvl 70, now with 3 major alts. To those who play and don't make it their lifestyle, I suppose it's a hobby kind of like any other.

They are entertainment, a past time. If you become too immersed, and lose contact with the world, yes thats a problem. But as for casually as entertainment, to have fun, that's a different story. It's bad if you make it bad.

Training to defeat Ruby Weapon in FF7 was a huge waste of my life. I trained for 70 hours, and all I got was this lousy Golden Chocobo (of which I already had before)!

Any avid FF players will understand the reference.

Defeating General RAAM on insane is hard, but you get a sense of accomplishment:)

Yes they waste time, therefore life, that's the point. What are you gonna do about it?

They don't waste your life unless it is a stupid game like WoW.

But you can make a career out of it if you are good. People have gotten contracts worth hundreds of thousands to play starcraft in Korea, which is a quality game which many of it's good players will attest to positively influencing the rest of their life.

Video games give me mental exercise of a quality that simply can't be found in real life. They also increase the breadth of my imagination, illustrating and demonstrating new ideas and possibilities. They increase my objectivity and broaden my worldview, placing me in the position of wildly different characters, and exposing me to situations that can't or shouldn't be prevalent in real life.

In real life I'm limited by financial resources, physical laws, society's laws & norms, and the abilities of my own human body. And those are just the limitations I can think up off the top of my head. Games present me with a limitless number of different gameplay dynamics, to the extent that adjusting myself to a new set of rules has become a skill, which I put to use in real life all the time. These days I can master a game like an equation; quickly identify the critical variables, perform experiments to see what each one does, and then design an optimally efficient method for utilizing them. This has been an unintended consequence of all my gaming, but it goes to show that my experiences are not without a lasting effect. One doesn't simply "turn off" their past experiences; one becomes them.

I've had practice from thousands of different gaming experiences, and it has taught me to think in three dimensions, how to solve problems on the fly, and how to compete with other people. I've learned to keep an awareness of key surroundings. I've learned that people behave predictably, based on their stimuli, and that I can take advantage of that by being aware of not just my surroundings but theirs as well. I'm at the point where I do this on the fly, without the benefit of hindsight or careful analysis. Games give me the freedom to experiment, to see what works, and to remove myself from the consequences of a short-term outcome so I can more objectively examine and understand the reasons behind it. And by reducing the complexity of a system, they make it easier to see the governing principles, and understand that I am perhaps failing not because of a personal limitation, but because there was something I was missing. For those of you who are obsessed with real life, this has implications with respect to my personal life, my job, and even my dealings in the stock market. Real life is just a more complex system with a lot more players, and all my gaming experience commutes to it readily.

Time spent on the computer is time not being spent getting run over by cars, mugged in alleys, getting skin cancer from the sun, being bored/depressed due to a lack of mental stimulation, or getting otherwise entangled in the petty concerns of potentially dangerous people in real life. In other words, it's safe. Computer usage also minimizes the expenses otherwise associated with keeping someone entertained, and limits real world "productivity" in such a way as to protect the environment. After all, collecting loot in World of Warcraft is about as futile as collecting loot in real life, when your possessions ultimately have very little meaning. It's all about the experiences involved in the acquisition, and those are as real as you believe them to be. The same goes for social interaction, which is as real as the people on the other end. All things being equal, why not have these experiences in as economical a manner as possible, through video games? If you happen to be one of the lucky few who can be endlessly amused and stimulated by video games, then I say go for it.

Yes they waste time, therefore life, that's the point. What are you gonna do about it?

So does: sitting, walking, being on this forum, eating, sleeping

Get used to it, we waste life just by being alive

It depends who you are and how you look at life. If you simply look at life to be happy, and games make you happy, then play video games as much as you can.

Games are like drugs. Really fun at first but then it's just an addiction!

i'm 15 if i'm not inschool i could do nothing anyway!

So does: sitting, walking, being on this forum, eating, sleeping

Get used to it, we waste life just by being alive

Yep.

It always amazes me when people get sooo pissed at people wasting time on video games. So what! Who are they hurting? Go after crack dealers you idiots.

lol my WoW account just got banned LOL XD "WHAT AM I TO DO!"

Hi,
do you think that playing computer games and getting immersed in to that culture/world, including massive multiplier games, is a waste of life?

I mean, just like in some sci fi films people are hooked up to a system and spend large portions of their lives in virtual worlds, not getting a hang of the more real reality.

What implications does that have on our society?

Personally I think nothing beats the more real world experiences. Going out, having experiences, then meeting with other people/travelers in pubs/taverns/tea houses, getting to know each other, discussing the world and those experiences.

The adventure is out there for everyone, yet so many are so lazy that thei better miss it and have an illusion, a faint suggestion rather than the real thing.
I think it's unfortunate and I'm sorry for all the people playing and stuck in World of Warcraft.

I've been playing games since the early Atari 2600 days, just so you know where I'm coming from...

I personally don't play MMORPGs (like WoW) for the simple fact that too much time has to be invested for what you actually get out of the experience, both "socially" through your interactions with other players and in the game itself through the "rewards" and near-absent storylines.

Other games, like Battlefield 2, can be picked up and played fairly rapidly without much detrimental effects to your social/external life. Of course, there's nothing wrong with choosing the mmorpg lifestyle if it doesn't interfere with health, career and friends.

On average a person is awake 5800 hours a year, must they all be spent doing something productive?

Well said! Relaxation for its own sake is reason enough!

Isn't the 8-hour work day a modern invention? I seem to recall reading that we used to do approximately 2 to 3 hours of work per day in the past. I know how pointless my workdays were as a system administrator: I did roughly 2 hours of real, honest work... otherwise, everything was working fine and I'd be browsing the web.

Agreed, I was thinking about the same thing. Nothing is achieved, nothing learned or improved, intelectually and more or less psychologically you are at the same place where you started. Maybe relaxed, but the personality is the same.
So we have to change our personalities throughout life and relaxation is not a factor? You've never just found a place and personality you were happy with and stayed there nice and relaxed? Your life must suck.:rolleyes:
So just for the obviously uneducated - Depending on the game you play you may learn something, much like depending on the people you hang around with. If nothing else you will likely have enjoyed yourself, like watching or playing sport - but hey what's the point in that either right?
You'll also have to see the bit about socialising below and see how pointless it is too so maybe everything in life is worthless.;)
I think you need to stop with blanket statements and skewed opinions that suit you and spot some of the similarities of these things, along with the differences in people.
What you desire to accomplish in your life is different from others, what you see as nothing may make someone else happy, something you do may well be seen as pointless by someone else.

intelectually and more or less psychologically you are at the same place where you started
That's life for you, you live, you die, the bit in the middle is life and what you do with it and desire from it is down to each individual, short of morals and ethics there isn't a "better" way to live, just a different way.

You expand the network of people that can help you and that you can learn from.
Not everyone's helpful or educational, quite a few people aren't - If you want to learn something read a book, search for it on the web or attend a course, far more effective than people.
Not everyone is interested in education/learning.
Not everyone needs other peoples help, some are more independant than others.
Not everyone desires company of others.
Are all your social activities about learning and help? Do you seriously do nothing just purely for the fun of it? Some might say that's boring. Either that or you may have just gained the ability to answer your own questions.


I can continue arguing against everything and the pointlessness of existance if you like to demonstrate the point further but I think you may have worked it out, I don't doubt your ability to do such.
Personally I would rather see the merit in both lifestyles(and indeed others) for the individual that it suits.
I think maybe you need to re-examine why something you obviously don't do makes it automatically a waste of life as there are plenty of things to do with ones life, and the way I see it is that if people don't want to live the same way I do, or only in a limited part of it, it's not wasted, it's merely different, it's been the way they wanted to live and I'm happy for them so long as they do not cross ethical and moral boundaries.

Hi,
do you think that playing computer games and getting immersed in to that culture/world, including massive multiplier games, is a waste of life?
Yes, very much so. :)

Not that I'm against enjoyment, pleasure and recreation, but these things are better indulged with others, rather than just being alone with your monitor.

Therefore real sex is better than internet masturbation.

Social gaming (like D&D, poker, croquet) is better than solitary computer gaming.

Find a balance between work, recreation and meditation.

On average a person is awake 5800 hours a year, must they all be spent doing something productive?

No, I agree with you there. As a gamer who knows that he spends far too many hours in such unreal pastimes, not every hour is productive, nor does it need to be. Sex for pleasure, for example, rather than for reproduction. Eating for enjoyment, instead of energy, or running for fun, instead of from a problem. Although if you run for fun, there's a problem. Heh - like I said, to each their own.

Isn't the 8-hour work day a modern invention? I seem to recall reading that we used to do approximately 2 to 3 hours of work per day in the past. I know how pointless my workdays were as a system administrator: I did roughly 2 hours of real, honest work... otherwise, everything was working fine and I'd be browsing the web.

No way. Modern inventions allow an "eight hour work day", instead of from sunrise to sunset.
In times past, more people were working longer hours to be productive, or they wouldn't survive.

Games in the extreme can ruin your life, however, how much you play depends on how much you need to escape, thats why most people play games. other than for the fun, of course.

Being 15, Gaming would take up most of my free time, if not for the few outside hobbies that i was fortunate to get into.

True. I was a gamer too when I was a kid at school. But I also had other hobbies, like martial arts and sports dancing.

By the way... :D

http://img327.imageshack.us/img327/7835/zoomx10ki4.gif

Actually Games to the Extreme ruin Gaming.

I know, I've tried it. I've probably put way too many hours into gaming over the past couple of years and I find now that some games actually bore me.

Why would you waste your life watching and guiding pixels with buttons?
Why would you waste your life watching and guiding overgrown molecules with chatter?

Building blocks aren't the most important. Although I don't argue that people are more real (well, most people, most of the time. Current times question the reality value a person has) than images.

And the coolest advantage of games, IMO. SUPERPOWERS!!! You do NOT get telekinetic powers IRL. You do not sneak around in factories and shoot people, either.

It probably takes a LOT of time to become a pilot, so if you want a joyride, should you spend years in school to become a pilot or should you buy a game and enjoy it on a gigantic LCD with huge speakers on all sides?

As for what they change in you: well, you're happier, for one (unless you frustrate yourself). If you play a cool game. If it's a piece of art with depth, then you may be able to learn from it. It may inspire you. Provoke your aesthetic/artistic side. It may provide you with great music. Screen brings you tons of art. And you get to master a new brand of movement and control. That advances skills.

Most of those effects can be achieved with certain drugs too.:D

Camping in the woods can be WAY boring, really. It can be cool. It can be annoying. Of course going in the woods once in a while does a world of good...

Escapism? You can also play video games as they offer stuff that life otherwise doesn't (play and move on. Just like in life). Or you can play them since you've nothing meaningful to do anyway. OR, yes, just as a means of escape from reality if you've had lousy time there. On that note, extroverts in escapism is a rather dangerous sight.

Hm... Avatar, you sure seem to be thrilled about the "real life". Went from a bored no-lifer to a good, adventurous, meaningful, active life? That rocks. And I guess you know about the typical boredom of a gamer, too. But still, your description does sound like the standard ecstatic beginning of anything... it's not always really that good, the real life (not that I'm that much of an expert, but still).
While it's a nice picture, you can be just as chained in real life - you just won't see the wires.




Haha... I wrote most of that before I read the third page where everyone explained the benefits of gaming.

But yeah. Balance. Do different stuff. You play too much, you'll have to force yourself to keep it up. It gets boring. You can learn stuff from real people that you don't from anywhere else. But if you rely only on them, the "real people" can come to seem meaningless, repetitive and without anything worthwhile to say. In this case you'll need to advance yourself to see deeper. So... a healthy mix.:cool:

(Btw, MrManganese, great post. It really explains most of what I wanted to say in defence of games. Very well put.)

But still, your description does sound like the standard ecstatic beginning of anything... it's not always really that good, the real life (not that I'm that much of an expert, but still).
While it's a nice picture, you can be just as chained in real life - you just won't see the wires.
Of course you can. You can lose in real life just like you can lose a game, and there are many more ways to lose, just the stakes are higher and there is no 'save' option. Oh, and being thrilled is just my usual state of being, I've always something planned.

Btw, :D

http://imgs.xkcd.com/comics/exercise.png

From http://xkcd.com/

Yep.

It always amazes me when people get sooo pissed at people wasting time on video games. So what! Who are they hurting? Go after crack dealers you idiots.

leave the crack dealers alone, they are just providing a service, supply and demand. go after the government who oppress my rights to supply people with what they want.

:)

peace.

nietzschefan is saying that just because he feels attacked because he's a gamer
and you are saying that just because you were a drug dealer
and what will the government say? everyone's on the defence of himself

nietzschefan is saying that just because he feels attacked because he's a gamer
and you are saying that just because you were a drug dealer
and what will the government say? everyone's on the defence of himself


it was a joke i know what he was saying and i agree with him, i just wanted to defend crack dealers :)


peace.

True. I was a gamer too when I was a kid at school. But I also had other hobbies, like martial arts and sports dancing.

By the way... :D

http://img327.imageshack.us/img327/7835/zoomx10ki4.gif

Sexy!

nietzschefan is saying that just because he feels attacked because he's a gamer
and you are saying that just because you were a drug dealer
and what will the government say? everyone's on the defence of himself

hahah yeah nietzchefan gets a little defensive when it comes to his gaming lol.

I personally don't care for playing games at all. It just doesn't interest me. I rather spend my time more productively doing projects around the house.

I think sitting at a computer playing games all night really is a waste of time.
When you are teenager thats one thing, when you are a grown man and have other responsibilties it's something different. I used to get pretty pissed about it, but it was brought to my attention that other ppl veg out in front of the TV for hours......and some hang out at the bars after work every night and it finally sunk in. Gaming although is not my cup of tea, is really no worse then flopping out on the couch watching Tv for hours.

Now that I have said that, I don't think gaming should take priority over responsibilties and your family life.......which I know some ppl do, thats not
a hobby anymore thats an addiction.

Now that I have said that, I don't think gaming should take priority over responsibilties and your family life.......which I know some ppl do, thats not
a hobby anymore thats an addiction.
Same could be said for a lot of things however. Really the real question is why people focus on TV and games and rarely bring up anything else.:shrug: People just jump on the bandwagon I guess.

Is being alive wasting your time till death?

Same could be said for a lot of things however. Really the real question is why people focus on TV and games and rarely bring up anything else.:shrug: People just jump on the bandwagon I guess.


I agree..... I am not one to watch hours of TV either I find mostly shit on TV.

Hmmmmmmm maybe the whole gaming industry has just gone nuts and its so in our faces now. Seems like everybody is into playing games but me lol.

I really think its gone a little nuts, there are so many games out there these GEEKs oppsssss did I say that are having a hard time deciding which game to play next.....omg what a dilema lmao

SO MANY GAMES SO LITTLE TIME :rolleyes:

(Btw, MrManganese, great post. It really explains most of what I wanted to say in defence of games. Very well put.)

Why, thank you :)

I tell you what, if it Soooo concerns you about how other people "use" their time "effectively", then YOU do something about it. Enlighten these people why they should spend their time doing all these other "great" things. You know, tell them how to be perfect.

I will put myself a little out on a limb here and make a more indepth post on this, what I feel is the crux of the matter. I hope it's appreciated - probably not...

Make the world such a great place that some of us would never ever ZONE out and rather plug into a fantasy world from time to time. Give everbody their DREAM JOB so they never need a fantasy. Give everyone their perfect soul mate instantly at age 18. Wtf is the matter with a society that cannot do this? Why is not everyone treated the same? Why.why.why.

Why video games? Because, sometimes the real world just plain fucking sucks, that's why. I bet a lot of people whom really abuse gaming(I.E it interfers with survival/job/whatever), are simply NOT motivated by whatever motivates everyone else to run around like a bunch rats, then going oh me so tired me so tired between work, kids, fuck we need a budget to figure out how to pay the mortgage. Holy shit! Isn't it amazing that someone would just rather live with an understanding parent (Mom: sigh, poor little johnny gots mah chubbs, oh well hims gamin' keepin' hims happy), and say fuck you to the world. Maybe they got picked on in school or maybe it's not been all roses with the family or whatever maybe the case and they actually do HATE people. They'd rather not even date, perhaps.

So...do you think you saying "hey cut that gaming out, it's ruining your life" is going to just, turn them around? It's like any other abuse. Cause and effect. Shit happens and people deal with it in their own way.

Is being alive wasting your time till death?
Bingo

Sure its okay to have one gamer in the house, while the other one takes cares of things.
What if you have 2 gamers in the house who are glued to their computers for endless hours.
This is what could happen, this is absolutely disgusting!!


INTERNET-OBSESSED COUPLE PLAYS D&D WHILE KIDS STARVE
Nevada parents plead guilty to neglect charges

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

By BRIAN THOMAS, News Editor
Published 7/16/2007

LOCATION: Reno, NV

THE SKINNY: A couple who authorities say were so obsessed with the Internet and video games that they left their babies starving and suffering other health problems have pleaded guilty to child neglect.

The children of Michael and Iana Straw, a boy age 22 months and a girl age 11 months, were severely malnourished and near death last month when doctors saw them after social workers took them to a hospital. Both children are doing well and gaining weight in foster care.

Michael Straw, 25, and Iana Straw, 23, pleaded guilty Friday to two counts each of child neglect. Each faces a maximum 12-year prison sentence.

Prosecutor Kelly Ann Viloria says the Reno couple were too distracted by online video games, mainly the fantasy role-playing DUNGEONS & DRAGONS series, to give their children proper care.

"They had food; they just chose not to give it to their kids because they were too busy playing video games," says Viloria.

Police say hospital staff had to shave the head of the girl because her hair was matted with cat urine. The 10-pound girl also had a mouth infection, dry skin and severe dehydration. Her brother had to be treated for starvation and a genital infection. His lack of muscle development caused him difficulty in walking, investigators said.

Michael Straw is an unemployed cashier, and his wife worked for a temporary staffing agency doing warehouse work, according to court records. He received a $50,000 inheritance that he spent on computer equipment and a large plasma television, authorities said.

It doesn't concern me what you do, nietzschefan - your time, your life, your choice.
But that doesn't mean that I can't have an opinion on the situation.
It's like any other abuse. Cause and effect. Shit happens and people deal with it in their own way.
In my book running away from the problem is not dealing with the problem.

I love playing video games yet I would say I'm doing pretty well with my life. Well it would probably depend on obsessive one is with playing. I can never understand those addicted and losing job over MMORPG and such.

In my book running away from the problem is not dealing with the problem.

Very astute. I take it you're implying there's something wrong with that, though. But the "problem" we're talking about here is people, and last I checked, there's nothing you can do about all the assholes in the world, except survive them. So who is more wise? Surely the one who chooses to coexist with the least amount of tension.

It doesn't concern me what you do, nietzschefan - your time, your life, your choice.
But that doesn't mean that I can't have an opinion on the situation.

In my book running away from the problem is not dealing with the problem.

MY point is, perhaps the problem is unfixable(people). They say children are cruel. My experience is people are cruel, period. Women are wicked when your unwanted. I could go on and on and on. Basically, How could you possibly know what it is like to be in that person's shoes? Perhaps what they are doing is actually the only path for them beyond a suicide. Have you been there yourself, Avatar?

The fact is, other than the things like the glaring example of child abuse Shorty posted, which I might add - the law already "checks", these people do not harm anyone. There are bigger fish to fry out there.

ummmmmmm your posts are going in a direction where one might read you life is hell! .......so you imerse yourself in gaming to escape it.:bawl: :bawl:

there is a difference between playing a lot and being an addict. On one hand you have entertainment and on the other escapism.
I'd say if your friends and family say you play to much, then you do.

I know I read more books than I should. Reading til 2 am, getting up at 6 for work...

there is a difference between playing a lot and being an addict. On one hand you have entertainment and on the other escapism.
I'd say if your friends and family say you play to much, then you do.


I agree with the first part, there is relaxing after work, on the weekends
with your hobby escape. Then there is you barely get off the chair to eat or take a pee, and are sitting there from morning till night. I think that has become a problem at that point.

Now if the family says you play too much. Well if you live with someone
who just doesn't get the gaming thing and isn't into them then even an hour could be too much in their opinion.

My dad was over recently he is 81. He mentioned something about 30 yr old men sitting in front of a computer playing games and said commmmmmmmmeeeeeeee on thats what this world is coming too. ( he watched it on 60 mins or something lol)

I was behind my dad he was facing nietzche and i was pointing and laughing, cause my dad has no idea he is one of these guys LMAO

ummmmmmm your posts are going in a direction where one might read you life is hell! .......so you imerse yourself in gaming to escape it.:bawl: :bawl:

Ummmmmm i'm not talking about *my* current situation, just the really extreem one everyone is talking about correcting. I do however see the point of view having lived through it in the past(not now).

I agree with the first part, there is relaxing after work, on the weekends
with your hobby escape. Then there is you barely get off the chair to eat or take a pee, and are sitting there from morning till night. I think that has become a problem at that point.

Now if the family says you play too much. Well if you live with someone
who just doesn't get the gaming thing and isn't into them then even an hour could be too much in their opinion.

My dad was over recently he is 81. He mentioned something about 30 yr old men sitting in front of a computer playing games and said commmmmmmmmeeeeeeee on thats what this world is coming too. ( he watched it on 60 mins or something lol)

I was behind my dad he was facing nietzche and i was pointing and laughing, cause my dad has no idea he is one of these guys LMAO


Funny you should mention that, I watched that 60minute program last night on the net(after the Arnold one) and it was about a gamer named FatA1ity, whom makes 100,000s of dollars a year winning game tournaments. This guy *practices* 8 hours a day just with shooter games, not counting what he does for "fun". He travels all over the world meeting all kinds of people he plays online and they have some laughs. Probably more social than your average corndog gobbling Al Bundy on the couch AND certainly more upwardly mobile.

When the 60minutes guy came to see him for interview he was in the basement(mom's) playing quake or something so intently, he didn't notice his interviewer until tapped on the shoulder. He certainly qualifies as extreme, yet it looks to be all working wonderfully with him. That's my point.

Avatar correct me if I am wrong but aren't you the guy
jumping through the trees with swords and drinking your specialty
teas....?

Lol

Avatar correct me if I am wrong but aren't you the guy
jumping through the trees with swords and drinking your specialty
teas....?

Not swords - bo and jo.

bo and jo.


:shrug:

well while you find game playing a waste of life, maybe
others find drinking teas....and running through the forest
swinging off trees with "bo" and "jo" lol may be wasting your
life.

If you play like 6 hours a day, it could be a problem, but if it's something to do when you're bored then it's okay. I play video games, but the most I can play for is like 30 minutes and that's like twice a week.

well while you find game playing a waste of life, maybe
others find drinking teas....and running through the forest
swinging off trees with "bo" and "jo" lol may be wasting your
life.

So what else is new? Humans have subjective perception. :rolleyes:

If you play like 6 hours a day, it could be a problem, but if it's something to do when you're bored then it's okay. I play video games, but the most I can play for is like 30 minutes and that's like twice a week.

amazing how everyone thinks their "spent amount of time" is just reasonable for an occasional gamer but those who spend more time have problems.

6 hours isn't so bad compared to 12. Which isn't so bad compared to 16 (which would leave 8 hours of sleep, some of which could be sacrificed).

So what else is new? Humans have subjective perception. :rolleyes:

DING DING DING! My point exactly.

amazing how everyone thinks their "spent amount of time" is just reasonable for an occasional gamer but those who spend more time have problems.

6 hours isn't so bad compared to 12. Which isn't so bad compared to 16 (which would leave 8 hours of sleep, some of which could be sacrificed).I wasn't trying to point out that mine was only reasonable, I was just saying how much time I personally spend playing games. Six hours straight whether it's myself or someone else isn't good.

It's tea time lol