Sunday Thoughts: Why Games?
What drives us to play?
Published: 12:00, 31/10/2010 by Blair [mynameisblair].
28Why do we play games? Honestly, what’s the point? Everyone has their own reason for playing games; whether it’s to pass the time, to socialise online with some friends, because they want a challenge, to take their mind off things or simply because they have nothing else to do. Me? I play games because I like a challenge, they are fun, I like passing time, I love living in a fantasy world where everything is wonderful and compelling and, of course, I play games so that I can write about them on the internet.
Take Fallout for example; why do I play Fallout? It’s because I could actually live in the Wasteland and I love trying to survive against all the odds. It also passes a lot of time, so I’m getting over a hundred hours of entertainment for what I’ve paid. The story is immersive and compelling enough to trick my mind into having a lot of fun. That’s what games do, they immerse us so we enjoy the adventure as if we are part of it. That’s why we play games, right?
I could literally just stop writing here and I’d have a good theory as to why we play games, but that’s not it all, is it? Everyone is different and every type of gamer plays their game of choice for a reason. How about Rock Band? I play that (sometimes for too long) because it’s a good challenge and I like the music included. It’s also a huge laugh for when you have a few friends round. Beer and Rock Band seem to mix very well and we have a lot of fun.
Well, there’s a few examples of games that I play and why I play them. But we still haven’t got to the reason for playing games in general. What’s so good about games in general that I can buy any game that appeals to me and just sit down and play it? What actually makes me want to play them other than the fact that I think “That looks awesome, I’ll have to buy it!”? Well, before we get there, here’s another few examples of games I play and why:
I play The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time every year. Why? Because it was one of the main games I played as a child and the nostalgia hits me like a bucket of cold water every time I play it. I love that feeling, I love that game. It’s also just a great game that I never get bored of, every dungeon is always as fun as the first time that I played it. I could write about sixty articles on, but we’ll save that for another day.
That brings me to another reason. I write for TSA, which means I get games to review and sometimes have to push myself through a game just to write a thousand words on it. I’ll write about games that I like and haven’t been allocated a review copy for. Why? Because I like writing and because I like games, it’s nice to get some thoughts out and I doubt you’d be reading this right now if I didn’t enjoy it. It passes the time, it’s fun and it’s a good challenge.
Still no idea what I’m getting at? Games are fun. I’ve mentioned fun every time I’ve talked about playing games and why I do so. It’s the simplest reason ever, yet the one that makes the most sense. Everything about the games can link back to having fun. Even if we’re frustrated, losing or just not getting it, we’re still probably having fun. Even if I’m not having fun whilst playing a game, I can go and write an article about how bad it is, then I’ll get some fun out of writing it.
So, why do you play games? I bet it’s because they’re fun.
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31/10/2010 at 12:06
Member since: Forever
I started gaming because it was damn fun, I still game because its damn fun.
Whilst I welcome advances in tech they blow my mind on a regular basis and it makes a whole different class of games possible I’m away that extra realism is being possible and I’m of the opinion that some fun is missing from an increasing amount of games… I guess this is why I spend more time playing games on my smartphone and the web than I used to. but, gaming’s gaming right?
31/10/2010 at 12:09
Member since: Aug 2010
If i would describe why i play games i would definitely refer to this article…
GREAT ARTICLE!!!!
31/10/2010 at 12:11
Member since: Jul 2009
Even if they’re not “fun” they’re most certainly entertaining. What’s lovely to see is when a title can evoke an emotion that’s not often associated with video gaming. Something that we’ve still to catch up with the likes of the film world but we’ll get there in the end.
For me, I like being able to relax in the evening and have a game of something (very often over watching TV, etc) simply because I love the interactive nature of it. Coupled with it often being social (L4D on Steam with Person678, etc) or my mates on a Tuesday night with Call of Duty: World at War and it really does surpass what programmes and films (a passive experience) can offer.
31/10/2010 at 12:17
Member since: Jun 2009
Totally agree with you Mike. It really is as normal as watching Tv, film or reading to me these days.
31/10/2010 at 12:14
Member since: May 2009
i play games because their fun alot better than sitting around watching telly or something but every so often i think what do i get outve it and i go into a kinda depression just thinking theres no point i cant be bothered then my brother challenges me to a game of fifa and the love rekindles its a strange cirlce but one that makes me appreciate gaming even more each time
31/10/2010 at 12:19
Member since: Forever
Zelda. Play it every year too, classic Nintendo brilliance, no other dev has that magic touch.
31/10/2010 at 12:26
Member since: Oct 2010
Great article, I totally agree – why some people consider it bad or unhealthy, when those same people obsessively watch The X Factor every Saturday evening is beyond me. Games, to me, are a lot more fun than a lot of TV programs – personally, I hate The X Factor, etc. :)
31/10/2010 at 12:30
Member since: Mar 2009
As a medium I cant think of any other that is so engaging whilst offering so much variety. Different worlds, genres, play styles, stories, experiences etc etc. Having been a gamer since Manic Miner and Hunchback on the MSX, I now truly feel spoilt with choice for what experience I can have when switching on the shiny black box. I pretty much have a game to suit every mood. Games are bloody brilliant.
31/10/2010 at 12:30
Member since: Nov 2008
Fun/challenge is definitely a core reason but at least for me, to escape / forget about everything going on around me is another. its a good break to divert your head, from work, etc and catch up with mates.
31/10/2010 at 12:32
Member since: Jul 2009
Games are classed as entertainment, but it is their interactivity that puts them apart from books, films or TV.
I started gaming back near the start and had played simple online games when the internet was still all fields. The progress in technology, production values and the increased mainstream acceptance of gaming is something that never fails to amaze me.
The elusive concept that is good gameplay is what brings us back, time after time. A simple hook, a grand story, competition among friends (and strangers) or a strong challenge are all aspects that keep people coming back for more.
I play games for all of the reasons above, and long may it continue.
31/10/2010 at 12:41
Member since: Aug 2009
Haha. Superb final line and it’s a shame that many devs seem to forget that is what the majority desire.
Anyway, My completed yearly are, Target Renegade, Zelda: A link to the Past and Super Mario World.