Why 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.
E8_BALL_
will have to have a good think on what drives me
been gaming for about 26yrs, so something obviously is
DrNate86
I would say I play games because they entertain me, but why I play games over watching a film or why I choose to slog through parts of games that are a grind is beyond me. I don’t ever feel particularly immersed by games, in fact I probably get more “into” a film than I would a game. I’m also very lazy, so would have thought sitting still watching a film would be preferable to sitting still pressing buttons. I think it is the challenge that sucks me in, it’s why I put all my games on the hardest difficulty and why I like to try and unlock as many trophies as possible (or before the days of trophies, why I liked to set myself odd tasks to achieve whilst playing). There is a great sense of satisfaction that isn’t present in any other source of electronic entertainment, as you are achieving something, as opposed to being passively entertained.
moshi
“Odd tasks to achieve while playing” what like spinning plates or other one handed activities
aerobes
Classy. That’ll keep me chuckling until Christmas. :) … Just a minute honey, I just spinning plates … :D Lmao
DrNate86
Yes…other one handed activities *cue shifty eyes*
sesameseed
For me, it’s purely escapism! Like a good book, being drawn into a world where I can be stronger, faster and smarter than I am in real life (oh, and you can die more than once) gives a real sense of pleasure.
beeje13
lol never though about it like that really but very true.
beeje13
Good read, I play games I like and enjoy, but if i play multiplayer, i prefer not to do 1v1 like a cage match on CoD or a head to head on FIFA, prefer team play if its going to be multiplayer.
And… T.V is poor 90% of the time these days, you can’t go to a theme park or footbal match everyday, so i would define gaming as:
CONVENIENT FUN!
Origami Killer
i mainly play games as its fun and most of the time theres nothing else to do in my house, TV is crap, dont read much so what else is there to do? plus like i said its great fun to play whether online or offline
mcduff1979
for me i think because i enjoy playing games and its a welcome break from reality
Dexter17
Videogaming is a medium in which you can get lost in – for an hour or so every evening you can become a soldier fighting on the front line; you can become a table topping formula one driver; you can be a hero and save the world from mass destruction; the list is endless. In this unstable economic climate and with the war in Afghanistan raging on, videogames serve as a haven in which we can escape from the worries of everyday life and become something that we can only dream of.
sideshow
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Bqq38WZctA
tobo_56
For me I like gaming as I have to ability to meet new people as well as play with old friends. If I’m bored I simply go on my PS3 and there’s always at least 20 good friends on who are up for a game. I also learn a lot about different type of people.
Fair enough my parents say I’m on PS3 too much and soon I’ll turn into a pickle (I know, WTF?), but there’s always the good excuse ‘I’m excercising my thumbs’ ;D
gaffers101
I like the break from reality. Also, TV bores the pants off me.