I don’t think I’ve ever told anyone this. I’m not scared of what they will think or perhaps even do, I just like to keep it to myself. Being an only child, I deal with things on my own, in my own way (I probably shouldn’t) and gaming is one of the best resources I have. It is much more than just entertainment.
My life has been full of those moments which change the way you look at things. I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at a young age and instantly I was given a list of don’ts and cant’s. No child wants to have their dreams crushed so quickly but mine were.
You see, I have always wanted to be a soldier of some kind. Militaria has been a big part of my life thanks to my dad and our ongoing collection of World War II memorabilia, it is a great passion of mine. Unfortunately, Crohn’s disease prevents anyone from enlisting in any of our great forces.
Every careers evening I attend or enlisting station I see, I ask if the rules have been changed. I never walk away smiling. My mum knows of my dreams, I think (I’m not very open), so convincing her to let me would be a battle in itself but, had things been different, I’m sure she would’ve let me.
I know there are plenty of other options offering the same thrills and experience of the army closer to home. These ideas are always simmering at the back of my mind but it wouldn’t be the same.
Enter, games. I’m probably part of a small minority but they are much more than just entertainment. Feel free to tell me I’m looking too much into it all, I won’t listen though. Ask anyone on my friends list, I play First Person Shooters a lot! Hours have been poured into Call of Duty, Medal of Honour and the like. I’ve bought all the classics and as many of the Collector’s Editions I can find.
Each of the more recent titles, I have completed three or four times on both consoles and no matter how extravagant the story may seem, I love them. They fill a void in my mind. There’s no can’ts or don’ts. I can live my dream for those seven or eight hours and No-one asks me for any medical conditions I may have.
Games are a way for me to escape my current situation. My life is in not awful by any standards. I’m happy. But every day, I wish things were different. When I fight side-by-side with Captain Price et al things are different. I become immersed and I love it. I’m ecstatic.
gurglesletch
It was an excellent story. It means more than entertainment to me also.
Roynaldo
I admire your honesty. Its a shame your circumstance prevents your dream being reality and making virtual reality a substitute is also a shame but is also nice that it is there for you.
Im sure there are many careers out there that you can enjoy nearly as much, I hope you find one.
CaptainMurdo
Thanks, everyone. I found another career choice long ago and start my Uni course within the month for it. It’s Actuarial Science and I love maths and statistics. Should be perfect.
shakengandulf
The military was my dream too MURDO, got really excited.. but sometimes things dont go to plan. goodluck with your course mate.
rht992
good luck man. this was a truly great read
Boomshanks
Very brave of you to write about this, it’s a great article and certainly food for thought. It’s a shame to see your dreams shattered but gaming is indeed a way to experience things you would otherwise you would never experience. Media has mostly been a way to escape reality, which everyone needs from time to time.
rht992
what a wonderful thing to read. everyone needs that one thing to escape with or simple wash away the troubles of the day
aerobes
Superb article, Murdo. I confess to having nothing to add in particular but I’m continually impressed with the way the TSA staff interact and connect with the community, which was well highlighted yesterday in Kris’s Sunday Thoughts post.
Inspirational, moving and perennially hopeful all at the same time. If only more of us had the same never-say-die mindset of yourself (myself included).
bunimomike
Top article, Murdo. Wonderful how gaming can be the most incredible escapism. We all find our own escapism most of the time. Gaming is your bag. Good on you. Mine is often going for a drive into the countryside on a lovely day. That or gaming.
Random aside: a chap I know (friend of a friend) has a life-changingly bad stammer. It cripples any social experience and very few people ever get metaphorically close to him. However, internet and gaming is a wonderful world for him to “socialise” in. His input into any conversation in the real world ranges from 0 to 5%. That really is all he can manage, bless ‘im.
I’m sure he would applaud your article, Murdo. Actually, I’ll send him the link. Top stuff.
Elric
Have you ever considered becoming a mercenary? I doubt they require any specific physical qualifications aside from ginormous balls.
Sorry about my ignorance wrt Crohn’s, but I’m assuming this is not debilitating enough for you to actually not fight or you wouldn’t keep checking in to see if “the rules have changed”.
Or how about a PMC?
Or maybe a civilian government contractor that supports the military somehow? Say through technology development/services, etc? You could then participate and feel like you are contributing to the military but in a different way than shooting people in the head or getting killed by a roadside bomb.
TBH, it sounds like you really have a goofy idealized vision of what being in the military means anyway, so maybe it’s for the best that things stay in the realm of games! :)
skibadee
great read CaptainMurdo.
OneDown
Excellent read! I too agree with what you said, games are so much more then what the stereotype is and i hate that. Games, in my opinion, are an art form of their own right and deserve the same recognition as anything else. Especially given the economy that they support!
Phew, glad i could get that off my chest…