Answer questions about your life & vidya games

[Venetia]

Spoiler: Original Post

Hey a friend of mine is in college and his professor assigned him this:

'The purpose of this assignment is for you to have a conversation with an adolescent. Phase one of the assignment is for you to think about what you would like to know about the young person you will be talking with and to structure some questions that you can ask to get that information. Phase two of the assignment is for you to do the interview and the write a portrait of the person based upon what you discovered during your conversation.'

So, basically, the prof asked that he, a dude in his upper-20's, find some random 14-year-old kid, and get them to sit down w/ him and answer a bunch of questions.
What? How do you do that out in the real world??

Well anyway I know that some of you are teenagers, so I'm instead posing the questions to you for him.

The assignment was turned in already! Thanks for posting! But you can still answer some questions about vidya games and how they've affected your life if you like!

PLEASE ANSWER AS YOU NORMALLY WOULD. NO SPAMMING/SILLINESS/ETC.



Fill this out:

- Your Age:

1. How do you think video games have impacted your life?

2. How often do you procrastinate with video games?

3. Why do you think you play video games?

4. What types of games do you play?

5. When you play video games, do you feel different than you normally do?

6. How do you socialize?

7. When you socialize online do you think you represent yourself as your truly are?

8. If not as you truly are, then how are you representing yourself?

9. Are you happy with your life as it is?

10. What do you like to do outside of video games?

 

[Jason]

- Your Age: 19 (Hope it's not too old, lol)

1. How do you think video games have impacted your life?
Hmm... impacted? It depends what you mean by this, I mean, without video games, I reckon my life would be completely different, I'd probably go out more (Not that I don't go out at the moment, lol), and I'd have taken up a different, less expensive hobby...

2. How often do you procrastinate with video games?
Back when I was in school and college, instead of doing an assignment, I'd play games with my mates, then we'd be up until like 4-5am on the day of the deadline trying to finish the assignment that had to be handed in just a few hours later... and right now, I sort of just play them in my free time which I have a lot of now that I'm out of work D:

3. Why do you think you play video games?
Well I play them for enjoyment, like anyone else would really, I'm not going to say something silly like "To escape reality blah blah" because it's not really that, it's just... playing a game for fun, I don't take them too serious or anything but I do love a good story every now and then, and games offer these to me in the most interactive way (As opposed to a book or film)

4. What types of games do you play?
Well I'll play any game, it depends on how fun it is, and what the story is like, I'll play one without the other depending on the game, although obviously a mix is great, although my favourite genre is RPG ofcourse (I guess it would be for most people here though), and I'm a big fan of adventure and platformer games too, but like I said I'll play anything... except sports games... they're terrible.

5. When you play video games, do you feel different than you normally do?
Hmm... not really, unless ofcourse I've just managed to get a really hard trophy/achievement on a game, then I get a feeling of pride, for like 10 seconds, then I think "... But it's not even real" and carry on playing, so for the most part, no I just feel the same, but the sense of accomplishment is pretty cool I suppose.

6. How do you socialize?
I socialise both online and outside, online I still chat with my friends but also have other (less interesting) people to talk to, mainly from areas not around me, but when I go out with my friends we'll usually just go to the pub which is a few miles away, have a few drinks and play some pool, and just chat about random bollocks that, if you didn't know any of us, wouldn't make sense at all, I also spend time with my girlfriend but she's a little shy and doesn't like going out and meeting new people, I mean she'll drag me along to see her friends (Who by the way I'm not too fond of, probably because they don't "get" me, lol), or we'll see a movie together (Saw Pirates 4 in 3D last week, it's pretty amazing, lol).

7. When you socialize online do you think you represent yourself as your truly are?
Ofcourse I do, I think people who have to hide behind an alter ego are pretty dumb, I mean sure I have the whole Jesus Brist thing, but seriously, I'm not acting like he's completely different to me, how I act on the internet is exactly how you'll find me in real life, a little random and (apparently) crazy in the head, lol... yeah.

8. If not as you truly are, then how are you representing yourself?
I'm gonna' pass on this question since I DO act how I would, but if I COULD represent myself in another way, I'd TOTALLY pull a Saukrates and be a macho macho man, lol...

9. Are you happy with your life as it is?
Yeah I'd say I am actually, I mean, I'd like to have another job right about now, too much free time can be murder, but then again I guess I do like being able to feel free all day and do what I want, so short answer, yes, yes I am, lol.

10. What do you like to do outside of video games?
Well I used to go to a skate park like 4-5 years ago when I was interested in skateboarding and riding my BMX, but since then I just don't do as much, I mean, I used to play the guitar, I wasn't great but I'd strum along to songs and stuff, but things like that, I don't really do anymore, now if I'm not playing on games I'm either watching tele, with my girlfriend, or with my mates, each of these can take up most of my day (Going out at 10am and not coming in until 1-2am for example)... and yet I still have enough time to post on these forums through the day, lol.

 

[dadevvtsvre]

I'm 17.

1. How do you think video games have impacted your life?
Eh, a bit I guess. Not so much in the "the way I act and behave around other people" category. Mostly just things like understanding references and bringing them up as topics of conversation.

I guess you could say my critical thinking and logic skills have improved a little with puzzle games, but that's a stretch.

2. How often do you procrastinate with video games?
I procrastinate a ton more with the internet than with video games. Unless I have a new game I just bought, I'm not very likely to play video games if I have homework or assignments to do. I'm much more likely to procrastinate by watching TV or something like that.

3. Why do you think you play video games?
Entertainment. That's really about it - playing because I have some free time and feel like spending it playing a video game. I rarely play for the sole purpose of wasting time, because I really don't have a lot of time to waste!

4. What types of games do you play?
To be honest, I don't have a lot of time to squeeze in console games. I have a Wii and a PS3 but I only play them a couple of times a month or when friends are over, unless I buy a new game. First-person shooters aren't really my thing - I like party games, things like Zelda and Mario, and games with shooter elements like Uncharted or L.A. Noire.

Most of my gaming is done on my DS playing RPGs, platformers, puzzle games, etc. I usually play either on long trips or right before I go to bed.

5. When you play video games, do you feel different than you normally do?
Not really. Maybe a bit more zoned out from the real world than usual. If it's a hard/excessively difficult game, I might get a little frustrated. (and if it's an especially good game, I might act pretty excited!)

6. How do you socialize?
The only people I chat with online are people from this forum, really. Occasionally I will chat to a few friends on Facebook but that's about it. I use Facebook mostly to browse other friends' Walls and maybe browse a few photos. I don't have a cellphone so I rarely text. Most of my socializing is done at school and occasionally after school by just hanging out.

7. When you socialize online do you think you represent yourself as your truly are?
Yeah. I have no real reason to not have the same disposition or attitude as I do in real life. Maybe I TEND TO YELL A LOT MORE ON THE INTERNET but that's about it. I usually talk the same way, speak with the same mannerisms, and how I post on the internet usually reflects my mood in real life.

9. Are you happy with your life as it is?
Can't complain! Sure, I've got stresses (mostly relating to school/work) but those aren't any different from your average Joe. Financial situation is good, social life is doing better than ever. If anything, I wish I had more free time to do all the stuff I love to do.

10. What do you like to do outside of video games?
Browse the internet and post on forums, draw, read/write, spend time with friends/family. All that good stuff.

If anything else is needed, just say so.

 

[bacon]

-18

1. How do you think video games have impacted your life?
I think that videogames are a great way to invoke imagination and creativity. I find it fun to get into someone else's shoes and go off on magical adventure. Its just something you can't do in real life and that is what makes it exciting. Have they impacted my life. Somewhat.

2. How often do you procrastinate with video games?
I procrastinate in general. I have played videogames when I should be doing something else, but even without videogames I would procrastinate. I wouldn't say that videogames have made me procrastinate. I don't really watch TV a whole bunch so I am usually either drawing, on the computer, cooking and baking, or playing a game.

3. Why do you think you play video games?
Entertainment basically. Its something new and sometimes it creates and invokes different creative bursts and ideas. I used to play a lot more games when I was younger but I think that was also due to some other things happening in my life at that time as well. It was mainly to escape. Now though, its really just for entertainment.

4. What types of games do you play?
I grew up with Nintendo so I basically play things like Mario and Zelda and stuff like that. RPGs are pretty cool though I was never really into them until i was like 15 or something. Things with guns are usually a turn off for me.

5. When you play video games, do you feel different than you normally do?
Not really. I guess I get a little excited when a game is good or when something really good is coming out but it isn't excessive. I don't really get frusterated.

6. How do you socialize?
I talk with people and hang out and stuff. And when Im not I go on irc or something. I am not a big texter or anything like that and facebook chat is pretty terrible. And I am not a phone talking person I cannot stand talking on the phone.

7. When you socialize online do you think you represent yourself as your truly are?
Yes. I think. I might be a little more shy sometimes but other than that I am pretty much the same. For the most part I speak in an awkward manner and use the same words and stuff. The only thing I dont do in real like is make emotion faces and I dont think that would be possible unless i made little signs. x:

8. If not as you truly are, then how are you representing yourself?
I can get quiet around other people that I dont know mainly because I am a little shy. It really depends on the person's manners and basically energy they exude.

9. Are you happy with your life as it is?
Compared to what it was before; absolutely. There are always going to be roughspots but I think that the older I have gotten, the easier it has become.

10. What do you like to do outside of video games?
Draw, go online, friends, cook and bake, etc.

 

[Daxis]

- Your Age: 17

1. How do you think video games have impacted your life? It's pretty greatly influenced what I want to do in life. Although I know it's gonna be difficult, really, really difficult, that's one of the avenues I'm looking forward to study, although I wouldn't say it's the main focus. It's allowed me a lot of different views on life, and has just generally been a great and constant fixture in living.

2. How often do you procrastinate with video games? A lot. Hours a day, if I can. Honestly, it can range from like 1 or 2 hours to like all night, look at the time, oh SHITES it's 6 am. I don't regret doing it, though, I just regret what I DIDN'T do.

3. Why do you think you play video games? It's a pretty fast and easy escape from reality. I like things are that unlimited in possibilities, like, I don't know, books, music, and art, and out of all those, video games probably hold the highest amount of possibilities ever: imagine what could be in like 20 years, what could people do with ridiculously over the top amazing graphics. Reality sucks, and video games sorta give you a glimpse into a reality that could suck less... or differently, at least.

4. What types of games do you play? RPG games are my main attraction, but I've dawdled in most every genre before, from flash games (everything on kongregate SUCKS YOUR SOUL), to the latest Square Enix or Codemaster games. Like I said, possibilities are endless, although I do have a penchant for one game type genre thingey over the other, I do like to experience this game that got ALL these awards or that game that has SUCH an amazing innovation.

5. When you play video games, do you feel different than you normally do? Pretty much, I guess. I forget reality, and I just sorta immerse myself into the experience. It's a nice little stroll through the park, or a nice way to relieve stress.

6. How do you socialize? Not too sure what this questions talking about. If it's for general socialization with others on something like a MMO or something like that, I'm considerably nice. S*** happens, so I gotta get used to it, why bother feeling pissed off. Even if it ruins some part of the experience, you gotta remember that this is like a game, you know? Sure you spent like 60 bucks on it, but if the money was THAT important, you really shouldn't be using it on games :P. People wanna have fun, treat others like you wanna be treated. Well, be a douche when they're a douche, but not outrageously. On the main MMO that I play, where you participate in seperate matches over and over, I'm usually one to say GL HF, or good luck have fun, even if I do horribly or I destroy them, and the classic GG, or good game, after a match is over, whether I'm losing or winning. (Of course, I also say like BG, bad game, when someone disconnects and slants the odds, whether I won or not).

7. When you socialize online do you think you represent yourself as your truly are? Not at all. I'm polite, for the main part, and just jump in with the frivolities if the occasion calls for it, I have no problem with messing around, but representing who I am? Not really. I do prefer playing as a male character and such; I probably try to make my avatars for a 3d mmo and such to look a bit idealized and "cool", so to a certain degree I guess I do represent myself as who I'd like to be.

8. If not as you truly are, then how are you representing yourself? I think I answered it above, as who I'd like to be :P. Other than that, a bit kind and normal, not standing out or etcetra.

9. Are you happy with your life as it is? Not really. Teenage hormones and ideas of rebellion sorta take over, although naturally I believe I'm totally right about everything :P. I'd like more money to enjoy all the games I've no access to, and maybe just graduate high school already, and definitely more time to study programming (slightly related to wanting to do something in game design), but at least I have a fair bit of time to play games. How about this: I'm not happy about the people in my life.

10. What do you like to do outside of video games? Read, music, and admire art. I like most everything dealing with entertainment. TV and watching things seems sort of a waste to me, although it's completely comparable to reading a book or playing games. I feel a better layer of interaction with reading books or playing games. Other than that, the usual stuff, do homework, go to school, and *some* sports.

 

[Dr. Funk]

- Your Age: 17 :D

1. How do you think video games have impacted your life?

Don't even get me started. I've been playing video games since before I can remember. I love em, always have. My dream job is to run my own prominent video game company.

2. How often do you procrastinate with video games?

Almost constantly, but I procrastinate with just about everything.

3. Why do you think you play video games?

Most likely because it's easy, clean fun. I can just kick back, relax, and enjoy a game whenever I feel like it. It's nice.

4. What types of games do you play?

Hmm... Hard to define. A lot of RPGs, not a lot of FPSs (no COD), and pretty much whatever looks appealing. And Minecraft. A lot of Minecraft.

5. When you play video games, do you feel different than you normally do?

I suppose I feel a bit more oblivious as to what's going on around me. Normally the game I'm playing has my full, undivided attention.

6. How do you socialize?

Like most other teens (at least in my area). I talk to my friends in school, we hang out after school almost every day, we text, facebook, etc.

7. When you socialize online do you think you represent yourself as your truly are?

Absolutely, can't really see why I wouldn't.

8. If not as you truly are, then how are you representing yourself?

See above.

9. Are you happy with your life as it is?

For the most part, aside from being between jobs at the moment.

10. What do you like to do outside of video games?

When not playing games, I'm normally with my friends. If I'm not doing that, I like to draw, listen to music, write, or watch movies.

 

[Venetia]

Thanks for your responses, guys! I dunno whose answers he used yet, but I gave him the responses and we'll see how it affects his project.

I appreciate it!

I'll leave it open though in case anyone else feels like answering a bunch of questions about video games