What is the is the point of video games?

[AceJP]

Guys, I have reached a time in my life where I must ask myself this.
"What is the point of Video Games?"
I once knew the answer to that, they were fun, I could pass the time. But now, I am a sophomore in college, and I wonder, have I wasted my life level grinding in games that have no real impact on my life?
What if, instead of wasting time mastering the warrior class in ffXI, I actually went out, bought a sword and practiced sword fighting? I mean, at leaste I would have something to show for it right? Healthy body, toned muscles.
And what if, instead of playing the Sims (I don't, but for the sake of argument) I actually practiced designing, then, by now I oculd probably have a job by now. Huh?!
So, what I am asking is, has any one else reached this point in there life, when they have woken up from the stupor interactive games have put us in? Or is everyone else still thinking that the world in the games is worth throwing away the world and beauty that lies outside the television screen?

It's time for all of us to take the red or blue pill. I know which I will take.
What about you?

 

[$t3v0]

Entertainment.

 

[Despain v.1]

Stevo hit the nail on the head. Video games are a form of entertainment- they're for fun. It's a reason I don't like too many dark games or horror games and much prefer brighter and cherry games- it's about having fun.

On some level they're also an escape from reality- but only on the same level that television, books or movies are.

I'm also reporting this to be moved out of the Symposium and into the video game forum.

 

[ryanwh]

A way to releive stress, escape(all good entertainment is this).
You know crime has DECLINED since GTA came out? That's because people are releiving their stress in a none-existant environment and taking out their anger on none-existant people. Its a good thing.(even though I hate GTA)

 

[Hisuwashi]

It has been asserted that video games can make you feel more contented and they are also good for mental health, provided that they are not played excessively.

(Also, my vote was: An enjoyable time, every now and then)

EDIT:

It's time for all of us to take the red or blue pill. I know which I will take.
What about you?

I understand you are referring to The Matrix, but I don't really understand your rationalisation. Which pill has which effect, and which would you take?

 

[Andy6000]

My goal in life is to die like that guy in Korea. You know, the one that played some MMO for like 3 days straight only drinking energy drinks and died. Best-thing-ever.

(Also, entertainment. It just happens to be my favorite mode of entertainment above movies and books and music.)

 

[Mega Flare]

I find video games to entertain me and also there a good way to pass time

 

[Euphony]

I actually don't play them a whole lot, but when I do it's for the same reason that I use Rmxp, read books, watch movies, etc. -- just a way to escape momentarily from normal life.

In some ways they're also a way to feed my imagination. The last game I played was Baten Kaitos, which has pre-rendered environments, and sometimes I would just sit and stare at the graphics because they were so beautiful. I don't think a lot of people appreciate just how beautiful some games are. So it's not only escapism for me but also a way to make myself more creative.

 

[ryanwh]

My goal in life is to die like that guy in Korea. You know, the one that played some MMO for like 3 days straight only drinking energy drinks and died. Best-thing-ever.

(Also, entertainment. It just happens to be my favorite mode of entertainment above movies and books and music.)

Seizures are one of the worste ways to die. You really want that? :P

 

[Balore]

It's both the first and second one. I went with first.

Video games allow you to do things you can't or wouldn't normally do. Like become a secret agent, take over the world, or just destroy cities.

And doing those things makes you feel just great.

 

[Roman Candle]

I said escapism. For me, games are what you might call an acentric activity, (supposing that you were a psychotherapist, of course).

 

[AceJP]

I understand you are referring to The Matrix, but I don't really understand your rationalisation. Which pill has which effect, and which would you take?

Well, I dont remember which pill had what effect, but the basic princaple is: Stay in la-la land, being content with the faux-fullfillment from an imaginary reality, or wake up and particpate in the real life, bettering one self thru actually interacting with the world we live in.
So many people let life slip by because they are unwilling to cope with the stresses real life present. Example, the guy in Korea who died :\
Obviously not everyone is obsessed with games as much as this korean guy, but how much time is wasted playing games?
Another example is my buddy Zack. He has a horrable life, his home life is trash and he is waiting desperately to turn 18 and leave it all behind. The way he copes is escaping thru video game. IN STEAD of DEALING WITH IT.
Tell me, what would be healthier? growing thru the experince, or escaping?

It has been asserted that video games can make you feel more contented and they are also good for mental health, provided that they are not played excessively.

Also, true that people can feel contented thru imagining they are doing some act. to a point.
Did you knwo that is the same exact argument people are using to try and make child pornography legal?

Don't get me wrong, I understand how video games help mental health, puzzle solving, and logic; my argument is, should we continue to waste our lives pouring hours and hours into gaming? instead of self development?

 

[Daniel]

Saying video games are pointless is like saying that books, music, movies, and television are pointless. They are for entertainment.

 

[AceJP]

In your opinion, what is the point of video games?

 

[Twin Matrix]

Addiction.

Take FFXI away from me and I'll hyperventilate. Seriously.

The point? None really. I learned a lot of English from English multimedia, including games. Other than that I can't really see what's good about video games. Without it I probably would be a professional harp-player, published more than 3 books and at the top of my class.

 

[DESIRE]

Entertainment.

An example of perfect command of the English language. That is pretty much the reason for video games. Also, I think you might should take off the "every now and then" from the entertainment option because we all know it's not "every now and then". Also, you should be able to select more than one option for this poll as almost all could apply to one person.

 

[Kest]

You have too many options in this poll. Several of them say basically the same thing, and some say exactly the same thing...

Ex: "Relax, relieve stress" & "Sibling pacifier, babysitter".

 

[DESIRE]

A little off-topic, but how are those the same? One says "I like to sit down and play video games to relieve stress" while another says "I use it to occupy the children I babysit and keep the little munchkins quiet". How are they the same exactly?

 

[rexxzecutioner]

A way to releive stress, escape(all good entertainment is this).
You know crime has DECLINED since GTA came out? That's because people are releiving their stress in a none-existant environment and taking out their anger on none-existant people. Its a good thing.(even though I hate GTA)

I would like to see exactly what backs up this statement?

 

[AceJP]

An explanation of the poll options
An escape from real life: If you choose this, when life gets tough, you play games to escape life, so you do not need to think or deal with problems

An enjoyable time, every now and then: Is a person who owns a system or game or two, and plays, every now and then. Just for kicks. Like my friend ryan has an XBOX with a few games, and only plays a day or two a week, and spends the rest of his time with friends. Most of the time, the xbox is in his closet collecting dust.

A way for me and my friends to relax: during college, I play Mario Party with some friends to just kick it, we usually order pizza and use it as a way to just hang out when he have no money

A way to releave stress: instead of beating up some body, you play games, like fighters or w/e floats your boat.

A waste of time: you dont play games anymore. Doesn't mean you dont like making them

A good waste of time: you realize the little value games have, but still enjoy playing them none the less.

A pacifier for a sibling: You play games with your little kid-bro/sis because its the only thing you can do with them cuz they are young, or you are baby sitting them.

A baby sitter for your kids: this obviously can only be selected by a parent.