Video games, the ever so easy to engage in form of entertainment that holds so many people from such a variety of backgrounds captive. So addictive, such a release, and just plain fun, video games have gone from a nerdy pastime only played by a few people to a monstrous multi-million dollar industry dominated by huge mega-publishers such Electronic Arts (EA) and Activision.
Video games have evolved from the first text based adventures to the most high tech first person shooters. But something that hasn't changed is their ability to absolutely suck time away like none other. There are few other pastimes where you can sit down and say, "Just one match and I'll be done" and four and a half hours have passed, you've leveled up twice, and you have officially become addicted.
So much fun! But so huge of a time waster! Video games have always been this thing hanging around the edge, always there, always available, but never really. I know I have too much work to be in their world during the week. So I get my time in during the weekends when I can, never quite doing as well as the guys who spend more time in the virtual world than in the real one. I honestly can't choose whether I love them or hate them. I can't even begin to recall all those times I've had a paper or calculus homework due the next day, or even within a few short hours and that box and controller by the TV have tempted me to go and just relax for a few hours. Sometimes I'd give in and almost immediately after stopping regret it, and other times I'd get all my stuff done with just enough time to play one match.
Or twenty.
Like no other? I beg to differ. XKCD strip #609 explains. For maximum effect, click on the strip.
ReplyDeleteBut yes, waste of time. I feel your pain, more than one essay has suffered greatly because of the internet. I'd disagree about complicated FPSs being the worst ones, though. Games like Tetris are way worse.
This was very interesting to read. My mom has banned videos games from the house ever since I was little so I never really did get to experience video games (or develop the correct hand-eye coordination...). Adding onto the time-sucking aspects of videos games I think it's something that we have computers and TV to thank. With all the visual stimulation they produce, it's easy to completely kill a few hours. Great job!
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