The Wonderful World of Video Games

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   Jacqueline4390posted 9 years ago

   
   There are some people who have been playing these games for many years. If you asked the average player he/she would have various and sundry reasons. Some play for sheer enjoyment. Others may play because they need a diversion from daily life. There are still others who need the mental stimulation that playing these games gives them.
   
   There are many avenues for playing these games as well. You can play it on a console in from of your TV. It can be played on the computer (my favorite) and it can be played on your tablet (also my favorite), an Iphone or an Android phone.
   
   Whatever your mode of play—what’s your reasons?

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   1. 84

      dungeonraiderposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I think most people play video games to structure their time.  A good video game developer wants you to come back again and again, of course.  That does mean some people get addicted to them, especially young and 'old'.
      
      We are in a rare yet withering generation of gamers who are like me.  Young people today have never lived in a world without video games.  I have.
      
      I started playing board games when I was young and that interest easily transferred into an interest in video games.  The limbic system in the brain is responsible for what we view as pleasure and these games stimulate that part of the brain in some folks.  The positive reinforcement that comes from playing games is a strong force that keeps people playing for years.  That reinforcement once caused a man (Korea or Japan, I forget) to check into the hospital for exhaustion after a long round of video game playing.  When he was released from the hospital, he immediately returned to the game and died from a heart attack.
      
      Though I don't have the spare time I used to, I still play when I can.  Today, my interests are down to two games:  League of Legends (intense experience) and Dungeons and Dragons Online (social experience).
      
      Dungeons and Dragons has made an interesting recovery and is getting some awesome free advertisement from people like Vin Diesel and Wil Wheaton (D&D geeks.  Who knew?).  The game is at its best when its game world is packed with players.  Going on difficult adventures with other people from all over the world, well, it doesn't get any better for this old gamer.
      
      I think it's important today for parents (and everyone, really) to be aware that video games can be very addictive.  Any addiction can be destructive to a person's life.  Boredom can be destructive, too, so I wince when I hear or read from people who say we should do away with video games altogether.
      
      If you play video games, take a good look at how much time you are devoting to them and for what reasons.  Be honest.  If your kids are losing steam at school or becoming real world anti-social, it might be time to put the games up for an extended period of time.
      
      If you're a responsible gamer, I hope you (and your brain) enjoy the experience as much as I do!

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      1. 82

         Jacqueline4390posted 9 years agoin reply to this

         Thank you for a very informative narration. As a child, I also played board games with the family, especially during the holiday season. Maybe this is why I enjoy the video games. Being a grandmother, I don't have to worry about my children spending too much time on them. Though my daughter and I share an interest in them, her work limits her. My sons have no interest at all but my grandson enjoys them very much.

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2. 82

   Jacqueline4390posted 9 years ago

   For me, it is more of a passion than an addiction. It stimulates my brain and I really enjoy those "who done it" types. Solving a murder mystery in "game mode" to me is as exciting as reading one. Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express, Sherlock Holmes' Nemesis and CSI are just of a few of the many I have played on my PC and IPad.

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3. 84

   WriteAngledposted 9 years ago

   I play various games and visit forums while I work, specially if I am dealing with either a particularly boring assignment or one that needs a lot of concentration. In both these cases, my brain needs frequent breaks.

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   1. 82

      Jacqueline4390posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Yes ... I agree with you. Especially, when I have become so involved in an assignment; I like the diversion of a really good game. I also enjoy the games when my personal life becomes a little bit too stressful.

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