The Swaying of Gamer’s Pendulum
Internet gaming was perceived impossible some 50 years back. A total flip side of today’s society where we are all get slapped and spanked with gadgets and gaming breakthroughs. To some this brings excitement. And to some, a threat.
Video games, online/offline RPGs and a whole lot more are consuming the attention of kids, teenagers and yuppies. No wonder most parents, girlfriends and wives hate this stuff.
I am into online games — I play Mü, an online RPG. I confess I’ve spent thousands for load-up cards since I started playing (around 2002). I play to vent out stress from work and the hassles of everyday life. It’s fun. On top of the game excitement, I’ve met friends.
I pity those men being shouted at by their girlfriends or wives forcing them to quit playing and get out of the Internet cafe in the middle of a bloody DOTA battle. There are classic stories of mothers bringing broomstick in the middle of a highway, looking for the Internet cafe where his son could be playing. Undeniably, some issues have gotten out of hand. On a larger scale, there are countries promoting programs and rehabilitation centers for video game addicts. Rehabs for gamers and Internet addicts are found in Daxing (China), Amsterdam, Britain and perhaps many others.
Their programs are designed to help “game addicts” replace the excitement of the fantasy world with real excitements through therapy sessions and group interaction.
I agree playing can be addictive. When one plays hard, learning strategies for great character builds, looting weapons and sets, the game can absorb the player, creating a carefree, and totally exciting environment, often creating a virtual existence that is not achieved in real life.
Online gaming is fine in moderation, just like all the pleasurable stuffs in life. If kids are into RPGs and video games, I suggest parents check out what the game is all about, what characters are created, how much does the game cost and who does he play it with. The same goes for wives or girlfriends who get mad when their partners choose to play instead of staying with them. It’s when parents/partners do not participate in their loved one’s lives that they get addicted not only to games but to other destructive things like drugs, alcohol, even sports — anything that excuses them from staying “home.” When the gaming seems to get in the way of relationships, perhaps the issue should be viewed the other way around. Could gaming be the vent of a sour relationship?
If you want edit me? just go to your profile than add description text as many you like. ^_*