Ex-gaming-age: what do you think of videogames now?
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Depending on the kinds of games they're playing, I guess I feel it can be an immature hobby. I quit playing games 4-5 years ago, haven't really had any desire to pick up a console or new game. Sometimes I'll hear about an exciting new game and look up some information on it... but they all end up looking really tedious or boring to me. Most games just don't have any significant depth or complexity, I suppose I'd rather read a book in my free time. From time to time I wander over to the Gaming side only to feel alienated, confused and perplexed. I quickly wander back.
lopaz said:
Y'see.. this is what I'm banking on. We're building a house, and I have a gaming room already designed. I have a collection of old gaming posters, old controllers, etc. All of my Elder Scrolls maps are already framed and ready. I also have two Zappers (one grey, one orange) that'll be mounted on green felt in the style of dueling pistols.
Once the house is done, I need to seek out a computer builder who can successfully put together a computer that is capable of running my favorite older games and my favorite more recent titles. Many of the older ones won't run on newer Windows systems, so a partition job of some sort might be needed (Windows 95, probably. Wow..)
Meanwhile the Wii will serve as a sort of repository for older Nintendo titles. When they get cheap, I'll buy a second one as backup.
Funny.. I'm looking more backwards than forwards now whenever the topic of gaming comes-up.
Moderation is key. Unless you lose interest and don't enjoy them any more then I don't see why anyone would stop doing something they enjoy. I love games and I don't see myself ever quitting but I do game less now than before. Plenty of people that live fulfilling lives and have gaming as a hobby.
I haven't stopped cold turkey, but I definitely don't play as much as I used to. And this is a trend also reflective in my college friends who are gamers (but not so much my friends back home, where they live in a perpetual cycle of work - game - sleep - repeat). It was probably around my entry into college where I really started to step back and look at how I was treating gaming and how I should be treating it (a hobby taken in moderation).
These days, I just have a lot more going on between school, work, social life, etc. So I can't really pull the 4+ hours a day I used to be able to when I was a teenager.
Now what I actually think of gaming these days is more filled with cynicism more than anything else. I'm finding myself excessively critical of its routinely terrible stories and characters and I still could not care less about shooters. My favorite genre was the RPG and... well, that hasn't really been going too well as of late. But eh, I have just learned to pick and choose carefully.
These days, I just have a lot more going on between school, work, social life, etc. So I can't really pull the 4+ hours a day I used to be able to when I was a teenager.
Now what I actually think of gaming these days is more filled with cynicism more than anything else. I'm finding myself excessively critical of its routinely terrible stories and characters and I still could not care less about shooters. My favorite genre was the RPG and... well, that hasn't really been going too well as of late. But eh, I have just learned to pick and choose carefully.
This should be more Ex-Addiction Age than just ex-gaming. You suffered from an addiction, but anyone can play videogames and still accomplish "personal development" as long as they do not devote their lives to their videogame addiction. You were just doing it wrong 
Tornado Condor
Member
That they are mindless entertainment.
single player games are a waste of time now, and online gaming got old.
If I'm at a party and people decide to play, I'll join in, but that's it. And judging by all the people on here who buy 60 dollar games and let it collect on their shelves, or not even open them, a lot feel the same way, but don't wanna let go of a childhood activity.
If I'm at a party and people decide to play, I'll join in, but that's it. And judging by all the people on here who buy 60 dollar games and let it collect on their shelves, or not even open them, a lot feel the same way, but don't wanna let go of a childhood activity.
Muffdraul
Member
I'm 42. I lost all interest in gaming circa 1984 to 1991. Probably a combination of "The Great Crash" + I had better things to do during my my high school and college years. It wasn't a conscious thing. I just naturally lost the urge to get up early for Saturday morning cartoons, collect Star Wars action figures, read comic books, etc. The fact is, video games were indeed children's toys in those days. I forgot about all of that stuff in favor of buying records, playing guitar, being in a band, etc. I got back into gaming sort of by accident when I bought an SNES as part of a scheme to establish credit after I finished school. I've never stopped since. The only reason I'd stop again is if gaming just evolves too far from what I'm used to. If we come to the day when everything is multiplayer with Kinect controls, I'm out.
Salvor.Hardin
Banned
I can no longer play a video game and enjoy its story. While it was easier to do so when I was younger and unaware of the gap that makes up the difference between poor writing and good writing, it's harder to ignore that gap now.
Stripped bare, a lot of video games can be summed up by their mechanics. In most cases I end up wondering why I'm mindlessly repeating tasks which don't require much thought. Most video games today are less about creativity and logic and more about timing and precision, which I honestly don't care for. I can't play an hour of a video game without thinking of a better form of entertainment like the backlog of movies to watch, books to read and music to listen to. Gaming has become an odd chore where I can't sit still without regretting the opportunity cost.
Anyone else feel this way?
Stripped bare, a lot of video games can be summed up by their mechanics. In most cases I end up wondering why I'm mindlessly repeating tasks which don't require much thought. Most video games today are less about creativity and logic and more about timing and precision, which I honestly don't care for. I can't play an hour of a video game without thinking of a better form of entertainment like the backlog of movies to watch, books to read and music to listen to. Gaming has become an odd chore where I can't sit still without regretting the opportunity cost.
Anyone else feel this way?
Stumpokapow
listen to the mad man
Emily Chu said:24, I stopped a year ago somewhere in 2009 - 2010
I don't own a single game or game console these days.
I check the Gaming GAF like once a week or so now.
My entertainment has changed to Netflix, Youtube, Hulu, Pandora, Streaming Porn Sites, Off-Topic GAF etc
I could play the latest shooter, but it feels as most of them are "been there, done that before"
and the online portion is just a bunch of screaming 12yr old freaks.
TLR Getting old
It's pretty weird that you literally offered to whore yourself out to get an early shot at a beta of a mostly multiplayer FPS, but you're here saying that you don't play or care about games, you hate multiplayer communities, and you think the latest shooter is been there, done that.
It depends what you consider personal development. I'm able to work at my career, socialize with friends, cook, and even take up a few hobbies besides gaming, all the while playing games for several hours each day. I don't feel the need to go out to bars, clubbing, or to just sit around "chilling with friends". That doesn't fit with most people's definition of personal development, but it does for me.xxracerxx said:This should be more Ex-Addiction Age than just ex-gaming. You suffered from an addiction, but anyone can play videogames and still accomplish "personal development" as long as they do not devote their lives to their videogame addiction. You were just doing it wrong
I dont think I'll ever "quit" gaming. I dont play as much as I used to and I dont follow the news as closely as I once did though. Im only looking forward to about 2 or 3 games this year which is odd. Just a few years ago I purchased about 10 games one fall (this was the year Mirrors Edge came out).
Looking back I do get mad at how much money and time Ive wasted on the world of video games. I used to be on IGN message boards a lot as a teenager arguing with a bunch of strangers for hours about whether or not the Wii could make it and other useless crap like that. Reeeeeeeally wish I wouldve used my spare time better. Im still on message boards (obviously) but its a lot more tame now.
As for the money part. I used to buy a lot of games day one like a sucker. Obvious regret there. I dont do that anymore unless I really want the game. Just got Assassins Creed Brotherhood and DMC4 for about 20 bucks the other day. Goddam steal.
Looking back I do get mad at how much money and time Ive wasted on the world of video games. I used to be on IGN message boards a lot as a teenager arguing with a bunch of strangers for hours about whether or not the Wii could make it and other useless crap like that. Reeeeeeeally wish I wouldve used my spare time better. Im still on message boards (obviously) but its a lot more tame now.
As for the money part. I used to buy a lot of games day one like a sucker. Obvious regret there. I dont do that anymore unless I really want the game. Just got Assassins Creed Brotherhood and DMC4 for about 20 bucks the other day. Goddam steal.
I'm 39, been playing them since the 2600 first came out and I think video games are as entertaining as ever. You have more choices of game genres and styles than ever right now given the rise of digital markets like Steam/D2D/etc, XBLA and iOS. There's a lot of sad shit going on lately, but a lot of fantastic things, too.
The unfortunate thing about this video games is its fan community at large is downright embarrassing (not just here, everywhere). Most gamers view their hobby through such a destructive, cynical, business-over-art lens, it keeps the medium down in the "toys for tots" ghetto.
The unfortunate thing about this video games is its fan community at large is downright embarrassing (not just here, everywhere). Most gamers view their hobby through such a destructive, cynical, business-over-art lens, it keeps the medium down in the "toys for tots" ghetto.
Never really an avid gamer, I think I played video games most when the N64 and Dreamcast came out so I was a fan of RPGs and adventure (Mario, Zelda, Skies of Arcardia, etc )so I was around 12-14. I think I like watching people play games more than playing them. The last thing I played was Scribblenauts (I was 19?)...I think I played maybe two hours of it, turned off my DS, and then never touched it again except to sell it this year.
Fine Ham Abounds
Member
I go through phases it seems, but ultimately I work long hours and obviously prioritize employment.
My spare time is mostly spent exercising, working on my writing, or playing games. It's not as many hours as I used to play before say age 25, but it's still probably 15-20 hours a week.
It's television that I've really phased down. I watch maybe 8-10 hours of Netflix a week. I think the only thing I actually try to watch when it airs is Breaking Bad.
My spare time is mostly spent exercising, working on my writing, or playing games. It's not as many hours as I used to play before say age 25, but it's still probably 15-20 hours a week.
It's television that I've really phased down. I watch maybe 8-10 hours of Netflix a week. I think the only thing I actually try to watch when it airs is Breaking Bad.
I tried to go back to it by buying a few PC games on Steam, didn't work. Don't really care about them anymore. Sometimes I play some flash games and things like that but usually have to stop after 30 minutes. I have been reading about the Vita and it seems great, might buy one if it gets hacked.
Too much of a time investment for the most part. Plus games aren't too good anymore in general.
I still play arcade games (not XBLA stuff, actual arcade games, although I don't have the arcade boards; only console ports.. which are good enough for me so long as it's a good port with effort put in to it so that it's still the same game save for some extremely minor differences) every once and a while since they can be played in short sessions (10-20mins) and feel very rewarding despite only playing for a short time.
That's another thing with most modern games too. If I only play for a little amount of time, it doesn't feel like I really did anything at all. The content is so weak and unremarkable these days.
I still play arcade games (not XBLA stuff, actual arcade games, although I don't have the arcade boards; only console ports.. which are good enough for me so long as it's a good port with effort put in to it so that it's still the same game save for some extremely minor differences) every once and a while since they can be played in short sessions (10-20mins) and feel very rewarding despite only playing for a short time.
That's another thing with most modern games too. If I only play for a little amount of time, it doesn't feel like I really did anything at all. The content is so weak and unremarkable these days.
Bulbo Urethral Baggins
Banned
I don't play anything that takes a commitment. Pretty much the only thing I play these days is Battlefield. Still like reading about games though.
gburgess10
Member
Man, a lot of you guys make me feel a little guilty for still liking games.
Well screw you guys!
Games are still fun, and I won't ever completely give them up. Some of them are like chess and keep a mind sharp.
Though I do find myself playing less as other time constraints come into my life.
And really, I only play 1 game at a time. Currently play only DOTA.
Well screw you guys!
Games are still fun, and I won't ever completely give them up. Some of them are like chess and keep a mind sharp.
Though I do find myself playing less as other time constraints come into my life.
And really, I only play 1 game at a time. Currently play only DOTA.
viciouskillersquirrel
Member
I'm pretty certain I'm done with console gaming. I simply don't have the kind of lifestyle where I can sit in front of the TV for a few hours playing a game. Yes, I'm going to do it for Skyward Sword and the next console Zelda after that, but it'll be slow going (seriously, it'll take me MONTHS to finish the game) and the whole time I'm probably going to be wishing I could play it on a handheld.
Also, dark, gritty, violent, hyperreal and "mature" sensibilities that game devs have been cultivating over the past ten years or so do so much more to turn me off a game than attract me to it. The golden days of gaming for me were back when they were just about good, clean fun and the games that I've really enjoyed over the last five years have been those that eschew that aesthetic for something simpler, unique or just plain different.
Seriously, the last console game I finished was Kirby's Epic Yarn and I don't think I've finished a single PS3 game in the two years I've owned the system. Ironically, I use my PS3 every single day... for its video features.
Over the next few years, I see myself gaming less and less. I've even stopped posting in a lot of the gaming threads that would have garnered my interest five years ago because why bother? Nobody ever learns anything from history and sales-age is but a shadow of what it once was. Also, there is always a new set of fanchildren to replace the dunces of yesteryear, all spouting ignorant talking points and having no clue as to how and why companies do the things they do.
My only hope is that handhelds don't lose out to smartphone gaming and that a steady enough flow of new 2D titles for them keeps on coming.
Also, dark, gritty, violent, hyperreal and "mature" sensibilities that game devs have been cultivating over the past ten years or so do so much more to turn me off a game than attract me to it. The golden days of gaming for me were back when they were just about good, clean fun and the games that I've really enjoyed over the last five years have been those that eschew that aesthetic for something simpler, unique or just plain different.
Seriously, the last console game I finished was Kirby's Epic Yarn and I don't think I've finished a single PS3 game in the two years I've owned the system. Ironically, I use my PS3 every single day... for its video features.
Over the next few years, I see myself gaming less and less. I've even stopped posting in a lot of the gaming threads that would have garnered my interest five years ago because why bother? Nobody ever learns anything from history and sales-age is but a shadow of what it once was. Also, there is always a new set of fanchildren to replace the dunces of yesteryear, all spouting ignorant talking points and having no clue as to how and why companies do the things they do.
My only hope is that handhelds don't lose out to smartphone gaming and that a steady enough flow of new 2D titles for them keeps on coming.
I'm 26 and WoW killed gaming for me. I raided hardcore for a four or five year period and after I quit found myself unable to go back to enjoying more traditional types of games even though I used to love playing them. Something about the scope of the game and the constant multiplayer interaction affected me in a way that made everything else after seem uninteresting.
I find myself playing games vicariously through GB Quick Looks, various podcasts, and the like. I still love following the industry, reading articles, and discussing games, but I'm sadly not interested in playing them anymore.
I find myself playing games vicariously through GB Quick Looks, various podcasts, and the like. I still love following the industry, reading articles, and discussing games, but I'm sadly not interested in playing them anymore.
gburgess10
Member
Futureman said:
This!!!
And really, gaming is better than movies/tv:
Movies: Sit back for two hours, zzzzz.
Gaming: Actually think and react for two hours.
I think I'll take the latter if it isn't absolute shit.
And reading beats it all.
RiccochetJ
Gold Member
Nope, but I have found myself playing more Live Arcade/PSN games than the full retail titles nowadays.
Nah I still play games a ton, mostly multiplayer with friends though, although I do enjoy single player games as well.
It is a hobby though, and like any interest, people will get bored and move on. My brother used to enjoy games as much as me, but he rarely plays any games now, except for the odd Mario Kart game at family get togethers.
It is a hobby though, and like any interest, people will get bored and move on. My brother used to enjoy games as much as me, but he rarely plays any games now, except for the odd Mario Kart game at family get togethers.
SillyEskimo
Member
At every single family Xmas/Thanksgiving/birthday thrown at my house, my gaming systems are the center of attention. Band games, dancing games, trivia games and all of the waggle tech games from all 3 systems unite everyone from grandma to grandchild. There is something for everyone. My whole family looks forward to a new experience every time they all get to come over (because I buy goddamn everything!). I think it's rather amazing to watch.Cubsfan23 said:
I have really cut down on my game playing and don't plan on picking up another console or hand held after this gen but I still enjoy reading up on things and watching video reviews. I did the same thing with the Wii where I bought a bunch of games then sold it and picked up another one for Mario Galaxy and Mario Galaxy 2. I never play it anymore. I am selling my 360 and trying to sell my Wii and after Demon's Souls and Uncharted 3 won't have any use for my PS3 other than playing Netflix and bluray.
I will always have a PC capable of playing games and racing sims. Diablo 3 is going to own me for a while.
I will always have a PC capable of playing games and racing sims. Diablo 3 is going to own me for a while.
As a 37 year old husband and father of 2, I have to say that my gaming preferences haven't changed at all. I still find plenty of time to spend with my family, I hold a fairly successful job, my wife is happy, my kids are doing well in school, I'm able to take time to teach my 8 year old daughter how to play the guitar, and I'm finishing a degree.
I still am able to game at least for an hour or two nightly and some nights I dont feel like it, but I still appreciate games just as much as I did when I was half my current age. I own all 3 consoles and a big gaming PC. I have an android phone that has more games on it than productivity apps.
I'd have to agree with a couple posts up though... if all games go towards Kinect/Move/Wii style gaming, I'll probably give up on them until they realize their tremendous misstep.
I still am able to game at least for an hour or two nightly and some nights I dont feel like it, but I still appreciate games just as much as I did when I was half my current age. I own all 3 consoles and a big gaming PC. I have an android phone that has more games on it than productivity apps.
I'd have to agree with a couple posts up though... if all games go towards Kinect/Move/Wii style gaming, I'll probably give up on them until they realize their tremendous misstep.
radios shipping overview
Member
Personal pursuits out of gaming, plus longer working hours, have cut my gaming time down to near-nil. I'm pretty happy just playing the odd low-commitment PSN/DS/PSP/retro action game, taking an occasional trip to New Vegas or beating up some Chinese in DW. I don't collect titles that I may or may not play anymore, because I know that they'll just weigh on me and take up space. My interest in mainstream, current, AAA gaming, being what it is, is at an all-time low, and that's okay with me. When I was deep into gaming every day, I really just wanted gaming to be an occasional thing, instead of a primary spare-time pursuit. So the way things are now is just fine.
21 now. And i'm starting to really enjoy the experience of PC gaming quite a bit. Witcher 2, and Deus Ex all day. I dont get caught up in hype cycles or any of that shit anymore, and i'm not looking to drop tons of money on anything, but i'm still gaming. I'm also never buying consoles anymore. The exclusive games just arent that great, the gimmicky bullshit is starting to take root, and quite frankly the raging fanboyism that ruled the early bits of this generation really turned me off. I dont care about MS or Nintendo anymore. Sony might be able to convince me to get a PSV, but honestly i got better shit to do.
I hardly have the energy to switch on the Xbox these days. I was quite enjoying DiRT3 until the game started uncompleting itself with the release of new DLC and it just reminded me what an utter waste of time it all is and how much I could have genuinely achieved in the time I wasted chasing after computer generated "rewards".
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