Support NeoGAF

[SonicMegaDrive]

Just as the topic reads. Why do you like video games? This might sound like a very obvious question. - "Well, I play games 'cuz I like to be entertained! Duh!"


But it is not so obvious when you really think about it.

I think everybody has a different reason for playing games. Some play games to get away from their everyday lives. As a form of escapist entertainment.

Others play out of pure boredom or as a means of relaxing.

Some players find the stories or the characters in a game interesting.

Maybe you like video games because you like them as an art form?

Or maybe you just play video games because it allows you to do things you could not ordinarily do in real life?


Personally, I play games to test my reflexes and to challenge myself. I dig the adrenaline rush. I'm a very wirey person, and I crave excitement. I find that feeling of anxiety you get when a game tests your limits to the point where you finally break through the endless challenges. The satisfying feeling of self-accomplishment soonafter is the reward I get for putting myself through such tortue. I crave that feeling.


How about you? What is your reason for making video games your hobby?

 

[brandonh83]

Story, most of the time. If not, definitely to have some fun. I rarely play out of pure boredom, because chances are, if I'm bored, that means I don't really have any games I want to play. If I did, I doubt I'd be bored.

 

[temp]

To pass the time, because since two months ago and until a month from now I have absolutely nothing else to do.

 

[Gek54]

all the above?

 

[demi]

Story.

 

[Jonnyram]

I play out of habit now, I guess.
I got into gaming when I was about 7 (1982) because it looked cool. The challenge and technology really interested me. Tactile input with visual feedback. I've stuck with the "fad" ever since. It's a mix of escapism and entertainment for me now, as well as challenge every now and then.

 

[Hyoushi]

Beats working.

 

[Piepz]

fun.

 

[Hooker]

Beats working.

We have a winner folks!

 

[WrathOfOtaibah]

They're fun and I like fun things.

Although I'm trapped in addiction with it.

 

[..pakbeka..]

well, I guess I play for fun, sure the character and the story are important too, but hey don't mean shit unless I'm enjoying the gameplay (like the .hack series).
Back in the day of the NES games like Galaga, Ice Climbers, Ballon Flight and Super Mario Bros kept me entertained without a story or graphics, I kept playing them because it was fun, I had a good time playing them and I didn't regret doing it after I was done. That's IMO the main point in gaming, FUN

 

[Geek]

I play my console games mostly for experiencing new gameplay mechanics and audio-visuals. I mostly enjoy games like Klonoa, Gradius, Zelda, Silent Hill and God of War for their simpler mechanics and visceral thrill. "Learning" game mechanics is not really my thing. I'm one of those people that Nintendo is talking about who don't want to figure out complex controls schemes.

My handhelds are for long term strategy, adventure and role playing games (Castlevania, Metroid, Advance Wars, * Tactics). This is the one area of my gaming habits where I'll pay attention to the story. Much of the time, it takes me a long time to get through a console game, because I just don't have the time to play at home, so the GBA fulfills my game storytelling. As an aside, I've been generally unimpressed with the storytelling abilities of video games. There are very very few that I remember being decent.

My PC is for strategy and first person shooters (Warcraft, Counter-Strike, Quake). It's all about the adrenaline from competition.

I also just like the (ug) culture and design of video games. I'm still fascinated by bitmap artwork.

 

[djtiesto]

I think I'll agree with lots of Geek's points - I dig easy to pick up and play games, that provide some challenge and creative puzzles. I also don't mind a good story now and then but as time goes on I find myself caring less and less about having one. Atelier Iris has a cliche plot but it's just a lot of fun; real fast paced and some pretty visuals and cute dialog.

 

[Ruas]

I dunno, just do

 

[123rl]

It's fun, they entertain me, and I like games that reward patience and practise (like DMC3)

 

[cloudbt]

To control something.

 

[SonicMegaDrive]

I play out of habit now, I guess.
I got into gaming when I was about 7 (1982) because it looked cool. The challenge and technology really interested me. Tactile input with visual feedback. I've stuck with the "fad" ever since. It's a mix of escapism and entertainment for me now, as well as challenge every now and then.

Excellent reply.

I really like the point you make about how you got into games at an early age and how you've stuck with them because they've basically become a part of you.

I think most of us can relate to that.

Although I don't necessarily play every big title that comes out, I can always find time to play some form of video game. Perhaps not necessarily because I don't have anything better to do. It's just that video games are a part of who I am. I grew up with them, and I'll probably play them(In one form or another) until the day I die.

 

[human5892]

Because otherwise I'd be doing drugs or something.

 

[Sapiens]

2D games fascinate me. So I play them often.

SEGA games also fascinate me. Especially their expensive arcade and top tier console stuff.

I also like to watch SONY do their hardware thing.

3D games which contain similar control functions to 2D are also great.

I don't exactly know why I love them so much.

 

[Xenon]

I think its mainly because I just love games and by that I mean any game not just the video kind. Sports, board, P&P RPGs, puzzles, and any other type of compitition you can think of, I love. My VG hobby is just a natural extension of that. The thing is VGs are so easy to access and always there, unlike other games you can go solo. It's mental masturbation!

 

[Erdrick]

Much like Johnnyram, I started gaming at an early age. (5 years old, Donkey Kong on the ColecoVision, must've been Xmas 1982.)

I have loved games ever since. I cannot explain why. It just captivated me... I always want to see what will happen next, I suppose. Nowadays, I stick with series that I enjoy because of stories and genres I love. (RPG's and Adventure titles.)

I've grown up alongside gaming... it's a part of my soul. From the Coleco to the latest PS2, GC or DS and PSP game, multiplayer to online, I have pretty much done it all.

I simply cannot fathom my life without games. I honestly do not know what else I would do with my life other than work. It's just ingrained into me. It's second nature to play games, or to anticipate the next one I want, or to replay an older title to relive a classic moment... Or even to finally conquer a game that has puzzled me for years.

So, why do I play games?

In many ways, Videogames are all I know.

And that honestly scares me...

 

[spliced]

Used to be just fun.

Now it's fun, escape and to satisfy my perfectionism.

 

[Outcast2004]

Fun, and more interactive than just sitting there watching TV.

As it stands, I barely watch TV save a few shows. Most of my free time is taken up be playing games or on the internet.

Besides for $50 you can get a game with hours upon hours of play time in some cases it's never the same experience twice.

I dug ou tmy N64 last night and am going to play through WWF No Mercy again...

 

[Idioteque]

Because I have fun with some of them.

 

[sprsk]

To learn about games...and to have some fun.

 

[SonicMegaDrive]

Fun, and more interactive than just sitting there watching TV.

As it stands, I barely watch TV save a few shows. Most of my free time is taken up be playing games or on the internet.

Besides for $50 you can get a game with hours upon hours of play time in some cases it's never the same experience twice.

I dug ou tmy N64 last night and am going to play through WWF No Mercy again...

I can relate to this.

Oftentimes I'll be watching a movie or a dvd or something like that. Then I'll just get this urge. "Ugh. I can't just sit here. I want to actually DO something!". So I'll turn off the movie and pop in a game.

Games have made me very impatient.

You ever wonder if interactive movies(future games) will ever replace movies one day.

 

[siege]

Escapism and entertainment.

 

[scissorfight]

To bitch about it on GAF of course!

Why else?

 

[eLGee]

I've always loved movies, and a good game can be as good as a movie, only hours and hours more fun.

 

[Speevy]

Best form of entertainment that exists.

 

[Vieo]

I used to play them for fun. Now that I'm older and I've found out life sucks, I play them to escape reality. People always ask me why I play so many games. I tell them when reality stops being such a FUCKING DRAG, I'll rejoin society, but until then, bugger off!

EDIT: I read a lot of books too. Mostly Fantasy, but some horror every once in a while.

 

[Shig]

It just feels like a much more productive time-waster than most other activities. TV, movies, even books are almost completely passive. Games acually exercise your reflexes and your mind a bit, and there's a sense of accomplishment involved that you don't get with that other stuff.

 

[Tarazet]

It just feels like a much more productive time-waster than most other activities. TV, movies, even books are almost completely passive. Games acually exercise your reflexes and your mind a bit, and there's a sense of accomplishment involved that you don't get with that other stuff.

That's pretty much where I am.. and like some of the others, I've also noticed that I hate just sitting there like a lump and watching something. I think this ties in with being a musician, too. I listen to music to memorize it, study it, learn its curiosities, so that I can turn around and play it myself.. I never just put it on as background. The very idea is repugnant.

 

[belgurdo]

Because I grew up playing them and since my family is kinda dysfunctional, I found them as a way to "escape" my normal life when I was younger. Nowadays I've mostly gotten over that and I just play them because they're a cheaper, longer lasting form of entertainment compared to, say, going to the movies or eating out

 

[Mallrat83]

To pass the time, have some fun, and to escape the stress and anxiety of my life (ironic considering most of the games I play).

 

[Gek54]

To learn about games...and to have some fun.

What have you learned?

 

[bronzodiriace]

play game like zelda to dream...

 

[Apharmd Battler]

Much like Johnnyram, I started gaming at an early age. (5 years old, Donkey Kong on the ColecoVision, must've been Xmas 1982.)

I have loved games ever since. I cannot explain why. It just captivated me... I always want to see what will happen next, I suppose. Nowadays, I stick with series that I enjoy because of stories and genres I love. (RPG's and Adventure titles.)

I've grown up alongside gaming... it's a part of my soul. From the Coleco to the latest PS2, GC or DS and PSP game, multiplayer to online, I have pretty much done it all.

I simply cannot fathom my life without games. I honestly do not know what else I would do with my life other than work. It's just ingrained into me. It's second nature to play games, or to anticipate the next one I want, or to replay an older title to relive a classic moment... Or even to finally conquer a game that has puzzled me for years.

So, why do I play games?

In many ways, Videogames are all I know.

And that honestly scares me...

Wow, I'm not alone?!

I just love gaming, I just can never get it out of my system. I don't know if it's the entertainment value, or the challenge factor, or just the technology but I could never put a finger on why I'm so addicted to it, and why I've in much respects dedicated my life in the pursuit of great games. I just love playing. I can't pin down a few good reasons.

 

[Karg]

Its really the only thing that can keep me content (as far as stuff to do at home is concerned). Watching movies, reading a book, etc... I get bored easily. Gaming has always been that source of entertainment for me; where I know I'll have fun when I pick up a controller or hop on my keyboard.

 

[Umpteen]

It just feels like a much more productive time-waster than most other activities. TV, movies, even books are almost completely passive. Games acually exercise your reflexes and your mind a bit, and there's a sense of accomplishment involved that you don't get with that other stuff.

IAWTP!

Except for the books part. Games are just so much more entertaining than tv.

 

[Miburou]

I play games because I'm looking for the next MGS3, RE4, FFX or Ninja Gaiden (which are rare), where I'm so engrossed that I lose all sense of time. Most games I play now are boring or barely ok for me.

My brother was a big videogame junky (and had mad skills), but he suddenly stopped playing games altogether when he entered college. I still can't understand it.

 

[Umpteen]

I play games because I'm looking for the next MGS3, RE4, FFX or Ninja Gaiden (which are rare), where I'm so engrossed that I lose all sense of time. Most games I play now are boring or barely ok for me.

My brother was a big videogame junky (and had mad skills), but he suddenly stopped playing games altogether when he entered college. I still can't understand it.

Ummm...he wanted pussy. :lol

 

[Musashi Wins!]

Their fun and mentally stimulating. And immediate. I actually think they've become more addicting to me over time. I'm a virtual experience junkie at this point.

I had an interest in games for a long time. When I was young I would design board games and pen/paper rpgs.

I've told my useless story before but basically...I got back into games when I burned out on studying philosophy and a long term relationship ended. I needed escape and immersion and the format of the media is just right. If you think about it, every game is a microcosm with its own rules and world. No matter how simple or complex. They are fascinating creations.

But I don't know if I consider them art by my own internal definition. Emotionally, they are retarded. That's the missing link in games.

 

[Karg]

Yeah something about RPGs in particular always gets me hooked. Building up characters, making them more powerful and for FPSs the all powerful pull of having great stats. What great stats are is still unknown but I try to get them all the time in Halo 2 for some odd and twisted reason.

 

[Gattsu25]

To have fun
To waste time
but lately I've been playing just to get away from how fucking stressful my life has become in the past 2 weeks

 

[Docpan]

To warp my fragile little mind into having the desire to maime, slaughter, torture, and rape innocent citizens galabanting amongst the city.

 

[Drinky Crow]

To occupy my brain and to satisfy my fetish for micromanagement.

 

[Tain]

I'm partially fascinated by the technology behind them. I can sit and drool for hours whenever a new engine with new features pops up. I'll sit there, playing a game, trying to figure out how the engine handles something, or why the interface is laid out in a certain way, or even just think about the tools used to design the resources. I'll learn how to create certain effects in level editors or things about scripting for an engine with sometimes no real desire to create anything. It's really bizarre.

I also can get oddly interested in the timeline of a series, wanting to know as much random trivia as possible.

Of course, I also simply treat them as entertainment (whether its having a direct role in a story or increasing my skills for competition), and I did grow up playing them.

 

[JavyOO7]

Fun. Entertainment. Challenges.

And Mario. Don't ask why, because probably my only response will be a really horrible irrational response, but hey I'll stick to it!

 

[Kiyamon]

It beats taking Rytalin for my ADHD.