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Games & gear: Video Games, Am I wasting my life?
A complete waste of time - almost
by antonaa - 12/7/06 3:15 AM In reply to: Video Games, Am I wasting my life? by wjnthreeGames and Video games are just that games and by difinition are a complkete waste of time. They act as a diversion and that is all, provide momentary respite from LIVING activities. If they represent more than 0.5% of you waking hours themn you need to get some sleep it will do you more good.
And yes I enjoy a game of cards, chess, draughts, Naughts and Crosses and Space invaders, but that is perhaps once a week. No more than playing a game of football.
Ands that is the sort of balance you should have.
So stop being stupid, especially to your own life and future.
Yes, you probably are!
by hislifetolive - 12/7/06 5:12 AM In reply to: Video Games, Am I wasting my life? by wjnthreeOne of the most important things I learned in college was from my engineering professor who often said, "Time is you most precious variable." Once spent, it cannot be retreived and from whatever perspective you choose, Biblical or practical, you only have so much. So spent it wisely. I like to play vieo games with my children on occasion. I'm not very good and they enjoy mopping up on Dad. So there is extra entertainment value when I play. That said, they don't play unlimited and it is always after the necessary things have been accomplished like schoolwork, and other in home responsibilities. I have shelved the unit on more that one occasion because of "attitude". So if you can't play nice, you can't play. It seems to me to be the height of man's silly pride that he he get so worked up over something of such little worth as scoring ???? on a video game. My older brother flew F-14's in the first Iraq war. He was an excellent pilot and landing on carriers and dogfighting require skils that average Joe does not possess, inlcluding excellent hand-eye coordination. He can't play video games, epsecially flying ones, worth a hoot. That's his estimation, not mine. He still flies airliners today for Jet Blue. All that to say the supposed hand-eye benefit is probably worth a lot let in practical every day living that what it is said to be. At the end, all things in moderation. Have a good time. Enjoy. But if it keeps you from doing things you ought do or generates a bad attitude, let it go. It's not all that valuable in the total scheme of things.
Rotten Donut Holes :O
by acoxon1274 - 12/7/06 6:22 AM In reply to: Video Games, Am I wasting my life? by wjnthreeI had a boss once who went around calling all video games a waste of time. Ask her a question on guns (the real thing) and 4 or 5 hours went by without a thought of the work that wasn't getting done.
I wonder what she would say today about them. She was a banker and money and “The Real World” were all that counted to her. If I ran into her right now I would say, "How’s the money game?" and then after some chat I would ask her for advice on how to invest in that new business "you know VIDEO GAMES".
Closing thought, As you ramble through life, whatever maybe your goal, keep your eye on the donut and not the hole. Keep an open mind.
54 and still gaming
by gator2k83 - 12/7/06 7:33 AM In reply to: Video Games, Am I wasting my life? by wjnthreeAnything can be done to excess and that usually is bad. Nothing is wrong with gaming it does have some benefits such as problem solving, managing, planning, creative thinking, to name a few. When I first saw Pong in the 60's I was fascinated with gaming, being 54 it lead me into the computer/IT industry. I've found quite a few other professionals (doctors, lawyers, engineers, etc) in their 30's, 40's, and 50's that play online games. We use it as a release from the stresses of life. Society accepts other forms of releases because they have been around longer such as drinking alcohol, TV, movies, sports to the extreme (golf, softball, hunting come to mind), cards or board games, etc… Serious gamers, I’ve found are not much interested in abusing or even doing alcohol or drugs because they desire to do their best in game. Other activities are usually much more expensive and can be more time consuming as well. Yes it is important to have social skills and human inaction, my guild and local friends get together at times and have dinner and yes we talk about our games. Games do offer a high level of fun, entertainment and enjoyment that is seldom found in other activities as I have tried many others over years. As to the argument that it promotes violence that is nothing but a scare tactic, if anything it relieves stress and pressure which are a more direct cause of violence. I heard a good analogy that there are more loves songs than any other, yet people sure don’t love each other more. People are responsible for their own choices of actions and use outside elements only as an excuse, so game responsibly.
balance is key
by Paonat - 12/7/06 7:39 AM In reply to: Video Games, Am I wasting my life? by wjnthreeI've been a gamer since 1992. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science. I have a job in tech support. I live on my own and I bought my own co-op. For me, the order of importance is (1) school, (2) friends, and (3) games. My family said the same (and other) things to me over the years and they still do sometimes. The way I see it... as long as it's not an obsession where school, work, and/or family life suffers, you're fine.
games waste or not
by black357 - 12/7/06 7:49 AM In reply to: Video Games, Am I wasting my life? by wjnthreeFirst I want to say I am sorry for the loss of James Kim, I feel for his family and my my prayers are with them.
As for gaming it is a double edge sword. I believe all that is said is true but again you must base it on the individual. It can make people aggressive but help with problem solving.coordination. For me it raises my adrenaline and helps me focus on other tasks. It also changes my mood and I get more aggressive. It just depends on each individual situation.
video games is not a waste of life!
by crecon - 12/7/06 12:22 PM In reply to: Video Games, Am I wasting my life? by wjnthreeDude, video games certainly does not waste your life.
i work for EA. the worlds leading games developer/publisher and you know what... ive never worked in a better place.
everyone at EA are so awsome! The atmosphere in the games industry is amazing!
believe me mate, its anything but a waste of life
Can be a waste
by bevillan - 12/7/06 2:43 PM In reply to: video games is not a waste of life! by creconIf you start going down the road of not socializing with friends, loved ones, or people in general in favor of staying at home and playing video games then you ARE wasting your life.
Sure we all love a good gaming session, but in reality they are not important at all to one's life...they are basically just another form of entertainment like movies.
If you spend more than 10 hours a week playing video games, in my opinion you are wasting your life and time (if you are at least 14 years old). After working at your job, taking care of your house, family, bills, etc...you should not have more than 10 hours a week to play video games and have some sort of social life too.
I love my Xbox 360 but whenever the choice comes up to go to a bar or party with friends, spend time with my girlfriend, etc. I will never choose to play video games.
Not quite.
by Easy_Gamer - 12/7/06 4:07 PM In reply to: Video Games, Am I wasting my life? by wjnthreePutting it simple, when I was a kid during basic school, I was an extreme addict on video games(PC), as consoles were expensive at that time(early 90s). And although, I spent ridiculous amounts of time in front of the PC, I never neglected my studies. And I was a good student too. So, videogames are not a waste of time. They're entertaining, and can provide hours of fun, but don't neglect the other things in your life or else it will become a "waste of time".
Note: When in the presence of your family, like during Christmas parties ,birthdays, forget the computer. Dedicate your time to your family. And thats it.
its normal
by no.brains.at.all - 12/7/06 5:12 PM In reply to: Video Games, Am I wasting my life? by wjnthreedude
i think your just fine palying video games, everybody plays some occasional video games. theres nothing wrong with playing for fun, or maybe for compititions, but dont let it take of your life like i have seen done. i play video games a lot but i play it moderitly. but it definitly isnt bad for u!
haha how does it to feel on cnet weekly email dude!!!
thats an honor if i might say so!
To a certain extent
by Connor565 - 12/8/06 7:28 PM In reply to: Video Games, Am I wasting my life? by wjnthreeGames arn't bad, but there are better things. They can be a fun use of time, like music or tv. People who play a ton of games though, that could be wasting your time. Just a little now and then is nothing though. I play a good amount of games, and i can tell you that it doesnt fry your brain. There are better things that you can do with your time, but thats the same for a lot of other stuff.
Personal Choice
by Katsumoto - 12/9/06 12:57 PM In reply to: Video Games, Am I wasting my life? by wjnthreeI'm 19, a part time worker and part time school in a apprenticeship living at home and constantly are being told by my parents that i'm playing to many video games. I'll play from 10-15 hours a week usually just a hour or two a day and 2 or 3 times a day i check an online games i play like travian, knightfight and kings of chaos. But i also work 20 hours a week and go to school for 16 hours a week. As well i play soccer on the weekends with friends for about half a day. Do i play to many video games? Not really, how i play video games is a way of relaxing and doing something with my mind so my body may rest and has no effect on my social, working or school life except the occasional need to get on a computer around lunch time for 5 minutes.
Life is all about choice and how they affect you in the long run. From my experiences parents like to command their children especially when dealing with videogames. If you wish to "waste your life" with video games then that is how you choose to spend your life. But don't expect to stay at home for free and just play videogames. If you get addicted and let it consume your life you soon might now be able to play at all because you don't have a choice due to lack of money. I would take their opinion, agree that too much videogames has a negitive affect on various things but for now your just going to relax for a couple of hours and do something you enjoy. My favorite line "would you rather i go out and do drugs?".
To set a bar of what is an addiction. For the full time student or worker anything over 20 hours a week, every week would be a addiction. Further points would be if you actually go outside for more then to go to the store for a new videogame, if not... you need to put down the controller.
Games, my personal opinion
by chets808 - 12/10/06 11:03 PM In reply to: Video Games, Am I wasting my life? by wjnthreeI played lots of games when I was younger, it tailed off when in College and I didnt have time plus other things interested me, and I used to equate it with reading books until I hired and had the unfortunate oppurtunity to work with this sad young man in our office.
You see, he was/is a computer whiz, spent thousand of hours lost in games through most of his youth and at 22 yrs old was technically very gifted, but this is a truly sad story because he lost out on the socialization of his maturity forming years like no one could have imagined. He barely could relate and act "normal" in his life outside of his computer world. He eventually was fired (yes, it was THAT damaging) and had been through several jobs.
The point is this, if you do one thing, any thing, from piano playing to writing to getting lost in escapist virtual worlds, never lose sight of the fact that someday you will probably need to utilize social skills in your life, in relationships with bosses, co-workers, and your closest friends and family.
Computer games can be very addicting to the point where you become lost. I think its more precarious than other hobbies. So my opinion is enjoy them, but more importantly strive for balance in your life. play sports, participate in group activities, get out and enjoy life beyond the games.
I just happen to believe you'll be much happier later in life with this foundation to build on.
Also, I finished Ultima 3.
To obsess or not to obsess, THAT is the question!
by Redtalon - 12/11/06 11:23 AM In reply to: Video Games, Am I wasting my life? by wjnthreeTo John Wilkonson, Saint Augustine & eranoco: Balance in favor of living well first, seems to be your mantra. Responsible adults would see it's value, but we're writing to kids. How many millions of actors, musicians and artists have we all seen "waiting for their 'big break'"??? Gaming has the same stigma. The few successful game-masters & game analysts are held as examples from the millions who will only dream of making a living in gaming as life passes them by. TheCrowing would be wise to pay heed to them.
To those who have argued in favor of gaming over all else:
sprt--Here's a glaring example of one whose attention during English class was apparently voided by obsession with gaming. No employer of substance (including software companies requiring coherent reports on their games) would hire anyone who applies ebonics to the written word. Communicating effectively IS a sellable skill to EVERY employer.
theinfamouschris-- While the civilian-version of military simulators do improve Hand/Eye coordination, as a combat vet/military-instructor myself, I can say with authority that NO simulator can prepare anyone for the stress induced by another trying to kill you first. To say gaming DOES is irresponsible and misleading. READERS NOTE: Another whose grammar deteriorates and chronic mispellings show how well gaming teaches 'real-world' communication skills.
To drewlore, eclipse_6, & fuzzyCWD:
As I exampled above, competition for the gaming positions is fierce. My own son has a position as a game-master & troubleshooter for one of the most popular RPGs on the net today. His problem is that he obsessively plays as a customer at home Monday-Friday 5-6 hours (25-30hrs./wk. NOT counting weekend time)which cuts into his sleep time. Sleep-deprivation affects one's immune system, mental acuity & overall health. "Doing something he enjoys" as you put it to such an extent now is ruining his health, endangering all others he shares the road with while driving and, if he shows up late to his "primo" job one more time, he stands to lose it. Putting all that at risk HARDLY justifies him spending THAT much time playing a game, now doesn't it? Puts a whole new perspective on obsessive gaming!
The Greeks had it right: "Moderation in ALL things." But if everyone had been paying attention in class instead of gaming, or incessantly talking about gaming, we wouldn't be discussing this now, would we?
Redtalon
You're kidding - right?
by CyberGreek - 12/13/06 6:29 PM In reply to: Video Games, Am I wasting my life? by wjnthreeWhy do you need a "comeback" for your parents?
If you're physically old enough to speak back to them with some half-witted "comeback", then you're probably old enough to not live there any longer anyway, right?
If you're still a minor, there's still not much good news. You're probably destined to become just another unremarkable drone with "great hand-eye coordination", whatever that does for you....
You're probably asking this rather obvious-answer question because you want others to hold your hand and make you feel better about your weakness.
No one should.
Turn off that game, and go outside and breathe in some outside air. If you don't do it soon, you'll never be able to identify with anything outside of that sleek, enticing and idiot-making video screen.
And that would be a crime.
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