Escape Characters

Video Games

Somebody asked me once, in person, "Why is it guys like to play video games so much?"

Being asked by someone female, I think I gave a mostly "I Don't Know? I'm sorry?" answer. I'm not sure I'm capable of a "good answer" in this case. And certainly not immediately. I should have asked, "But what about all the ladies that're into [video game]?" Or: "What about the guys who don't like video games at all?" Or: "Some games make folks motion sick." Or any number of annoying ways to avoid answering by attempting to qualify or invalidate the original question.

For the record, I think the best answer I could have given was "So we don't kill each other." I think I heard that from a comedian, but regarding other decidedly male activities. I think it still applies though, and can probably do so to explain a lot of things that I/we do.

I can't sleep, but I really should be trying. The point I wanted to make is that, violence and spectacle aside, at the root of the matter I've felt somehow compelled to play. Compelled to understand it, to conquer it, to see it through to its end, maybe even moreso in recent years as interesting narratives have been making their way into games. Why I've felt compelled I'm not sure: maybe society agrees with it, and it supports well my introverted and technological tendencies, or maybe it satisfies a need for mental stimulation I don't get through other avenues.

The other thing I wanted to mention was that I don't feel so compelled lately, towards games, or anything else I have interests in. Not sure why. Wish it would change.