How many of you play pc/video games?

[Lovinglife]

I'm just wondering how many here play pc/and/or video games. Also, I would like to know how you think it effects your productivity and personal effectivness.

Thanks

[Baltar]

I play games, and I'm also an independent game developer. Though I have to say that I used to play a lot more when I was younger, partly due to having more free time for that and also partly due to the originality and variety of hardcore games being better in the old days. As for productivity and personal effectiveness, why would games have any effect on that?

[Lovinglife]

Originally Posted by Baltar

I play games, and I'm also an independent game developer. Though I have to say that I used to play a lot more when I was younger, partly due to having more free time for that and also partly due to the originality and variety of hardcore games being better in the old days. As for productivity and personal effectiveness, why would games have any effect on that?

One word: addiction

[TimDineen]

I play games. Probably more often than I should, and definitely more often than I would like. They are an easy absorbing activity with definite immediate rewards. They're designed to be that way and I think I've set myself up so that they make me feel, at the moment I am playing them, as if I am accomplishing something. However, when I'm done playing the game I always feel slightly empty.

I have noticed a difference when playing online games though. Like when I join up with a group of people then at least we all experienced something together.

[Jonathan]

I only really tend to play video games as a social activity - a multiplayer of Mario Kart is often strong competition for a night of clubbing with my mates and I! It's actually quite a good stress relief, but I'm lucky that while I enjoy the games, I don't actually get *too* into them. I could see how they would eat away at productivity time otherwise.

On this note, are there any games anyone recommends from a personal development point of view? I'm thinking along the lines of the Nintendo DS "Brain Training", or something that can help improve general knowledge.

[Baltar]

Originally Posted by Lovinglife

One word: addiction

This largely depends on the person. I don't think most people get addicted to games, although it is possible. Games (good games at least) offer a constant work-reward loop as long as you play, and I think the most addictive games are those where this loop is very straightforward and never gets exhausted (meaning that the game can never be finished). Examples of such games include Counter-Strike and World of Warcraft. The latter was intentionally designed to have no ending because it's subscription based, and Counter-Strike is just something that can be played over and over again with a different experience each time.

But I think that in order to get addicted to games (or become addicted to anything really) you must have a strong reason for wanting to escape reality and substitute it with something else. If you're happy with your real life then the work-reward loop that a game offers would never be able to match (let alone replace) the reward you get from doing real life things. Games are intended to supplement real life, not replace it.

[Erock]

I used to play a ton when I was younger (7-14). Now I don't play as much. We usually play halo when me and my bros and hanging out. I just modded my xbox, so now I am playing a bunch of classic games and I'm loving it. Somehow I'm not really addicted though.

Erock

[Tasaio]

Games are artwork, not drugs.

They incorporate: visual arts (2D and 3D), music, voice acting, storytelling (which is what appeals to me), strategy, puzzles...

And most importantly, active participation. Games make you think.

Think of it this way: If you weren't playing a game, would you really be doing something more worthwhile? Would you rather watch a rerun of "The Simpsons" (yech) than play an epic match of Starcraft?

- - -

On the other hand, I do advise caution in setting foot into MMORPGs (like World of Warcraft). Baltar hit the nail on the head: these MMORPGs are designed to be neverending and addictive.

If you want to try one, then I recommend Guild Wars. Unlike World of Warcraft, it has no monthly fee.

Personally, I found it as boring and tedious as World of Warcraft. But if you like that kind of game, then by all means play it and enjoy it!

[Marc Greve]

I've been a pretty heavy gamer through most of my childhood.

And I do love my LAN-parties - nothing like screaming your head off over Dog Fight or Serious Sam.

My view on gaming (or, indeed, anything), is this:
If you can learn something useful and transferable from it - it's worth it.
From gaming (you name it, RTS, FPS, RPG, Adventure...) you can pull valuable lessons. The most rewarding thing about it is the logical faculties you develop. I find I can often reduce lots of areas of expertise - comedy, social interactions, cooking, whatever - to easily managable chunks.

It's really a thinking process more than anything else.


RTS; you compare units' sterngth to each other, you optimize resource harvesting, you invest wisely, you learn how to expand your bases...

FPS;
you learn how to VERY quickly anticipate other's actions,

you learn the value of seeking out information about your "expertise" (try playing Unreal Tournament without double-tapping and dodging, I DARE you!)

you get a chance to teach others what you've learned (thus developing your inter-personal skills - I did this in Jedi Outcast and Academy with a friend, man that was so great. We coached groups of 12 and then split them up into 6 pairs of 2, each learning lightsaber dueling; I became a better teacher, they enjoyed the game more and realized how useful it was to ask someone better than them for advice).

RPG;
You learn the incredible value of skill-building
You realize that it's a more slow and methodical process.
You learn to develop your own style as you go along.
AND you can really get some good introspective distinctions if you look closely at your recurring choices; do you like elves? dwarves? humans? mages? thieves? figthers? don't pigeonhole yourself here, but learn from the stereotypes you play.


I've already written way too much for easy application, but just consider this;
Everything's interrelated.


Try this one:
Take out a blank piece of paper, write gaming in the middle of it, take out a dictionary and look up random words, connect the words to gaming in the center - mindmap-style.
See how it all applies. Learning is inevitable.

Let gaming enrich your life, not define it.

[SamBeaven]

I agree wholeheartedly with Marc. Gaming's awesome and works well for personal development, provided it's not overdone - I limit myself to an hour a day as part of my relaxation.

Incidentally, FPSs have also been shown to improve eyesight and visual skills (New Scientist reported on it here).

[JohnnyJimJams]

I had to uninstall the windows games from my work PC. I had 13'000+ games of freecell completed, countless games of tetris, and solitare.....

It was a major problem for me. On a couple of occasions, I specifically didn't answer the phone because I was playing a game. In fact I was annoyed at the distraction. Not a good work ethic, and an easy wasy to build anxiety.

My friends all got into world of warcraft as I was getting into personal development, and they all chipped in an bought my a copy of the game, with an upgrade pack. I thought about it for 10 minutes and handed the game back to them with apologies. I just knew that it would occupy too much of my time, and as Steve says time is one resource that you don't get back.

For me, playing games were a distraction to the pain that was my real life, so it was an easy for me to become addicted. The other point to consider is that as I was playing more and more games, I was telling myself that it was a harmless activity, it didn't cost any money, it wasn't doing my body any harm, it made me feel better..... but the cost on my time was massive, which in turn affected my relationships, my work, my friends, my fitness, etc etc

Most things in excess are detrimental.

[Javen]

In times past, I have lost many a day to the vagaries of computer gaming... Diablo 2 being the prime candidate for leaving me tired and irritable, but strangely satisfied...

I agree with all of Marcs points, especially those about social gaming... Although I have had a few very enjoyable evenings just watching other people play and encouraging them.

Like Sam, I use gaming as "play" and a way to relax but stay stimulated... I greatly enjoy the dynamics of playing a good game.

For me too, MMORPGS seem appealing, but the possibility of spending too much time on them keeps me away... I have dabbled, but never very seriously, and never been as into them as I thought I would...

I'd rather spend my time sketching...

J

[stocktrading101]

From gaming (you name it, RTS, FPS, RPG, Adventure...) you can pull valuable lessons. The most rewarding thing about it is the logical faculties you develop. I find I can often reduce lots of areas of expertise - comedy, social interactions, cooking, whatever - to easily managable chunks.

It's really a thinking process more than anything else.

This is very relevant in my own life. I used to play WarCraft 2 online when I was in my early teens (12-15) and with a ton of hardwork (and about 3 hours a day) got to 23rd in the world. Then, I realized shortly after the game had become an addiction so I burned it and haven't played online since

A few years later though I realized the same skills I utilized in the game had changed me as a person; I was now addicted to building businesses/concepts/ideas. If any of you have played WarCraft 1,2, or 3 will know the concept is about building a town, managing resources, expanding, then destroying your opponents. Sounds simple, but there are TONS of details on managing resources, when to expand, went to attack, making on the spot decisions, etc.

Two years after quiting I ended up selling my first business that was started years earlier, I was 17. Meanwhile I was obsessed with the stock market and investing (which is also simply a game), and used my earnings from the business to start building up my money. I started another business shortly thereafter with my brother doing consulting, which our company now has a patent pending in the US (which we are constantly managing resources for to fund). At 19 I started a nonprofit dedicated to investing, and at almost 21 I am obsessed with growing our organization (which now has nearly 1,500 members worldwide).

Bottom line, what I was "obsessed" with as a teen has unknowingly become a HUGE part of the way I manage and run my business life. It has made me successful in my own simple young life, and has helped me find what I LOVE to do. My passion for taking ideas and growing them to extremes possibly could have never been exploited if it weren't for the 3 years, 3 hours+ a day of building towns and "powning n00bs".

I still have a passion for gaming in general, but do not play nearly as much as when I was in my teens. And, every game today I find myself addicted to, I make sure it is educational in some respect, otherwise I leave it for another. So, my point is that all addictions aren't necessarily bad, and video games can actually be very positive for your well-being.

[gberardi]

Originally Posted by stocktrading101

A few years later though I realized the same skills I utilized in the game had changed me as a person; I was now addicted to building businesses/concepts/ideas.

Actually, I think that you can predict how people will think based on the games that they play.

If you enjoy open-ended strategy games and simulations, you will more likely feel comfortable with unpredictable situations and change than someone who only likes playing straightforward, mission-based games. Who do you think will be more successful in general?

[icesar]

I agree with Baltar that whether gaming is good or bad for you is largely based on you and whether you're prone to addiction.

I played casually when I was younger, and while I had fun, I never spent more than a few hours here and there playing while a roomate of mine became addicted and would play until he finished a game.

Also, I think you have to weight it against other things you could be doing. If you would be watching TV instead, go ahead and play some games, but if you can spend quality time with friends or family instead...

[Tasaio]

Personally, I don't think there's any problem with playing until you finish a game, depending on the genre.

For example, if the game is story-driven, it's unrealistic to try and play it in small sittings.

[Marc Greve]

I stumbled upon (yes, totally lame pun intended) this;

I QUIT!!!!!

Nifty way to get out of the loop.

In short;

Give your username and password away publically (or, if you're the entrepenuerial sort; sell it on ebay - there are serious money to be made this way, and it should give you a nice boost for your new life).

[Dani]

Hi my name is Daniel, and I am an addict.

*insert claps and back pats and 'good for you's here*

Games cause me to waste a significant porion of my life. Give or take, ten maybe 15 years. I agree that you can learn some good skills from it. I can create and optomise a system like you wouldn't believe (strat game player rts/civ etc mainly) But Whether those skills are really proportional to the time wasted is debatable.

I had just as many good reasons as some above have laid out. 'its only a couple of hours a day', 'it's just to relax' , 'I am not really -that- into them'

If you only play 1hr a day that equals 365 hours a year. Thats more than 8 x 40 hour working weeks. If you stopped playing computer games you just gained yourself two months holiday...

The bottom line is, while I felt 'satisfied' by gaming, like eating maccas, I was hungry several minutes later, and back into it again. It made me irritable, all I could think about was the game and my productivity was reduced to almost 0.

From age 15 to my early twenties I was fiercly entrepreneurial, and set to do great things with my life, then I got into gaming, and all my aspirations and ambitions outside of my day job, which I needed to keep to pay for my pc and internet, faded almost completely.

Then maybe 8 months ago I deleted my games and put the CD's in the furthest reaches of my wardrobe. (couldn't bring myself to throw them out yet)

Since then, I have gotten my coaching license, started a company (raised 150k in funds for it), changed jobs, started several online businesses, and several offline ones, improved my Japanese significantly, improved all my relationships significantly, increased my income... I could go on all day.

I can't touch the things or I can't stop. I installed neverwinter nights two a month ago and the cycle restarted again. I had to delete it, and all my bookmarks to gaming forums etc. and just get away from it.

On the upside, the same addictive qualities are now directed back towards entrepreneurialism, and I am getting very successful there.

[Mark Lapierre]

As others have said, game playing can build important life skills. I stopped playing when I realised games weren't doing that for me. That realisation lead to ever increasing feelings of dissatisfaction; I no longer enjoyed playing games because they didn't help me improve myself.

Now and then I'll try a new game, or re-install an old one, but I can barely play them a few times before I'm no longer interested.

It's a different story when the games are multiplayer, and the other players are in the same room; LANs, or console games. I still enjoy playing them, but it doesn't happen all that often anymore.

[Shaden]

I've played games all my life. It's interesting for me the high colleration there is between playing video games and high intelligence amongst my friends. Games develop a large and varied spectrum of techniques and skills. Whether they be epic (Final Fantasy) or short affairs (Metal Gear Solid), whether they be abstract (Amplitude) or ordinary (Grand Theft Auto), whether they be linear or open-ended - it doesn't really matter. Games improve hand-eye coordination (great for operating new technologies), introduce new ideas and philosophies (hardly anyone knew about meme theory before Metal Gear Solid 2) and can be used as a means of creative expression. Amplitude for example required good reflexes, good rythmn, good spacial awareness, speedy reactions and a calm nerve. If you had all these you created beautiful music. If you didn't your music sucked. And of course you turned your horrible music into beautiful music - by developing your skill.

Lessons for life.

[Tasaio]

Originally Posted by Shaden

I've played games all my life. It's interesting for me the high colleration there is between playing video games and high intelligence amongst my friends. Games develop a large and varied spectrum of techniques and skills. Whether they be epic (Final Fantasy) or short affairs (Metal Gear Solid), whether they be abstract (Amplitude) or ordinary (Grand Theft Auto), whether they be linear or open-ended - it doesn't really matter. Games improve hand-eye coordination (great for operating new technologies), introduce new ideas and philosophies (hardly anyone knew about meme theory before Metal Gear Solid 2) and can be used as a means of creative expression. Amplitude for example required good reflexes, good rythmn, good spacial awareness, speedy reactions and a calm nerve. If you had all these you created beautiful music. If you didn't your music sucked. And of course you turned your horrible music into beautiful music - by developing your skill.

Lessons for life.

Very true, Shaden -- especially regarding the correlation between intelligence and gaming.

Unfortunately, most people here seem to view games as distractions to PD. I think this is for two reasons:

1. They only play the most popular games: Halo, WOW, Starcraft...

2. These popular games are all multiplayer.

More specifically, they're competitive and fast-paced...and they aren't structured with any set ending in mind.

Singleplayer games like MGS, Final Fantasy, and even Diablo (single-player) all have endings.

When I say ending, I could be referring to the end of a story, or the simple conclusion of a game's levels. Regardless, there's a define sense that you've finished the game, and can move on.

E.g.

Reportedly, most purchased copies of NWN were never used for multiplayer -- only single-player.