Why do you game?

[Mr.Pandah]

I've been asked a few times in my life, why do I game? My only response to this was that I had fun and it was considered a hobby of mine, much like someone would say that they enjoy building ships and then attempting to stuff them into bottles. You never really hear someone trying to explain why they play baseball, or why they watch football. Its just something we all inherently say to ourselves "They must be having fun!".

I, however, have been thinking about this a bit more in-depth lately. Now that I'm getting older, 2nd semester of college and all, I think that maybe theres more to it than just having fun. I've only really spoken with my girlfriend about gaming and why I still play, and at first I would give the same response to many others whom have asked me. "I play it for the story, the gameplay, the immersion." I said. Then, one night of being a bit down, I was talking to her again about it, whilst playing Zelda:OoT and it hit me. I've been gaming all my life.

Not much of a revelation, that is until I delved a bit deeper. I game because I'm hanging on. Hanging onto my childhood. This isn't the only reason by no means, but it is definitely there on a sub-conscious level. I game because it brings me back to a time without any worries. Nothing in the world really mattered back then, especially when I was playing my games. My games nowadays are still a big part of my life, and I'll always be a kid at heart.

I'm going to cut this short because I don't think anyone really wants to read all of this, but I thought it was a nice little exposition and adds some personality to this topic.

So guys and gals, discuss why you game and if you think my reasons are far-fetched and well...anything else you think can add to this! (I'm not sure if this should be in Off-Topic or not, but if it belongs more in the Gaming Discussion, Mods feel free to move it =D )

Edit:I guess I should make the title something more alluring...like "What do you like in women?" =P

 

[ioxles]

I have thought of this often, why do I game?

There is no reason in and of itself. That is my conclusion, I game for the same reason I read books, watch films or listen to music and for the same benefits.

 

[jim_doki]

I started because i suck at sports. It was a great social way to enjoy my freind's company. I enjoyed it. I guess i just never stopped

 

[ZantetsukenQ]

I've always had an inherent nerdy thing about me since I was younger and didn't even realise it (Playing video games, CCG's, tabletop games, watching anime and cartoons a lot).

The first console I ever played was a Nes. My family wasn't amazingly rich at the time and so the very concept of interactive entertainment was astounding. Needless to say I was hooked on gaming. From then on I was into pretty much anything nerdy. Also, I used to be a fat kid, so sports weren't really my thing, which left gaming as the alternative.

 

[TaGDiablo]

Hmm ive always been into games so i dont really know much differnt apart from how bad i was at sport. it also puts me in a little like saftey area where i can forget all the shit that goes on these days and just be in my own little world owning shit ^_^

 

[Moosebite]

Because there isn't anything else to do. That's the best thing I could think of aside from all the sterotypical answers.

 

[YouGetWhatsGiven]

I game because it is a good hobby, although I still am pretty good all around at sports and play musical instruments.

 

[|Strick|]

I personally play for the escapism of it (Hurr the escapist hurr). Give me a good RPG and I'll be gone for a week.
I also play because my group of friends do, and it serves as a nice social medium to meet new people.

 

[NewfieKeir]

I just think it's fun. I'm 15 I'm allowed.

 

[Beffudled Sheep]

I game to keep my anger under control. Anger i built up over the years socializing with the people my city considers intelligent.

 

[Erana]

You have a general idea of what teenage girls are supposed to do for fun, right?
'Nuff said.

 

[Eclipse Dragon]

Because I am a media vacuum, and games are just another source of ideas I can stea.... errr get inspired by.

but seriously, going into the game industry. I can't not play games.

 

[Aardvark]

I game because I love gaming. If I ever grow out of it, I'll stop. Until then, I game.

 

[EvilMaggot]

i get to kill stuff... without going to jail or anything... sorry about that my other half just got the keyboard for a sec there i game ... because ... its fun?

 

[|Strick|]

You have a general idea of what teenage girls are supposed to do for fun, right?
'Nuff said.

...Checkers?

 

[JRCB]

Because I can.

 

[Erana]

You have a general idea of what teenage girls are supposed to do for fun, right?
'Nuff said.

...Checkers?

I was thinking more like either watch the Disney channel and giggle on Facebook, or run around and buy clothes, or something like that. Your guess is about as good as mine, though. After all, I'm not really normal.

 

[Kuropan]

i get to kill stuff... without going to jail or anything...

Yeah, that kinda sums it up for me too

 

[LivingInStereo]

I game for gaming's sake

 

[Lord_Of_Plum]

A combination of the following:
1. As a hobby. To prevent boredom.
2. For social interaction. I often talk or play with my friends.
and 3. To forget the world I live in and immerse myself in another. Basically, as a form of escapism (not a la the Escapist, but actual escapism.)