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As I'm approaching further into my life (college), I feel like there are a couple reasons to why we play games. One reason is to break away from harsh reality for a little while. The other is just for pure enjoyment and not worrying about anything at all.
Why am I saying this you ask? It's because for me personally, it impacts the way how we enjoy and look at our games that we play. When all of us were kids, we just purely look at the fun that we're given and go with it, no matter how bad the quality is. No deadlines to stress about, the finances, etc. This gives us more time to soak in and appreciate the fun that we are playing. Let's not also forget hundreds of hours spent and the nostalgia that kicks in years later.
When we reached into adulthood at least (not all of you are in this age group yet), we start having to worry about many things in life. Sure, we still get the fun we get, but it doesn't feel the same because of the lingering things that are yet to be done in our minds. Plus, we can't play many hours with tight schedules to worry about.
I'm trying my best to describe this as much as I can but what I feel like when playing games most of the time is more of neutralizing our mood than savouring the pure enjoyment of our games.
Do some of you feel the same way? What other reasons to why you play?
i play for enjoyment. it's become a major hobby for me. i'm also a big homebody and i don't really like to go out anywhere. i can't just watch TV or YouTube all day, either
my video games is like someone else's books. there's always a new game to play and explore
I think it’s something you can enjoy no matter how old you are. Age doesn’t matter when it comes to video games. It doesn’t matter whether you win or lose either, it’s how you play the game. I know that because I grew up playing them, I’ll still probably be playing video games for the rest of my life, even if it gets reduced to one hour on the weekends. If you truly love and are committed to something, why give it up?
I play just for pure enjoyment and love for the games I'm playing. It makes me happy playing ACNL or Zelda, and other games. I don't know that my reasoning has changed from when I was a kid until now, only that I'm a much bigger gamer as an adult vs when I was a kid. I don't know if there's any reason besides it's just fun and I like it. The same way I like dessert. Why do I love it so much? Just because
I play video games mainly because I enjoy them and they've been one of my hobbies since I was very young. But I get what you're saying because games, among other things, are also my escape from the real world. Between the stress of being an adult, my depression and anxiety, I need a way to take my mind off of things or I'll go crazy. Games provide a fun and relaxing form of entertainment that helps take my focus off of all the things that I have to worry about. I both enjoy playing them and use them as a stress reliever.
Mostly enjoyment, but when I was younger I'd use games as a stress reliever. If I was ever riled up about somethin, I would just turn on somethin peaceful like ACWW and soon I wouldn't be mad (but damn I can hold a grudge XD). Now that I'm older, I use them as a way to detox before or after work, so that I can atleast have some peace before I have to deal with rude people.
Video Games is not only a hobby/lifestyle for me, but my way of relaxing in most cases. Every video game I play tends to focus on a different component in my mental health. Whether it's my stress levels or I want to express my creativity/imagination. They play a huge role in my life, and as I get older I know that I probably won't be giving them up anytime soon.
Enjoyment and escape! I like RPG/simulation type games because it really feels like an escape for me. I've also moved around a lot because of work/family and depending where I am, I don't have a solid group of friends in real life. But different online game communities have connected me to friends I can play with, so there's also a socialising aspect to it. Not everyone likes to play co-op or multiplayer (I also enjoy single player games as well), but the reason why I personally game more as an adult than when I was a kid is because of the fact that I've made more friends through online gaming communities as an adult.
I play games to enjoy them (I recently played a point-and-click game called Dropsy and it was DELIGHTFUL), because I love the experience, but I don't deny there is a certain level of escapism. I live with mental disabilities and a tendency to isolate myself and depression and anxiety, and there are a lot of times I play video games to escape some of my struggles. That being said, I only stay with a game if I genuinely enjoy it, and usually, while it may be sadness that leads me to start up a new game, if it's a good game, a few minutes of playing turns my mood from "trying to numb my pain" to "genuinely enjoying the gaming experience".
I honestly play to have my life in a virtual world.. I create for almost every single game
a story that has me as a character. I don't really have real friends, most of the time I
am at home (don't have work, it's so hard to find in France..), waiting that my boyfriend
comes back the weekend and yeah.. so I guess I play to escape the real world.
But there are also some games that I play for pure enjoyment.
Best example is actually animal crossing, sure I create my own little world
but I play it to enjoy it and I never created any story with this game.
I think just for fun. I've never been much into TV or movies and I think I prefer entertainment where I take a bit more of an active role in the story rather than just watching. So while other people turn on the tv to unwind at the end of the day I'm more likely to play a game.
Artistic value I suppose. My favorite games tend to be for the customization, imagery/design, soundtracks, stories, etc.
Of course, I think the escape playing them is a part for everyone so I wouldn't discount that aspect. In the same way you may read fiction. Being able to apply things to a character which you can, in a sense, put as an extension of yourself is enjoyable. Gaming opens you up to almost limitless possibilities.
I think also there's an aspect of challenge and stress that's enjoyable. Accomplishing challenges feels nice and gaining rewards valuable to you/your character. The controlled stress of certain situations (horror genres/mmo raiding) is entertaining as well.
