Poll: Are games relaxing?

[NoNameMcgee]

I keep hearing people say that gaming is relaxing, and people play them to wind down and de-stress.

This is just strange to me, because personally I don't find games relaxing at all. When I play games I eventually become mentally drained because its like my brain is working in overdrive, especially when playing a really intense game like a fast-paced FPS. Sure, I'm sitting down, not doing much, but I'm not exaggerating when I say that attempting to beat my records on the Mirror's Edge time trials left me out of breath with my heart pumping out of my chest like I'd just run a marathon, due to how much I was immersed in the experience. Most games can't do that to me, but 90% of games will still do the exact opposite of help me relax.

So what about you? Do you find games relaxing, or the opposite like me? Whichever answer you pick, please explain why.

 

[delet]

Sometimes I play games to relax as some games I can go through and enjoy without fear of getting angry. Hexic HD is usually great as I put up my own music and try for a high score (next up, 4 million or something...) or Magic The Gathering on Xbox live, as it satisfies my need for a card game and I can usually beat my enemies in that too...

Granted in those same games I can often get hit by curveballs that simply piss me off to all hell. I had to stab out the garage wall after a particularly infuriating match once... I don't have anger problems, I swear!

I guess I'll say both yes and no?

 

[inpachi]

I find music more so.. But i find games relaxing sure.. I also find them super exciting and get a rush sometimes! I also find myself diving head first into them and forgetting where i am what has happened that day and what time it is...

 

[GundamSentinel]

Even after very hectic games I find myself very relaxed. It's just stepping away form everyday life for a sec, and that's very refreshing.

 

[Hurr Durr Derp]

I probably wouldn't play games if they weren't relaxing.

Sure, when you're in a game against a good opponent and things get heated, they seem to be anything but relaxing, but there are different ways to relax. After a long stressful day of school or work, there's no better way to 'unwind' than to relive the good old days with a hardcore game of CvS2. It certainly won't help me sleep, but it'll allow (and even require) me to completely take my mind off the troubles of the day.

 

[ottenni]

Not relaxing but very engaging. I really have to think, and i enjoy that.

 

[Earthmonger]

50/50.

Some games I play to relax. Other games I play to kill people, meaning PvP. A good, fast-moving PvP battle can get my heart racing. That isn't relaxing.

 

[Azellus]

I have to say most games are not relaxing e.g. L4D or MW2 etc but games like Viva Pinata they are relaxing i voted no though because if you think about it most of the games that are being released dont have the feel of Viva Pinata but have more of the feel of CoD etc.

 

[Mozza444]

I'd love to say yes.. but no they are not. Especially the ones online, they get me screaming at the tv and smashing controllers..
On the other hand.. games such as saints row 2, a bit of mindless violence chills you out nicely

 

[kenzo1010]

It's funny you should say this because I'm researching this for my media coursework. I've found that they are relaxing but it depends on the user. They are made to entertain it's audience are not meant to be taken seriously.

I'm personal opinion, I find them relaxing but depending on what the game is they can become quite stressful at times. When they do become stressful thats when I know I should stop playing and go do something else.

 

[More Fun To Compute]

I think that maybe they can help you deal with stress but not by relaxing you exactly.

 

[Balaxe]

When i'm immersed with a game I sometimes start yelling at the enemies on the screen like they're in front of me, so some games do leave me out of breath.

 

[reg42]

Machinarium was relaxing, so was Flower. But other than those very "out there" games, I don't find games relaxing, but and the same time they help me de-stress.

 

[_Janny_]

Any game that takes my mind off my life is relaxing. Though Silent Hill may be the exception...

 

[Simalacrum]

I need a "depends" option in the poll!

Yes, it can be relaxing, but only with specific game. Playing something like Flower can be incredibly relaxing, but games like Halo or Modern Warfare are designed to get you pumped, its more stressful.

 

[Harold Donchee]

Very relaxing. Calling in an AC-130 and watching the other team scramble around in panic is better than a cup of warm milk any day.

 

[Kaymish]

well the games i play are very relaxing but i tend to avoid most of the multi-player FPS games since if i want to get cussed at by an 8 year old i can go to the local shopping center