Poll: This is what Life's about...

[zombielifecoach]

So last night I'm working with this guy, and things are slow. He is carrying on and on about how one day he's going to make it "big" with his music, which will ultimately be the most satisfying moment of his life. This conversation I've had with this particular fellow so many times, I begin my routine of zoning out to thoughts of coming home for the extended weekend, disappearing from the world and gaming. Maybe I'll start Oblivion again. Maybe continue PixelJunk, or finding new items in Too Human... Then thoughts drifted to my topic which I shall pose to you...


I will be 37 this November. I know. Archaic to some. Being former military (Marine Corps, hoorah!) for just shy of 15 years, I have been blessed with so many experiences that many people will never get to see or do. I don't brag. There was PLENTY of bad with the good. But, no matter what I've done. I am MOST satisfied when I'm gaming. I have owned almost every system throughout the different types and 'generations'. My PSP, DS, Gameboy(whatever mobile was/is most current) have always accompanied me when not at home. From Afghanistan to Paraguay to Korea to the States, I have always found playing video games, the pursuit of that "next level", or beating that last boss to be some of my greatest accomplishments.

So my question to the masses(both young and old) is this. Is video gaming worthy of being a great life accomplishment? Or is my satisfaction with what the virtual world has provided me an unacceptable life's goal.

 

[BardSeed]

There are no real "unacceptable goals" in life. There is that which is frowned upon but do you really care what other people think? If you want to play games, do it. Ignore what other people say you can and can't do.

 

[olicon]

Everyone needs a hobby, and a hobby can define who you are. Some people collect bottle caps, get tattooed or collect stamps, and they are very proud of it. Some play sports until their body breaks, and they are proud of it. Anything that you enjoy doing is worth spending your life pursuing so long as it doesn't wreak other aspects of your life.

 

[Necrohydra]

Frequently while growing up, my father would always tell me "someday, you'll have to grow up and stop playing those video games!" Thing is, he never really mentioned what exactly it is I should do instead. Get wrapped up in a career? Start and raise a family? Get bogged down by other concerns and chores? I never really agreed with his assessment, since I'd still have time to pursue a hobby (even in the slightest) if work became dominant or I got married and started a family, and I certainly didn't feel like replacing this hobby with another.

Video games are what I play for enjoyment in my spare time (albeit it's not the only thing I do for fun), and nothing will likely change that. Would I call it a life acheivement? No, but I wouldn't say my life was completely wasted on it either. It's brought me entertainment, and I've made friends over it as well. And I don't believe in any particular "life goal" at the moment, so I'm just trying to enjoy the ride.

 

[zombielifecoach]

I do hope the Thread didn't come across as some needy, "I'm begging for validation"!!! I've chosen my path like Neo in the Matrix or Charlie Brown in the "The Great Pumpkin". Just taking a pulse of the people. Many apologies if that's the impression the posed question gave. I'm secure. *looks off in the distance*

 

[olicon]

Heh.. I remember my dad saying that all the time, Necrohydra. He realizes though that I won't ever stop--and even a few of his friends cave into the Wii allure. But as long as I show that I am capable of managing my time, he doesn't have much to say about it anymore.

 

[zombielifecoach]

Ha. Waaaaaay back in the day, I remember playing 'Hero' on the 5200, and my mom used to say, "I don't know why I bought you that thing?! It's going to rot your brain out!" So In order to balance the brain rotting Atari, she bought an Amiga home computer and made me play the text based 'Oregon Trail'. Ahhhh...the hours I spent trading otter pelts in that wonderful text based Sim. Thanks mom.

 

[Toasty]

Games are great, - just dont let them have a negative affect on other aspects of your life. its entertainment/ hobby, not a career. - unless ur lucky enough to be paid for playing them (then all i can do is congratulate you).
-sighs, worried about uni, wants to escape frm reality.

 

[LewsTherin]

My next checkpoint is mastering the 6-string, with the exp from that I should level.
Sidequests include beating Medieval 2: Total War *cringe*, HL2, and hoping my CHA is high enough to convince my parents to let me buy Mass Effect.

Anyway, you should do with your life what seems the most fulfilling, as you only have the one here, right? Unfortunately too many people get sucked into the 2.5 kids and half a dog living in the suburbs rail instead of doing what would really have bettered themselves, and perhaps everyone around them as well. Not that theres anything bad about living in the suburbs, I was simply using that as a metaphor for selling out your dreams and aspirations.

 

[Xvito]

Life is about "living", feeling etc. etc.

 

[Redlac]

Well when I think back on my nearly 30 years of life I can say something along the lines of..

"I'm an interesting person. I've done a degree, helped run a pub, I have a beer licence, I'm married to a wonderful woman, been lots of great places, met a lot of people, and I write blogs and cartoons. And in my spare time, I save the world on a regular basis from aliens, evil monsters or the Devil and all his little wizards. Or,if earth is safe for now, maybe head out into space or some other world and do a bit more of the same. Sometimes the two collide and my real life friends are there too."

Games might be a hobby, but they are an awesome hobby. Sure, I've not made a million bucks but I'm happy and I've had some great experiences. It's just that some of the more extreme ones were in a virtual world.

 

[zombielifecoach]

Great, great point. Thinking about it now, I can't even remember how many times I've not only saved the World, but the UNIVERSE!

 

[The_Deleted]

You know, I'm 35. Still collect McFarlane style figures, still love my TransFormers and Anime & Heavy Metal and, despite having an 'off day' with gaming at the moment I don't feel I should suddenly start wearing pringle sweaters and Argyle socks. I have a family, can converse with my 2 year old who is rapidly picking up on my love of Spidey, Batman and Optimus Prime. I'm happy so don't feel I should suddenly rearrange my life because of some imaginary milestone. Isn't 35 the new 3 or some arse?

 

[zombielifecoach]

You know, I'm 35. Still collect McFarlane style figures, still love my TransFormers and Anime & Heavy Metal and, despite having an 'off day' with gaming at the moment I don't feel I should suddenly start wearing pringle sweaters and Argyle socks. I have a family, can converse with my 2 year old who is rapidly picking up on my love of Spidey, Batman and Optimus Prime. I'm happy so don't feel I should suddenly rearrange my life because of some imaginary milestone. Isn't 35 the new 3 or some arse?

Yup. 30 is the new 20. To bad 20 year old women (strangely) didn't get the memo.

 

[HSIAMetalKing]

Life is about doing what makes you happy. I don't see any reason to do anything besides what I want to do-- I'm not trying to live this life for anyone else.

 

[000Ronald]

The most satisfying thing I do on a regular basis is write. The only thing that feels better than finishing an essay or a story is getting told that it's friggin' amazing.

Certain people in my life have looked down on this, but I've never cared what they think. I like it and I'm really good at it.

The way I see it, this applies to anything. If you want to play games, win spelling bees or do comedy, go for it. Whatever makes you happy.

Except raping people. That's not ok.

Apologies for the vauge reference at the end.

 

[zombielifecoach]

The most satisfying thing I do on a regular basis is write. The only thing that feels better than finishing an essay or a story is getting told that it's friggin' amazing.

Certain people in my life have looked down on this, but I've never cared what they think. I like it and I'm really good at it.

The way I see it, this applies to anything. If you want to play games, win spelling bees or do comedy, go for it. Whatever makes you happy.

Except raping people. That's not ok.

Apologies for the vauge reference at the end.

It was also decided over on another thread that liking ANYTHING with Nick Cannon is not ok either.

 

[The_Deleted]

You know, I'm 35. Still collect McFarlane style figures, still love my TransFormers and Anime & Heavy Metal and, despite having an 'off day' with gaming at the moment I don't feel I should suddenly start wearing pringle sweaters and Argyle socks. I have a family, can converse with my 2 year old who is rapidly picking up on my love of Spidey, Batman and Optimus Prime. I'm happy so don't feel I should suddenly rearrange my life because of some imaginary milestone. Isn't 35 the new 3 or some arse?

Yup. 30 is the new 20. To bad 20 year old women (strangely) didn't get the memo.

You're hanging round the wrong women.



Giggidy!

 

[zombielifecoach]

You know, I'm 35. Still collect McFarlane style figures, still love my TransFormers and Anime & Heavy Metal and, despite having an 'off day' with gaming at the moment I don't feel I should suddenly start wearing pringle sweaters and Argyle socks. I have a family, can converse with my 2 year old who is rapidly picking up on my love of Spidey, Batman and Optimus Prime. I'm happy so don't feel I should suddenly rearrange my life because of some imaginary milestone. Isn't 35 the new 3 or some arse?

Yup. 30 is the new 20. To bad 20 year old women (strangely) didn't get the memo.

You're hanging round the wrong women.



Giggidy!

You're probably right
But if my favorite weather-worn World of Warcraft t-shirt, and my custom Dungeon Master's Map holder doesn't get the ladies, WHAT MORE DO THEY WANT?! Blood?!