Reading, or gaming?

[TerribleTerryTate]

It occured to me before, that seeing as we are on the forums of a magazine, about computer gaming amongst other things, do you prefering reading or gaming - and why? Given the choice between loading your favourite game up or sitting down to read a great book, which one do you prefer?

Edit: Also, which form of escapism do you find to be the most immersive?

 

[unholy vagrant]

Both, but it depends on what my mood is, but I honestly pick gaming a bit more.

 

[Daezd]

Mmm...love reading...so...much!
Also video games...




Both?

 

[Reasonable Doubt]

Same as Vagrant depends on what my mood is, when I feel like I need to lose myself I go with books, when I have the urge to slaughter something or see, hear, or create an explosion I pick games.

 

[wewontdie11]

I haven't read a book all the way through since the Da Vinci Code, so games. But just as a kind of third option as well I get immersed and enjoy by far the most a good quality film like Goodfellas, Reservoir Dogs or The Dark Knight.

 

[TerribleTerryTate]

It's good that you mention films. I find if I'm reading a book or enjoying a well written story within a game, I find it plays out more like a movie than an actual game or book. Often I'll think I'm simply watching a film whereas I'm the person controlling the character, shooting or solving puzzles along the way.

 

[Signa]

As much as I enjoy reading, all other forms of entertainment get priority over it. Of the people I know, I read the most. It's a bit disappointing when I think about how long it has been since I read a book.

 

[SecretTacoNinja]

Probably gaming a bit more, I'm very picky when it comes to books.

 

[OverlordSteve]

I'd choose Reading, honestly. Books cost less and have a better Good to Crap ratio then Games do.

 

[Fenixius]

I've not been reading as much as I used to since I left high school and started at University. But I still thoroughly enjoy it, even if it's sidelined in these hectic days for my gaming. It doesn't help my reading that I've come across a bunch of guys with similar tastes in gaming to me who I'm playing with quite a bit.

The most immersive, though? Well, I'd ask you to define immersion, but if you mean most effective for escaping... I'd go with Reading. When there's something I want to escape, it really impacts the way I play, and the experience I draw from gaming. Usually, there's just nothing that'll fully take my mind off of whatever I'm trying to not think about, and let me enjoy it at the same time. Reading lets me do that.

 

[HSIAMetalKing]

I hate books. Fuck them. The only reading I like comes from the internet and video game subtitles.

 

[Reasonable Doubt]

I hate books. Fuck them. The only reading I like comes from the internet and video game subtitles.

Why do you not like books? If you can give a me a genuine answer and explain exactly why I will give you ten dollars.

 

[Kermi]

I love reading and it's something I've undertaking avidly since I discovered books at an early age, but I'd read so much bad fiction over the past few years that I seldom go out and find new books to read anymore. Even the stuff friends recommend to me has kind of dried up in terms of quality.
But the massive quantities of information available on games plus the higher ratio of good to shit games compared to books means I'm much more likely to find a game I'm interested in and turn on my DS or 360 in my free time rather than pick up a book.

 

[Some_Jackass]

Does reading the game manual count?

I read (if not by force for classes) from time to time...If I had to choose Id probably go with reading...usually by finding a compromise of a book about a video game...

 

[zacaron]

I do both I game for most of the day and then I read a book for a few hours until I go to sleep.

 

[stormcrow5]

it all depends on if i have a good book or a new game

 

[ThaBenMan]

I have to go with reading. It's just a lot easier to pick up a book most of the time - I can bring one with me when I go out, and I'm never worried about the book breaking (like I'm sometimes scared my Xbox will).

 

[dukethepcdr]

If I feel like relaxing, I read a book. If I feel like I need to burn off some energy or agression, I play an action or shooting game. If I feel like a mental challenge I play a strategy game. It depends I guess. I'd say over the years, I've probably spent more time reading for fun than playing games. Sometimes, I combine the two and read about games or read a book based on a game: what you might call synergy.

 

[stompy]

Basically what I feel at the moment. If I have a new book, move over gaming. If I have a new game, move over books.

 

[Reaperman Wompa]

this is pretty like Left leg or right leg for me, i love both and to be honest tv is gettin annoyin so i couldn't live off of one.