to think video games aren't just for teenage boys?

[KassandraOfSparta]

Why does playing video games have such a poor image/reputation?

Numerous threads on here with posters confidently proclaiming that they wouldn't let their children play games, would never date anyone who plays games, would never dream of gaming themselves.

Why is gaming any less "worthy" than sitting watching sport all evening, or soap operas, or painting watercolours or doing jigsaws? Just another form of entertainment, isn't it?

And before anyone pops up saying it's so addictive, well of course anything taken to excess is a problem, whether you're staying up all night with your crochet, jigsaws or tv boxset.

I have always played computer games, starting on PC with Star Wars Phantom of the Menace game when I was little. I am 30 but grew up playing computer games with my friends, whether something like the Sims or Crazy Taxi. I don’t know anyone that didn’t play Pokémon on our gameboys. We use to play COD or Assasins Creed when we were a bit older.

I don’t really have time now I have babies/toddlers but I don’t think there is such a stigma amongst my peers!

Playing fortnite and fall guys is my relaxation. I can't see that it's any less worthy than sitting mindlessly watching TV all night?
fortnite especially keeps my brain working. I'm in my late 40s. My OH doesn't game So I do it when he is out

Same. My mum will go ’oh is he on his Xbox again’ and I’m like no… I am.

Video games are appealing because they have bright colours and sounds, you get a dopamine hit when you complete a challenge/ level etc. - you do get that dopamine hit when you complete a painting or finish a book, too - but in video games, they come faster. That's why it is hard for children (and some adults) because there is a lot of pleasure involved.

ok well I take back my last comment. Yours kinda nails why they are a worry.

As for being a non gamer I played all the Tomb Raider series when they came out and that was a proper every day hobby.. I loved them and loved watching other people play them. But realistically it’s not that healthy sat in front of screen. And it’s too easy to just play rather than do stuff ( similar to MN)

There are already posters saying that games aren't "worthy". Well no they aren't. But neither are a whole host of other hobbies but people who spend their evenings writing fan fiction about gerbils or making life size models of Harry Styles don't get any of the criticism.

People claim they don't but they love to attach a virtue to an leisure activity.

So reading = virtuous. Gaming = damaging.

I think a lot of the people that claim (for example) GTA will never come in my house, or that it's so dangerous are completely ignorant. Microsoft and Sony tech support must be sick to the back teeth of parents who will allow a console but then can't even be arsed to find out how to set up parental controls or how to keep their money safe.

I'm a 34 year old female and I enjoy computer games. I see it as a form of entertainment in the same way that loads of people find soaps or sport entertaining. I don't watch soaps or sport but would never judge those that do. It's mad how so many people have such low opinions of people that play computer games.

True story.

A woman I know, let's call her Catherine... Cause that's her name.. she is forever having a go at her other half for playing video games.
"He's always on that Xbox, every spare minute he gets, he comes in from work and it's Xbox Xbox Xbox all night till he goes to bed."

Thing is, Catherine doesn't work, she's a SAHM to a 4 year old. Drop in on her now and then for a cup of tea and... She's in level 3000+ on Candy Crush and will happily sit there with you and play it whilst you talk.
But she reckons that a game in her phone is t the same as a game on the telly so her playing Candy Crush for hours every day is fine.

🤪

YANBU.

Me and my OH enjoy gaming (I'm partial to COD).

If gaming was so pathetic and took zero talent people wouldn't be able to make a small fortune off of being a gamer or a fortune out of producing them.

I'm not a fan of the modern day ones - Grand Theft Auto, Call of Duty, that sort of thing. I really prefer the ones set in a totally different period like the Assassin's Creed ones - who wouldn't enjoy sailing a boat around the Caribbean being a pirate?? Or Skyrim, Tomb Raider.

Agree that the modern production is almost cinematic. Red Dead 2 is the most beautiful game. Just stunning graphics and you can wander around admiring it for hours.

I'm 50 and play video games. They take my mind off things for a while, so in that way I think they are a positive thing. I also read for the same reason- it stops me dwelling on difficult things going on in my life.

@KassandraOfSparta I used to love Assassins Creed.

I enjoy the strategic side of COD... and I'm really competitive so that's another lure!

Ah I'm glad it's not just me who plays fortnite! I'm 31 and play. I love it and I can enjoy it with my children too. It's not just something mindless, it has constant variety and so many elements to it which give enjoyment.
It was free and have been playing for around 4 years so definitely good value for money!

I don’t think there’s anything wrong at all with gaming in itself. I’m not into it but I definitely have a big admiration for it as an industry - the creativity and technology that goes into creating these games is I think quite mind blowing.
I think the problem is that often it can become a bit of an all consuming activity. As pp said it can be addictive so it’s associated with that, as well as being a bit anti-social. I know not all gamers are like that, but gaming does conjure images of dads sitting playing PlayStation whilst ignoring the kids or taking part in family life (my uncle is like that) while teens stay cooped up in their rooms and stay up until all hours (my cousin does this).

I like Tetris and Bejeweled Blitz but I can't use the stick thing on an xbox controller so can't play things on that.

When I was a teen they used to have games consoles in the toy shops/departments and they were always monopolised by boys. I could never get near one. One thing about the ubiquity of games now is that they are more democratic. However, like other time-consuming hobbies I think it tends to be men who indulge in them.

Years ago I used to like Civilisation. I got into a game one afternoon and was there hours. DH got really annoyed with me because I burnt dinner. I can't think that I would have reacted in the same way if it had been me. He's never been into computer games though he used to like Bejeweled as well.

I also think there would be a lot less conflict with games if they had a pause button!

Never played until I was 55 and discovered VR. Lots of sports there to play for keeping fit. Kept me going during the gym shutdowns and still play most evenings for an hour or so.

This has some really interesting statistics (including girls that game are three times more likely to study STEM degrees than those who don’t).

www.isfe.eu/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/ISFE-final-1.pdf

I dont mind games, some are fun but it is different to other hobbies someone might have, because I can chat with my dad while he does a jigsaw and I can watch a film with my nan while she knits. But I cant sit and chat with my brother while he games in the semi dark because he is concentrating so unless I am also playing- its a bit more antisocial

Oh hi! My people.

Fellow fortniter here. Love it!

I don't think that's true across the board though. I often chat to my partner when I'm gaming. I hate being disturbed while I'm reading.

I also never game in the dark, and don't use a headset.

We need a gamer tag thread clearly. 😂

There is a (quiet) MN gaming forum. But the "gamers are losers" threads never pop up there, funnily enogh.

@Sandysandwich you can't have a conversation with someone while they're reading though, and that's a better comparison to the sorts of games you mean. There's no suspense with a jigsaw.

My game of choice is the Sims. More often than not, I just build houses in it so it's more like knitting in that sense. I can easily watch a film or have a conversation whilst faffing around. I find it relaxing and better than scrolling on my phone.

Oh and Two Point Hospital - i can lose hours on that. Really good for escapism.

Absolutely agree re. the creativity. DD1 is very into computer games and can talk the hind leg off a donkey about the artistic and musical choices, cultural references, psychology and philosophy of various games. It's fascinating. Their creators are a very clever and interesting bunch of people, I'd imagine.