Video games and the Law of One

[Richard]

Okay, I didn't read this whole thread because some of these posts are pretty epic and I have the attention span of a crayon. But I'm posting anyways !

I was a gaming addict as a child and more so as a teenager.

My opinion is that most video games appeal to a person's desire to be great, important, powerful, etc. The player can experience those states by playing the game. I don't think this is so bad. It's sort of like a free-trial or demo for STS. This includes single player games, and can amplify when you start playing competitively online which I did for quite some time.

There are also games that give you a choice. These are typically single-player Role Playing Games, but there are FPS's like BioShock which give you a choice as well. You can choose to help people or help yourself. For instance, in Knights of the Old Republic (a star wars game) you choose the light side or dark side by choosing again and again to either help out another person or people, or make them help you (or kill them if they can't).

The games that let you choose good or bad are like simplified versions of real life. The players may not know that life is about that choice, but they get to think about it while playing and having fun. That's why I think these games are cool and can be helpful.

I don’t considered myself an “addict” to video games. Although we have an Xbox at home…my wife and I usually play racing games…when we play at all. Its been 8 or 9 months since we last played with it. But its there for the nephews when they visit. I play with them…they ALWAYS….win. And I’m trying too…I think it’s a generational thing.

Its interesting though, the commentary on the Role Playing Games. As long as these these types of games (computer or video style) have been available, I’ve always played the “Light” or “Positive” characters. I’ve never had the inclination to play a dark side team or character. Well , as “Light” oriented as a character can be while its slashing up foes with an axe or a greatsword, LOL. That said though…I’ve never been cruel or malicious to a bystander character in Role Playing game…interesting. I’ve never thought about those choices in terms of real life before.

Richard