discussion Why We Do This

[Wannabe]

Playing video games has been a favored pass time since the invention of Pong (1972), and regardless of whether you know what Pong is or not, you're participating in this forum, and so you're probably a gamer to some degree. Have you ever asked yourself why you do it? The first answer that springs to mind probably is, "because I like it" or "because it's fun." True enough, but those are pretty vague answers. Psychologists have studied the phenomenon for decades, and other than offering a form of stress-relieving escapism, gaming also appears to fulfill certain psychological needs for many people like feelings of competence (accomplishment/being good at something), autonomy (control/power over something), and relatedness (belonging to a group of like-minded people). Some games are beneficial by helping to improve critical thinking, strategic planning, pattern recognition, and decision-making skills. Adult games have an added benefit, of course. All or none of that might apply to you, though. Why do you play these games?

 

[ErzuzB]

Because I still have a couple of decades to live and somehow have to pass the time.

 

[User_80256]

I play when I am very tired at work and need to relieve psychological tension. I don't turn to games on weekends.

 

[MattShizzle]

Enjoyment.

 

[lcstb]

To relieve some stress / escape reality for a while

 

[User_5648]

Addiction

 

[walld]

Addiction

True. The dopamine rush of porn is very addictive, as is the rush for gambling. Wait, that was added now too, wasn't it?

 

[premier]

Because I have nothing better to do after work

 

[Republican Bear]

Because I still have a couple of decades to live and somehow have to pass the time.

Exactly life is boring as heck already. Without games and other similiar actives it would be more boring.

So as someone else said already as well basically enjoyment.

 

[MattShizzle]

Right now I actually play Sims 2 more than the adult games, but have mods that make it almost an adult game. Hadn't played it for a few years until about November. Was playing LifePlay instead, until the dev disappeared and the major bugs stayed.

 

[danielred]

to escape reality and all the pain and suffering I see around me

 

[Fall12Dr]

It's my way of killing useless time since i remember, so it's become a habit.

 

[Levius]

It is a comfortable distraction from the usual routine, where I can focus on a specific task, and temporary avoid worrying about my everyday challenges and problems.

I have started preferring single player games, as I found that competitive multiplayer games tend to stress me more, compared to the fun they used to provide.

 

[Grizzly Dude]

To relieve some stress / escape reality for a while

I was going to say the same but you beat me to the punch.

 

[Runescape771]

Of course it's to escape from shitty reality, I'm sure it could be caused by some hormones produced while playing games

 

[nananice]

waste my time

 

[Tosser]

One of the best episodes of Band of Brothers.

 

[bomb john]

To live a life in another world.

 

[trashbandit]

A mix of something to appease the boredom and also the escapism

 

[LXNRA]

To kill some time, but lately I'm trying to be picky when it comes to choose what video game I'll play next, you know looking for a memorable experience.