So I got a Nintendo DS for Christmas from Jimmy. It is a little slice of heaven. I went out and bought some new games for it – enough to keep me busy for awhile and they are terrific. It all just works well and is a blast to use. HOWEVER...
It brought me to a funny place. I feel insecure about being this old (37) and playing games like a 14-year-old. not wanting to feel guilt because it makes me have to crap, I made efforts to parse the feeling. With a little backtracking I realized it happened shortly after several people asked me a question.
"Do you do anything but play games?" Geez. I hope that is already clear, but here we go.
Three points, all of which put me at risk of sounding a little defensive:
1.) Some learn numbers. Some know people well. My job in life is to learn tools. I do it on many, many fronts, with gaming being the least accepted of the bunch. At the moment I am playing the DS and the Wii (two incredibly innovative tools), learning to sew on a machine AND by hand, learning how to construct and present sushi, learning to handle a culinary knife, teaching myself to be a better illustrator, organizing my home, learning Movable Type and carrying a full time job as a graphic designer. In the past I have mastered OSX, A/V systems, cleaning tools, graphic design hand tools, woodworking tools (Ugh.), my treo and the PS2.
There is a lot to pack into life. If I could not sleep and still feel good I wouldn't get a wink. I imagine a world of every day learning something and taking naps between. All at your own pace, all in your own interest. Some people travel, some work – I learn new tools and languages with my husband.
2.) Video games are efficient. They are a direct line to stress relief for me. I work hard and my brain breaks every day. Rather than get all jiggy, I hit electronic rabid rabbits with plungers.
3.) I like playing games.
of all your game consoles, which do you prefer?
ReplyDeletewhat is your opinion on gun ownership? - a
ReplyDeleteNo Agenda: I am very much in favor of gun control and think guns should be harder to find than a Wii. Right now they are not and that is a problem.
ReplyDeleteBut learning how to use a gun is the same as any other tool, so on that level I would be interested in seeing how it works/learning the parts, etc. I've heard from others that shooting a gun is thrilling, but I will likely keep myself from experiencing that. (Pandora's Box, too much internal anger, etc.)
Any gun I've ever used has been electronic or paintball. I have some issue with guns and violence in games, but I think there is enough separation from reality to make them eqivilent to gun violence in movies. THAT SAID, I don't ever want to see people cut up in small pieces serial-killer style in games OR movies. That is what leads to seriously disturbing thoughts and continued violence. Copycats are real.
@anonymous: Right now it is Wii and DS, but I still love the PS2 and have recently been looking towards a 360 down the line. Of course, if the PS3 can get it's fucking act together, maybe that would be the choice.
ReplyDeleteI just learned that the motion sensing feature on the PS3 is attractive, but it only goes in sideways and up/down. The Wii has full range motion and more. I like that because it give more natural movement.