What's the point of videogames?

Ode to a Grasshopper · Sun Apr 07, 2002 12:10 am

I was playing Grand Theft Auto 2 the other day when my sister came in and asked me what was the point of videogames. I found, to my great surprise, that I couldn't answer the question with anything besides "They're fun." But it got me to thinking about it. So what is the reason we play videogames? What is it about them that captures our fancy, entices our imaginations and induces us to pour hours of our spare time into their electronic charms? Why do we enjoy them so?

Spam is, of course, more than welcome (heck, we are in SYM), however please try to keep it semi-relevant at least.

Weasel · Post by **Weasel** » Sun Apr 07, 2002 12:22 am

The "Question"

For some it's a way to fulfill a dream..

For some it's a way to act out dreams..

For me ...it's where I can be the Most Vile, Evil Cavalier and not worry about possible jail time.

Tamerlane · Post by **Tamerlane** » Sun Apr 07, 2002 1:15 am

Escapism

It's not everyday someone hands you a simple axe and entrusts upon you to save the world.

I found my old Doom games

Nightmare · Post by **Nightmare** » Sun Apr 07, 2002 1:39 am

"They're fun." I don't need another reason.

Aragorn Returns · Post by **Aragorn Returns** » Sun Apr 07, 2002 2:34 am

fun fun fun, ugh, GTA2, a few weeks ago i decided i would beat every mission, get every token, and do every kill frenzy in the entire game. after 3 days i could not find a kill frenzy on the first level, i'm not sure how i missed it, finally i just decided i wouldn't follow through with my commitment.

Tanis · Post by **Tanis** » Sun Apr 07, 2002 2:50 am

They entertain.

Kameleon · Post by **Kameleon** » Sun Apr 07, 2002 2:57 am

Escapism. All of us, somewhere, at least those who play computer games, have some level of insecurity which we seek to hide by becoming someone else. And doing things which if we did IRL, would lead to jail, exile or death. In GTA you can run over people in a car, you can shoot cops, you can blow up cars with a rocket launcher. You can also follow RL rules, whereby you don't speed, don't run reds and drive on the right side of the road. So why do people choose the former option? Because it's fun. If it was real, 99% of them would play it safe because there's something to lose, but the only thing that happens when you get blown up and land on the roof of a skycraper in GTA is "WASTED" or at very worse "GAME OVER". It is the power to kill people with your own hands, to race in cars you can only dream of owning, to pick up a huge are-you-talking-to-me-punk axe and save the world. Games just aren't fun unless you can do something that you couldn't in real life. So yes, people play games "for fun". But why do they find these games fun? Because they give you power, if only for a short time, to do what you want to do without the possibility of repercussions.

Weasel · Post by **Weasel** » Sun Apr 07, 2002 3:03 am

Originally posted by Kameleon
to do what you want to do without the possibility of repercussions.

(Weasel being pulled over for doing 110 MPH in a 35 MPH zone)

OMG hit the reset button!!!

Or....

OMG I need to reload this level!!

Tamerlane · Post by **Tamerlane** » Sun Apr 07, 2002 3:08 am

Originally posted by Weasel
(Weasel being pulled over for doing 110 MPH in a 35 MPH zone)

OMG hit the reset button!!!

Or....

OMG I need to reload this level!!

Tis a shame that a car doesn't have a reset button of sorts. When they were widening a bridge here, I used to have a compelling urge to drive off it to see what it feels like. Unfortunately that bridge was completed, however the urge remains.

Weasel · Post by **Weasel** » Sun Apr 07, 2002 3:16 am

I'm no doctor..(or even claim to be one)

Originally posted by Tamerlane

Tis a shame that a car doesn't have a reset button of sorts. When they were widening a bridge here, I used to have a compelling urge to drive off it to see what it feels like. Unfortunately that bridge was completed, however the urge remains.

But do you have the urge to leap from high places as well?

(seriously there is a ? condition (best I can put it) where people will have the urge to jump. I will bet Witchkings stolen puffins CE will know what it's called)

Tamerlane · Post by **Tamerlane** » Sun Apr 07, 2002 3:23 am

Condition? Its called boredom. Peak hour traffic jams in near 40 degrees temperature will do that to a man.

Weasel · Post by **Weasel** » Sun Apr 07, 2002 3:29 am

Road Rage on I-10

Originally posted by Tamerlane
Condition? Its called boredom. Peak hour traffic jams in near 40 degrees temperature will do that to a man.

Yes that too.

Sailor Saturn · Post by **Sailor Saturn** » Sun Apr 07, 2002 9:24 am

I play racing games because I like to race. In the racing games, I don't have to worry about getting hurt in a car wreck; whereas irl I would have to worry 'bout it.

I play RPGs for the same reason that I read books. They allow me to become someone else and somewhat escape from within my own mind.

I play FPS and Fighting games because it's a way to release frustration and anger.

I occasionally play sports games, though not often because I don't have a whole lot of interest in sports. My main reason for playing them, though, is that I'm unable to play sports irl.

I used to play puzzle games because they stimulated my brain. I stopped when they got boring, though.

AbysmalNature · Post by **AbysmalNature** » Sun Apr 07, 2002 9:26 am

The point of games is to waste time and completely sap any form of creativity one might have, and too it is also fun.

The other point of games is to brag most strenously about what a great player you are to other players.

To escape from a life filled with drudgery and irritating sunny people.

Georgi · Post by **Georgi** » Mon Apr 08, 2002 10:36 am

Well the question has pretty much been answered, I think...

Vaguely related to the topic... I read an article the other day about why a games reviewer had decided to quit...

HighLordDave · Post by **HighLordDave** » Mon Apr 08, 2002 10:48 am

I think we should also ask why we buy video games for our kids (at least those of us who have kids). What's the point? Do we want to help them with their hand-eye coordination? Maybe a little bit. Do we want them to shut up and quit bugging us? Yes.

Computer games (PC and console) have become the 2000s equivalent of the old sandlot. Instead of getting together and playing baseball, football, basketball or whatever season it is, kids crowd around the TV in the basement with the PS2 hooked up to it. It's just the same babysitter (albeit a little bit higher-tech) that parents have always used.

Sailor Saturn · Post by **Sailor Saturn** » Mon Apr 08, 2002 1:56 pm

Originally posted by HighLordDave
I think we should also ask why we buy video games for our kids (at least those of us who have kids). What's the point? Do we want to help them with their hand-eye coordination? Maybe a little bit. Do we want them to shut up and quit bugging us? Yes.

Computer games (PC and console) have become the 2000s equivalent of the old sandlot. Instead of getting together and playing baseball, football, basketball or whatever season it is, kids crowd around the TV in the basement with the PS2 hooked up to it. It's just the same babysitter (albeit a little bit higher-tech) that parents have always used.

I have to agree. When me and my 'rents took a vacation to Disney World for my 12th birthday, they bought me a Sega Game Gear and some Game Gear games to keep me occupied during the several days of driving it took to get from Burton, Texas to Orlando, Florida.

Of course, getting the Game Gear to keep me occupied was one of my manipulative ways of getting something

o

), but it wouldn't have worked if not for what HLD referred to.

Back when the adults were doing a Bible Study at church on Sunday Nights, I would go up there with my GameCube, four GCN controllers, and Super Smash Bros Melee and keep all the kids occupied in another room the whole time.

KidD01 · Post by **KidD01** » Mon Apr 08, 2002 2:15 pm

After carefully read the question

I believe the question is about "Videogames" not PC games or console games. But anyway the answer will lead one way to another into same conclusion.

Videogames (I believe is the ones installed on Shopping Mall or public areas) - Some play these to escape boredom. Why ? Have you ever accompany your GF shopping ? After spending many hours you'll become tired and bored. (No offense for the ladies here

) This is where those "Wallet-drainer" come in handy. The video games sometimes located near cinemas - in this case some play them to wait for the movie.

As for PC games, console games and mainly games I think most of the reply have already answer the question. As like weasel mention in his example, take this one for anohter example - if you hate someone i.e your boss or your teacher - you don't want to punch them in the face aye ? That's terrible not to mention it'll become a big fuss....this is where those fighting games came handy, imagine you're fighting with the one you hate....after seriously kicking some ass in the game I assure you your anger will be relieved

Sailor Saturn · Post by **Sailor Saturn** » Mon Apr 08, 2002 3:05 pm

Originally posted by KidD01
After carefully read the question I believe the question is about "Videogames" not PC games or console games. But anyway the answer will lead one way to another into same conclusion.

Videogames (I believe is the ones installed on Shopping Mall or public areas) - Some play these to escape boredom. Why ? Have you ever accompany your GF shopping ? After spending many hours you'll become tired and bored. (No offense for the ladies here ) This is where those "Wallet-drainer" come in handy. The video games sometimes located near cinemas - in this case some play them to wait for the movie.

I thought "video games" referred to all games that had video, with the 'categories' being handheld, PC, console, and arcade. What you're calling "video games" are what I've always heard called Arcade Games.

josh · Post by **josh** » Mon Apr 08, 2002 4:54 pm

Orginally posted by Sailor Saturn
I thought "video games" referred to all games that had video, with the 'categories' being handheld, PC, console, and arcade. What you're calling "video games" are what I've always heard called Arcade Games.

I agree.

Video games are just for entertainment. A movie may last for only 2 hours but video games will last much longer (depending on their quality).