I have been thinking recently about the effect of computer gaming on people’s personalities and the perceived perceptions around the subject.
Which brings me to my second thought. It seems that perceptions, especially among the older generation, is that gaming is bad! Bad for concentration, bad for your health - ok I can’t really argue against that last one – and, well just bad for you all around. However, I have noticed that in the periods where I game regularly it can actually improve my mood, energy levels and concentration to a certain extent. Over the last few months I have been dedicating a large part of my spare time to Steemit and I in no way regret this, as the quality of my writing has improved with the regular routine. However, I have noticed peaks and troughs in my energy levels. After writing a blog, formatting with markdown, general editing and grammar checking; I find myself somewhat drained and just want to veg out in front of Netflix for hours while constantly checking if my post has attracted any visitors 😉
So, to answer my own questions I am going to conduct an experiment starting tomorrow. I will play one or more of my four favourite games (as and when I feel like it) each day for 5 days and note down the effects in blog posts on steemit. Will this increase my productivity? Well, yes this is a bit of a self-fulfilling prophesy as I am adding a new subject to blog about, but I don’t know whether my creative blog posts will suffer as a result, only time will tell. I certainly have no intention of stopping my poetry and narrative-driven posts. Will my concentration improve? Will my Netflix binges decrease? Or will I descend into a frenzy of gaming, oblivious to all else?
I suspect that the results will be positive! The older generation may argue that gaming is bad for you but I think it is like anything else; a variety of activities and moderation are the key to a happy and creative mind 😃
Below, I will outline the 4 games I have chosen to nudge me back into the love of PC gaming and explain why I have chosen them.
Grand Theft Auto 5
Grand theft auto 5 needs little introduction it is the game that keeps on giving, even if you have completed the single player like myself they are constantly releasing new material to the online version of San Andreas that can keep you hooked for hours. I have chosen GTA 5 as my only online gaming choice as I love the competitive element and relative simplicity of GTA 5 online. You can choose to race land, sea and air against other players, or join elaborate missions called Heists. I have chosen this game for the collaborative, social aspect of the game. If there are positive connotations to gaming surely this is one of them. In an increasingly virtual work environment, the ability to seamlessly communicate to complete tasks is essential.
Dying Light
Open world, full-on zombie smashing, mouse key mashing, parkour chases across rooftops followed by terrifying nighttime pursuits from mutant zombies. Need I say more! This is an action game, through and through, and one that literally has me leaning back in my chair sometimes. I chose this for its pure adrenalin inducing qualities. I am curious to see how the exhilaration and quest based problem-solving aspects of this game affect me and my energies/moods. Will I crash and burn after the full-on action of this game?
Steep
I just love this game! As a former skateboarder and overall adrenalin junkie, I find it hard to beat hurtling down the side of a mountain on a snowboard at 50 MPH or flying through the cracks and crevices of a glacier while wing suiting your way through airborne markers. This game can be very difficult/frustrating at times as you have to try endlessly to complete the insane challenges. I like this aspect of steep, although not on the same level as games such as the Dark Souls series, this level of difficulty makes it all the more satisfying when you eventually get there. After threading your way through 17 tiny cracks in a crevasse while hurtling at 90 mph in your wingsuit, after only your hundredth attempt, the satisfaction is immense. I would argue that these types of video games actually foster a level of doggedness in young players that can stand them in good stead in their future working lives.
Abzu
Abzu is simply the most beautiful game I have ever played. There are simple puzzles to complete throughout your journey through the undersea world but it’s not the defining factor in this game's appeal. It is simply spellbinding and I completed it in a single night when it first came out. As a scuba diver, I can say it is most definitely not an accurate reflection of a human's underwater adventures at our current level of technology. It does, however, fulfil a myriad of scuba diving fantasies; such as leaping from the waves with a school of dolphins or hitching a ride through the deeps on the dorsal fin of a great white shark. Abzu is my, sit down at the end of a hard day with a sigh, game. One for pure relaxation!
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@originalworks
nice post bro .......i just upvote you & you back upvote my post ....please
I have a couple of these on my PS but haven’t parted them for ages, Steep and GTauto but that last one does sound pretty good i may have to check it out
Hi @tattoodjay, yeah Abzu is something special. It's sort of like swimming through the most tripped out underwater painting you've ever seen. I highly recommend it. Also it's cheap enough on steam. It's the game I'm going to play tonight to ease myself into this little experiment lol. Steep is another pad game that I'm gonna get very reacquainted with 😁 Thanks for your comment
I for sure will have to check it out I haven’t setup steam, but may look into that also, with being busy on here and discord along with photo editing i really dont get much game time these days
Hi @tattoodjay, the conclusion/answer to the questions posed in this article have just been published on my most recent blog, called To Game or Not to Game? - Answered which can be found here. Check it out if you have a minute. Many thanks 🎮 😃
I am not a gamer but I like your posts and so I enjoyed this one too. I think it's a good thing you are doing :)
Thanks @sharoonyasir. I have just visited your page actually and read your latest. Really nice piece of writing (upvoted and commented of course). If your not a gamer you should check out my last post here it is more of a reflective post about my spiritual conection with nature. Hope you are well :-)
Hi @sharoonyasir, the conclusion/answer to the questions posed in this article have just been published on my most recent blog, called To Game or Not to Game? - Answered which can be found here. Check it out if you have a minute. Many thanks 🎮 😃
Great post mate, I dont see anything wrong with gaming, it's no different that people who sit for hours on end watching tv. I only play for max 2hrs a night If I do get on, I'd love to play more but I dont't have the time. I force myself to be productive, I work 12hr days atleast 5 days a week, Its been 18days straight at the minute. I have a family to come back home to and I record and upload a video to youtube daily. I dont record them daily mind, most of the time Ill record a weeks worth in one or two nights then schedule on youtube daily. Its challenging at times but I wouldnt have it any other way :)
Sounds like you got your routine set up well @xr-hammergaming. I also have no qualms about gaming and even when I did play more often I don't think I ever gamed more than 3-4hrs/day. Well apart from that month when I got addicted to guild wars but the less said about that the better 😉 This little experiment is more to get me back gaming doing something I enjoy. I haven't played any games in more than a month which is crazy considering I got a gaming PC sitting here. So yeah, I made a steemit post to challenge myself to start gaming again because steemit has been stopping me gaming lol It was definetly meant to be a little tongue in cheek. Thanks for your comment I'm glad you enjoyed the post, keep your eyes peeled for the results of this experiment coming soon. I'm gonna go play Abzu now 😀 🎮🎮
I will do mate 😀
Hi @xr-hammergaming, the conclusion/answer to the questions posed in this article have just been published on my most recent blog, called To Game or Not to Game? - Answered which can be found here. Check it out if you have a minute. Many thanks 🎮 😃
Will do pal 😃
GTA is one of my favourite game and vice city has been part of my gaming days!!! Honka Honka in the cars XD
Hope your experiment will be successful and thanks for sharing the results XD
Ha ha yeah, vice city is a real blast from the past 😀 I got hooked on the first 3D GTA liberty city and have been hooked ever since. Really liked vice city too, the whole Scarface theme was awesome. I completed GTA 3 San Andreas twice over lol Cheers for your comment @pisolutionsmru good to see there's plenty of players out in the steemit-o-sphere 🎮🎮
I really miss my gaming days :( I got a PS2 limited grey edition as a gift and it was a hell of a time XD
Hi @pisolutionsmru, the conclusion/answer to the questions posed in this article have just been published on my most recent blog, called To Game or Not to Game? - Answered which can be found here. Check it out if you have a minute. Many thanks 🎮 😃
Investing and Investigating crypto totally killed my gaming career ;) I just don't have time to open my parachute and jump killing ppl in PUG any more...
Ha ha @kriptonoob. Crypto will take over if you let it. This is why I only day trade once in a blue moon when the tip is just too good to pass up. My knees just can't take the knocking, my heart just can't take the beating. Basically, I get super nervous trading but it is a rush lol 🤑 You should make a little time for that parachuting PUG murder fest 😉
I hope i will find some equilibrium in the future ;)
Hi @kriptonoob, the conclusion/answer to the questions posed in this article have just been published on my most recent blog, called To Game or Not to Game? - Answered which can be found here. Check it out if you have a minute. Many thanks 🎮 😃
Well written. I think gaming is great. Obviously, not the sort of gaming where you sit in front of the console all day long. But, games have their own advantages in nurturing your creativity and thinking.
I only like certain games and play them when i can. The last of Us. Skyrim. Horizon Zero Dawn. Beyond two Souls. What these have in common, is a very engaging stoey, and great gameplay. Cheers!
Couldn't agree more @writerbro, Oblivion and Skyrim are two of my favorite games and I've completed them both. When I was a kid I could only dream of a game as in-depth and well crafted, story-wise, as Skyrim. These are definitely examples of games that can inspire! After all, there's nothing wrong with a bit of escapism now and then 🎮 Thanks for your insightful comment and visit to my blog 😃
Skyrim! I swear man. What an escape that is. I used to be crazy about Oblivion as well. But Skyrim. Ahh, hail sithis. I used to be an adventurer like you, then i took an arrow to the knee. Haha!
Hi @writerbro, the conclusion/answer to the questions posed in this article have just been published on my most recent blog, called To Game or Not to Game? - Answered which can be found here. Check it out if you have a minute. Many thanks 🎮 😃
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I will definitely be back to read how your experiment is coming a long even though I am not into gaming.... at all. I enjoy your insights and general way you write.
Thanks @el1748eth. I have just checked out your blog and followed you back + upvoted. I particularly enjoyed your post Boat access gardening on a rock with no soil #1 as I love all things natural and am a keen veg grower. Check out my some of my previous posts if you want to see some that are more to do with the natural world. I shall be sure to keep an eye out for you next update about your gardening project 😃
I'm sorry but the crypto world has taken over my lie these past days.. I hope to take up writing about my garde soon as I have so much to explain still but there were two ICO I wanted to get in on before I could sway that I have tried in all. Well almost all..
Hi @el1748eth, the conclusion/answer to the questions posed in this article have just been published on my most recent blog, called To Game or Not to Game? - Answered which can be found here. Check it out if you have a minute. Many thanks 🎮 😃
lol exactly nothing far from the truth, they think there is nothing to gain from gaming and its an absolute waste of time but for me I would say TO GAME
Thanks. Game on brother! ;-)
Hi @otemzi, the conclusion/answer to the questions posed in this article have just been published on my most recent blog, called To Game or Not to Game? - Answered which can be found here. Check it out if you have a minute. Many thanks 🎮 😃
sure will do
older brother. another success
I have an xbox one, but I only have a couple of games. I also played on the pc. the half life. but I was disappointed that part 3 never came out. I am gamers, but of the same condition as you. ateemit has spent much of my time and I have improved on many things. I spend more time at home near my family.
Yes for sure. Steemit has taken over my gaming time. I did play Abzu last night which is an amazing game for all the dreams of scuba divers! Which reminds me I must write my follow up to this article soon :)
It looks very interesting, but I think you should see.
Call Of Duty Ghosts - Mision 12
Ah, I can't play first person shooters nowadays, they give me a headache :( Check out the answer to the questions posed in this article here if you fancy some more gaming talk @marsella-2017 🎮 😃
The older generation likes to complain about everything :) There have always been time-wasting hobbies and I suspect there always will be.
As long as one makes sure all other obligations are finished first, I see nothing wrong with a little gaming. Of course it can become an obsession, and that does often lead to anti-social behavior and anger when something interrupts it, but gaming hardly holds the monopoly on that behavior.
I don't really have the patience for games anymore. With two kids, full time work, many part-time jobs, and Steemit, I don't have any time, but even when I do, I just can't play games for long these days. I like the idea of games and I enjoy my memory of games from my youth, so I occasionally load up the original Zelda or Ninja Gaiden or something just to hear the music and see how far my muscle memory can take me in the 5–10 minutes before I get bored and turn it off.
Anyway, I look forward to reading about your experiment.
I'm the same @dbooster, in regards to only being able to game for short periods nowadays. I've just published the conclusion/answer to the questions posed in this article, it's called To Game or Not to Game? - Answered and can be found here if you fancy giving it a read. Many thanks 🎮 😃
Steep steep steep! :P
Flying through the air, without a care that's the game for me ;-) steep is the shniz. Cheers @jayiddon
Interesting food for thought! I've recently gotten back into gaming and now that I have a gaming laptop combined with my steam account. My gaming can come with me, wherever I go!