A gamer no more

-or- a subtle evolution

Published on January 25, 2005 By BlueDev In Gaming

Sometime during the last year or so I changed. It wasn't something I planned, it wasn't something I was looking for or hoping for. It sort of snuck up on me and I still am not sure how it happened. But lately the signs have been unmistakable.

I am a gamer no more.

In the past I would spend the majority of my net time browsing game websites. I read every new review for PC games at Gamespot, Gamespy, and the Adrenaline Vault. I was one of the top posters in the Adrenaline Vault forums, a real regular, chiming in on just about every topic, but especially ones about PC games. I knew what new games were on the way, tried all the latest demos, and kept my collection pretty active.

But no more. I still play games occasionally. I enjoy them when I get into them. But I don't think I could consider myself a gamer. I haven't been to Gamespot or Gamespy in weeks, and when I do go it simply ends up annoying me. I drop back in at the Adrenaline Vault forums from time to time, but don't log in and just look around for a few minutes.

That is usually all it takes for me to be reminded that I just don't have anything in common with the regulars there.

At times I feel regret about this. It is as though a hobby of mine, and even a period of my life has ended. It isn't so much because I feel too old or some such hogwash. I just don't think of myself as a gamer anymore. I am simply a person who enjoys an occasional PC game. I have found other online communities in which I feel more a part, other hobbies that are, at least now, more enjoyable.

That doesn't mean I don't still keep my eye on the bargain game bin at stores, or glance for any good deals in the ads. That doesn't mean I don't look forward to some games (GalCiv 2 being an example). But it is interesting to note a change that occurred without any effort or input from me.

Comments

Dusk411

on Jan 25, 2005

I think after awhile, people get drained from their own hobbies. Pre-Internet, information wasn't as much as it was now. I collect CD singles and before I had the internet, I only relied on stores.I didn't even realize how much was out there. Now, with the internet, I can check every day if something obscure has come in. Sometimes, after a day or so checking for one single I would like, I don't look for a long time. Although when I first discovered it, it was new, something new always seemed to pop up. But the newness isn't there anymore.

It takes a lot of energy and work to maintain emulaters and keep them up-to-date. My boyfriend's interest is in video games and he's usually adding more on or changing the menus in some way. However, due to his work schedule he doesn't play as much as he'd like, either.

oleteach

on Jan 25, 2005

Good for you. Our priorities change as we mature. Don't forget to have your share of fun and laughter. It is good for the soul.

Ravenblack

on Jan 26, 2005

I'm out of PC gaming - sick of the bugs and neverending patches, the constant need to upgrade. PC games are getting all samey, there's hardly anything new to be excited about these days. PC gaming has gotten to a level where gaming is being taken too seriously. And everything in PC gaming is just kinda tedious. Takes too much time to get into and well... too much time.

I'm currently into console gaming and still play on the GBA when on the go.

Changing system might do wonders for someone who is just burnout on a certain platform of gaming, but if there's more important things to do in life, I guess that's just that - you would naturally pay more attention to something of higher priority in your life.

Ravenblack

on Jan 26, 2005

BlueDev

on Jan 26, 2005

Although when I first discovered it, it was new, something new always seemed to pop up. But the newness isn't there anymore.

I think that is a big part of it. For a long time growing up we never had a PC that was powerful enough to really game on. When my wife and I bought our desktop it was pretty much top of the line and suddenly this whole world of gaming was opened. Then I got my new one for school that was even better and, well, I thought I was in nirvana. Now, of course, it is a bit out of date, but even the new games coming out just bore me. Perhaps time away is what I need.

oleteach: Thanks for the comment. I will take your wise words and keep them in mind.

Changing system might do wonders for someone who is just burnout on a certain platform of gaming,

I actually think you are right there. I think a new platform, with new styles of games could make a difference. Alas, time just isn't there right now. Oh well.

mgosh

on Jan 28, 2005

Perhaps it's a bit of time, and effort, and being able to spend that much more time searching the net upon every game. Perhaps its the mere quality or lack of quality of really great and new games for the PC. Yes there's SIM2 and Doom3 and Half-Life2 but where's the awe factor, where's the wow this has never been done before feeling? If you feel towards that genera that you're not particullary inclined towards them perhaps its not so much burnout as looking for a gem in a pile of rubbish. What used to be originally gaming and original creativity became a corporate machine designed to take in as much money as possible and to let out as little originality and creativity to maintain maximine profit.

Another theory can be that in order to be a gamer, you don't necessarily have to be logging into every gaming site and looking at every review. Perhaps just sitting down and playing a game makes you a gamer:)

msladydeath

on Jan 29, 2005

I'm a cycle gamer, I don't look at the sites, I don't keep up on the new stuff, I buy bargins every now and then. I will get the addiction bug for a short time, then go months without playing my PS2 or games on the comp. Then I will get this sudden urge, and play as much as I can for a while, then not play again. It happens. Don't bother me. Don't let it bother you. Just be happy

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