I completely agree with the OP and I would like to emphasize one thing: The best aspect of gaming, which is local multiplayer (=couch with friends), has almost died! It really frustrates me. When I was growing up local multiplayer was the only kind. On PlayStation 1, split screen was the norm. 20 years later, On PlayStation 4, my friends and I are finding it hard to find split screen and local coop games. Even great competitive FPS like Titanfall, perfect for a party night with friends, lack local multiplayer options and are geared towards stressful online experiences. I strongly disapprove! Makes me sound like a grandpa.
Yes, I normally go through the same thing. The only time I really enjoy a game by myself is if it's something from my childhood, still I have a tendency to get pretty mad or irritated with games too. I suppose you could connect porn and video games, they are both aspects of a fantasy world where we get away from reality. Props to you man, I've distanced myself from social media. I think that stuff is pretty cancerous and now I'm telling people if they really appreciate me as a person to initiate more activities and show interest. I don't just want to be a random numbered friend on a stupid website. If I had crutches I would definitely refer to one of them as gaming. I'm interested to hear what other hobby or activity you want to take up or continue following the departure of gaming.
I gave up games except for couch Co op and I'm glad I did when I play them theyre so much more fun now
In my opinion I would say don't quit video games, but set a limit on it. The reasons being is when you are trying to get rid of one problem you need to replace it with something else . I'd take video games over porn any day , but just my opinion. If you want to quit video games I'd say replace it with the a different wholesome entertainment
My gaming needs diminished as I stopped smoking marihuana. It was always like this. I enjoyed it when I was high, but I dont enjoy it much sober. But never say never, I think I will play some games in the future, but I love the old games, where gameplay is everything, for me, the best game is something like brutal doom, pure gameplay without some BS around, that will never get old even sober
I went through a phase when I wanted to quit them. But I regret that and now play them again. There's nothing wrong with doing something you enjoy. There's nothing wrong with doing something as much as you'd like either. I think people should enjoy their own lives and not worry about what other people think or want them to do. Just make sure you are able to earn a living, feed yourself, house yourself and pay the bills and make money gradually. After that your free time is up to you. And video game can be a cheap hobby if you are playing a sensible game that doesn't require more spending after buying the actual game itself
"There's nothing wrong with doing something you enjoy" - depends 100% on what you enjoy. Just saying...
I've been playing games since I was a kid, my Dad first taught me on the Atari. I don't regret growing up like that either, it's one of my favourite hobbies still and find real satisfaction in them. Like anything else it really only becomes a problem if you let it, as anything can be easily turned into an addiction or crutch. I admit I do more time playing more than I like, but going through hard times it helps me. I view people who spend hours golfing all day or do other leisurely sports for hours the same way, minus the exercise I guess, unless you already exercise a lot and are a gamer. I only enjoy singleplayer and coop with my bf, so I can easily get into all types of games. If it feels like they intrude in your daily life then you should definitely either cut back or try to stop them. Cold turkey usually works for most addictions!
Video games are literally designed to be frustrating, because that creates a mental "itch" you feel compelled to scratch. You feel like you have to reach the next stage and will replay, or pay to unlock, until you get there. Of course, the reward is more like the last sentence cliffhanger in a novel that just makes you want to continue to see what happens next. All that makes them addicting, which drives sales.
Really depends on what you play though, most aren't designed in that way unless you're playing something like the "Dark Souls" genre, or a multiplayer game. It can be as frustrating or relaxing as you want it to be, that's why there's difficulty settings in almost every game. The problem I have is with the forced loot boxes they're slapping in games.
I think it depends on the game. You gotta use it smart. I get very addicted to FPS lol But it's also nice to enjoy beautiful games that at least fot me don't have this addictive effect (even though I love them!). To name two masterpieces: Zelda Ocarina of Time (my all time favorite) && Metal Gear Solid 1 (my 2nd all time favorite xD) Awesome games, not addictive for me (but have caution about it anyway, stop if you think you are wasting too much time with any game // I've stopped with Counter Strike and Battlefield).
