For me, gaming was a way for me to escape into a world I could control. I started online gaming when I was 9, but I got intensely into it when I was 11. This was when I started middle school and, of course, no one really fits in then, but I –really- didn’t fit in. Kids found their way to bully me as most untamed children do. I slowly began a descent into depression. I had no friends, which meant I didn’t go out much. Online gaming became my outlet. Soon it became my way to make long lasting friends. Sounds a bit sad but I don’t regret it. I love the friends I have made through gaming because they have kept me sane all these years.
If anyone were to ask me “What has gaming done for you?” I would respond back, “It has given me a place I fit in at. I have friends that understand me and don’t judge me for who I am. When no one else wanted to be my friend I found friends across the world. It kept me from suicide at a young age because my depression was so intense. Gaming saved me in ways that non-gamers could not understand.”
So, I decided that since I feel this way, there must be others with a story to tell. Let’s hear about what gaming has done for the people at GameSkinny.
Jay’s response,
BlackTideTV’s response,
And, honestly, I think that’s enough. I don’t think gaming needs to cure the world’s ails or make you a better person to be worthwhile; I whole-heartedly believe a good story is well worth anyone’s time and appreciation.
Synzer’s response,
If I had never grown up with the ability to live so many lives (through gaming) I would be a hot mess. Instead of just chilling, doing my own thing and being happy about it, I would be out there trying to get that affection to no avail. Furthermore, everyone is told in school that you need to “be what makes you happy”. When people try to do that, they get shut down. I can be whatever I want in games. I can get a taste of this or that and I know that I’ll enjoy it.
The “real” world is so harsh and depressing but gaming makes the world revolve around the player, which can be nice for a change. If that’s all too sassy for you, I’ve started this program where I’ve had over 100,000 people look at my work, and a YouTube page where over 40,000 people have viewed my videos and around 400 people (so far) are subscribed to regularly consume my content, all from gaming.
Last but not least Auverin’s response,
Also because of gaming, I ended up finding GameSkinny. I have learned a lot about gaming journalism and the industry in general from being here. I also met a fellow fiction writer, which really let me find out more about my work and caused me to finally get work of my own underway. I probably would not have been able to spend the time I do on games if it wasn’t for my fiancé, so I might never have even been here, and my writing might not have gone anywhere.
Whether it’s narrative appreciation for Jay or it has helped with something personal like Blacktidetv, Synzer, Auverin, and myself, gaming has had an effect whether it is big or small.
When I first started playing them seriously, I was very much a lone wolf who would only do single player campaigns or run solo in an MMO. And while there is some peace in that, it can get lonely too. And I was lonely enough in the real world that I didnt need to be lonely in my virtual ones too. So I’ve made a lot of good friends through my games, and those friends have consistently encouraged me to try new games and gaming-related things that I never would have otherwise. They push me to pick up a new title, or try out a shooter (which I’m usually bad at), or go on a mission that I don’t feel like I’m ready for. They push me to stream and come out of my shell and play with even more new people. And while all those things are in-game, the skills definitely translate and have helped me be more comfortable with myself when I’m entering new situations.
But to balance out all that touchy feely stuff, I will also say that they really helped me understand sports a lot better. I hated watching football until I started watching eSports. So I guess you could say that my passion for gaming has helped me understand passions that I thought were different than mine.
So, what has gaming done for you? I would love to hear your stories in the comment section!
