Psychotherapists suggest introducing fresh pastimes into your regular schedule from time to time. Therefore, I resolved to add a digital game to my leisure activities.
…The web. The initial game that appeared. The spiel for the initial game asserts that by finishing all stages, the player will be able to seize and eliminate up to 33,000 individuals. The spiel for the second game declares: “Persons, impacted by your vehicle, gasp, their blood spraying onto the windscreen; even worse, they kneel, begging for clemency, or end their own lives. If desired, you can mutilate their remains.”
How amusing! I continue observing. In other games, such as the initial one, aimed at youngsters aged 8 to 15, the character navigates through labyrinths, dispatching foes that emerge from around bends right and left. “No. I shall not engage in that (!),” I determine. “Perhaps I should opt for a themed game?”
I inquire of my son:
– Assist me in locating a fantasy game.
He seems bewildered. Then, comprehending:
“Are you joking? Fantasy games are for dedicated players. They reside in these games, and you intend to have 30-40 minutes of enjoyment?”
“I am aware of digital addiction. However, typical individuals spend their lives with their families and employment. Players are an unfortunate instance.”
“It’s not such an oddity. Research World of Warcraft. Numerous individuals in our city are keen on that game. Just like everybody else globally.”
That very “existence.” World of Warcraft (WoW) (interpreted as “world of warcraft”) is deemed a massively multiplayer online role-playing game. Online role-playing games present the subsequent possibilities:
a) player versus the world;
b) player against player;
c) realm against realm;
d) player against player acting as the Monster…
The essence of the options is the same: when you battle, you slay.
The most “tranquil” phase in WoW is the preliminary stage, when the player and their persona explore the terrain and participate in conflict with monsters. During this period, they fulfill duties assigned by computer-operated characters. Those who immerse themselves in the game initially advance through tiers to encounter other willing devotees. Dungeons are intended for smaller groups, and larger groups can establish alliances.
When crafting a character, players select from twelve races and ten classes. The selection is challenging, as the races are separated into opposing groups, and all classes encompass both close-quarters and long-range fighters. The challenge of deciding “which side are you on?” will linger perpetually, as the game does not conclude upon reaching the ultimate level.
It showcases a reputation structure. Naturally, a favorable reputation must be earned. Conclude a mission for a specific group or race, and their sentiment toward you will become more welcoming. Concurrently, opposing groups and races will cultivate animosity toward you. Thus, you’ll reside in a fantasy realm: battling some, detesting others, and regarding those of a lower standing as “inferior.”
Another regrettable and yet frightening trend: those inhabiting their gaming universe disregard and fail to acknowledge those existing in the real world… and subsequently, they cannot tolerate and despise them. Scientists have inferred that zealous players endure from psychological ailments and diminished intelligence. Gaming dependency is now being addressed globally, by psychiatrists and dependency specialists. In Australia, there exists even a medication for the management of gaming addiction.
There’s a recurring theme permeating any digital game, even the less sanguinary ones: they’re captivating. Once you’re ensnared, you can disregard time and other tasks to accomplish. Here’s an instance: One evening, my family and I were engaging in Akinator prior to bedtime. We only settled down when we triumphed, and the humbled computer conserved our information in its database.
“Let’s repeat it!” I exclaimed.
“It’s the dead of night. Settle down. Everyone needs to rise early for work tomorrow,” my husband and sons retorted at me.
P.S. “I’d better unwind with a new motion picture, and thereafter with a new literary work,” I ultimately determined, contemplating diversifying my relaxation time.
