Remember: Games are Fun

Everyone plays video games for different reasons. Some play to escape the reality of the world. Some play for money, whether it be as a professional gamer or as a journalist. Most, however, play games simply because they are fun. Unlike a movie or a book, by playing a game, a person is able to fully step into a world completely different from our own, by being an active participant as a character. It really is no wonder that video games have grown to such a huge audience, since they have become magical (and accessible) enough for people of all types and ages to become enthralled by them.

Why do I bring this up? I've been reading a lot about game journalism lately, trying to soak up everything I can. By hearing about so many stories, I am starting to build my view on the world of video game journalism and understand what it truly is. One thing that really started sticking out to me is how many of these journalists talked about a video game fatigue, a point where they just don't enjoy playing games anymore.

It makes perfect sense when you think about it; game journalists are often given games to cover that they don't wish to even look at but are forced to for work. Even the games they play because of actual interest must be broken down and analyzed intently, something that can possibly take the fun out of even the best games. It's a sad thing to think about and one I'm trying to take a stand against right now.

Currently, I play games in a very particular way. I own maybe 30-40 games that I want to complete at some point, that list ever growing as new games come out (something that makes me move that much faster through a game). As each game is finished, the next one on the list is selected and I play it. Sometimes, I'll play some old games for a change of pace (just did Mass Effect 2 on Insanity, for example). Unfortunately, this has led me to a very irritating and boring pattern in which I complete goal after goal in each game, almost asleep from the autonomy with which my body moves through them. A deep-seated urge to reach the end of my list of games to beat constantly pounds in the back of my head and I find it very hard to silence sometimes.

So, starting today, I am going to (and I encourage each and every one of you to do the same) find the true enjoyment in every game I play. Instead of rushing my way through game after game, I will take the time to savor the looks or the music of a particular game, finding what speaks to me about each particular one and, most importantly, enjoying it. Of course, I will still look at each game with a practical eye too (what kind of "future" journalist would I be if I didn't?) but I want to stop and have a good time with each of them. Each and every game is an amazing accomplishment that took a dedicated group of people thousands of manhours to make; don't they deserve more attention for the games they've created?