Pixelated: A Lifetime of Gaming

Gaming is a pastime beloved by humans for millennia. Board games like backgammon and checkers, created over 5000 years ago, have entertained generations. And while video games are relatively young, the first-known video game, Spacewar!, emerged in 1962 at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. This makes video games over 60 years old. That’s older than me!

My own introduction to games began with a range of board games in my family’s collection. We played Mousetrap, Operation, Battleship, and Monopoly, along with several others. It’s no surprise that I readily embraced video games when my parents brought home the Atari 2600. By then, I’d discovered that games offered fun entertainment and a wholesome hobby.

As I grow older, this belief strengthens, particularly regarding video games with their wide range of genres and playstyles. But gaming offers several additional benefits along with being fun. Let’s explore a few.

While physical exercise is the best activity for improving coordination, video games can also enhance this skill. Eye-hand coordination is vital for various tasks, from catching a ball to writing. Games demanding quick responses, like platformers, FPSs, and fighting games, provide an opportunity to train our brain, eyes, and hands to work together swiftly and effectively. This becomes more critical as we age, as I can personally attest.

Gaming also hones problem-solving skills, especially in puzzle games and RPGs where choices matter. Gamers are regularly presented with problems or decisions that require foresight and considering various options. This skill transfers to real life, where we encounter daily choices, from the mundane “What’s for dinner?” to substantial decisions like career choices, buying homes, and planning for retirement.

Stress is a common experience in life. At times, all you want is to unwind after a tough day, week, or a significant disruption to your routine. Games offer an excellent way to achieve that relaxation. Whether exploring an immersive open world, farming in a cozy simulator, or battling waves of foes in an action-packed game, the relief of leaving stress behind in this hectic world is invaluable.

While the physical and mental health benefits are important, games also serve as powerful tools for creativity. Games like Minecraft provide vast creative freedom, allowing players to construct houses, castles, and even entire worlds. An outstanding example is a Minecraft server dedicated to Middle Earth, where people can explore everything from the Shire to Khazad Dum and beyond. You can check out their work at https://www.mcmiddleearth.com. It’s impressive!

Games with strong RPG elements offer creative outlets by enabling players to craft narratives for their characters. In fact, games like LOTRO even host dedicated RP servers, where players can gather and create intricate storylines together. This neatly leads us to the last point…

We shouldn’t underestimate the social aspect of gaming, particularly in online games such as MMOs. The ability to connect with other players, join groups, complete quests, and conquer dungeons fosters an organic sense of community. Throughout my years of gaming, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting many wonderful people, some of whom I still count among my closest friends today. Beyond a shared love for a particular game, players often discover they have much in common. It’s also a fantastic way to connect with people from around the world. I’ve talked to individuals from England, Wales, France, Sweden, Poland, Germany, Italy, Japan, Argentina, and many more countries.

These are the core reasons I believe video games make for a great hobby. However, as with everything in life, moderation is key. There’s a point where anything can shift from being beneficial to detrimental. While gaming offers many advantages, extended periods in front of a screen can strain our eyes and impact our physical and emotional well-being. I recommend exercising discretion, recognizing when it’s too much, and acting accordingly.

Let everyone know in the comments – what is your favorite genre of video game to play and why?

Until next time, bye for now!