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Video games are predicated on quick achievement of short term goals, so it's not actually realistic.. If you had to sit staring out a window at an empty field f

Video games are predicated on quick achievement of short term goals, so it's not actually realistic.. If you had to sit staring out a window at an empty field for 16 hours a day no one would do it either.

Loughla 7y ago
I don't even mean the watching the crops or livestock grow. I mean the actual work part, too. Planting row crops is legit the most boring work I've ever participated in. It is less than mindless. And that seems like the most active part of that game. Maybe if the physics were wonky that would be funny, at least. But this is one that I can't wrap my mind around.
- cloverich 7y ago
  Believe it or not repetitive tasks can be quite relaxing and even restorative (in the meditative sense). A couple years ago I started practicing (disc golf) putting in my back yard to get better at the game. Many don't because its boring. And it was.. at first. Then it turned into something else. I started to crave the repetitiveness. Training myself to be patient, to not feel down if I missed a lot, etc. I started to get really good, and oddly that brought me far less joy than the simple art of practicing. Turns out its an ancient, well known phenomena. In your case, its associated with (presumably) a negative experience so probably a bit different. I just bet most people that play that game start to get that meditative experience without specifically seeking it out, but return regularly (and benefit!) despite that.
ssully 7y ago
You are right about most games, but then there is stuff like Truck simulators (EuroTruck Simulator, and there is an American one). I've dipped into a few streams to watch and I just don't get it. I know driving can be relaxing, but some of the "hauls" people do actually take hours. Hours, to virtually haul stuff from point A to B! Kudos to those who enjoy it, but I also struggle to understand it.

Loughla 7y ago

I don't even mean the watching the crops or livestock grow. I mean the actual work part, too. Planting row crops is legit the most boring work I've ever participated in. It is less than mindless. And that seems like the most active part of that game. Maybe if the physics were wonky that would be funny, at least. But this is one that I can't wrap my mind around.

cloverich 7y ago
Believe it or not repetitive tasks can be quite relaxing and even restorative (in the meditative sense). A couple years ago I started practicing (disc golf) putting in my back yard to get better at the game. Many don't because its boring. And it was.. at first. Then it turned into something else. I started to crave the repetitiveness. Training myself to be patient, to not feel down if I missed a lot, etc. I started to get really good, and oddly that brought me far less joy than the simple art of practicing. Turns out its an ancient, well known phenomena. In your case, its associated with (presumably) a negative experience so probably a bit different. I just bet most people that play that game start to get that meditative experience without specifically seeking it out, but return regularly (and benefit!) despite that.

ssully 7y ago

You are right about most games, but then there is stuff like Truck simulators (EuroTruck Simulator, and there is an American one). I've dipped into a few streams to watch and I just don't get it. I know driving can be relaxing, but some of the "hauls" people do actually take hours. Hours, to virtually haul stuff from point A to B! Kudos to those who enjoy it, but I also struggle to understand it.