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Computer games are build to make you addicted and waste your time and money. "They can even connect you with a rich tapestry of human life." Tapestry of human

Computer games are build to make you addicted and waste your time and money. "They can even connect you with a rich tapestry of human life." Tapestry of human life? Seriously?

tomtheelder 5y ago
That's a _ridiculously_ reductive view of what games are. Like any form of media they range wildly from simplistic and addictive to rich and artistic and everything in between. Suggesting that all games are built to addict and waste time/money belies an utter lack of understanding of the landscape of games.
Nursie 5y ago
I could say the same about novels and be just as correct. You’ve never made friends through a shared interest in games, or even through the games themselves? You’ve never been enthralled with the story of a game, and been left richer afterwards? You’ve missed out, and you’ve missed out through snobbery.
- tobltobs 5y ago
  A novel can make you addicted? Like you have to read it every day? I played a lot with friends, but I never made friends through playing. I was enthralled by games, but when I was finished I wasn't "richer" in any way, just shorter of time. It is ok to waste your time if it is fun, but trying to glorify wasting your time is just trying to find an excuse.
  - Nursie 5y ago
    Like I said, I would be just as correct. There are addictive games and gamers, just as there are trashy novels and people who devour them one after another. I would consider neither more valid than the other. I have met people I value through games and gaming, just as I have through Internet forums. I have experienced emotional highs and lows through the characters I’ve encountered in games, through the twists and turns of stories. Like I said, perhaps you’ve missed out. I’ve also blown off a lot of steam and enjoyed it as frivolous entertainment. I’m not trying to say it’s always worthy, social or a growth experience, that would be as absurd a claim as that it can never be so.
  - AussieWog93 5y ago
    > A novel can make you addicted? Like you have to read it every day? My wife used to spend multiple hours a day reading Harry Potter fan fiction to the detriment of other aspects of her life. It might not be designed to be addictive (same way HN isn't), but it can definitely have that affect. >I played a lot with friends, but I never made friends through playing. I know people who have made lifelong friends through online gaming. I do not know people who have made lifelong friends through reading books. >I was enthralled by games, but when I was finished I wasn't "richer" in any way, just shorter of time. What games were you playing? I've definitely felt absolutely floored by the technical achievements, storytelling and genius design in games before; the same way a good book or album leaves you shocked that a human could have created this.
- Tycho 5y ago
  True, gaming is a great way to make friends and connect… with a bunch of other losers!
  - Nursie 5y ago
    I don’t consider myself a loser, as a successful software consultant with a house, a partner, a lot of travel under my belt and enough cash to basically do what I want. I’m moving to a new continent in a little over a month, to spend more time fishing and exploring the wilds, not lurking in a basement somewhere. So... :shrug:
Karsteski 5y ago
Not gonna lie, this is incredibly ignorant. Just because you cannot appreciate the story telling of games, or the skill/teamwork needed to play competitive games, does not make them a waste of time. The value of time spent is in the eye of the beholder. There are people who burn every evening/weekend playing games, and they are less happy and enriched from it. Equally there are people who spend a lot of time gaming and are much happier doing so. I can't spend a lot of time gaming atm because of personal projects, but the time I spend playing Stardew Valley with my girlfriend or competitive FPS games with my friends is invaluable. Try opening your mind a bit please.
- dejw 5y ago
  your argument is flawed. in your story gaming could be replaced by drinking or toilet cleaning. as long as you are doing it with friends/strengthening relationships the activity is positive. but that is precisely what gaming is missing! there is nothing wrong with doing a lan party with your buddies, but playing an hour every day of the week your favourite game is just a waste of time. it's highly unlikely that your mind is relaxing, especially in competitive games you mentioned.
  - Karsteski 5y ago
    It's odd to me that you're telling me what I am feeling. Regardless, does everything have to be some hyperefficient activity for you?

Computer games are build to make you addicted and waste your time and money. "They can even connect you with a rich tapestry of human life." Tapestry of human life? Seriously?

tomtheelder 5y ago

That's a _ridiculously_ reductive view of what games are. Like any form of media they range wildly from simplistic and addictive to rich and artistic and everything in between. Suggesting that all games are built to addict and waste time/money belies an utter lack of understanding of the landscape of games.

Nursie 5y ago

I could say the same about novels and be just as correct. You’ve never made friends through a shared interest in games, or even through the games themselves? You’ve never been enthralled with the story of a game, and been left richer afterwards? You’ve missed out, and you’ve missed out through snobbery.

tobltobs 5y ago
A novel can make you addicted? Like you have to read it every day? I played a lot with friends, but I never made friends through playing. I was enthralled by games, but when I was finished I wasn't "richer" in any way, just shorter of time. It is ok to waste your time if it is fun, but trying to glorify wasting your time is just trying to find an excuse.
- Nursie 5y ago
  Like I said, I would be just as correct. There are addictive games and gamers, just as there are trashy novels and people who devour them one after another. I would consider neither more valid than the other. I have met people I value through games and gaming, just as I have through Internet forums. I have experienced emotional highs and lows through the characters I’ve encountered in games, through the twists and turns of stories. Like I said, perhaps you’ve missed out. I’ve also blown off a lot of steam and enjoyed it as frivolous entertainment. I’m not trying to say it’s always worthy, social or a growth experience, that would be as absurd a claim as that it can never be so.
- AussieWog93 5y ago
  > A novel can make you addicted? Like you have to read it every day? My wife used to spend multiple hours a day reading Harry Potter fan fiction to the detriment of other aspects of her life. It might not be designed to be addictive (same way HN isn't), but it can definitely have that affect. >I played a lot with friends, but I never made friends through playing. I know people who have made lifelong friends through online gaming. I do not know people who have made lifelong friends through reading books. >I was enthralled by games, but when I was finished I wasn't "richer" in any way, just shorter of time. What games were you playing? I've definitely felt absolutely floored by the technical achievements, storytelling and genius design in games before; the same way a good book or album leaves you shocked that a human could have created this.
Tycho 5y ago
True, gaming is a great way to make friends and connect… with a bunch of other losers!
- Nursie 5y ago
  I don’t consider myself a loser, as a successful software consultant with a house, a partner, a lot of travel under my belt and enough cash to basically do what I want. I’m moving to a new continent in a little over a month, to spend more time fishing and exploring the wilds, not lurking in a basement somewhere. So... :shrug:

Karsteski 5y ago

Not gonna lie, this is incredibly ignorant. Just because you cannot appreciate the story telling of games, or the skill/teamwork needed to play competitive games, does not make them a waste of time. The value of time spent is in the eye of the beholder. There are people who burn every evening/weekend playing games, and they are less happy and enriched from it. Equally there are people who spend a lot of time gaming and are much happier doing so. I can't spend a lot of time gaming atm because of personal projects, but the time I spend playing Stardew Valley with my girlfriend or competitive FPS games with my friends is invaluable. Try opening your mind a bit please.

dejw 5y ago
your argument is flawed. in your story gaming could be replaced by drinking or toilet cleaning. as long as you are doing it with friends/strengthening relationships the activity is positive. but that is precisely what gaming is missing! there is nothing wrong with doing a lan party with your buddies, but playing an hour every day of the week your favourite game is just a waste of time. it's highly unlikely that your mind is relaxing, especially in competitive games you mentioned.
- Karsteski 5y ago
  It's odd to me that you're telling me what I am feeling. Regardless, does everything have to be some hyperefficient activity for you?