Why Do I Play Video Games?

I used to think that social interaction was the biggest reason why I play video games but then I began to think about how much game play I put in on my phone or my iPad when I am supposed to be doing something else. So I came to the conclusion that diversion was the biggest reason although not the only reason that I play video games.

Ever since my aunt gave me an iPad it has been the biggest excuse for me not to be doing something or if I had nothing else to do that is what I would be doing. I feel like playing video games is such an easy way to avoid doing things or to pass time when you have nothing to do and is the reason why a lot of us play because it is that easy outlet.

I think another reason that could fall under diversion is to avoid “awkward situations” or a person like if you don’t want to talk to someone at the time what better excuse than to text or call them back three hours later when you and just say sorry I was gaming. Or it can be used when you are sitting in a high traffic place just hanging out by yourself and you don’t want it to look like you’re weird and just awkwardly sitting in the middle of everyone. That is when you can bust out your phone and start playing games.

The second reason why I play games is just social interaction. I feel like this is something that you can do when you are hanging out with your friends and it can get everyone involved in fun way. I have had a blast playing NHL 13 with my friends or even better of a social interaction game would be rock band because it requires more than one or two players to play. Another way this is apparent was freshman year the big thing on my floor with all the guys was NHL 11 and we would always have tournament and it was a good way to get everyone together and build relationships.

Lastly I think fantasy, which reasoning is that video games allow us the ability to do thing that we are not normally able to do. The big game that would fall under this would be Indy Car for the computer. My dad got this game and he even got a wheel for and always let me play. When playing this game I could pretend to be a racecar driver even though at the time not only was I not a racecar driver but I couldn’t legally drive a car.

Reference:

Downs , Edward . "Why Do We Play?" COMM 3560: Video Game Entertainment. University of Minnesota Duluth. Power Point , Duluth . 2 May 2013. Class lecture.