Tuesday, May 19, 2015

NBI Challenge: What made me a gamer

Credit: Evan-Amos https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Evan-Amos
Credit: Evan-Amos

Mario, Sonic, Mortal Kombat, Vector Man, the list goes on. These characters and games have been in my life since near the beginning, but they weren’t the ones that pushed me over the edge. Allowing for instinct to take over, what keeps coming to mind is GoldenEye on the N64.

If memory serves me still, that was the first game I’ve played with someone outside my own family. It’s what made it a real hobby for me, something that’s worth sharing. After school and on weekends, my brother and I would bike ride over to our friend’s house and we’d play. We even went out and bought another controller since he only had two.

I could go in a more philosophical view as well. Games transfer experiences I would never have gotten on my own. Relay knowledge I would never have learned. Show perspectives I would never have seen. These alone made me a gamer.

Games are a powerful tool, and whatever the reason any of us choose to game, is a good reason. This hobby of ours has created so many bonds, careers and life changing moments. Over the years, more have taken up their gamepads, keyboards and mobile devices and found themselves to be gamers too.

2 comments:

  1. I remember my fondest earliest memories of games was playing the Three Vikings. The narrator's sarcastic comments, being able to play with my brother, and the two of us having to handle getting three vikings to the end of every level was amazing. It taught us team work, how to think on our feet, and how to solve complex puzzles. The moment one viking would die, the game didn't end, they let you continue, but it was impossible to move on to the next level at that point. It was amazing!

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