The Gaming Impression

The Gaming Industry is already known to be one of the biggest industries in the world with the capability to beat out the Box Office, Music Sales, and even currently keeping the economy alive. This is a business and as a business it should be taken seriously right?

Apparently not.

Gaming has played a significant role in my life. I play every chance I could and when I am at school, you will usually find me ranting on about the latest games, trailers, and just the industry in general. Some people even come to me to find out what comes out when, my opinions about a game or just start a conversation for fun. I don’t mind at all. It makes me feel good inside.

But lately I have been getting a bunch of negative feed back from parents and people at my parents work place. They always state that gaming is ruining their kids life and how gaming is really just something kids should not do. There are even ad campaigns against gaming! I have seen one that states “Gaming shortens the lives of children.” I read this in shock that some agency would actually go far as to attack the industry as if it were in the same page as smoking or drinking alcohol. What makes it all worse is that I, myself, can’t be looked at seriously. People tend to look at me while listening to my gaming rant and give me this weird look as if my life is a joke. At times, my friends and I like to just walk around in uptown Long Beach and just talk about anything that comes to mind and, for me, that’s gaming. We walk into stores and sometimes occasionally stop and sit as people walk by or stand around near us acting like they aren’t listening to what we are saying. The fact of matter is, they are listening. I watch these people walk around, and pretend to mind their business. I’m not stupid though. I can see them rolling their eyes. I can see them taking my talk as a joke when I’m sounding as serious as can be. I can see that.

When I meet new people I always get a so called, “compliment.” “For a guy who plays video games, you sure are pretty chill.”

Well, to be honest that was only once but I usually get something in relation to that.

Another thing that bugs me to shit is when people assume I don’t have a life because of my gaming. I have been given so many insults at school and by so many people about how I stay at home and play video games. People always make the assumption that I don’t have any friends because of it. So many insults have been shot at me because of Video gaming and this shit needs to stop!

Crappy shows like Dr. Phil are getting in on the “Video Games are bad boat.” I don’t watch these shows often. Only if I’m at someone’s house and they are watching it, then I don’t have a choice. I have seen a Dr. Phil episode where a parent had some kid who was violent punched walls and did drugs. The mom later stated that he began to play violent video games while all his drama was happening. I watched this and just think, “You son was already f*cked up from the start lady. Blame yourself for neglecting him.”

Going back to my parents at their jobs. I have heard some of the most absurd shit shit ever. I overhear conversations and I cant help but walk in and listen in while I stand there getting ready to argue. People usually tell my parents that I shouldn’t be on the video game console for more than one hour, how gaming rots my mind, and how it is irresponsible to allow me to gaming online with strangers. I step in. I don’t yell. I don’t go too over the top. I simply throw my points.

And to those parents who believe gaming is bad. . . You’re just weak. You know you cant monitor what your kids play. You know that your children are weak minded. I mean, that’s why you keep them from it right? You haven’t taught them the meaning of “common sense.” The common sense to be able to leave the violence in the video game console. You don’t know about the rating system. If you do, USE IT! Seriously, if parents fear video games will change their kids then they should really consider looking at themselves and see if they have taught their kids right. You’re the parent! If you fear that they will get addicted then limit playing times. If you fear that the violence will cause them to be a violent little runt, don’t buy games with violence and gore. Games are not bad.

I still cant believe people attempted to sue RockStar games because “GTA was too violent.” Geez people! You bought the game in the first place! You should have known what the contents of the game contained when you purchased the game. Enough of this parent bashing though.

I am just sick of people thinking that gaming is a joke. I apologize to the people who believe it is. I’m sorry I’m not smoking or drinking. I’m sorry I’m not in a gang terrorizing the city. Note my sarcasm.

Gaming is my anti-drug. Deal with it.

Also, the gaming industry is currently one of the things keeping the economy alive. People are buying games even when the world is in such a rut resulting in some heavy marketing.

I leave now and feel free to leave some of your comments and opinions. I will read them and reply.