Video Games

[rembrandt]

I don't have patience for them and consider them to be a big time suck. My 78 year old roommate loves them & spends hours a day playing them. What do people here think of them? Thanks.

 

[Kabowest]

I was never much of a gamer - maybe because I'd get killed in the first 30 seconds. I'd truly rather be outside doing something more active and staying healthier.

 

[EastWest Gal]

My son was language delayed and playing videogames with him (Zelda Ocarina of Time and Super Mario Bros.) helped him learn how to read, because it gave him motivation. Because it was also a bonding experience, I really enjoyed it. He plays online versions with friends that are fun and challenging these days. DH never enjoyed them the way I did. I've lost patience for them for the most part.

 

[Jerry1]

Nothing against them but for whatever reason, I just never got into gaming. Plenty of opportunities since my first Atari until now with my PS5 but nothing really grabbed my attention. The PS5 is for the grandkids but I have played a few games on it. I like the golf game but, as noted, it’s not something I play often. As for being a time suck, it depends on the individual. It’s no different to me than watching too much tv or even too much reading. If that’s how you want to spend your time, go for it. At some point in the day though, I hope you’re getting up and moving.

 

[Qs Laptop]

They can be a way to keep your eye-hand coordination skills sharpened. It can be enjoyable to see progress being made at improving scores. You can spend a lot of time at it, however. Like most things, moderation is the key.

 

[38Chevy454]

Never got into them. Plus the better more advanced games came out after I was a kid. So now I don't play any video games.

 

[rk911]

We haven't been into video gaming since the 70's. Back then we had an Atari 2600 and a bunch of carts and it was hard to pass by an arcade. Since then not so much.

 

[Sunset]

I used to play DOOM, Duke Nukem, etc. But got too busy.
Did get an xbox, but can't really control the thumb mushroom things, so quickly lost interest.

I've played a few on the computer using a mouse games, blow up bubbles type games, but mostly don't have any interest in them.

 

[imjustawarrior]

I enjoy them. I have 3 that I play every day on my tablet. I like to think they are good for keeping my mind strong, but they probably are just a waste of time.

 

[Aerides]

I am a gamer, as is DH. I consider them no less of a waste than watching TV or movies. It's entertainment, and we all have our preferences.

Games cover a huge spectrum though, there are many I would never have interest in, just as there are many other gamers that would not want to play what I do.

 

[ponyboy]

They're really fun. If I'm going to play, I can only tolerate an hour of gameplay at a time.

I have an Xbox series x which doesn't get a lot of play. Also have 2 Nintendo switches, one for home and one if I travel. I pretty much only play that. We have a 4 year old and he likes to watch me play...although it's been weeks since we turned it in. That and the switch can be heavily modded

 

[rembrandt]

I would rather spend my time making money. Seems more productive.

 

[PaunchyPirate]

I spent quite a bit of cash on PC games when PCs first added graphics capabilities. Anyone remember the “Leisure Suit Larry” days? Then I bought a PlayStation once but never got into it. So haven’t been much of a gamer but I may try again one day, but I have a pretty short attention span these days.

 

[Al18]

Wife and I both enjoy video games. We already made our money so we could enjoy the games.

 

[Aerides]

I would rather spend my time making money. Seems more productive.

I made plenty of money and played plenty of games, not everything has to be productive, especially not things I do for entertainment and enjoyment.

Do you watch TV or movies?

 

[rembrandt]

I made plenty of money and played plenty of games, not everything has to be productive, especially not things I do for entertainment and enjoyment.

Do you watch TV or movies?

Yes, but somehow playing video games for hours on end seems different to me. Probably has something to do with my childhood.

 

[Al18]

FYI there are a lot of games available today, where you can finish a level in 10-15 minutes, and saves your progress.

 

[equakesfan]

I play Nethack and have enjoyed it for over 30 years. I can play in line at the grocery store or sitting on the sofa. It exercises your memory too

 

[Koolau]

Never a gamer. I can see the appeal, but never wanted to invest the time.

 

[hesperus]

It’s funny to see this thread again. I’ve noticed that as I’ve gotten older, my patience for 'difficult' games has disappeared, but I still like the logic aspect of cards. I've been using Solitaire on my tablet quite a bit lately. It's a nice way to relax the mind after a long day of "being productive".

 

[folivier]

I remember back in the early days a good friend got hooked on the asteroid shooting type games. He'd always buy the newest one when it came out. To me they were all the same, just different packing artwork. I just don't have the patience for video games or youtube videos. I'd much rather read a book.

 

[qwerty3656]

"time suck" - what else do they have to do? My wife builds puzzles, I play video games - I don't think either is more of a "time suck"

 

[Kings over Queens]

I grew up with video games and played as a kid and not much as an adult until Call of Duty came out. Man, we had more fun playing the original Call of Duty than I've ever had. Playing live, on line, against other people, you make connections and formed teams. One night, around 11pm, my wife finds in the basement to tell me to stop laughing so loud. She was in our second story bedroom, no way she should have heard me. Good times.

Its been perhaps 5 years since I've picked up a controller. Thinking about getting a good flight simulator setup.

 

[Kings over Queens]

It’s funny to see this thread again. I’ve noticed that as I’ve gotten older, my patience for 'difficult' games has disappeared, but I still like the logic aspect of cards. I've been using Solitaire on my tablet quite a bit lately. It's a nice way to relax the mind after a long day of "being productive".

I've been doing a daily crossword and will occasionally play solitaire.

 

[Sorcerer]

"time suck" - what else do they have to do? My wife builds puzzles, I play video games - I don't think either is more of a "time suck"

Apparently some people only do things that generate money. They're the life of the party.

In terms of value, video games are some of the best bang for your buck. There are $60 games that can take 50+ hours to complete.

My son and I have been knocking out all the Mario games on the switch. We have plenty of money invested at this point. It works daily without any guidance from me. Some people must be unfamiliar with compounding interest.