On the forums question July 2012 NAG

[RedTide]

To those of you who've been playing games for most of your life: why do you still play games? Is it just because they’re there, or are you still getting something out of them (enjoyment, something to do, I hate my real life, etc.) that's keeping you hooked? Discuss.

[Wesley]

I play games to escape from reality, really. That's most what games like Gran Tourismo and RPGs/RTS do for me, they pull me in and I keep playing to see my real-world skills grow from playing the game. A lot of the other games I play for the story. I've been reading books since I was eight, so a good story always draws me in. And I like shooting things and solving puzzles, so that just about covers all the genres I play.

[nukehead]

I think this is akin to asking why a golfer still swings his club. Does he enjoy the walking? The endless hacking away at a tiny ball? Who knows? Yet somehow he returns as there is something that has him gripped. I think with gaming the rules keep changing and so it is kept fresh. I would be deluding myself if I weren't to say it was fun. And having said all of that the reason I keep coming back to games: trophies/'chievos.

[Toxxyc]

I pretty much play these days because I can, and it's mainly because I've always wanted to own a nice PC and a rack full of games. I enjoy games, but when (and yes, they do) I find them becoming cumbersome my DVD/Blu Ray collection mysteriously grows...

[Fredder]

Relaxation, just like reading a good book, escaping or simulating reality (I doubt I'll be able to afford a spaceship, F1 car or Lambo any time soon or run around shooting aliens 'n stuff). Also PC's are my hobby/job so its comes with the territory ;)

[Shaderow]

I game mainly to explore these amazing fantasy realms made flesh. That and believe it or not socializing. I play online to keep contact with friends from Durban to Venice.

[ZoRPA]

I find games fascinating in that someone can create something from nothing, and that you are able to connect to that concept and be a part of it. I play for fun, for the challenge it sometimes pose and other times just because the graphics blows me away. Like when I saw Interstate '76 for the first time running on GLide.

[Cyberninja]

I play games for the pure fun, enjoyment and entertainment. Whether its kicking ass in a fighting game. Exploring exciting new worlds. Being captivated by the beauty of the visual experience. Enthralled by a fascinating storyline. Whether its the intensity of being locked in a death-match or the thrill of racing past the finishing line. Solving that puzzle. Saving the princess for the umpteenth time or socializing amongst friends and family. It's an escape. An adventure. It's fun. Simply put, I think video games are one of the most engaging and enjoyable mediums out there.

[CaViE]

It's a passion, an unquenchable passion that grows stronger regardless of my continued exposure to gaming. A desire to play everything I possibly can, within the limits of my budget and time.

[Telur]

For the exact same reason I am still reading books and watching movies, because I enjoy it.

[5h@un13]

I play games because I love them. Because its the one thing that I can use to escape my life.

[Grendel]

Playing a new game is like learning a new skill, and I love learning new skills. You go through the learning curve, then everything snaps into place, and you know what the game wants from you. I love that feeling, that's why I play such a wide variety of games.

[Kalagorn]

I play games because they're fun. Oh, and also to feel awesome when playing online.

[Cube]

I play games to escape the harsh realities of life and obviously for fun especially when I can immerse myself in the game and get hooked on the storyline. Replay value will never lose its shine in my opinion and I find myself frequently replaying levels just to enjoy the view or find that hidden artifact I didn't get to on my first play through.

[Demikid]

Games have been a part of my life since I was a toddler, whenever I came home I would go to my room and play so eventually it became a full part of my life making me who I am today

[PerVert NexT Door]

Despite the medium's continued reliance on scantly clad girls, and oversized guns; the medium has matured, as I've grown older. Especially with the advent of online distribution, and it's low over-heads. You need only go digging into Steam's catalogue of games, or the nether regions of the internet, to find some emotionally evocative, or original game. So even though I don't get as excited for the next colourful FPS as I used to, I still have a wide selection of games that appeal to my new tastes.

[Blue-IcE]

You're either born a gamer or you aren't, just the thrill of achieving end game rewards etc that's the main reason i love playing.

[Sinner-PWA]

I started gaming, in the days of Spectrum 48k, & it hasn't lost its appeal. Someone asked me how I spend so much time gaming, so I asked them what they do in the evening. Their reply was they watch TV. That is the answer, I rarely watch TV.. I don't like News progs, or soap opera's or Drama's or 99% of series, so I spend my free time running across gaming worlds, because that's what I enjoy.

[Kyranosaurus]

Yes because reasons... Also they keep me amazed and entertained for hours in end.

[hAwk2323]

Why i still play?... Simply because its in my blood. I was born playing games... I'll die playing games.