Since the advent of my intellect and the growing comprehension
levels that accompanied such a cerebral evolution, I have always looked for a
challenge in whatever I do. When my
mother blessed me with a Nintendo Game Boy and a plethora of games during the
Christmas season of 1994 I was instantaneously transported to a world-an escape
rather-where I could distance myself from all of life’s problems at the time. This was my way of coping with being teased at
school, navigating a day amongst bullies, making sure my Power Rangers lunchbox
didn’t become stolen.
As I grew throughout life, gaming was always a core
component: a few levels of Sonic Adventure before my first middle school dance,
a session of wishful thinking during NBA Street a mere hours before a
basketball tournament final, a replaying of Ocarina of time while lost amongst
the confusion and angst of a bipolar high school teenager, the realization of
adult leadership and responsibility while battling Covenant forces as Master
Chief. Gaming has been by side. It has never left; it has been a support a system that needs no introduction, yet will never truly commence with a final
act. However, as I approach the latter half
of my twenties and slowly witness a period of post-adolescence progressively
decreasing in visibility-and more importantly-tangibility; stuck a purgatory of
adulthood between 18 & up parties and brunch with female interests whom I
encountered at day party networking events. Simultaneously facing the
“attempting-to-collect-retroactive-child-support” antics of Sallie Mae along
with the ascension of deeper responsibilities of manhood and the inevitable
“milestone” of “thirty”, I’m left with a question manifesting an insatiable
appetite for an answer:
“Have I outgrown video gaming?”
Responsibilities.
They are what accompany you once you’ve fully left the realm that is young
adulthood. This can be described as managing to move out of your parents’ home
and secure a place of residence for yourself. In addition, the blitzkrieg of
bills that just magically appear and the realization that you do in fact need
more hours in a day are all clear signs that you have transitioned from Tuesday
night 2-for-1 rail drinks and more towards Saturday morning brunch networking
events. From these responsibilities, it
is also evident that what was once a daily activity almost has to be scheduled for
a quality session.
It’s quite surreal when you think of it actually: while
younger, I had all the time in the world to enjoy gaming. Sure, I had responsibilities:
take out the trash, clean the kitchen, mow the lawn. However, none of these responsibilities
affected my livelihood like the ones that command my attention today.
Because of such, I often find myself playing
a game a few times out of the week…no longer daily. From this change in frequency, my gaming
muscle has atrophied; my timing is off; sensitivity is out of alignment; I've
lost many an intangible that makes me stand out from my competition. (In some
instances, I have games that are still shrink-wrapped as I just haven’t the
time to enjoy, let alone complete them.)
For most, this would instantly confirm the idea that they have outgrown
the sport, rather the culture that is video gaming.
Not me.
Rather, I embrace the challenge to find time to game. Gaming has been integrated into my life from
such a young age. As aforementioned, gaming has been an integral part of
many milestones of my life. Although I
cannot enjoy the sport as often as I would like, my genuine love for it is not
something that can be “outgrown.” Life itself is one video game played on the most real of
consoles.
So, to answer the aforementioned question: “No, I have
not outgrown video gaming-nor will I ever.”
Gaming is a tradition that withstands the test of time. It is a lifestyle that matures with each
generation. It is the support of the high-resolution variety and the soundtracks of boss battles that prevent the mental collapse of many a troubled soul. If anything, my lack of time
to game is a bonus level that I've yet to discover how to conquer. As with any level, with enough patience,
trial and error, and the right inventory, I’ll be sure to complete it expeditiously.
…I’ll be sure to enjoy myself while doing so, I’m booked
with meetings for the rest of the week.
