Do you regret "investing" in games?

[Demon Hunter]

If you ask me, it's a hobby like restoring automobiles, gardening, scrapbooking, etc. This investment of time and money has its rewards, of course. The hobbyist drives their auto, eats fresh produce, or shares a family album. They also feel the benefits of satisfaction, pleasure, and social interaction.

These hobbies—which include these forums—are meant to enrich us. But they can be unhealthy, too. I have dear friends who, like an alcoholic in a bar, are washing away their own inadequacies with a lie. That lie is called World of Warcraft.

As a level 23, I've always wanted to step up my efforts and become an elite. A digital, goal–oriented hero. But I hesitate.

What are your thoughts?

[erkanasu]

I completely agree... While I do have my own gaming cravings, and bootup a few here and there, and check the forums daily, I think its absoultely critical not to make gaming a way of life. Moderation ( like with alcohol), its key to a balanced state of being. You only live once, it would be a shame to devote a large percent of your life in a chair infront of a computer screen... sorry if that seems harsh, but thats my view... peace

p.s. in response to your orginal question, I have in the past regreted investing in games

[MacRumorUser]

Surely the title of this thread should be changed to...

Have you any common sense?


Seriously other than everything in moderation, that anyone with an iota of common sense know what are you actually trying to say? moribund statements and analogy aside.

Also your opening threader and supposition thereafter are completely independant !!!

To answer the thread question as I've already stated about the other?

Well since when are games an 'investment' ?
Are they stock shares ?, do they appreciate in value ?, will they make a great turn over or profit ?, err no.

If you mean investing time, then yes there are certainly games I've regretted investing time into because they sucked ass, but others which I truly enjoyed and have no quarms about spending MY free time on them.

In real perspective :-

At the end of the day your just one person playing a video game for entertainment, is the world suddenly going to stop & turn on a different axis? Is the sky going to fall down? Does anyone else really, truly even care.....

[DarkNetworks]

You only live once, it would be a shame to devote a large percent of your life in a chair infront of a computer screen...


i agree with this a hundred percent...good statement...

[Dagless]

I completely agree... While I do have my own gaming cravings, and bootup a few here and there, and check the forums daily, I think its absoultely critical not to make gaming a way of life. Moderation ( like with alcohol), its key to a balanced state of being. You only live once, it would be a shame to devote a large percent of your life in a chair infront of a computer screen... sorry if that seems harsh, but thats my view... peace

p.s. in response to your orginal question, I have in the past regreted investing in games

I suppose. Though my work is all digital based so I have to spend a lot of time in front of a screen.

I spend a lot of money on games, they're the biggest drain of money in my life. But I'm happy with that as I don't really have much else to spend it on. I'm 20, not working full time so I can't afford a car or house, studying at university. Theres nothing else to really spend money on! Especially when you don't drink or smoke. It's probably surprising to most here that I only spend 3-4 hours a week playing games. That I spend more times running or going on huge walks. My DS Lite does come with me but just for the bus ride there and back to my local nature parks.

I don't regret it. I've got a great collection of rare games, rare consoles, rare memorabilia that will someday pay for most of my game spending.

[thedude110]

I only buy used games for $9.99 or less. Considering how much I play those games, I don't regret the investment at all!

This is especially true compared to "investing" in a movie, for example -- $8.50 ($17 if I'm paying for the woman) for two generally tedious hours? I'm paying about two cents an hour on MLB 2004 right now, and enjoying it more!

[erkanasu]

My interpretation of the original posters thread seemed to have little to do with money, rather with ones investment of their life into games. I don’t think games are bad for people, they can be really fun... but when people choose this as their center focus, they will be missing out on so much more. macrumoruser is what im talking about. peace

[madog]

These hobbies—which include these forums—are meant to enrich us. But they can be unhealthy, too. I have dear friends who, like an alcoholic in a bar, are washing away their own inadequacies with a lie. That lie is called World of Warcraft.

As a level 23, I've always wanted to step up my efforts and become an elite. A digital, goal–oriented hero. But I hesitate.

What are your thoughts?


I spent almost 6 months playing WoW - constantly. Even though my skin turned pasty white and I grew socially retarded over time I had fun doing it. And soon enough I came to realize that I couldn't keep playing becauses of my other vices and responsibilities. Besides, I already had my "way" with WoW and there was pretty much nothing else to experience in the game other than the repetitious action of farming the same content dozens of times with dozens of people in order to get the best gear in order to farm the next dungeon dozens of times and so on and so on.

While I did spend quite a bit of time playing WoW it did keep me out of trouble. I believe the saying is, "Idle hands make the devils playground."

Anyway, as far as gaming in general goes, I don't mind spending the time/money on it at all albeit I haven't been a "first gen" console gamer since SNES [I did just buy a DS =P ]; meaning I don't buy any of the newly amazing and fantabular console systems with gravity defying-electromagnifying super crazy 10-core processing units the instant they come out. I mean seriously, what's the point? These systems will ALWAYS be around and I can buy one next x-mas when the price has dropped $600 and it comes with 4 games.

Obviously I'm exaggerrating, but you get the point. I'm just fine with my new DS which will keep me happy for quite a while and I always have my emulaters to keep me busy. There are plenty of old games I haven't played which will curb my gaming lust until I can purchase the next XBox 1080° for $100 at my local game store in the next ten years. Either that or emulate it on my Mac =)

Basically, I love gaming but I don't see the point in placing such a high price on it these days, and I believe others will start feeling the same way in the years to come when console/game developers start charging outrageous prices.

And one more thing editted in: Sure my time could be better spent elsewhere, but that's where moderation comes into play. And besides, I'm a simple man with simple talents and simple tastes. I'm not a great mind that will be curing cancer, and the only reason I know of harriet's method of solving cubits is because I saw it "Old School". I can still be goal-oriented and a hero [unto myself! =) ].

Soooooooo no. I don't regret it. =)

[Foxglove9]

Growing up in the Atari/NES age, video games were the only escape I had from my terrible childhood. I would play games 5-10 hours a day easily depending on the game. I had very little responsibilities so that was pretty much my life. It wasn't very cool or hip to play games growing up, and there were no online multiplayer games so it was basically 1-player games all the time. When I started working for a game store and gaming mag in the 90's, gaming started becoming my life even more so than it ever was.

But now that I'm in my 30's, I have so much more responsibilities of being an adult and games are a lot harder and longer to finish. Plus I don't connect with next gen games like I did with the 90's consoles. I find it difficult to invest a lot of time into a game without having guilt about it. Like I should be doing more constructive thing, art or music or social activities.

I don't regets the thousands and thousands of dollars I've spent on gaming. To me it's just a hobby like anything else, and money well spent.

[Dagless]

Can't believe I forgot my little story.

Years ago when my parents were building a new house, we had to move out of our current one for an estimated 9-12 months whilst the place was being finished off. We had to move in with my grandparents, in a little 2 bedroom terrace house, now with 7 people and a German Shepherd living there. The local kids were feral, it wasn't the most expensive place to live and there were problems with disruptive families etc. all the local kids lived outside pretty much, causing havoc. If I didn't have my games consoles (mostly my Amiga) I would have likely stayed out and spent a year "growing up" alongside them. Needless to say they're all drug users now. In a way I owe my life to my Amiga for having such great games/applications. Then we moved into the new house and I discovered the joy of long distance bike riding :cool:

that £300 investment did me well.

[CrackedButter]

Growing up in the Atari/NES age, video games were the only escape I had from my terrible childhood. I would play games 5-10 hours a day easily depending on the game. I had very little responsibilities so that was pretty much my life. It wasn't very cool or hip to play games growing up, and there were no online multiplayer games so it was basically 1-player games all the time. When I started working for a game store and gaming mag in the 90's, gaming started becoming my life even more so than it ever was.

But now that I'm in my 30's, I have so much more responsibilities of being an adult and games are a lot harder and longer to finish. Plus I don't connect with next gen games like I did with the 90's consoles. I find it difficult to invest a lot of time into a game without having guilt about it. Like I should be doing more constructive thing, art or music or social activities.

I don't regets the thousands and thousands of dollars I've spent on gaming. To me it's just a hobby like anything else, and money well spent.

With that post I folded up my brand new DS and tidied up my room before I went to bed...

[Demon Hunter]

My interpretation of the original posters thread seemed to have little to do with money, rather with ones investment of their life into games.

That's correct, but any interpretation is fine...

Basically, I love gaming but I don't see the point in placing such a high price on it these days, and I believe others will start feeling the same way in the years to come when console/game developers start charging outrageous prices.

No kidding... did I hear that the PS3 will be $600? Ridiculous.

[Tommyg117]

It's a hobby, and one that is not THAT expensive compared to a lot of others. I am a musician and a lot of my friends are as well. They spend ridiculous money on guitars and recording equipment. It's a habit. I spend my money equally among music and videogames because that is what I enjoy. I earn the money and I really enjoy investing in the hobbies I love. I'm only 22 and don't have a family yet or anything so my extra income goes straight into those things because I don't drink or smoke or anything. My girlfriend uses her money for the stuff that makes her happy. A hobby is a means to honing a skill or nurturing happiness. Whether it be buying shoes, racing cars, biking, or videogames, I think it is fine to spend it on whatever. It's better than a more destructive hobby like drugs.

[Foxglove9]

That's a really good point. I'm also a musician and probably spent a few thousand alone on music equipment and my studio and everything that goes with it.

It's a hobby, and one that is not THAT expensive compared to a lot of others. I am a musician and a lot of my friends are as well. They spend ridiculous money on guitars and recording equipment. It's a habit. I spend my money equally among music and videogames because that is what I enjoy. I earn the money and I really enjoy investing in the hobbies I love. I'm only 22 and don't have a family yet or anything so my extra income goes straight into those things because I don't drink or smoke or anything. My girlfriend uses her money for the stuff that makes her happy. A hobby is a means to honing a skill or nurturing happiness. Whether it be buying shoes, racing cars, biking, or videogames, I think it is fine to spend it on whatever. It's better than a more destructive hobby like drugs.

[Sun Baked]

An investment in "games" is also called calorie hoarding ...

Why would anyone want to go out and do something and burn calories when they can sit down and hoard calories in the form of fat. ;)

Games are actually underwritten by the diet industry, because they know you'll spend more money on their products after your late 20's if you sit on your ass and play games until then.

Billions in future profit, buy stock in those companies now. Get in one the ground floor of the next generation fat wave.

[madog]

An investment in "games" is also called calorie hoarding ...

Why would anyone want to go out and do something and burn calories when they can sit down and hoard calories in the form of fat. ;)

Games are actually underwritten by the diet industry, because they know you'll spend more money on their products after your late 20's if you sit on your ass and play games until then.

Billions in future profit, buy stock in those companies now. Get in one the ground floor of the next generation fat wave.

With all these new fat burning and diet pills out I don't see why anyone would leave the house! =P

Ah hah! A new sig idea! Thanks =)

[Tommyg117]

haha, I guess I am a calorie hoarder. I'm still kind of skinny though..

[MacRumorUser]

haha, I guess I am a calorie hoarder. I'm still kind of skinny though..

Then you need to horde some serious calories :D


I dont get this debate or subject, as I said previously
ITS ALL ****ING COMMON SENSE !!!

Not just gaming, but EVERYTHING.


Seriously, eat in moderation. Have 5 fruit & vegetables a day. Stay of fatty food, get lots of fibre, avoid heavy breads and drink plenty of water.

Excerise when you can, 10 - 20 minutes a day is enough for most people. Walk instead of taking the car when you can.

Game in moderation. Yes it's ok to have 10 hour session, but dont do that 7 days a week. An hour or two each evening is no worse for you than watching a dvd, or watching TV.

Go to the pub, socialise, but drink in Moderation. A glass of wine, a pint of lager every day will probably do you no harm, 10 glasses of wine on the other hand :rolleyes:


However...
Smoking is bad.... mmmmmkay... Drugs is bad..... mmmmmkay :p


If you dont know those basic things to a healthy lifestyle then you are living inder a rock. They dont take a degree to work out and are blatantly obvious.

Whether people choose to follow guidelines is their perogative.

Just think this whole thread should be called. "Hey I'm with stupid.."

[miniConvert]

I've been investing quite a bit of time in World of Warcraft lately. But perhaps, for me, investing is the wrong word. Sure, I'd love to have a high level character (like you see so many people running around with) but for me it's more about relaxing and having fun.

I only play with real-life friends. This wasn't always the case, but since I started doing it the whole experience has been more enjoyable and light hearted. By 'investing' in the game I'm also investing in my existing real-life relationships. That has to be a good thing, right? I mean, a shared experience is a shared experience, whether it's on WoW or backpacking through some mountains :p

So, no regret on my part.

[jdechko]

No I don't regret it. I haven't sunk that much money in it, and as far as time, well, occasionally here and there I'll have a good gaming stretch to beat that new game. As others have said, everything in moderation. I look at gaming as a form of entertainment: to me, it's no different than going to the movies, building a car/train, or making a scrapbook. I think it's cheaper than some hobbies and more expensive than others.

Then again, I'm not one who will go out and buy every system and the latest games. I'll just stick with a Wii and a DS and maybe 15 games between the two in a ~5 year span.

[Sun Baked]

If you dont know those basic things to a healthy lifestyle then you are living inder a rock. They dont take a degree to work out and are blatantly obvious.

Whether people choose to follow guidelines is their perogative.

Just think this whole thread should be called. "Hey I'm with stupid.."But there are a lot of people living under rocks, it is what keeps the lawyers employed.

Why else would somebody sue game companies for destroying their children, making them fat (waiting on that one), and turning them into socially stunted humans or killers.

Still think they should have the death penalty for people (and their lawyers) who lose cases like this, so we can start handing out legal Darwin Awards.

[kaboutertje]

I do regret it, I've played WoW got to level 46, but in the end it was all a waste of time. Sure in the beginning it was fun, but later on I just felt the need to play, for no particular reason besides leveling. It wasn't fun anymore imho, I've kind of quit gaming all together besides on a xbox360. Still have my gaming rig but probably putting it up for sale.

So the first 15 hours were all fun the other 60 hours of my life I want back please :).

[thegreatluke]

Sometimes.

I have a PS2 with 25 games. I must've spent $1000 on it.

Yet I barely play my PS2 anymore. (I'm actually waiting for the Wii - hopefully the games will have great replayability, which I'm looking forward to.)

[Demon Hunter]

Then you need to horde some serious calories :D

Bad pun...


Just think this whole thread should be called. "Hey I'm with stupid.."

This thread is about hobbies and gaming, like 21/23 of the posts. And besides, "common sense" is a logical fallacy.

[mechamac]

All I know is I feel worse about spending even $9.99 on a game in the bargain bin "just because it's so cheap" then when I spend $50 on a game I'm dying to play. Sure, there's an expense to the hobby; but whatever the cost if you're enjoying games instead of accumulating them you're probably all right.