Maybe there are others in my shoes.
Reason I ask? Well because over the past 7-8 years in the 360/PS3 gen of console gaming, I've spent easily 10-15K on console gaming. Games whether its renting or buying, accesories, online memberships, buying newer updated console models etc. Yes, one could look at that money and immediately notice that, that would buy you a nicer car! Or how about a very nice 12 months living elsewhere and exploring a new culture. Or better yet, in the bank. If I could go back in time today and have the choice to have all that extra money back and sacrafice giving up the last gen consoles experience, sadly I would. Do I regret it? As many great memories and games Ive had over the past 8 years and as many great people Ive met online, most definitely yes. I know many who used to be diehards like me, and have moved onto bigger and better things in life.
I was a diehard gamer for about 5 years where I would often buy a new game once a week, sometimes two games a week. It may not seem like a lot at first, but over time it adds up trust me. I will admit, I went through a phase where I was heavily addicted to video games. Speaking from my experience, it is one of the most rotten most depressing indescribable feelings in the world. There were many MANY dark weekends and days that I would spend hours on end, full days playing video games.
Thankfully, I was able to get myself out of it, but thinking back, I felt it took a lot longer than it should have taken. I can gaurentee that I would never let myself get into this state ever again. Not even in any state even remotely close.
Well I am in my mid 30s now and have noticed over the past 3 years that my priorities in life have changed and my interest in console gaming has significantly dropped. My game time, my interest, motivation, curiousity has slowly been on a decline over the years. Not saying that Im not into video games anymore, but some times people hit a certain part in their life when they have to evaluate their life and what to invest time into short and long term, what their goals are etc. Its natural and common for a persons interests to change in life. Its just the part of life. The big question is, the long term benefits and pay offs.
The funny thing is, I was a gamer in high school back in the N64/PS1 days, but I completely ditched gaming once I graduated and did not buy a single console or game on the PS2/Xbox generation. I left it because I was primarily focused on my college schooling and I had a huge circle of close friends. My social life was rocking.
Well I got back into it, next gen and I think a larger part had to due with the fact that I was done my school by now and most of my good friends have moved away, so my social life in the past 8 years as pretty much been non-existent. So I looked for a hobby to fill in my lonely days at home and that was gaming.
For example, over the past two years, Ive been much more physically active and spend a lot of time in the gym now. Im at the gym 5-6 days a week, approx 2-3hrs each time...as its quickly became one of my most invested hobbies. The biggest reason for this? Simply put, the long term payoff. You feel better mentally and physically, and also look better mentally and physically. I cant say that video games has anything even remotely close to this kind of payoff long term.
Thats why I truely believe now that console gaming is best as a side hobby, not a main one. But I question myself, if its even a beneficial hobby.
I will admit, when people ask my what my hobbies are, console gaming is one of them but over the years I would never tell anyone that (especially employers) cause I do still believe that a lot of people look down on people in their mid 30s (like me), who still plays games. As judgemental as that may be, its true.
There was a point last year where i sat down and thought long and hard over the past 8 years and said .... I didnt realize how much money i spent on gaming over the past 8 years. And what was the payoff or benefit that I had today? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. It didnt make me a better person, or a person with more skills and personal assets that can play a positive role in my life.
It didnt give me skills that I could branch off in other areas of life, like work, or self confidence. It didnt make me a better person. Had I spent the past 8 years in the gym and keeping as active as I have been over the past 2 years. YES most definitely would be huge rewards and benefits.
Is anyone else in my shoes? Left console gaming because either your interests dropped and you have new ones? Or maybe you dont like the direction the industry has been headed. Lets face it, console gaming is an expensive hobby to enjoy. Ive learned the hard way. I know friends who I havent talked to in forever because yes, they moved on to other hobbies in life.
Reason I ask? Well because over the past 7-8 years in the 360/PS3 gen of console gaming, I've spent easily 10-15K on console gaming. Games whether its renting or buying, accesories, online memberships, buying newer updated console models etc. Yes, one could look at that money and immediately notice that, that would buy you a nicer car! Or how about a very nice 12 months living elsewhere and exploring a new culture. Or better yet, in the bank. If I could go back in time today and have the choice to have all that extra money back and sacrafice giving up the last gen consoles experience, sadly I would. Do I regret it? As many great memories and games Ive had over the past 8 years and as many great people Ive met online, most definitely yes. I know many who used to be diehards like me, and have moved onto bigger and better things in life.
I was a diehard gamer for about 5 years where I would often buy a new game once a week, sometimes two games a week. It may not seem like a lot at first, but over time it adds up trust me. I will admit, I went through a phase where I was heavily addicted to video games. Speaking from my experience, it is one of the most rotten most depressing indescribable feelings in the world. There were many MANY dark weekends and days that I would spend hours on end, full days playing video games.
Thankfully, I was able to get myself out of it, but thinking back, I felt it took a lot longer than it should have taken. I can gaurentee that I would never let myself get into this state ever again. Not even in any state even remotely close.
Well I am in my mid 30s now and have noticed over the past 3 years that my priorities in life have changed and my interest in console gaming has significantly dropped. My game time, my interest, motivation, curiousity has slowly been on a decline over the years. Not saying that Im not into video games anymore, but some times people hit a certain part in their life when they have to evaluate their life and what to invest time into short and long term, what their goals are etc. Its natural and common for a persons interests to change in life. Its just the part of life. The big question is, the long term benefits and pay offs.
The funny thing is, I was a gamer in high school back in the N64/PS1 days, but I completely ditched gaming once I graduated and did not buy a single console or game on the PS2/Xbox generation. I left it because I was primarily focused on my college schooling and I had a huge circle of close friends. My social life was rocking.
Well I got back into it, next gen and I think a larger part had to due with the fact that I was done my school by now and most of my good friends have moved away, so my social life in the past 8 years as pretty much been non-existent. So I looked for a hobby to fill in my lonely days at home and that was gaming.
For example, over the past two years, Ive been much more physically active and spend a lot of time in the gym now. Im at the gym 5-6 days a week, approx 2-3hrs each time...as its quickly became one of my most invested hobbies. The biggest reason for this? Simply put, the long term payoff. You feel better mentally and physically, and also look better mentally and physically. I cant say that video games has anything even remotely close to this kind of payoff long term.
Thats why I truely believe now that console gaming is best as a side hobby, not a main one. But I question myself, if its even a beneficial hobby.
I will admit, when people ask my what my hobbies are, console gaming is one of them but over the years I would never tell anyone that (especially employers) cause I do still believe that a lot of people look down on people in their mid 30s (like me), who still plays games. As judgemental as that may be, its true.
There was a point last year where i sat down and thought long and hard over the past 8 years and said .... I didnt realize how much money i spent on gaming over the past 8 years. And what was the payoff or benefit that I had today? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. It didnt make me a better person, or a person with more skills and personal assets that can play a positive role in my life.
It didnt give me skills that I could branch off in other areas of life, like work, or self confidence. It didnt make me a better person. Had I spent the past 8 years in the gym and keeping as active as I have been over the past 2 years. YES most definitely would be huge rewards and benefits.
Is anyone else in my shoes? Left console gaming because either your interests dropped and you have new ones? Or maybe you dont like the direction the industry has been headed. Lets face it, console gaming is an expensive hobby to enjoy. Ive learned the hard way. I know friends who I havent talked to in forever because yes, they moved on to other hobbies in life.
Last edited:
