When times are tough, a lot of folks find different activities and things to distract them. Whether that be a book. Whether that be playing or watching sports. Whether it is just getting together with a friend and heading to a restaurant of choice. Heck, for some, it might be logging on to play at an online casino.
For many folks, it would be playing video games. Whether the latest 2K or Madden or MLB The Show. Maybe, it’s firing up Halo or COD and just letting it all fly. There are so many incredible games for so many scintillating consoles in today’s day and age. Nothing screams interactive distraction as video games do.
A Chance To Share a Passion
From the dawn of Xbox Live, playing your favorite games online with friends and other people became possible. They no longer had to come to your house, and arcades were not the primary place for dual gaming anymore. The chance now exists to sit in bed at home and chat with your pals and with other gamers of your liking who are halfway across the world.
In games like Halo, Transformers, and NBA 2K, you can be on each other’s teams. With the common goal of taking out the enemy or out-scoring them in whatever the game might be. It’s fantastic because, to those who may be a bit shyer, they can find their confidence in the microphone and let the controller do the talking.
The rise of Esports has allowed for those good enough in gaming to now even play professionally and make a living out of it. Times aren’t always going to be peachy, or hunky dory. And when that time comes, what’s there but video games? Ready to be played. To draw all of your attention and be the thing that brings temporary solace.
They have been divisive at times due to their addicting nature. But as long as there is balance in how much is being played, going at it in the virtual world is as exciting a distraction as any that is available for quick consumption.
Showcase Your Talents
While there are athletes around the world being discovered for their abilities every day, the same is now happening in virtual rooms across the planet. The best COD players are sought out for tournaments and the chance to play professionally.
Those star 2K players are drafted into the pro league and are even a part of NBA organizations now. This is the first era where something like this has been happening.
That’s just one way for it to work out. In the fictional television show Video Game High School, which was on Netflix, a kid hops upon a stream and manages to destroy his opponent from his living room. Little did he know that he was the champion of that specific game. He received the opportunity to attend VGHS (title school) and compete with the best in the world.
And, of course, some play just for the fun of it. In every friend group, there is always the best player. Somebody who is able to dominate their pals in whatever select showdown they choose to partake in. And that’s talent in and of itself. Being able to master something and outshine those who matter to you in a way you can brag and feel good about is stellar.
Video games are especially great for those folks who may lack hand-eye coordination. If they can mash the buttons quickly enough, they can make anything happen for themselves. Not too shabby, huh?
The Possibilities Are Endless
In the early years of gaming, graphics left a lot to be desired. Well, to those of us playing today, at least. As we look back at the earlier years of games compared to the modern day, the contrast is wild. But this is just because technology and graphics are evolving at incredible rates. Everything is expected to look realistic now.
VR has been big, and in some cases, controllers aren’t even needed. Throw on a helmet, and just play like you’re really there. Without ever actually going anywhere.
Video games are truly a great thing. And they allow for an incredible distraction. And a sense of accomplishment for a mission accomplished or a game won.
Feature image by Nathan b Caldeira
