Despite the fact that billions are spent on video games each year by consumers, there are those who have never heard of Mario or Zelda, people who have never picked up a joystick or had the thrill of winning a game of Super Smash Bros. Though these people may have strict reasoning behind their decision to avoid video games, others simply may never have had the chance to get behind a racing wheel or PlayStation 3. If you’re one of these people, there are many reasons why you should get involved with video games.
1. Video games are fun!
I have yet to meet someone who played video games and didn’t enjoy the experience. While it can be said that there are some video games a person might find boring, there is a game out there for everyone. From Barbie and LEGO video games meant for small ages to games like World of Warcraft and Elder Scrolls: Oblivion that appeal to an older audience, no matter what you’re age, there’s a video game for you.
2. Create your own world.
With video games, you can do things you normally wouldn’t be able to in real life. This often gives people a sense of self-confidence and pleasure. In the Grand Theft Auto series, for example, players can get away with things like car jacking, public brawling, and murder, actions that would certainly not be tolerated in the real world. In Ace Combat, the player can fly historic fighter planes and bombers under the setting of World War I. In the Need for Speed Series, forget about speed limits. Players street race their souped-up cars against a variety of opponents while avoiding police. All things being said, there is no doubt that video games provide experiences unavailable in real life.
3. Even the elderly can play video games.
Think you’re old to frag in Unreal Tournament or obtain level 15 in World of Warcraft? Think again. There have an increasing number of stories on the news as of late about older people playing video games- and playing them well. Take the Sedgebrook Retirement Community outside of Chicago, where people of an average age of 77 who have never touched a game controller can’t get enough of the Nintendo Wii. Wii Bowling has become so popular amongst this older crowd that they now host their own tournaments in which many of the residents compete. Take a trip to Cleveland, and you’ll find Old Grandma Hardcore, a 69-year-old who enjoys first person shooter games and now works for MTV as a senior video game reviewer.