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Video games: They’re more than a hobby

Tom Lydon
UML Student

Once upon a time, video games were considered nothing more than a fun time sink for children and adults alike. For what it’s worth, they are still fun time sinks even today. Whether it’s in now-rarified arcades or the comforts of home, solo or with company, people always find enjoyment in gaming.

But what if I told you that video games can be more than just a time sink?

You might think that I’m crazy for saying that something like video games can make a difference in the world today. Maybe you’re thinking that video games are a waste of time, or in some cases, toxic to the minds of children and adults.

Well, for what it’s worth, video games aren’t going to solve any of the world’s major problems. That much is certain. But sometimes you need to also look at the finer details. This is where you see the true power of gaming, and how it can make a difference in our world.

Just like our society, video games and their purpose have changed in many different ways, and many of them for the greater good. All of a sudden, games are no longer just ways to pass time; in fact, many of them are much more than that. Some games like last year’s dark horse hit “Undertale” tell great stories that get people thinking. Others, such as “Journey,” don’t deliver a strong narrative so much as they do a surreal experience. And games like “Portal” make you think in ways you may have never thought would be possible.

As someone who has been gaming since he was a kid, I’ve seen gaming evolve over the years. I may not have played all the revolutionary titles, but I definitely understand their impact. However, my larger point is not so much about the games themselves, but how people use them.

Through the power of the Internet, video games have become a powerful entertainment medium. What makes it so good is that this entertainment comes in many forms. The most basic of these forms is “Let’s Playing,” where people record themselves playing a game while they provide commentary. This makes let’s plays not only enjoyable to watch, but for people who may be playing a similar game, it can help them along. People like Emile “ChuggaaConroy” Rosales-Bireu, Tom Fawkes, Reese “Lucahjin” Dressler, “Proton Jon” Wheeler, Timothy “NintendoCapriSun” Bishop, and Masae Anela are some notable names in this regard.

Similarly, some people create tutorials for games to help newer players ease into their experiences. There are straightforward tutorials that get right down to the nitty-gritty, such as the “Splatoon” overview videos from Nintendome. But for those seeking a little extra in their learning experience, Maximilian Christiansen (Miles923)’s “Assist Me!” blends plot-based humor with beginner-friendly tutorials.

In some cases, the impact of video games can go beyond just playing them. Games have inspired artists of all mediums to create stunning works, from Adriana Figueroa’s stellar vocal covers to Christopher “Kirbopher” Niosi’s animated web series.

Believe it or not, I haven’t even gotten to the best part.

Some game enthusiasts (or gamers, if you’re so inclined) use their love of video games for good causes. The most recent example is “Awesome Games Done Quick,” a weeklong marathon of speedrunners racing through beloved titles. The marathon is livestreamed for all to watch, and donations received during the event go towards the Prevent Cancer Foundation. Even better, a similar marathon, titled Summer Games Done Quick and hosted by the same people, is held in July.

That’s double the charitable goodness, and double the fun.

What was once a simple hobby for many has now become something bigger than it was before. It’s a medium of entertainment at its core, but there are so many positive ways in which it can be utilized. It can educate others, it can make people laugh, it can inspire, and it can be used to promote noble causes. And who knows where people can take gaming from here?

I don’t know about you, but I believe in gaming for change.