|
|
|
Main News Forums Games Games Database Top 100 Release List Support Files Features Reviews Previews Interviews Editorials Diaries Misc Download Gallery Music Screenshots Videos Miscellaneous Staff Members Privacy Statement |
To be, or not to be somone else
The Addiction: Playing games is a form of recreation. By definition, that means that they are also a method of escapism. These little bits of software enable us for a little while to get away from our seemingly mundane and meaningless lives. Most Mmorpg games have launched entire marketing campaigns around this concept to try and sell it to the average joe. Through the course of play, it becomes natural to think as your character. This varies from person to person. Some will only emulate their alter-ego to a small degree. Others will take the far extreme - seeing the life of their character as more meaningful than their own. After all, in this segment of semi-reality, you can actually become someone who matters. Powers unimaginable at your disposal, beauty, and wealth - all for the player's taking. It's no wonder then that when it comes time to reveal themselves to another gamer, all that is put forth is yet another mask. The temptation is there to bring things to the next level. A person can convince others that they really are strong, handsome and wealthy through the looking glass of the online realm. Lack of Self: Ask whoever you like, they are likely to say that every life is precious. The reality, however, is quite another matter. Existence in our world frequently feels closed and limiting. It seems that the most any of us can aspire to is a statistic. In short - humanity as a whole doesn't especially seem to care if you exist or not. On the surface, this may not seem that crushing a concept. You need to remember that humans are social animals, and without a sense of belonging we eventually crack. The deluge of online games, while fun, can present a dangerous indulgence for those who have no personal foundation. Is this the fault of our Western "every man to himself" style of society? Maybe it is merely that these people are weak? It is true that the media barrages us with ads designed to make us feel inadequate in ourselves. The purpose of course is to make consumers buy their product, so that these perceived shortcomings can be fixed. This is not the soul cause of the issue, but a significant aspect. Power: The drive for power is universal to all life. In animals it means being safe, having plenty of food, and to continue the species.In humans, power represent the same, plus one thing - self-meaning. When a person can claim to be whoever they want, that is a kind of power. To make others believe what you will. In this the skilled artisan of lies can find a kind of perverse self confidence. It's a poor substitute for the real kind. In the end, all the fake personalities ring hollow. When we understand ourselves, we can enjoy these relaxing trips into the Mmorpg realms. It's when we lose sight of who we are, and what our place in civilization is, that we succumb to the fantasy mentality of lies and deceit. It's hard to tell who is to blame for this in the end, but we are at least aware of the danger. |
||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
All original content of this site is copyrighted by RPGWatch. Copying or reproducing of any part of this site is strictly prohibited. Taking anything from this site without authorisation will be considered stealing and we'll be forced to visit you and jump on your legs until you give it back. |
||
 |
|
 |