[QUOTE=Herschie]Honestly, I love video games. When I really think about it, that's what I want to do. I don't want to be out at a bar. I don't want to be at work. I've even left a Cubs game to get home to play MLB: The Show. I care more about my Bears Madden franchise than I do the real team. I enjoy my games so much, and I can admit that that's what I want to do.
Don't get me wrong, I take care of what I need to do. I have a job. I enjoy spending time with my wife. I graduated college. I make time for family. But when I'm not spending time with my wife, the VGR (Video Game Room) is where I want to be.
I used to be ashamed of it. I always felt like I ought to be doing something else. Heck, I remember once when I was single, I'd be out at the club with all these smoking hot girls all around. Guess what I was thinking about? That's right, getting home to play MLB 2K10. Invited to the park to play some football? I'm jumping out of the way of making a tackle because I don't want to hurt my hands so that I can play Zelda: Skyward Sword.
Maybe I have an addiction, I dunno. I don't smoke weed anymore, I rarely ever drink. But when it comes down to it, I want to play video games, and that's that. Because, well, they're fun. And it's not like games will be worse five, ten years from now.
Oh well, time for bed, I have to go to work tomorrow. But I'd rather be playing Mariokart.
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I tend to agree. Videogames are truly amazing creations--they can challenge you, teach you, or simply make you happy. They're like a microcosm of life--only, their rules are easier to comprehend than those of the real world.
I also choose videogames over being conventionally "social"--in the sense of attending church, going to a bar, etc--about 90% of the time. I do, however, hang out with other gaming friends on a regular basis, so I'd hardly characterize myself as antisocial. Gaming in itself can be a form of social activity--at least that's what I think.
Work is really important, though, and has to remain a top priority. If gaming is getting in the way of work, one should trim back the gaming before compromising one's livelihood.
I'd like to echo what Sut is saying and add that there's nothing more or less significant about a gaming obsession than an obsession with cars, fishing, amateur photography, or any other hobby.