Hun-Speak

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August 15, 1999 -- Are We Having Fun Yet?

Let's face it folks, life can be stressful. It doesn't matter if you are in high school, college, or out in the (sur)real world, life can be tough and filled with real problems. My girl just broke up with me. My car died and my first tuition payment is due next week. Three bills arrive on the same day as an overdraft charge. It's no fun at all.

That's why I enjoy gaming. As much as I love my job, my family, and my life in general, life still has its "moments" and I need to blow off some steam. Nothing helps you deal with stress like a few levels of Quake or Shogo. That's why I play. I go to have a good time for a bit and then get back to reality.

Unfortunately for some people gaming borders on neurosis. They spend every waking moment practicing and playing. They get extremely upset when someone with a lower ping or greater skill makes them look foolish. Their trash-talking skills are well honed. Heaven help the poor newbie who crosses their path. Is the game really fun anymore? I kind of doubt it. Is their self-worth entirely based on their frag count? Is this all there is to their lives? If either of those questions can be answered with a "yes," I feel very sorry for them.

At 31, I'm probably older than the majority of gamers. With age comes wisdom and with wisdom comes perspective. I now realize that the dates (or lack thereof) that I had in high school had little or no bearing on my future marital status. I can look back and see my college classes as a whole and realize the benefit and impact an education has on my life. When I look into the eyes of my two boys, I find what's really meaningful and get a fresh outlook on life.

Bottom line: games are games. They are not life. They are intended to be fun. If they cease to be fun and become life, go outside, get some fresh air, shoot some hoops, whatever. If you really need it, I can let you talk to my boys.