Are Video Games an Escape from Reality or a Way of Living?
From taboo pastime to an integral part of modern life
Years ago, video games were often judged and thought of as something only nerds did. Parents used to think they were just a time-waster and not worth anything. But now, with all the new technology, video games are a big part of our lives and an easy way to to access a wide range of content. Video games remain a popular source of entertainment, particularly among children, who enjoy the immersive virtual worlds they offer. But should we stop for a sec and think about whether playing these games actually affects our real lives?
A virtual world at your disposal
Video games are like a cool imaginary world you can dive into from your couch, just by being online with your favorite gadget right from home. You could be on an exciting journey, battling it out in chess against computer or pals, joining a 5-on-5 shooter match, or flying high in a virtual jet – it is all there for you to enjoy and have fun with.
An escape from reality
For many individuals, video games serve as a source of leisure or a break from the demands of their daily lives, providing a fun and relaxing experience that can enhance their mood and behavior through the release of dopamine in the brain’s reward center.
However, for those who possess a genuine passion for video games, the possibilities are endless. Football enthusiasts can engage in FIFA and PES games, while open-world aficionados can immerse themselves in titles like Grand Theft Auto and Cyberpunk. Fans of first-person shooter games can find their fix in games such as Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Valorant, and Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege, amongst others. With the ability to dominate opponents by shooting and killing them or to engage in a virtual world where freedom and control reign supreme, video games offer an escape from the stresses and anxieties of daily life.
Social life and skill enhancement
Video games are not only an engaging source of entertainment but also a platform for developing practical skills, starting with communication. In the internet age, social interactions have evolved, and most gamers prefer playing games with friends, interacting with one another, and learning more about each other while having fun. Gamers also have the opportunity to expand their social circles by meeting new people in the gaming community, thus fulfilling a basic human need for social interaction.
It is proven that gamers tend to have higher IQs than non-gamers and perform well under stress. Many games are challenging to master, and gamers must delve deep into the games to understand their intricacies. This process enhances their problem-solving skills and helps them adapt to intense situations, resulting in brain training and experience-building. In fact, even military organizations are using video games to train their recruits. Additionally, gamers typically possess improved reaction times, hand-eye coordination, and quick-thinking capabilities, all of which can be beneficial in everyday life.
A way of living
Beyond their traditional role as a source of entertainment, video games offer immense business and career opportunities, with the industry expanding rapidly with each passing day. As companies continue to design and engineer new games, they generate billions of dollars in revenue, creating an easy and enjoyable way for individuals to earn a living.
With platforms like Youtube, Facebook Gaming, Twitch, and Mixer, online gamers can stream their gameplay to thousands of viewers, who in turn donate money to support their favorite streamers. Popular streamers such as “Shroud,” “Ninja,” and “Pokimane” have amassed massive followings, becoming fan favorites in the gaming community.
Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly increased the viewership of eSports, resulting in an influx of sponsorships from major companies and generating large revenues from the numerous tournaments that are held annually. In 2019, the average audience for all eSports tournaments was close to 400 million, which increased to 465 million in 2021, with a projected growth of 578 million in 2024.
The eSports scene is now an industry in itself, earning more viewers and revenue than major entertainment streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+. Players are forming new eSports teams, competing in games like Dota 2, PUBG, CSGO, Valorant, and Rainbow Six Siege, vying for a chance to win substantial prize pools exceeding $1 million.
Notably, an American teenager named ‘Bugha’ became a millionaire by winning a Fortnite tournament, inspiring many young gamers to pursue a career in this exciting and growing field. The potential for success in the gaming industry is endless, with a bright future that promises to provide endless opportunities for gamers who love what they do.
Epilogue
Video games can serve both as a form of escape from reality and as a way of living for individuals who are passionate about gaming. While some people may use gaming as a means of avoiding real-life issues, many others find it to be a fulfilling and meaningful activity that allows them to connect with like-minded individuals and explore complex virtual worlds. Ultimately, whether video games are viewed as an escape or a way of living depends on the individual and their relationship with gaming. As with any form of entertainment, it is important to maintain a healthy balance and ensure that video games do not negatively impact other aspects of one’s life.
