I started playing MMOs because of SWG. I liked Star Wars adnn I liked video games so it seemed a natural fit. My wife starte playing too so it was a way for us to do something together. We were both unemployed at the time and ended up using the game as a refuge to hide out from the dwindling bank account and poor job prospects. Flash forward to now and were back in the same boat. Add a friend who's staying with us to that too. I tried SWG, but it lost it's spark. Tried RoM, Vanguard, EVE, and eventually all of resubbed WoW. Personally I hate WoW and can't wait to quit, but we're getting triple XP on refer-a-friend bonuses. I'll cancel when it expires. I'm finding now that I don't play MMOs because I'm lonely., rather because I'm bored. Unfortunately, I've found it hardr to get into groups or guilds that have any staying power. I think I'm not into virtual communication anymore. I'm learning I much prefer in person social interaction, which is amazing since generally I hate people! lol For me, MMOs are video games I can play that last a bit longer than the standard PC game you can beat in a few weeks. I'll sub a game and play for a months, then cancel and return a few months later. So loneliness doesn't factor into it, just boredom.
My list of mental and physical ailments is frankly longer than my resume at this stage. There is little reason to believe that it will improve as there is no currently known cure, so I just have to deal with it. I most likely will never hold a job again. I have no friends in real life because it's too exhausting for me to keep up. Even simple things such as grouping or raiding in WoW can be difficult for me since I can go from feeling relatively okay (except for the constant pain), to all foggy and completely unable to focus in like half an hour. As a result, I tend to solo a lot even though I deep down would love to group a bit more often if I'm going to be completely honest. When it works, grouping can be a lot of fun. It's just a necessary evil due to my problems combined with people having little patience. Oh yeah, doesn't help either that I'm in it for the fun rather than shiny stuff, min-maxing and uber achievements.
Had it not been for MMOs, I would most likely have resorted to the bottle in order to cope. I do have a wife though and that I am thankful for. She has been very supportive even though it's hard for her as well.
So yeah, I'd say MMOs are my way of coping with what I've been given and they keep me from doing stupid things (hey, gotta look at the positive in all this)
I'm a big ol' fluffy carewolf. Be afraid. Be very afraid.
Most of my friends have moved or I have moved form them, I can keep in touch with them in game..right now my wow guild consists of people who played in my D&D group back in high school or college....not really lonely per say with wife kids etc, it's just that vent beats the hell out of air fare or cell phone bills.
This sword here at my side dont act the way it should Keeps calling me its master, but I feel like its slave Hauling me faster and faster to an early, early grave And it howls! it howls like hell!
I play to escape from my overly hectic, overy unlonely life. To the other extreme, being too clustered with people is also a cramp.
Feeling alone in a crowd can be just as bad as physically solitary =/. MMO playing might compound that particular problem because people nowadays tend to focus on whatever they are doing in game rather than the social aspects.
But I am that guy who everyone tends to bitch about so I end up having to deal with alot of people anyways. Not to mention once I get good at something I usually end up taking a leadership role in telling them how to get the stuff done well.
As far as crowds like say waiting for a subway train, ect. I just listen to my ipod. I guess if ur gona be a part of the 5 billion random joes in this world, you may as well carry around awsome music. Especially the epic music that can even make sitting on a train sleeping seem epic as hell.
Even if you are someone who feels socially detatched or not a part of the crowd. In actuality the only thing that is doing is setting you in another crowd which happens to be huge aswell. I mean how many peolpe in this world just live out their lives. Then you have the mmo gamer who not only lives out their life. But they get their badass gear and have awsome adventures in mmo's. It's really not as bad as society labels it.
The tv on while you're playing a video game, an ipod in a noisy city... sounds like you're trying to drown something out 24-7. I recommend setting aside time for some meditation in a quiet room. Unclutter your brain and find out who you really are.
Lonely? Not really, I've been surrounded by wife, children, pets for past 26 years, finding time for myself is more of an issue.
I was a huge board game player as a child, and owned literally every one of them that was ever made. Biggest problem of course was, I had to find people willing to play with me and that proved problematic at times.
Computer games were a godsend, I finally could game w/o having to find a bunch of people to play, and I could squeeze them in during my free time from work and family.
Enter MMORPG's, better and better, now I can communicate with people who share my same interrests (gaming) on a regular basis, and yet, jump away at a moments notice if family needs require it.
Computer friends are less baggage, if one gets weird or needy, you cut them off and move on. They try to borrow money (I've had some try) and you can laugh in their face, though i also had one offer me 5K to get through some tough times, didn't take it, but its nice to have rich friends I guess. (I should have asked to go for a trip on his family's yacht though)
I don't meet many adults who play MMO's, and when I do they usually play WOW. I'm glad I'm able to connect to others in games like EVE and enjoy flying around in electronic space ships and dominating free space.
Just trying to live long enough to play a new, released MMORPG, playing New Worlds atm
Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions. Pvbs 18:2, NIV
Don't just play games, inhabit virtual worlds™
"This is the most intelligent, well qualified and articulate response to a post I have ever seen on these forums. It's a shame most people here won't have the attention span to read past the second line." - Anon
Thanks everyone for being supportive and all that. I guess I was just feeling emo last night lol.. but seriously I thought it might make an interesting topic.... and a reminder of a connection that we all have.. not on being lonely persay but who we are as people. ^^
The same could be say for pretty much every form of entertainment.
absolutely true. watching movies, reading book etc.. is all escapism from real life.
its up to you what you pick, and they are all equal enertaniment forms,
and it is silly to say or ask why you play so much while the person who asks the question watches tv as much for example.
and for the loneliness question, for me, i just happen to like playing games its my cup of coffee of entertainment of course i like movies etc also , also have girlfriend and baby coming in days from now on. and i still keep playing when i can because i like it not because im lonely
That must be a resounding yes. My list of mental and physical ailments is frankly longer than my resume at this stage. There is little reason to believe that it will improve as there is no currently known cure, so I just have to deal with it. I most likely will never hold a job again. I have no friends in real life because it's too exhausting for me to keep up. Even simple things such as grouping or raiding in WoW can be difficult for me since I can go from feeling relatively okay (except for the constant pain), to all foggy and completely unable to focus in like half an hour. As a result, I tend to solo a lot even though I deep down would love to group a bit more often if I'm going to be completely honest. When it works, grouping can be a lot of fun. It's just a necessary evil due to my problems combined with people having little patience. Oh yeah, doesn't help either that I'm in it for the fun rather than shiny stuff, min-maxing and uber achievements. Had it not been for MMOs, I would most likely have resorted to the bottle in order to cope. I do have a wife though and that I am thankful for. She has been very supportive even though it's hard for her as well. So yeah, I'd say MMOs are my way of coping with what I've been given and they keep me from doing stupid things (hey, gotta look at the positive in all this)
Well it's great that given all the endless whining and self pity on these boards at least someone truly with issues and needs is enjoying the hobby.
It does help that you play for "fun", that's what it's all about!!!
I've basically stopped playing MMOs because they took too much time from my ordinary life. When I was at my lowest, I often prefered to stay home and play MMOs instead of hanging out with my GF who I love/loved deeply (I even tried to get her to play MMOs), something I deeply regret now afterwards. I play MMOs because I get obsessed with them, can't stop thinking about them, etc. It's all pretty sad really.
I think I'm actually the opposite. I will play MMOs for entertainment instead of going to hang out with friends or whatever. I'm not the most social person, I often find the troubles that come with being social not worth the effort, and much prefer to keep to myself and don't really make an effort to hang out with anyone beyond my fiance. I guess that is kind of odd, because I'm fairly social in games. Perhaps I don't understand my own personality as much as I thought.
Tried: LotR, CoH, AoC, WAR, Jumpgate Classic Played: SWG, Guild Wars, WoW Playing: Eve Online, Counter-strike Loved: Star Wars Galaxies Waiting for: Earthrise, Guild Wars 2, anything sandbox.
Do you play MMOs because you're lonely and unhappy with life? Is MMOs your way to escape? I know it is for me
I'm far from being lonely, with a house full of kids and a demanding wife I use MMO's to get away from the hussle and bussle of my busy life, it's the only time I have where I get to do the things I want to do, needless to say once the kids and wife find me I'm back to square one again.
I've played alongside ppl who live on their own and who seem to be online 24/7, no outside interests other than their current MMO, to me this is quite sad and a rather depressing way to live your life, using the internet to meet ppl is fine, but actually get out there and "Meet" then face to face if you want to have a real tangible social life, rather than just a group of pixels with random names attached to them.
I play MMOs because I like some of them. Its also another way to keep in touch with my best friend who lives in another state. Otherwise, I never look to MMOs for social interaction. I have friends at work and my family for all of that. MMO people aren't friends. They're just people I play with for a brief time. I never really care about getting to know them in any way besides the basics, so I know who I'm dealing with. Their age, married, kids, single, career, male, shemale or actual female=) When I was single, I might've cared a little bit, but not anymore.
All types of people play MMOs. But never think a MMO social life can replace a REAL social life, unless you're literally can't leave the house. If thats you're only avenue, then use it the best you can. But avatars aren't really people;) If you never met them face to face you don't really know them. You actually only truly know someone after you've lived with them for a little while or spent a few tours with them;) Thats experience talking. Its sad that certain generations who chat with people online or communicate through a blog actually think they know each other. Not even close. I guess when so many people have minimum experience really interacting with people, they think chatting online is a replacement. Its not.
Never let a videogame replace a social life. In the end, you'll regret it. Nothing replaces actual face to face interaction. I'm amazed when interviewing interns(college kids) to find their personalities completely inadequate to deal with professionals on a day to day basis...corporate graphics studio. These artsy or nerdy kids, who might be really talented artistically or technically can't deal with adults face to face or even talk properly on a phone. No basic etiquette what so ever. Its amazing really. What the hell hapenned, hehe=)
Do you play MMOs because you're lonely and unhappy with life? Is MMOs your way to escape? I know it is for me
I have friends in rl along with a large family.
I also have friends that I meet playing MMOs certain ones that i played UO and Eve with actually live in my city and over time have become real life friends.
We actually goto eachother BBQ's and my kids play with their kids.
While I dont go looking for social interation due to not having any in real life, I do enjoy conversation and am a very social person in game.
I personally hate anyone that plays a MMO and only speaks of the videogame. I know thats normal with todays wow kiddies but i like to get to know the players im playing with and encourage social interaction.
Do you play MMOs because you're lonely and unhappy with life? Is MMOs your way to escape? I know it is for me
Absolutely not; I play MMOs and games in general because I love them. Are they a form of esscape, yes. But so is all entertainment forms, so are movies and books. I am not looking to escape my life but rather to enjoy some moments of escapism and fun entertainment.
I play games (MMOs and otherwise) with friends and family. I have an awesome wife and two fantastic little boys that I cannot get enough of. Does that mean I am never stressed or unhappy and need to get away for an hour or two, no. I have those things too because they are a simple part of life and some times getting away from it all and enjoying some moments in a game, or reading a book, watching a movie, etc is exactly what the doctor ordered.
I play MMOs because I like some of them. Its also another way to keep in touch with my best friend who lives in another state. Otherwise, I never look to MMOs for social interaction. I have friends at work and my family for all of that. MMO people aren't friends. They're just people I play with for a brief time. I never really care about getting to know them in any way besides the basics, so I know who I'm dealing with. Their age, married, kids, single, career, male, shemale or actual female=) When I was single, I might've cared a little bit, but not anymore. All types of people play MMOs. But never think a MMO social life can replace a REAL social life, unless you're literally can't leave the house. If thats you're only avenue, then use it the best you can. But avatars aren't really people;) If you never met them face to face you don't really know them. You actually only truly know someone after you've lived with them for a little while or spent a few tours with them;) Thats experience talking. Its sad that certain generations who chat with people online or communicate through a blog actually think they know each other. Not even close. I guess when so many people have minimum experience really interacting with people, they think chatting online is a replacement. Its not. Never let a videogame replace a social life. In the end, you'll regret it. Nothing replaces actual face to face interaction. I'm amazed when interviewing interns(college kids) to find their personalities completely inadequate to deal with professionals on a day to day basis...corporate graphics studio. These artsy or nerdy kids, who might be really talented artistically or technically can't deal with adults face to face or even talk properly on a phone. No basic etiquette what so ever. Its amazing really. What the hell hapenned, hehe=)
I agree that an MMO should not replace a social life, but I disagree that you can't get to know somebody just by talking to them. There's someone I played with online for a while and just with talking with them/chatting on vent I got to know them very well. He didn't live that far away from me so we eventually met and I knew him before we actually met.
Hey I'm not socially isolated. I have girlfriend and many groups of friends (work/university/grilfriend's/core mates) but I would say that playing mmorpgs does definitely separate you from people. I don't play them anymore because they had a negative effect on my life. For example missing days of university constantly, work occasionally and making excuses not to see people I cared for e.g. gf and mates. Sad thing is I still browse forums like these and keep an eye on the mmorpg because when you do have free time nothing beats an mmo the problem i have is that you start to try to create more free time so you can play them and then you miss out on other stuff. It really has an avalanche effect also, I mean you don't go out one night with your mates and you miss a bonding experience and then you are sought of out of the loop. I think if you are lonely and playing games to try to get some social interaction it isn't really a good substitute. Put yourself out there in real life even if you are shy the more you do the easier it becomes.
Hey I'm not socially isolated. I have girlfriend and many groups of friends (work/university/grilfriend's/core mates) but I would say that playing mmorpgs does definitely separate you from people. I don't play them anymore because they had a negative effect on my life. For example missing days of university constantly, work occasionally and making excuses not to see people I cared for e.g. gf and mates. Sad thing is I still browse forums like these and keep an eye on the mmorpg because when you do have free time nothing beats an mmo the problem i have is that you start to try to create more free time so you can play them and then you miss out on other stuff. It really has an avalanche effect also, I mean you don't go out one night with your mates and you miss a bonding experience and then you are sought of out of the loop. I think if you are lonely and playing games to try to get some social interaction it isn't really a good substitute. Put yourself out there in real life even if you are shy the more you do the easier it becomes.
Do you play MMOs because you're lonely and unhappy with life? Is MMOs your way to escape? I know it is for me
I worked in forestry for a while when I was younger. I loved it but the money was terrible so I trained in something else which is more money but keeps me chained down in a big city.
I look for "wilderness" in MMORPGs in the long gaps between hiking trips.
Do you play MMOs because you're lonely and unhappy with life? Is MMOs your way to escape? I know it is for me
I'm far from being lonely, with a house full of kids and a demanding wife I use MMO's to get away from the hussle and bussle of my busy life, it's the only time I have where I get to do the things I want to do, needless to say once the kids and wife find me I'm back to square one again. I've played alongside ppl who live on their own and who seem to be online 24/7, no outside interests other than their current MMO, to me this is quite sad and a rather depressing way to live your life, using the internet to meet ppl is fine, but actually get out there and "Meet" then face to face if you want to have a real tangible social life, rather than just a group of pixels with random names attached to them.
And seeing you in person is just a bunch of photons bouncing off a group of random hydrogen atoms called your face into my eye, and that diamond on your wifes finger you grinded forever for has no more practicle value than my digitized ak47. Actually I can think of lots 1 and 0's thats are more practicle and valueable than diamonds. So i dont see a difference really. Other than the fact theres no touching, or procreating in the virtual world, but thats coming soon too. In the end virtual life will be no different then real life, infact even better. But hey, not everyones a pioneer and willing to go to the new world, Ill be first in line though.
I'm married, one of my good friends lives with me, and I have a job that I've been at for almost 4 years. So, I'm fairly established. I play to get away from all of the responsibility. To be silly and playful, because in real life I'm the one who has to take charge, pay the bills, yell at bill collectors who over-charge for something we didn't even want.
Comments
I use MMOs to keep in touch with RL family and friends - it's a great way of staying in touch with my sons. We game as we chat
I started playing MMOs because of SWG. I liked Star Wars adnn I liked video games so it seemed a natural fit. My wife starte playing too so it was a way for us to do something together. We were both unemployed at the time and ended up using the game as a refuge to hide out from the dwindling bank account and poor job prospects. Flash forward to now and were back in the same boat. Add a friend who's staying with us to that too. I tried SWG, but it lost it's spark. Tried RoM, Vanguard, EVE, and eventually all of resubbed WoW. Personally I hate WoW and can't wait to quit, but we're getting triple XP on refer-a-friend bonuses. I'll cancel when it expires. I'm finding now that I don't play MMOs because I'm lonely., rather because I'm bored. Unfortunately, I've found it hardr to get into groups or guilds that have any staying power. I think I'm not into virtual communication anymore. I'm learning I much prefer in person social interaction, which is amazing since generally I hate people! lol For me, MMOs are video games I can play that last a bit longer than the standard PC game you can beat in a few weeks. I'll sub a game and play for a months, then cancel and return a few months later. So loneliness doesn't factor into it, just boredom.
That must be a resounding yes.
My list of mental and physical ailments is frankly longer than my resume at this stage. There is little reason to believe that it will improve as there is no currently known cure, so I just have to deal with it. I most likely will never hold a job again. I have no friends in real life because it's too exhausting for me to keep up. Even simple things such as grouping or raiding in WoW can be difficult for me since I can go from feeling relatively okay (except for the constant pain), to all foggy and completely unable to focus in like half an hour. As a result, I tend to solo a lot even though I deep down would love to group a bit more often if I'm going to be completely honest. When it works, grouping can be a lot of fun. It's just a necessary evil due to my problems combined with people having little patience. Oh yeah, doesn't help either that I'm in it for the fun rather than shiny stuff, min-maxing and uber achievements.
Had it not been for MMOs, I would most likely have resorted to the bottle in order to cope. I do have a wife though and that I am thankful for. She has been very supportive even though it's hard for her as well.
So yeah, I'd say MMOs are my way of coping with what I've been given and they keep me from doing stupid things (hey, gotta look at the positive in all this)
I'm a big ol' fluffy carewolf. Be afraid. Be very afraid.
Most of my friends have moved or I have moved form them, I can keep in touch with them in game..right now my wow guild consists of people who played in my D&D group back in high school or college....not really lonely per say with wife kids etc, it's just that vent beats the hell out of air fare or cell phone bills.
This sword here at my side dont act the way it should
Keeps calling me its master, but I feel like its slave
Hauling me faster and faster to an early, early grave
And it howls! it howls like hell!
Feeling alone in a crowd can be just as bad as physically solitary =/. MMO playing might compound that particular problem because people nowadays tend to focus on whatever they are doing in game rather than the social aspects.
But I am that guy who everyone tends to bitch about so I end up having to deal with alot of people anyways. Not to mention once I get good at something I usually end up taking a leadership role in telling them how to get the stuff done well.
As far as crowds like say waiting for a subway train, ect. I just listen to my ipod. I guess if ur gona be a part of the 5 billion random joes in this world, you may as well carry around awsome music. Especially the epic music that can even make sitting on a train sleeping seem epic as hell.
Even if you are someone who feels socially detatched or not a part of the crowd. In actuality the only thing that is doing is setting you in another crowd which happens to be huge aswell. I mean how many peolpe in this world just live out their lives. Then you have the mmo gamer who not only lives out their life. But they get their badass gear and have awsome adventures in mmo's. It's really not as bad as society labels it.
The tv on while you're playing a video game, an ipod in a noisy city... sounds like you're trying to drown something out 24-7. I recommend setting aside time for some meditation in a quiet room. Unclutter your brain and find out who you really are.
Lonely? Not really, I've been surrounded by wife, children, pets for past 26 years, finding time for myself is more of an issue.
I was a huge board game player as a child, and owned literally every one of them that was ever made. Biggest problem of course was, I had to find people willing to play with me and that proved problematic at times.
Computer games were a godsend, I finally could game w/o having to find a bunch of people to play, and I could squeeze them in during my free time from work and family.
Enter MMORPG's, better and better, now I can communicate with people who share my same interrests (gaming) on a regular basis, and yet, jump away at a moments notice if family needs require it.
Computer friends are less baggage, if one gets weird or needy, you cut them off and move on. They try to borrow money (I've had some try) and you can laugh in their face, though i also had one offer me 5K to get through some tough times, didn't take it, but its nice to have rich friends I guess. (I should have asked to go for a trip on his family's yacht though)
I don't meet many adults who play MMO's, and when I do they usually play WOW. I'm glad I'm able to connect to others in games like EVE and enjoy flying around in electronic space ships and dominating free space.
"True friends stab you in the front." | Oscar Wilde
"I need to finish" - Christian Wolff: The Accountant
Just trying to live long enough to play a new, released MMORPG, playing New Worlds atm
Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions. Pvbs 18:2, NIV
Don't just play games, inhabit virtual worlds™
"This is the most intelligent, well qualified and articulate response to a post I have ever seen on these forums. It's a shame most people here won't have the attention span to read past the second line." - Anon
Thanks everyone for being supportive and all that. I guess I was just feeling emo last night lol.. but seriously I thought it might make an interesting topic.... and a reminder of a connection that we all have.. not on being lonely persay but who we are as people. ^^
absolutely true. watching movies, reading book etc.. is all escapism from real life.
its up to you what you pick, and they are all equal enertaniment forms,
and it is silly to say or ask why you play so much while the person who asks the question watches tv as much for example.
and for the loneliness question, for me, i just happen to like playing games its my cup of coffee of entertainment of course i like movies etc also , also have girlfriend and baby coming in days from now on. and i still keep playing when i can because i like it not because im lonely
Well it's great that given all the endless whining and self pity on these boards at least someone truly with issues and needs is enjoying the hobby.
It does help that you play for "fun", that's what it's all about!!!
I've basically stopped playing MMOs because they took too much time from my ordinary life. When I was at my lowest, I often prefered to stay home and play MMOs instead of hanging out with my GF who I love/loved deeply (I even tried to get her to play MMOs), something I deeply regret now afterwards. I play MMOs because I get obsessed with them, can't stop thinking about them, etc. It's all pretty sad really.
Take the Magic: The Gathering 'What Color Are You?' Quiz.
I think I'm actually the opposite. I will play MMOs for entertainment instead of going to hang out with friends or whatever. I'm not the most social person, I often find the troubles that come with being social not worth the effort, and much prefer to keep to myself and don't really make an effort to hang out with anyone beyond my fiance. I guess that is kind of odd, because I'm fairly social in games. Perhaps I don't understand my own personality as much as I thought.
Tried: LotR, CoH, AoC, WAR, Jumpgate Classic
Played: SWG, Guild Wars, WoW
Playing: Eve Online, Counter-strike
Loved: Star Wars Galaxies
Waiting for: Earthrise, Guild Wars 2, anything sandbox.
This, right here. Lonely is the last thing I would call myself.
I'm far from being lonely, with a house full of kids and a demanding wife I use MMO's to get away from the hussle and bussle of my busy life, it's the only time I have where I get to do the things I want to do, needless to say once the kids and wife find me I'm back to square one again.
I've played alongside ppl who live on their own and who seem to be online 24/7, no outside interests other than their current MMO, to me this is quite sad and a rather depressing way to live your life, using the internet to meet ppl is fine, but actually get out there and "Meet" then face to face if you want to have a real tangible social life, rather than just a group of pixels with random names attached to them.
Nope. I have a pretty good life and MMOs are just add to that. Plus, I like to play with my kids.
I play MMOs because I like some of them. Its also another way to keep in touch with my best friend who lives in another state. Otherwise, I never look to MMOs for social interaction. I have friends at work and my family for all of that. MMO people aren't friends. They're just people I play with for a brief time. I never really care about getting to know them in any way besides the basics, so I know who I'm dealing with. Their age, married, kids, single, career, male, shemale or actual female=) When I was single, I might've cared a little bit, but not anymore.
All types of people play MMOs. But never think a MMO social life can replace a REAL social life, unless you're literally can't leave the house. If thats you're only avenue, then use it the best you can. But avatars aren't really people;) If you never met them face to face you don't really know them. You actually only truly know someone after you've lived with them for a little while or spent a few tours with them;) Thats experience talking. Its sad that certain generations who chat with people online or communicate through a blog actually think they know each other. Not even close. I guess when so many people have minimum experience really interacting with people, they think chatting online is a replacement. Its not.
Never let a videogame replace a social life. In the end, you'll regret it. Nothing replaces actual face to face interaction. I'm amazed when interviewing interns(college kids) to find their personalities completely inadequate to deal with professionals on a day to day basis...corporate graphics studio. These artsy or nerdy kids, who might be really talented artistically or technically can't deal with adults face to face or even talk properly on a phone. No basic etiquette what so ever. Its amazing really. What the hell hapenned, hehe=)
I have friends in rl along with a large family.
I also have friends that I meet playing MMOs certain ones that i played UO and Eve with actually live in my city and over time have become real life friends.
We actually goto eachother BBQ's and my kids play with their kids.
While I dont go looking for social interation due to not having any in real life, I do enjoy conversation and am a very social person in game.
I personally hate anyone that plays a MMO and only speaks of the videogame. I know thats normal with todays wow kiddies but i like to get to know the players im playing with and encourage social interaction.
Playing: EvE, Ryzom
Absolutely not; I play MMOs and games in general because I love them. Are they a form of esscape, yes. But so is all entertainment forms, so are movies and books. I am not looking to escape my life but rather to enjoy some moments of escapism and fun entertainment.
I play games (MMOs and otherwise) with friends and family. I have an awesome wife and two fantastic little boys that I cannot get enough of. Does that mean I am never stressed or unhappy and need to get away for an hour or two, no. I have those things too because they are a simple part of life and some times getting away from it all and enjoying some moments in a game, or reading a book, watching a movie, etc is exactly what the doctor ordered.
I agree that an MMO should not replace a social life, but I disagree that you can't get to know somebody just by talking to them. There's someone I played with online for a while and just with talking with them/chatting on vent I got to know them very well. He didn't live that far away from me so we eventually met and I knew him before we actually met.
Hey I'm not socially isolated. I have girlfriend and many groups of friends (work/university/grilfriend's/core mates) but I would say that playing mmorpgs does definitely separate you from people. I don't play them anymore because they had a negative effect on my life. For example missing days of university constantly, work occasionally and making excuses not to see people I cared for e.g. gf and mates. Sad thing is I still browse forums like these and keep an eye on the mmorpg because when you do have free time nothing beats an mmo the problem i have is that you start to try to create more free time so you can play them and then you miss out on other stuff. It really has an avalanche effect also, I mean you don't go out one night with your mates and you miss a bonding experience and then you are sought of out of the loop. I think if you are lonely and playing games to try to get some social interaction it isn't really a good substitute. Put yourself out there in real life even if you are shy the more you do the easier it becomes.
Doom is never alone, or else!
-hides from Doom-
"The great thing about human language is that it prevents us from sticking to the matter at hand."
- Lewis Thomas
Totally agree. Basically wrote the same thing.
Take the Magic: The Gathering 'What Color Are You?' Quiz.
I worked in forestry for a while when I was younger. I loved it but the money was terrible so I trained in something else which is more money but keeps me chained down in a big city.
I look for "wilderness" in MMORPGs in the long gaps between hiking trips.
And seeing you in person is just a bunch of photons bouncing off a group of random hydrogen atoms called your face into my eye, and that diamond on your wifes finger you grinded forever for has no more practicle value than my digitized ak47. Actually I can think of lots 1 and 0's thats are more practicle and valueable than diamonds. So i dont see a difference really. Other than the fact theres no touching, or procreating in the virtual world, but thats coming soon too. In the end virtual life will be no different then real life, infact even better. But hey, not everyones a pioneer and willing to go to the new world, Ill be first in line though.
I play for quite the opposite really.
I'm married, one of my good friends lives with me, and I have a job that I've been at for almost 4 years. So, I'm fairly established. I play to get away from all of the responsibility. To be silly and playful, because in real life I'm the one who has to take charge, pay the bills, yell at bill collectors who over-charge for something we didn't even want.
I play because life is too busy sometimes.
Thats sad that you are lonely.. i mean it not in a bad way but i mean it makes me sad. Having people in your life is awesome.
Mmos can provide some social happiness to some people and thats a good thing
I dont play because im lonely, i have many people around me, I play because i love games
i get to play with my friends that live far away from me..
If you are lonely, maybe playing mmos is not the answer, go out and meet people
is as easy as saying whats up my brotha!!! lol
If you watch The Karate Kid backwards it's about this karate champ that just kinda slowly becomes a pussy and ends up moving back to Jersey
