On the Couch with Matt: Why Video Games?

The couch is where I go to be lazy, have fun, play video games and… well… yeah, that’s… that’s about it…

(OH! Netflix and Chill is fun too!)

Video Games. Well, I could go on and on about this glorious invention, but I’m not trying to go on and on today; I’m just trying to explain my reasons for loving this art form so much. Now, as I’ve grown older I don’t play as many video games as I used to. Back in the day, it was wake up, go to school, go home, play video games and do homework when my parents thought I was sleeping. I’ve been through addiction at 14, 15, 16 and 17 years old; thank “World of Warcraft” for that one. I’ve also failed tests because “Grand Theft Auto” made my time disappear. I matured after graduating from high school, though. I only left video games to my TRUE free time when it came to college, and after graduating from there I tried becoming a Twitch streamer for a little while, but that didn’t work out the way I wanted it to.

Regardless of my life story, video games truly are one of the greatest art forms out there. Think about. Why do we watch T.V. or go to the Movies? Yes, we want to escape from reality for a few hours, but what are our true reasons? I believe everyone watches television and goes to the theaters because deep down they want to have an adventure just like that of the protagonist. We want people to watch our story unfold on the big screen, being the center of attention, which many people unconsciously crave.

Video games present that opportunity for players and the population… most of them, at least. A few of the early video games were no more than cheap sports games and space fighters that really didn’t leave a lot of room for imagination. That’s not the case anymore, though. Now, we have several upon hundreds of titles that immerse us into another universe, transforming us into the kick-a** protagonist. We get to control a character and decide where that character’s life goes, allowing us to create their story and our own as well. It’s beautiful. If you dreamed of being a writer or artist or somebody creative when you were younger, but the real world took hold and pushed you to take a desk job, then video games allow your imagination to explode, giving you the reigns of your creativity to set out onto your own adventure.

I love video games for their ability to allow your creativity and imagination to live free through the simple action of controller a bunch of pixels. I also love them for their ability to create camaraderie and friendships. I contribute much of my relationship with my brother to video games. If it wasn’t for franchises like “Metal Gear Solid” and “Final Fantasy,” then I wouldn’t be as close to my brother as I am today. It was a bonding experience; a very much-needed bonding experience. Seriously, some of my greatest memories (I’m talking about in my entire life) are from me watching my brother play video games. It’s true. You might be reading this and thinking, “But video games are just GAMES; you need to grow up, sir.” Well, all I have to say is that video games aren’t just GAMES to me. They are also a great subject of conversation and camaraderie with my brother, father and friends. Without those, I would not be the wonderful, charismatic and charming person I am today. I’ll go to my grave swearing on that.

Many might have there family memories of gathering around the table or taking grand vacations to Europe or going to six theaters on Broadway or taking pictures after winning the State Championship for their high school football team. Not me, though. My memories come from very different places (just like I’m sure for many others as well), and one of those places are video games. I’m thankful for how close they have brought me to my family, and I’m thankful for them unlocking deep pockets of my imagination, which I’m proud to say is the reason I have a career now.

Don’t blow off video games as just GAMES. They might be that to you, but to others it goes a lot deeper than that. I agree that no man, woman, child or dog should be playing video games 24/7 (unless they are being paid for it), but I also agree that creativity, imagination and motor skills are important in life. Video games will allow you to master and harness those three skills, no doubt about it.

Thanks for reading. My name is Matt, and I’m a very attractive gamer with the most excellent smile to date. Am I nerdy and do some people find me unattractive because I play video games? Yes, but I’ve also destroyed Zeus, saved Princess Peach, escaped a spaceship full of Xenomorphs, caught the Origami Killer, defeated Ganon (6 times), completed my journey in “Journey” and was able to save my friends in “Kingdom Hearts.” Not many people can say that.