A Tranquil Escape From Reality

These past few months have been particular difficult for me. Working extensive hours, waiting for someone I care about and having to deal with the daily tedium of everyday life. Of course you’ve probably heard me rant about these things during my Let’s Play videos but what I didn’t touch on is how loosing myself in these games aided me in these difficult times. These vexing things that I had to do and wanted to avoid, instead I looked through my library of games and decided to start playing.

Instead of stressing about my life I started playing The Darkness. With Jackie Estacado’s god-like abilities I tore through corrupt cops, mafia enforcers and supernatural nazis. I replaced my lists of things with video game tasks, and instead of feeling like I wasted my time I felt at ease. I just kept plowing through the various enemies that stood between me and my goal. When I woke up the next day refreshed and ready to complete any lingering chores that I left unattended it became clear that the uneasiness I experienced evaporated. I essentially substituted one goal for another and was better for it in the long run. 

This habit wasn’t new. When I was growing up I used video games to pass the time, entertain myself and most importantly to forget about the issues of everyday life. Whether it was a problematic homework assignment, a family related issues or laying in my bed with nothing to do. I remember I would connect my Sega Genesis and play Sonic the Hedgehog 2, immersing myself within this wonderful world. Wondering what it would be life to run that fast or to save the world. To place myself into a world where things aren’t as complicated.

Maybe this is because games offer a safe way to escape. To change our goals and responsibilities into something manageable and accomplished in ways that reality doesn’t allow. Life gets difficult and sometimes the world pushes us into unsettling positions where can help but feel powerless. However in a game like Minecraft you’re given absolute control to mold the environment and do what you please. It’s liberating to know that we can escape into a world where you can gain absolute control: where you can become the hero, leave everything behind and go explore or choose your own path. 

Maybe this is why a lot of us keep coming back to video games. These wonderful commodities were their for us when we were young and continued to aid us well into adulthood. Do guys agree, do video games offering a tranquil escape from reality? Sound off in the comments below.

Adam Siddiqui, NoobFeed
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