Nov
29
I suppose the question about whether or not hard core gamers have any life outside of the gaming world, is up to debate. The answer, really depends on who you ask, and what your definition of a “life” is. I’ve been a rabid fan of gaming, ever since I played my first computer video games on a Radio Shack TRS-80 (commonly referred to as a Trash-80) back in the seventies. It was backgammon. Yes, I am really that old. I like to think my gaming life has evolved somewhat since then, even though I’ve had periods of my life where other events distracted me from the wonderful world of games. There was the whole college and get a job phase, which I somehow managed to struggle through. Then there was that getting married and having kids phase, that at the moment shows no end in sight, but I would say is somewhat more balanced. Meaning, that I do have more time to play games, since changing diapers and night time feedings are a thing of the past. As a matter of fact, these days my kids are often better gamers than I am. Although I do remember the first time my oldest girl kicked my butt in Unreal Tournament. I think she was about the tender age of 11. Some what humiliating, but it also made me a proud gamer dad at the same time. 
She didn’t even have to use any video game cheats to do it. Good girl! So, as you can see I did have a social life and manage to play far too many video games. As life progressed, I even found ways to incorporate computer games into my real life. I think it’s ultimately important for gamers to have a social life, and online dating for gamers is a good way to do that. It’s not something that was available for me when I started, and that’s kind of unfortunate. These days there are so many different options for games, that it’s easier to allow them to consume your life. Games on your cell phones, gaming consoles, and games on your laptop. It’s important to have a real life outside of games as well. After all, if it wasn’t for real life, where would all the good ideas for games come from.