[Tekkaman]

Originally Posted by Tenser

You're attempting to reframe the situation. Reframing is a tactic only used by those who know they're either wrong or in the minority, just ask any conservative. In not one instance did I even insinuate such a ridiculous statement, so lets cut that right out. Allow me to restate my position since you so blindly ignored and misconstrued it. In nearly every single instance reality is preferable over virtual reality. It says much more about you as a person if you take the time out of your life and accomplish something meaningful like learning a musical instrument.

I wasn't trying to reframe the situation. Clearly I misconstrued what you had said as something else. Obviously reality is preferable over virtual reality. If that was the point you were trying to make, then I agree with you.

Originally Posted by Tenser

First, video games are not about stepping away from reality, they're only meant to be a source of entertainment. The two are quite different. Playing a video game to "step away from reality" is just another form of escapism. Much in the same reasoning why the alcoholic drinks or the drug addict abuses narcotics. Addiction and escapism are two branches of the same tree. I'm entertained by the thought of saving the princess but I don't do this to step away from reality, and I sincerely pity the person who does.

This is a totally different can of worms than what we started with. If you really want to have a discussion/debate on this subject, let's at least do it in another thread if not another forum altogether. However, to put my thoughts in a nutshell, I don't think that Addiction and Escapism are two branches on the same tree. Rather, I see Addiction as the tree itself with many different branches connected to it (i.e. alcohol, drugs, candy, pornography, etc...). Can you become addicted to Escapism? Sure.

Originally Posted by Tenser

Next, you missed my point. The fact is, if you devoted yourself to playing at a packed concert venue you could. You don't need some game to experience such a thing. Also, there's no way possible you could compare playing a concert on a video game and the real thing as one in the same.

I wasn't saying that it was comparable, I was merely saying it would be quicker and easier in a game. However, a video game could become a gateway into seeing a dream like that become a reality. Take the Brothers Chaps from HomestarRunner.com for example; their first pieces of animation were done with Mario Paint for the SNES. From there, their ideas eventually evolved into the phenomenon that is their website. Video games could be the spark that ignites the fire in someone's goals or dreams. However, clearly, this is not always the case.

Originally Posted by Tenser

But you're not actually doing any of those things, it's all fake. Video games should be about accomplishing things one can't or shouldn't do in real life, not taking the easy road or simulating second-hand reality.

To an extent, I agree with you. However, I don't see why a video game HAS to be about something you can't or shouldn't do. As long as a game is fun, what does it really matter? I clearly don't ever want to be a surgeon, but I still enjoy playing one in Trauma Center.

In closing, you're my bro, Tenser. Don't be hatin'. :mrgreen: