Why do we game

[marcus1962]

Hello All

This being my first post forgive me if I have not posted in the correct place.

I have been a gamer for over 30 years and decided to write something about why do we game.

Feel free to read and comment please.



Regards

Marcus

[madunkieg]

You are right that gaming has grown over the past 30 years. Heck, it was growing over the past hundred plus years thanks to the growing literate population looking for ways to occupy their leisure time. Games have even existed for thousands of years, going back to before history was recorded. But as impressive as all that is, it doesn't answer the question, "why do you game?"

The answer probably gets simplified to "because it's fun" all too often. For instance, I play roleplaying games because I like exploring identities and social structures, both in game and out of game. I like playing boardgames and cardgames because I like the interplay of different rules. I play wargames because I like to move my little toy soldiers in historically inspired ways. People play different games for different reasons. I play videogames (often browser-based tower defense) because I need to stop thinking about roleplaying games occasionally.

So, I pose to you the question that appears in this thread's title. Why do you game?

[marcus1962]

Thank you for the reply.

You are right indeed, games have existed for thousands of years. My reply as to why, is to challenge myself, push the limits of my own imagination. I started, as I said with toy soldiers before trying to recreate historical events. To out think another person or persons interested me.

Now, sometimes I just use some games as you do. Letting the mind relax or so I think. I end up having to concentrate on how to beat the game.

So that is my simple answer. To challenge myself and enjoy.