Why I Gave Up Gaming: Exploring the Journey from Virtual to Real Achievement

For many of us, video games have been a source of joy, entertainment, and even a path to skill development. However, for me, the experience took a turn and eventually led me to give up gaming for good. This decision was not made lightly, as it stemmed from three significant factors that changed my perspective on gaming.

Public Lobbies and Toxicity

The Toxic Nature of Public Lobbies: In the pursuit of fun and excitement, public lobbies in multiplayer games often become breeding grounds for toxicity and hostility. These environments can be incredibly tense and hostile, with players often targeting others with ambushes and aggressive behavior. This hostility forced me to walk on eggshells, constantly wary of potential pitfalls and animosity. Over time, this made gaming less enjoyable and more stressful, pushing me away from the very source of enjoyment I once derived from these games.

No Personal Development

The Lack of Personal Development: While games are certainly fun, the lack of personal growth and development can be a significant drawback. As I spent hours immersed in gaming, the realization dawned on me that I was merely 'living through' experiences created by someone else. This realization made me question the long-term value of my time spent in virtual worlds. I sought more meaningful and productive ways to express myself and tackle challenges.

Breaking Points and Boredom

Foolproofing My Gaming Habit: The final breaking point came when my PS4’s HDMI port broke, and I couldn’t afford to fix it. This incident highlighted another issue: the constant need for maintenance and additional hardware. Royalty-free games or those without in-game purchases can become more appealing, but the reality of gaming often involves dealing with technical issues and upgrades. Eventually, I no longer felt the same sense of fulfillment, and my gaming sessions became less enjoyable and more of a chore.

Audit of My Game Time

A Comprehensive Look at My Gaming History: To put my gaming habit in perspective, I compiled a list of games I had played and the hours spent on each. Over 10 years of gaming, I have played hundreds of hours on titles such as CSGO, Minecraft, Fortnite, and countless others. Here is a brief overview:

CSGO: 80 hours Minecraft: 20 hours Cricket 07: 40 hours Halo: 50 hours Unreal Tournament: 70 hours Unreal 2: 10 hours Prince of Persia: 15 hours Assassins Creed Odyssey: 30 hours GTA Vice City: 40 hours GTA San Andreas: 50 hours GTA 5: 20 hours FIFA: Consumed a significant amount of time Call of Duty Modern Warfare: 10 hours Battlefield 4: 20 hours Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit 2: 20 hours Need for Speed: Most Wanted: 60 hours Need for Speed: Rivals: 20 hours Need for Speed: Heat: 20 hours Crysis 3: 10 hours Skyrim: 80 hours Fortnite: 8 hours COD Warzone: 50 hours PUBG Emulator: 600 hours Apex Legends: 200 hours Valorant: 450 hours and counting Doodle Army 2 Mini Militia: 80 hours Clash of Clans: 60 hours PUBG Mobile: 120 hours ApeX Legends Mobile: 40 hours

A Shift in Focus

Focus on Productive Skills: Recognizing that small amounts of practice can lead to significant improvements, I decided to focus on skills with real-life value such as swimming, drawing, guitar, and driving. The compliments I received from friends about these skills gave me a sense of accomplishment that video games couldn’t provide. Engaging in these activities not only boosted my confidence but also made me feel more productive.

Productivity and Real Achievements

The Illusion of Virtual Achievements: The achievements in video games are often fleeting. They may be impressive in the moment but lack the lasting impact of real-world accomplishments. These virtual badges of honor vanish as soon as I shut down my computer, and the attachment to these symbols can be alluring but ultimately empty. The gaming industry invests heavily in creating immersive and engaging experiences, which can be both exciting and addictive.

Lessons Learned

The Value of Skill Development: Reflecting on my experience, I realized that spending small amounts of time on the right skills could lead to significant improvements. The activities that required minimal practice but offered real gains, such as swimming and guitar, became more fulfilling and satisfying. This shift in focus taught me that the productivity and real achievements of real-life skills are more valuable and rewarding than the fleeting successes of video games.

Ultimately, the journey from gaming to real-life skill development was a significant personal growth experience. By focusing on practical and productive activities, I found a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment that video games could not provide. This experience serves as a reminder that the true value comes from tangible achievements and continuous personal development.