1) I am a knowledge-whore. I like to think that after doing something for a substantial time, I will come out of it having learned something. I would consider film culturally enriching, mostly because I watch fringe, independent or foreign films; For some reason, I have a very high opinion of filmmakers as artists. However, I can't say the same about video games or their artistic or cultural merit. I am unable to consider them substantial in that regard.
2) I like to share and talk about my experiences. I can talk about movies, I can recommend albums, I will even take the time to scribble directions and notes on someone's pristine travel book and tell them where to go. But I can't do the same with video games. There is no particular instance that I can think about and reference later; either because the games are dynamically generated, or because the gamer demographic are just not the people that I tend to socialize with, so I don't identify with them.
Bonus:
3) I like realism. Along with video games, I don't tolerate Anime, Fantasy Fiction, or any other type of "geek" entertainment. I was offered two DVDs by my neighbor; The Dark Knight and The Quiet American; I took the later. Hard to explain, really.
P.S. I am a hopeless Soduku addict and play 30 minutes when I wake up in the morning, and 30 minutes before I go to bed. In fact, that's what I use my phone for 90% of the time.
I see what you're saying about realism. There are very few video games which aren't "wacky" in some respect. I'm happy you mentioned the sudoku thing, though... playing it on your phone blurs the line between puzzle, board game and video game.
For your first two points, it is tough to debate a subject like this, because I can only refer to specific video games as counterpoints... which you obviously have not played! Reading your post, though, I understand completely why you aren't a fan of video games.
What I will say is, there are video games out there which are culturally enriching, as well as games which possess discrete aspects and events that can be discussed with fellow gamers. Just as two avid cinema fans can discuss camera work, lighting and dialogue, so too can gamers debate the balance of storyline, visuals, music, gameplay mechanics, and cultural trappings. Video games are a very young medium, but I believe that if you are willing to spend the time looking, there are worthwhile finds.
Please note, I am not trying to say, "Shame on you for not spending more time playing video games." I understand if they're simply not your thing. But I think it is worth it for anyone to meditate on the idea that not every video game is a throwaway experience that cannot be savored or shared.
I'm with you on video games, anime, and sci-fi/fantasy; for some reason, things targeted at geeks always rub me the wrong way. For instance, I can for the life of me not figure out why people enjoy Battlestar Galactica.
I'm not with you on TV. The best films I've seen in the past 5 years are nowhere nearly as good as The Wire or the first 4 seasons of The West Wing.
Preface, I probably have a bias regarding the 'hate' towards videogames since I have worked in the field. I understand mahmud's point of view and have friends and family that share his viewpoint as well.
I would say that videogames, as a medium, are artistic; some titles more than others. One quick example would be a title like 'Ico'; in my estimation, the visual impact and animation was similar to an impressionist painting, the lighting effects and overall composition was very well put together. How can the graphics team, animators, creative director not be considered artists? Its a matter of taste I suppose because after playing through that interactive piece of art, I recommended and spoke about it with many people.
I'm right there with you on your other hobbies, but I do enjoy video games and don't comprehend your reasons here. You sound like you have an axe to grind with video games. Video games are anti-social. Video games aren't cultural. Come on.
1) Okay. So how does pool or Sudoku teach you something? I don't get this movies-to-games comparison. Apples and oranges. Games are not meant to be vehicles for artistic expression.
2) I find video games to be very social, actually. If it weren't for Xbox Live, I wouldn't interact with my old friends much except for when we all vacation back home for the holidays. Beyond that I find it very easy to talk about games with others. If you enjoy anything enough, you'll be able to have a discussion about it.
So you hate video games for the same reason theatergoers hate the cinema at the turn of the century. You hate the current offering rather than the medium itself.
Video games suck up lots of time and leave you with nothing when you're done. Two hours spent bickering on IRC or Hacker News at least teaches you things. I'm not sure if that's exactly what mahmud said, but that's my reasoning, and I thought his was close to mine.
1) I am a knowledge-whore. I like to think that after doing something for a substantial time, I will come out of it having learned something. I would consider film culturally enriching, mostly because I watch fringe, independent or foreign films; For some reason, I have a very high opinion of filmmakers as artists. However, I can't say the same about video games or their artistic or cultural merit. I am unable to consider them substantial in that regard.
2) I like to share and talk about my experiences. I can talk about movies, I can recommend albums, I will even take the time to scribble directions and notes on someone's pristine travel book and tell them where to go. But I can't do the same with video games. There is no particular instance that I can think about and reference later; either because the games are dynamically generated, or because the gamer demographic are just not the people that I tend to socialize with, so I don't identify with them.
Bonus:
3) I like realism. Along with video games, I don't tolerate Anime, Fantasy Fiction, or any other type of "geek" entertainment. I was offered two DVDs by my neighbor; The Dark Knight and The Quiet American; I took the later. Hard to explain, really.
P.S. I am a hopeless Soduku addict and play 30 minutes when I wake up in the morning, and 30 minutes before I go to bed. In fact, that's what I use my phone for 90% of the time.