NEW VIDEO: I Quit MMOs and THIS Happened
Octsober
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Posts posted by Octsober
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Hey gang,
Going t hough a bit of a rough patch. Looking for some guidance on how to get back on track / less distracted.
I've been meaning to start weaning my self again and so far it's been working, but I still have my computer, which I'd say for me is the gateway to more of the potent games that grabs me for whatever reason.
So - I've you've been where I am now, please share your wisdom!
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Greetings again gang.
Still around and kicking.
Yesterday I liquidated some of the games I've had around. A bunch of systems, games, etc. Always had em, even when I orginally quit for 110 days.
Going to take that cash and toss most of it into self improvemnt reading or my business.Feels good to be less distracted!
Hope you guys are doing well.
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I've played it for about a week.
Saw that if really wanted to go outside . I would.
Compeltely agree with the video. -
It's done; I've banned myself from both Twitter and FB for a week using Cold Turkey. I know there's a way to disable it, but I refuse to look it up because what do I have left of I make Cold Turkey meaningless.
Apart from that, my broken mouse saved me from reinstalling once again. This is seriously fucking great.
The meaningful things in life are rarely ever easy.
The longer you don't play the easier it gets.
It's all habits. -
The intensity you bring to your projects in game design is a strength and can help you on your journey. It seems like your searching for a new direction or perhaps to confirm if your direction still fits. It is ok to change mid stream in life as you grow and discover what works better or does not work. It is hard to change but when I acknowledge where I was headed did not work anymore and I let it go, I have not regretted it. Hang on and you got this.
I felt like things made more sense when my focus was primarily on my company. This was back when I played no games. Now I find myself looking on steam for something to play here and there, it's frustrating. It's like I want to stop again as well but I've spent all this money on my new PC, I need to get my money's worth out of it. These's are excuses, I know, but I feel like I'm hiding from something... I've come closer to understanding the things that make me feel fulfilled, but I'm having a hard time bring back my focus to the right direction.
It's even more frustrating because most of the games I do play just make me upset and feel like a complete waste of time.
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Congrats on your 90 days Nate!
But a word of warning: I myself have done 110 days, after such I went back to playing games again, but over time I've found myself back at square one. You really have to be careful because you can end up right back were you've started as I have. -
One exercise you can try that has worked really well for some others is to take note each day of 3 things that are working in your life. So what are you doing each day that is helping you feel and be your best. Then you can do more of that. So if not gaming was one of them, you can get back on track.
Just because things aren't "bad" doesn't mean you should settle for that either. You deserve GREAT.
Hey Cam,
Never really thought about it like that... I've been thinking about three things that are working. I've been considering writing again but I feel there's this disconnect with it. I enjoy storytelling but not necessarily by writing. I'm going to have to take some time with it again...
I've been going to the gym again so there's that. I enjoy the process of getting back into shape.
It's just I know that I feel like complete trash playing that new shooter Overwatch. I feel like I'm better than this when I play it. But because of all the social implications of it, it's hard to get away from it if people I know are playing. I'm sure you have experience with this.
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Hi Oct!
I'm not going to judge, but are you still living at home? I've read your journal and the first thing that came to mind was this video here, spoken by a guy on a screen who's gone a bit hippie recently but he has some good ideas in him sometimes (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kyhXttVakk).
This was the first thing that came to mind - the idea that maybe there would be benefit in forcing yourself out of your comfort zone.
Hey Jeremias!
Thanks for getting back to me!To answer your question. I totally still live at home. I watched the video you posted. I feel there's some good information here, but I see some extremes too. I know that change is a process, but at the same time motivations are also important. What I do know is that positive motivations are what ultimately matter in the long run. Sure I can live out of my car and figure things out from there, but there will be some point even after finding my way out and on my own when playing games, as an example, could reenter my life and i'd be back to square one again.
I think I've been getting better at finding good reasons not to play games. It's that there's many bad reasons why I'd rather not play, but ultimately what sticks are the positive reasons in doing so.
I'm by all means not saying you're wrong, or that your support is not and was not helpful. But this is how I'm seeing it from my end more or less.
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Huh it's been a while. Maybe like... three months? Sounds about right.
How's everyone been?
So I'll just jump right into this.
I started playing games after my 100 (110?) days away from video games.
Slowly but surely I've ended back at square one. Go figure right? It's not that i'm surprised, I know this is on me which is OK. It's just I hate this feeling of distraction.Although things aren't overly that bad, some of the games I do play, outright upset me most of the time because I can feel it in my bones how much time I'm wasting.
I've been still educating myself - I listen to a bunch of audio books. Some self-help stuff. Some casual stuff. I've spent a decent sum on self development within the past few months. I still meditate everyday for 20 minutes as well. Oh and my card game is officially finished. (woooo!)Now I'm trying to figure out how the hell to make my company website. I was in the process of doing this three months ago but... well the writing is on the walls.
Today I came home. Looked at some of my games I have on my new PC (that I spent a fair about of money on..), scrolled around on Steam for a bit. Nothing..Fired up that Blizzard launcher. Nope, not feeling it. It's weird really. I was on the other side of the fence three months ago and saw that video games at this point in my life was truly wasting my time. Now I'm stuck back in the mud and the times when I get stuck gaming, My sleep schedule is pretty terrible. I don't eat badly but the times at which I eat aren't great.
Now - at this point I'm aware of this, but I'm really unsure what to do here. Yeah I can quit again and do this whole process but there's something more that I feel is going on here. I want to find the root of this problem. It's funny really because I'm the type of person who tells my friends and family my problems. I was at a gathering not to long ago. A friend of mine mentioned to me that he liked the non-gaming version of me better. I tend to agree.
I'm in a rather odd position. I'm technically a game designer. I make board / card games. It makes sense to me as a creative. Within my 10-20 year game plan I have video games as something I'd consider designing into, simply due to my experience playing them. Now I find this like an excuse to continue on this path.
I'm the type of person who, when really involved in something, puts lots of energy into whatever that may be. When I quit games I put most of that energy into my design and my company. The process of creating is exhausting so it balances out.
Cam - I've still been keeping tabs on GQ. You reached out to me - I said I'm doing great. Eh - perhaps a bit of an exaggeration. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not BAD - i'm just distracted. I hate not feeling like I'm making progress like I was. I makes me feel like I'm going to be stuck at my serving job for the rest of my life and I cannot accept that.
Still hanging in there but I've ventured back into the woods. Luckily this time I've got a small lantern with me.
Hope you guys are doing well!
-Oct.
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Always nice to hear from you man
Thanks Cam!
You've all been wonderful support! I'll still be keeping any eye out for the NJ/NYC meet up.
I'll still be around within the community as well. Just been super busy doing 900 things at once getting my business set up and such.
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#11 Bonus!
Hey guys,
After my 100 day hiatus, I really developed a better understanding of what I was going through. I'd say that as of today, I allow myself to game, but to be completely honest. I don't really end up mindlessly gaming away as I once used too.
I recently got back from a gaming and music convention literally a day ago. It's this huge party scene with con-goers, gamers, etc. I planned on working most of the con as I did, but when I was partying with friends and what not, I didn't honestly care about anything video game related. I've been far too focused on creating and now producing my current project to be distracted, so I guess getting away from games when I did really helped me get the perspective I needed.
I thought I'd follow up with you guys because you're all great! Drop me a line or two if you'd like!
Best,
Oct.
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Hey guys,
After getting my gaming habits under control, i've decided to focus on a 100 day no-fap (the kicker is having a +1 is cool, just no-fap.)
Is there any resources anyone can point me to? I know of the reddit, but it's more of a reddit to me than a community.
I feel that being apart of a community really helped!
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After my 100 Day hiatus, I noticed this trend, ultimately falling away from games.
I'd rather just be productive nowadays.. -
Well done!
By the way, how did it go at the arcade?
Thanks Tom!
No, not yet. I'll be away for 5 days during the third week of February. There's a 24 hour arcade that's apparently huge.
But like I said, Arcades don't phase me.
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#10
Today's the day. Day 100.
I've officially reached my goal. At this point, I'm free to play games again, but it's different now. I've been working so much on becoming more productive that I feel if I were to pick up a controller for anything other than work, It's like I can taste this poison in the roof of my mouth.
I've worked hard at becoming more successful doing what I've been doing now. I don't plan on throwing that away anytime soon.
I'll still be posting here on what happens next.
Thank you for all the support guys!
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Congratulations! Way to go!
I found arcades highly addictive, fighting games and brawlers in particular. There are a few titles I played over and over again, at arcades and at home with emulators. Now I just don't want to pick up a controller anymore.
That said, if I were at an arcade in a social situation I don't know how I'd react. I'd avoid getting there in the first place, but that just me. I'm actually curious to know what your experience will be. Please write about it in due time!
Hey Tom,
Thank you!
I can see what you mean with Arcade fighters, however for whatever reason fighters only keep me so entertained for so long. As for my experience mostly. My Dad used to take me and my sister to the arcade here and there. This was before it shutdown, but I had lots of fun and very positive experiences while going to arcades.
Nowadays, I'll play a round of X-men then call it haha. It's really not what really hooks me about games today. But still I'm aware of the possible triggers sure.
I'll let ya know how my trip went in this regard.
ALSO - CAM
Thank you!!! You're really doing a great thing here Cam! Really looking forward to the next NJ / NYC meet up!
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I'm proud to say that I've reached my goal of 90 days! (having this thread here also makes it sweeter haha)
Here's my five points.
- In Control: While I would mindless sit and play games for hours on end, I never really understood why, I just did it. Now after weaning off games and have more of an introspective, I feel I am able to understand why things were the way there were going for me. I feel more in control of the things I want to do.
- A Matter of Meditation: I want to say in November, I started meditating for 20 minutes everyday. I've been doing this to this day and look forward to it! I find having a time to slow down really helps me get focused on things that matter to me.
- Different Lenses: I see things a little bit differently now. In the past, I took full responsibility for my actions, but now I really take responsibility. I feel more free in a way because of this. I don't have any excuses. I could easily say I was tired because I played too many video games or that I would have had at least one published novel if it wasn't for games. Now that isn't the case. I just do it or don't. Ya know as Yoda says: "Do or do not. There is no try." I believe it.
- Energy Shift!: When I did play games and was focused on a task, I went HAM. Whatever the game I learned the strats and looked at how I could improve my game. Today I take that energy and use it to propel my drive for my Company. I'm getting work DONE and it's wonderful.
- Relax Man... / Selfless Confidence: Without all this pressure to get better in games or have to do things by a certain time before reset(s) (IE: Destiny), I've been more about learning, being patient, taking the time to really absorb things. I'm still working becoming a better listener, but all in due time!
Honestly if you're here on this site / forum you know why you're here. This is wonderful because having that awareness puts you leagues about the norm. There's many scapegoat shepherds out there and if I'm going to be hungry like the wolf, let it be for a true purpose.
-Oct
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#9
90 days as of today! Today would be the final day of my initial goal, but I've decided to tack on 10 more days for that 100 day mark.
When I reach that 100th day, I don't think I'm going to just start playing games again. I don't have any compulsion to play games but I don't want to end back at square one so it's just something I'm very aware of.
As of recently there was a game that was released on IOS called Pocket Mortys. A Pokemon knockoff from the show Rick and Morty. Looks hilarious but now that I think about it I have a large appreciation for the way they designed the game. I want to play it but I don't want to play it.
I've been waaaaay too busy with my company nowadays to really waste time playing games as mindlessly as I was. If anything the next time I play a game as hardcore as I did, I'll probably be designing it so at that point I think it will just be called work haha.
It may seem like I'll be walking a thin line, but I have such passion and direction for the games I make.
OH! What's your opinion on arcade games? They're rather social in a human way (ya know like actually physically having to be there to play them) and they're only so much fun for so long. I'll be going to this event in February and there's this large arcade they'll have set up all day every day. I plan on mostly working so just wanted to get some thoughts on it.
STAY WELL GUYS!
Oct.
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To be honest, i'd say that NoFap has been more an issue for me personally than playing games. However as time went on, I'd say that for me games and Faping went hand in hand (didn't really intend that pun but I'll run with it haha).
I look at it like this.... Playing video games is Taking something. Same for how Porn works. It's just selfish. Sure games can be social, but just about every game today is still about "what do I get out of it?". Where as I'd say Fapping without porn may be alright, as long as is in moderation.
I'd have to agree with Kotheo here, I'd say try it a NoFap for 90 days as the goal but as a kicker have sex be a thing that's still on the table. Healthy.
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Happy new year Oct! Great to read about your mental shift. Apparently taking your mind and hands off games works wonders. What are you doing with the time you used to spend gaming? Have you picked up any new hobbies?
Hey Tom, happy new year to you as well!
Thanks for your support. Yeah I always knew I would be more productive if I eliminated games, but never have I just stopped playing for long periods of time. To answer your question, I've been focused on creating my first Party game for my Company. I expect to have it on kickstarter in the next few months.
As far as hobbies go, I've always had this feeling of writing about something, more so when I was writing during 2010 - 2012. So I've been focused on further understanding the mechanics of grammar. I'm not a very confident writer as I cannot show my work as to say. I've been working on this as well as listening and reading a fair about of self help stuff.
Aside from that I've been spending more time with friends and just getting out of the house. Next thing I want to do is get back to the gym.
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I think the thing with entertainment, more so, video games we have to understand is what has really changed. I mean I play / make board games while also investing in myself in either the craft or with just some self help literature. The point being is that look at Modern Video Games. Dissect that for a second. Now I've been playing games since Sega Genesis and at one point, specifically when I played The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask, I truly loved games. Here's what I believe changed.
The internet.
Games became even more social. And as kicker, you can play all you want, for as long as you want, with whomever you want. Before Online games, video games to me, were only so entertaining for so long. A Zelda game would do me good for one play though. My point is that games before the internet were more like books or movies. You read / watched it once and that was that. You moved on. Unless you were a collector. That's a different story. But still, there was no unending content or mouse wheels.
Entertainment today is designed to stick. It's not just about entertaining really nowadays, but also how much money can we make in keeping people really invested. Thus so also spending a fair bit of time and money on understanding the psychology behind it.
Makes me think what Entertainment in the future will look like...
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For me personally. Anything on a computer screen / tv that's got a game on it, is a game to me.
I don't play social games that are basically board games because of this
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When I was in High School I was an avid World of Warcraft player. I'd say 10 - 12 hours daily. Doing this I'd say didn't overly tank my grades, but I'd say what id did do was give me more cause to no care or push myself harder. Same thing when I started college. At first things were OK but then when the class required studying or further research that would cut into my WoW time I just took the latter and didn't bother.
I'd say that yes gaming was absolutely having a negative impact on my grades. Teachers had no idea nor would care to my knowledge. I mostly just kept it to myself but my parents would totally punish me if my grades were low / lacking by removing games therefore causing my grades to improve so that I could game again. And when I did my grades would go down again.
Vicious Cycle.
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#8
Hey guys 80 days as of today.
To be honest I really don't feel like playing games anymore. Today I just play board games if anything. I've been thinking about selling my PS4 but for now I've just packed it up as a sign to myself that I'm moving on.
I've been focused on moving on with my life. I've hit the ground running this year by really focusing on getting my card ironed out during January and February. In doing this I've also been focused on investing in myself. I have things I want to share and give back, so I've been focusing on starting and finishing things.
I'm not really sure what may lay in wait for me this year. But I've been asking myself what I can take (give) from this year. I want to become that person who can't wait to start the next day.
Hope you're all doing well!
Best,
Oct
Octsober Country - Let's do this
in Daily Journals
Posted
Hey guys, thanks for your responses.
As of yesterday I've removed all games from the menu. I've been refocusing on my business (as I've been kinda neglecting) and been getting back into some creative projects I've been meaning to finish. I agree that (and I'm aware) the habits that I currently have aren't really making me feel better but have bene wearing me down and all and all doesn't feel like the correct path.
Things just made more sense when I wasn't playing. It's funny really because I have a friend who said I was a Real Person when I didn't play games and was happy to hear I was going on hiatus agian. Months ago I recall he asked me that if I was the best in whatever game I was playing how would you feel and I said simply nothing.
Getting back to the basics is also what I belive to be the correct path.