A Dilemma of Gaming

[Seanlol]

Hi everyone my name is Sean I’m 24,

Im writing because I’ve realized that for the first time in my life I have to make a major decision over my video game addiction- and I think that the fact that I’m here means that I already know what that decision is. 

I’ve played games my whole life, for most of it my life I didn’t consider it an addiction, instead it was a hobby, lately I’ve realized that it’s unhealthy for my brain with how it affects dopamine, motivation etc. I’ve also realized that it was pretty easy to give up games because I was in a lull with them anyways (all of my friends stopped playing the same games, I’ve disliked the past few games I’ve bought) - and I just spent my gaming time on YouTube and Twitch

However, the other day I decided to give myself a break and try a new highly rated single player game, and it might have been the best game I’ve ever played. I actually felt amazing, so much so that I allowed myself to play games a little more the following day, and then all day today… and I realize that this is a common pattern of mine. When I’m habitually playing a game I’ll just play whenever is convenient and it usually doesn’t feel all that great- but when I’m really inspired to play a game (like after watching League of Legends world finals) then I’ll think about the game all night and day, create draft plans and strategy, do research and set long-term gaming goals. Last time I made a full SWOT analysis strategic plan for improving my solo queue skill. It’s crazy.

The thing is, I realize that I can’t have this in my life. Part of me wants to experience all the amazing games there are but I realize that the more I get into the rabbit hole of gaming, the more I lose focus of my life.

Im an MBA student and a few weeks ago I was daydreaming about joining a big 3 consulting firm and living the dream (which I know may not be what it seems) and this morning all I thought about was getting to diamond in league of legends as a midlaner and battling the monguls in ghost of Tsushima. 

and now I feel like if I don’t give up the gaming dreams I have by giving up gaming- maybe it will cost me the dreams I have for myself with my career, lifestyle and education. 

Anyone that has been through a similar situation, what are your thoughts? Have you found that giving up games, even if you love them at times has been worth it, or have you found that keeping them in moderation has been successful for you?

Thanks
 

[Amphibian220]

Welcome to Game quitters Sean, Im glad you have taken this choice.

About moderation, I will say what I have observed in my 3 years on this forum. There are members that need blockers on their phones and computers because the technology is designed around ease of access to harmful entertainment. Its enough to just unlock a phone to have advertisements about games pulling the attention.

There were members who tried moderation and this insight was obtained. To play little without losing focus of priorities and discipline, means that the games have to lose all value to a person, but these members argued in favour of moderation exactly because games are a point of obsession to them. So essentially it was denial of a problem on their part and they relapsed into uncontrollable behaviours.

I have not seen a successful moderation story, except wishful thinking on behalf of some members. 

What was very helpful is to find the mechanics that are enjoyable in video games in real life sports, work and activities. When I had found a job that suited my needs to be challenged, have team work, communication and a sense of progression, the illusion of video games became apparent.

So if games lose the meaning for you, there will be no need to play in moderation. It will feel like a waste of time.

Hope this answers the question.

[Yan]

On 11/5/2024 at 10:13 PM, Seanlol said:

Hi everyone my name is Sean I’m 24,

Im writing because I’ve realized that for the first time in my life I have to make a major decision over my video game addiction- and I think that the fact that I’m here means that I already know what that decision is. 

I’ve played games my whole life, for most of it my life I didn’t consider it an addiction, instead it was a hobby, lately I’ve realized that it’s unhealthy for my brain with how it affects dopamine, motivation etc. I’ve also realized that it was pretty easy to give up games because I was in a lull with them anyways (all of my friends stopped playing the same games, I’ve disliked the past few games I’ve bought) - and I just spent my gaming time on YouTube and Twitch

However, the other day I decided to give myself a break and try a new highly rated single player game, and it might have been the best game I’ve ever played. I actually felt amazing, so much so that I allowed myself to play games a little more the following day, and then all day today… and I realize that this is a common pattern of mine. When I’m habitually playing a game I’ll just play whenever is convenient and it usually doesn’t feel all that great- but when I’m really inspired to play a game (like after watching League of Legends world finals) then I’ll think about the game all night and day, create draft plans and strategy, do research and set long-term gaming goals. Last time I made a full SWOT analysis strategic plan for improving my solo queue skill. It’s crazy.

The thing is, I realize that I can’t have this in my life. Part of me wants to experience all the amazing games there are but I realize that the more I get into the rabbit hole of gaming, the more I lose focus of my life.

Im an MBA student and a few weeks ago I was daydreaming about joining a big 3 consulting firm and living the dream (which I know may not be what it seems) and this morning all I thought about was getting to diamond in league of legends as a midlaner and battling the monguls in ghost of Tsushima. 

and now I feel like if I don’t give up the gaming dreams I have by giving up gaming- maybe it will cost me the dreams I have for myself with my career, lifestyle and education. 

Anyone that has been through a similar situation, what are your thoughts? Have you found that giving up games, even if you love them at times has been worth it, or have you found that keeping them in moderation has been successful for you?

Thanks
 

I do believe a bit like Amphibian stated, that it is one or the other, as you've also been saying. This is in relation  to dopamine. If you have your dopamine from games you no longer need it, so you give everything else up... You're going to work for your main goals if you expect dopamine from it.
Those are just my thoughts however, you may raise your contradictions if you have any and we may discuss 🙂