Aloha

[Nixe]

First of all I want to say, that I may never completely quit games. But I want cut it down to a Minimum. And I don't want to play specific types of games anymore.

 

Hi, my name is Ricarda, I'm 19 years old and atm I'm mostly busy with my course of studies (Computer Science). 

And it is already a year ago, that I wanted to stop gaming. And I did really well, played no games for months, or at least not the games I want to play anymore. My main motivation at this point was, that (yeah that might sound weird considering, that I'm sharing my experiences with YOU right now) I don't want to get to know new people like the way I did before. You know.. online friends that you are likely to never ever see and will never be there to do something in real life with you. I started my course of studies and met new, really great people. But in January 2016 I started a new MMO, I played it for around 2-3 months which isn't really Long, but because of this game I didn't learned enough for my exams etc. I really had problems. That shocked me, also because I again met new People online (and there was especially sometimes the struggle of meeting a nice guy that you are going to like too much - if you know what I mean). So again I deleted the game and since this semester I really played less games, but had contact with old online friend AGAIN. And one of them often asked me if I want to play a game with him etc. . But I always said, that my course of studies is most important to me and I don't have time. But I'm still chatting with these 2 friends. And so some days ago I told them, that I don't want to do all this. No more online friends, that are never there for me. I want to invest my time in real friends.

 

So games aren't the real problem for me, but the people you get to know there. And thats why I wanted/want to quit - at least MMOs.

 

The other reason I want to play less games (as I already do) is, that I want to do something more productive. Painting a Picture that I had in my mind for years now, maybe even edit Videos. Spend more time with my real friends And I also really need time to learn for my studies.

[Abimael]

Hi Ricarda,

I've also had the problem of making friends online and knowing that it would lead up to nothing. It was the nostalgia of playing with my clan members that would keep bringing me back in. Also letting go of all the progress I had made and as for making friends in person I sought out a gaming club because I knew that would be the easiest place to make some friends. If you have not done this already I suggest you tell your friends about what you are trying to do. Build up a support system around you with people you can count on.

As for the online friends I make on here they are another place that I can go to for help. However, my primary support system are my family and friends.

[Cam Adair]

Hi Richarda, love the username and that you've joined us here.

[Nixe]

Thanks you both

Yeah I already talked with some of these online friends about my thoughts. Some of them don't really understand me. They say, that gaming is a hobby like many others and yeah thats true. But it bothered me, that you often don't really achieve something. Like.. something that you can look at in the future and show others or be creative in a way that someone never has been before. It just feels like gaming distracts you from discovering your true talents. Not in all cases of course, but in my situation

 

[Cam Adair]

It just feels like gaming distracts you from discovering your true talents. Not in all cases of course, but in my situation

Some friends will support you and some won't. The key is to identify the ones who are supportive (that doesn't mean they have to agree with you) because those are your true friends. 

This is a big part of what I try to share. I could probably game a bit nowadays but I know that it would infringe on the time I put into DJing, or the time I put into surfing, or the time I put into hanging out with friends. I would avoid those things more and put the time into gaming instead. Which leaves me less fulfilled.

[Nixe]

Yeah true.. some doesn't agree but they accept my choice. Thats already good Maybe someday they will understand me

 

I'm definitely looking forward to read the experiences of the other users here as well

[dullage]

Welcome! congrats on playing less games! I'm sure you'll keep it up

 

[TruthfulPirate]

Welcome to the community  

You should start sketching out a rough idea of the painting you see in your mind the next time you feel like you might want to game. If your real life friends are interested in being artsy too, you could always invite them over and crank up some music while you all work on some projects. Two birds, one stone!

[AlexTheGrape]

Hi Ricarda, thanks for sharing your story!

It's unfortunate your friends made online don't reciprocate your desire to be there for each other, or how gaming also has a negative side to them. Luckily you've come to the right place, as we're all about supporting each other here.  

It'd be wonderful to finally get that painting done and be proud of yourself for completing it, so I encourage you to give it a go! It might take a while, but as long as you take small steps you will slowly but surely get the bigger picture (literally  ).

Also if you'd like more painting ideas, I have some of my own that are intended instill gratitude in the viewer, so let me know if you're interested.

All the best for your new journey with us!

[Nixe]

Oh yeah I've got a friend from I know since and she is also interested in painting/does it in her free time 

 

Thanks for your kind answers !