It’s January 2, so it’s time for another Bloganuary post! Today’s prompt is: “Do you play in your daily life? What says ‘playtime’ to you?” This made me laugh out loud when I read it. Why? Let me explain.
Do You Play in Your Daily Life? What Says “Playtime” to You?
I laughed when I read this Bloganuary prompt because if you asked my wife, she would tell you I get too much play in my daily life. While my work ethic has always been strong, and I take pride in anything I do, I have always made time for my passions and interests. I think balancing work and play is essential to a well-lived life.
Video games have been a massive part of my life since childhood. I grew up playing the original Nintendo Entertainment System, Super Nintendo, Sony PlayStation, PlayStation 2, Xbox 360, Nintendo Gamecube, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox Series X. Along the way, I’ve picked up other systems, including a multitude of handheld consoles and retro mini-systems. I’ve played games on PC via Steam and GOG.
I’ve interviewed the founder of Atari, Nolan Bushnell, and Twin Galaxies founder Walter Day. I founded and ran an in-person group here in Philadelphia for Nintendo Switch owners, where we came together in real life to play video games. I’ve attended numerous video game conventions and Legend of Zelda symphony concerts. In other words, video games are an intrinsic part of who I am.
Video games are the most immersive and compelling art form because they engage more senses than any other artistic medium. They are visual, auditory, and tactile, providing the player with agency. Unlike television and movies, which are passive, video games allow you to be an active participant. It’s a playground in which you co-create the art using the tools provided to you by the video game developers. It’s a mind-blowing proposition that, when done well, can change a person’s life forever.
I can’t wait until my son, Oliver, is old enough to play and enjoy video games with me. It will be a joy to see his face light up when he stares in awe at the gigantic interactive worlds before him. To have the opportunity to create memories with him that last a lifetime through this wondrous artistic medium will be spectacular. Most of all, I hope it instills in him what it has in me: a love for lifelong play.