Seeing that story about one disabled gamer’s take on the relationship with games made me think of my own relationship with games, being disabled myself.
I was born paralyzed in my legs, so I can’t run, jump, play many sports, and many other things. However, through gaming, I CAN do things that would be very difficult for me to do in real life. Gran Turismo (and other racing games) allows me to drive (or at least have a semblance of what it is like to drive). DDR sims such as StepMania allow me to dance (at least if you consider mashing arrow keys dancing). But the best part? Being able to explore fantastic worlds–all without having to leave my room.
Gaming holds a special place in my heart for these reasons, and more.
Will
November 5, 2008 at 3:32 pm
Video games has always been for me, a great source of connection among peers – I feel more connected with teamwork and leadership because I spent so many hours playing online games such as Counter Strike, World of Warcraft, etc. – and then going to forums to talk about them.
Theres so much you can gain from something that is generally fun and entertaining.
It truly is remarkable how this interactive medium has influenced peoples lives.
Mark
November 5, 2008 at 6:13 pm
It’s great to see how video games can positively affect people, especially with all the negative press that gets thrown around about games these days.
Mark
November 5, 2008 at 6:22 pm
Infact, maybe it would be a cool idea to write a more detailed article on what video games mean to you? It’s obviously a strong issue for you, and I think it would be a great read that would provide a great arguement for the positive influence that video games can have amongst the sea of bad press that video games recieve over content and effects on youth etc. I’m sure many gamers would love to see some good press for a change, because we don’t get it that often.
Just an idea, mind.
Mark
November 5, 2008 at 7:19 pm
What else could we do?
SparklingBlue
November 5, 2008 at 4:12 pm
Some of my happiest memories have revolved around gaming (like I’ve mentioned before.
Ooh, now I need to post more of those…
Will
November 5, 2008 at 8:25 pm
I’m sure we can create a group/organization to promote the positives of video gaming, it could even build to be a movement, well ideally.
Mark
November 5, 2008 at 9:18 pm
Yeah this sounds like a good idea, how could we involve the gaming community? Anyone have any ideas?
Will
November 5, 2008 at 9:33 pm
We could work with organizations and stuff, I found one that is similar to our ideas: http://www.childsplaycharity.org/ so maybe contact them and get involved?
Mark
November 5, 2008 at 10:06 pm
Just had a look around their site, I’m having quite a few ideas on how we could get involved. I’ll write them up in email and send them to everyone to see what you all thing.
Anyone else got any ideas?
Mark
November 5, 2008 at 10:07 pm
To see what you all think*
Ahem.
SparklingBlue
November 5, 2008 at 7:03 pm
I’d love to help with that.
But why stop with just us writing it?
SparklingBlue
November 5, 2008 at 8:42 pm
Get some other people involved to help us!
Will
November 6, 2008 at 12:59 am
Yeah sure I’d like to see your thoughts on how we can get invovled. Unfortunately I don’t have any ideas at the moment.
Mark
November 6, 2008 at 11:49 am
That’s a great idea, maybe we could all do something like that, kind of a game for charity day.
SparklingBlue
November 6, 2008 at 10:05 am
If/When I get Chrono Trigger DS, keep a diary of my progress for an entire day–if I can make it the whole day barring food and bathroom, we can donate something to Child’s Play
SparklingBlue
November 6, 2008 at 2:29 pm
We can pick what game we play and how much we give when our challenges finish.