WHY WE GAME "An escapists manifesto"

      In a world of capitalism most are required to work in order to have any quality of life. Monotonous routines dictate our existence. Is it that crazy that some of us turn to video games for a few precious moments of fun? When we grind 60 hours a week to pay rent there is often a need to escape the dullness and repetition somehow. Perhaps drowning ones self with alcohol or using drugs? Maybe relaxing with a good movie? Or maybe meeting a few real friends and saving the galaxy from an inter-dimensional monster.

     Games, MMO's (Massively Multiplayer Online) specifically, are an apex of technology and art in its most evolved form, merged together into a fantastic and magical medium in which one can experience the impossible. Video games are the most social and intellectual digital art form. More then a movie or a book, games tell a story. Unlike other forms of media you are actually a contributing factor to the story, and the heroic protagonist. These games bring all art forms into one complete experience, and allow us to enjoy them with our friends, free from the restrictions of distance, time zones, and language barriers. Take the strategy from a chess game, interweave it with the story telling of a novel, and the visual stimulation from a hollywood blockbuster. Stitch them together into a hyper evolved, interactive, audio visual experience, like no other.

     I have often found a reprieve from the harshness of life in the epic story lines from some of the better games. Nay-sayers will always be dismantled as art and creativity tend to prevail. The gaming community is diverse and vibrant, sporting people from all walks of life and all personality types. More then ever the future of this industry is bright and exciting. Even the most outspoken critics of video games are now addicted to Angry Birds. I would love to see the day when game designers, and story writers, are regarded with the same respect as film directors, and novelists. There is an artistic, interactive, electronic revolution underway. I suggest you jump on board.