lost in games

This is a youtube videogame based on the Oscar nominations for 2009. Very cool.

Youtube videogame

My life has always been about constants. My hobbies ever since I was just a child have always been the same. Football, books and finally of course videogames.

There have been many guest star activities such as tennis, mountain biking, watching hockey, comic books, gym and most recently running. But I had and have no illusions as to the future of most of these. They will be on and off whenever I am in the mood or even give them up entirely never to return to them again.

However, recently there will be one more addition to my constants. This is the world of board games. Ever since I played Catan on the XBLA I have fallen in love with them and begun to expand my horizons in this very geeky and niche form of entertainment. I had previously had flings with games such as Diplomacy, Acquire and of course Risk. But they were just summer flings. Loved them for a while but then suddenly it was all over. Just like that.

But now it’s back because of board games released on the Xbox Live Arcade service this past year or so (Lost Cities, Carcassonne, Ticket to Ride). The XBLA has managed to bridge the gap that existed (i.e. no other people around me playing) by giving me the opportunity to play and enjoy these. Even single player against the AI is a viable way to play although not ideal. Getting friend to play with locally is though.

Many people criticise videogames for turning more and more people to anti-social behaviour. The best answer to this is how games can also “push” people into being more social and opening their eyes into new experiences and opportunities.

For some it might have been the Rock Bands and Guitar Heroes. A rekindling of teenage love for guitars and drums maybe. Or even the house parties that have been organised with these music themed videogames at the heart of entertainment. Or the Wii bowling and Olympic event tournaments. Couple against couple!

For me it’s the desire to now organise weekly board game nights with friends and also play by email sessions with distant friends.

Thank you videogames for making me more sociable.