Hey everyone! I am completely thrilled with the response to the video. I'd love to hear about your experience with playing video games if you feel like sharing! I'll be responding to every comment. Also, if you enjoyed the video, "liking" it will help it to reach more people. Thank you all for watching! I'm so glad you discovered the channel :)
Unfortunately there is still a stigma regarding gaming. I still get shit sometimes for playing from some of my family and my wife. But honestly, I don’t care. It’s not going to change a thing! This is my favorite hobby and really helps relieve stress and allows me to stay in touch with a bunch of my friends. For example, my best friend has 4 boys under the age of 8. We don’t get to hang out too often, but we play video games a couple nights a week together!
You've got a great attitude, Cole! You also make a great point that hasn't been brought up: gaming can help so much with connection. I've made multiple close friends through gaming. I even dated a girl I met through games! So glad you're able to keep in touch with your friends through playing together. Keep on gaming my friend!
Man. I'm a game developer. You must try game development, even if its only a hobby. The fun of making games is 10X bigger than playing them. And you as a professional gamer and story teller can make the best game ever! Take what I said seriously... I mean it.
Dude, I'm the guy who owns that many games, and whenever the opportunity arose I'd showcase my collection. Not sure how many actually cared, but I did, and that's all that matters to me. Owning so many games is like having a portal to different worlds and stories that aren't your own at any time, and I adore that. I still get out, and do try to control my purchases now, and I think I've found a perfect balance of happy living and gaming. There was a period where I was tired of gaming, but got back into it in 2022 because I remembered to just have fun, no matter how long. You're meant to just have fun, who cares what others think? Apologies for the long reply, I just feel in the same boat sometimes. I want a friend with the same variety I have. 💀
"Wilson, you're a loser." It's sad how destructive kids can be to each other. I have a lot of psychological damage from bullying. I used video games as an escape but I always had them growing up (except when I had bad grades lol) As a soon to be 24 year old, I'm glad I got into video games at a young age. There's magic in them you just can't find elsewhere
So true, kids can be brutal! I think make of us suffer from a little bully trauma, unfortunately. I'm glad you got into them, too! There's nothing like a great video game :)
same about to be 24 yr old, i like videogames as well, the satisfying game mechanics, smooth animations, the stories feel like sub stories that resides in my own story waiting to be discovered by the protagonist which is me. people like movies and reading books, for me the videogames are all of that things and much more a pinnacle of entertainment in my opinion.
and the most normies around here play mass mobile multiplayer games, real gamers like console and pc gamers are few and i adore my gamers, they makes me feel like my country harbors my breed in safe arms.
Sometimes I think I don't want my games in my bedroom because if I take a girl in there, she might think less of me. But then I also think if she doesn't respect my hobby, then I don't want her in my life.
I used to feel the same way!! Take it from me, man, don't worry about it at all. Of all the girls I've had in my room, literally none of them have ever reacted poorly to seeing them. Only one seemed a bit unenthused (and I ended things after a few dates, lol). I think people are attracted to passion. I don't care what anyone is into (within reason), I want to see their passion. So never feel stressed about that; I think you'll be presently surprised when you bring someone over!
That's absurd LOL Even worse that the lie of omission you're committing by trying to hide a hobby, but it's even more ridiculous because you're dooming yourself by possibly getting involved with someone who doesn't respect gamers. Only the dumbest people would ever react that way to seeing someone with video games or consoles, especially if they're your age.
Some women claim to be okay with your hobbies until you get them pregnant and that's how they make you get rid of your hobbies. Then they break up, make you pay child support and ruin your life. So bringing a woman inside your room, is like brining the devil 😈 who will ruin your life 😅
I‘m a girl who only dates guys that play video games because I don’t like the feeling of having such a big hobby / interest that I can’t share with my partner. I tried but damn I hated it 😂
You actually made me remember a core memory of just how guilty I felt playing video games, knowing my parents could hear me and silently judge how much time I was wasting. Fantastic video topic and execution.
Wow, thank you so much for saying that! I know how you feel, man, I have many of the same memories. Especially given the quality of your videos, the compliment really does mean so much, thank you again!
Honestly when I was younger I feel like I saw the “video games are for losers” mindset more, but now I (at least personally) have been seen it going away like I see people from all walks of life gaming even the popular girls at my school play video games
One look at the Nintendo Switch sales charts tells you everything you need to know. Video games have been in homes for 50 years. The social stigma came largely from a generation that no longer has any sway over the culture. There is only a small lingering remnant of that attitude.
@@bcj842yeah, I think the rise in social acceptance of Games and Anime was a seed planted in the 90’s kids that have now become the dominant demographic in media and the market. We make and spend the most money now(I’m guessing. I didn’t look it up), and now we determine what’s cool and what’s not.
I've been seeing so many videos recommended to me "stop playing video games now" "stop playing before it's too late* "put down the controller" and that's something I was always confused by, if people don't wanna play, I get that. Some people do it a little too much, you have to be moderate about it, but putting down the controller forever and giving up something I love? I can't do it, it never clicked for me, I have so much fun gaming but those videos and the concepts they suggested just couldn't get out of my mind, I tried watching so many other videos to counter them "it's ok to game" "gaming is good for you" and they made good points, but the idea of giving up gaming still stuck in my mind until I watched your video, everything you said clicked and by the end of it, all the ideas of gaming being an inherently bad thing no matter what were wiped away, nobody made so many points as excellent as yours, let alone tell such an intriguing story. Thank you.
Wow, thank you so much for saying all of this!! It brings me so much joy to hear of people being impacted by the video, particularly hearing that other videos didn't have such an effect on you. I hope you're able to continue enjoying gaming without any feelings of guilt or shame! :)
Video Games are a form of meditation for me. Since my childhood I play in order to make my imagination soar. In my teenage years I was a sports guy, playing soccer for hours and hours. But there were these days that I just wanted to live a story in another world and witness the journeys unfolding. Being a co-protagonist of an epic battle or just chilling in a preety and engaging scenario. Games are a form of Art. They are capable of transforming us and make feelings and thoughts arise from our depths. Games can change you for the better if you can play them in a healthy way. I don't care what anyone says. I see true beauty and joy in playing. It's like being in a lucid dream where I really have control over the history. Awesome video Thanks and keep up the great work.
Thank you for sharing this, Johanes! Really beautiful stuff. Entertainment provides endless fuel for imagination, but only video games allow you to jump into those worlds. It's something really special. I absolutely feel as though video games have shaped me into a smarter, more well rounded person than I would be otherwise. Thank so much for the kinds words, welcome aboard! I hope you'll join me for future videos :)
Video games are a form of cope. It makes you feel like you achieved something when you really haven’t. Playing sports games doesn’t make you an athlete. Playing shooters doesn’t make you disciplined, just addicted. Winning competitive matches doesn’t make you a winner, just dopamine overloaded. Are there stories worth experiencing in games? Sure, but time spent “achieving” in video games means less in real life, which is, you know, reality.
But, if the process of playing a video game brought you joy and released healthy dopamine, you've received intrinsic value. It's not just about what happens on the screen, it's about the personal satisfaction you garner.
This channel is so much underrated. I mean it should have passed 500k at this point. Your narration skills are just insane for videos like these. Appreciate your effort and passion.
Man this makes me cry. Thank you. I live in a country where almost everyone plays multiplayer game while I play retro/single player games. Thanks for this video. It inspired me that maybe out there there are other people like me.
Excessive gaming can absolutely be damaging, but the bullying only furthers social isolation. We need to push a message of healthy living and balance, not shame.
Totally agree, everyone can find their own life balance of video games and everything else. Once you find that balance there’s no need to defend your lifestyle to others
I just had this conversation with my brother yesterday. It’s funny how so many passive forms of media are considered acceptable. TV, the news, popular movies, they all are considered social activities where as video games are considered to be anti-social. Yet the way I keep in touch with all my friends that I don’t get to see anymore is by playing games with them or at the very least talking about games we have played. There is nothing that forms quicker connections than shared gaming experiences.
Yeah, you make a great point that I didn't really discuss: games are so good at connecting people. I think the average person really underestimates the social component of video games. So glad you're able to use it to connect with your friends :)
Haha, I actually struggled with what game to put first! I figured some kind of FPS would hopefully keep people engaged off the bat. Also, anyone who knows both Doom and Omori is a real one for sure. Thanks so much for watching!
Holy shit this is so relatable to me. This is such an important lesson to learn. I was bullied as a kid for liking games and the shame of playing them stuck with me for years. I have a very similar story to yours and am very content with my passion for games today. Thank you so much for making this video! It genuinely touched my heart. I know how it feels bro. ❤
Thank you so much for saying this, Gehab! I appreciate it so much. It's been so impactful to hear everyone chiming in with their own experiences of being judged for playing. I'm really glad you've been able to rise above the past bullying and embrace your love of gaming :)
Honestly, if people were going to dislike you because you liked video games, then they were never your friends or even going to be your friends to begin with. For me, I wasn't so much afraid of liking games but more I was afraid that I might quit gaming but it still hasn't happened thus far, I got a feeling I might be gaming less the more years go on but life is unpredictable.
This message is so profound, much more than video games. This really appeals to ANYTHING that you like, you should not be ashamed, but embrace it, because only when you do, you will find your crowd. The problem is not what you do, but hiding it you never find the people that also like it.
I'm 37 years old. Some adults tried to make me feel bad about gaming when I was a kid, but I ignored them and I didn't feel bad about it. However, later in life I did feel ashamed, when I was in my late 20s and early 30s. I changed my diet and I realized that that was why I was depressed. Now I play games and I enjoy it again. As long as I have a successful career, good health, and a peaceful life, who cares what other people think? Video games are part of the culture now and there's no going back. It's similar to recorded music and television: older people thought that those were time wasters, too.
Well said, Timothy. Thank for sharing! I couldn't agree more, if you're leading a healthy, multifaceted life, there's no reason not to indulge in gaming to your heart's content. I'm so glad you've triumphed over your depression and are feeling well :) Thanks for watching taking the time to leave a comment!
@@thomas.thomas Eating junk food makes people depressed because they are not getting the vitamins and nutrients that they need for proper brain function.
I feel ya dude. I remember in high school when my friends were getting into cars and I was still into video games. It made me feel soooooo immature and inadequate. It was made worse because i didn't care for cars and I hated that i didnt. This was back in the late 90s-early 2000s. Now, I gladly enjoy my hobby and still don't care much for cars 🤣
"Nobody seemed to be drawn to the medium as myself" - this line hit so hard and so true that you earned a subscriber for that alone. I am in college right now and everyone talks about videogames like they are too "mature" for them and that its a waste of time. I love when i see people like myself talk about games, talking about games is my favourite thing, i just dont have anyone to talk to about them its so depressing
So glad that line resonated with you! That's something that's always bummed me out, and continues to: the fact that I don't have people to talk games with. I mean, I have some friends that are into gaming, but I've never met anyone that knows as much about games as I do. But hey, it's great to connect with people on here and swap stories, so thank you sharing your experiences!
Thank you for the message, Wilson! I’m in middle school and I usually bring a controller (because it’s allowed) to play retro games like Crash, Sonic, Mario, basically 16 and 32 bit console games. I’ve been caught a few times by my peers who look down at the games I play like it’s the worst thing they’ve seen in their lives. I was considering putting it to a stop but this video was an absolute god send and I’m glad I found a video that’s relatable and isn’t a huge channel. You’ll grow soon, I just know it :)
Dude don’t worry about those kids. If you truly love video games, play them. Don’t let the opinions of others stop you from doing what you love. Its your life to live, not theirs. Realize all you have is the present moment. You can never be a kid again, either. Enjoy that, man. You’ll realize how unimportant other people’s thoughts are the older you get.
@@chaoscriminal thanks for that, usually most of them would rather play either Fortnite or GTA, and they say the stuff I play is “overrated” but I’ll try my best not to let them get to me.
EK, thanks so much for sharing this, my man!! Take it from me, someone who spent far too much time worrying about what other people think of me in middle school, just do what makes you happy. If people can't accept that, they're not people you want to keep around. As you get older, the judgment will quiet down and you'll find your real friends, I promise. I'm so happy you discovered the channel, I hope you'll join us for more videos :) PS - Your taste in games is incredible!
Perfectly said. Ironically, the multitude of people sharing similar stories in response to this video completely proves your point. It’s something I also wish I could tell my younger self, but I think for people like us, the journey of acceptance we’ve been on makes our love for this art form even deeper. Thanks for this message, it genuinely brought a tear to my eye :,)
Thank so much for this comment, VR!! I completely agree with what you said: the process of accepting this hobby has only deepened my passion and admiration for it. It's been unbelievably gratifying to see everyone share their own stories and experiences. I'm so glad the video brought out some emotion for you :) I'm gonna have to check out more of your content, your videos are fantastic!
I've played my entire life seeing how my playmates started just leaving the hobbie because "It's kid's stuff". I still play them, and now I make them too.
Your story is so lovely! Always think that people like us who like video games and spend lots of time in are lonely people, more willing to jump into the virtual world than to attend a party. Always spent the whole weekend playing games without hanging out. But that doesn’t mean that we are isolated. We have our passions, we have things to love. Deeply resonate with your story. You’ve just told what I want to say. Thank you.
Thank you so much for watching!! Nothing wrong with spending some time in a virtual world, they're incredibly fun to visit! I'm so glad the video resonated with you :)
I think it's ok to play games as well as you're a well balanced person In my childhood there was little else to do. I grew up in a rural community so getting together to play was difficult, but we all had an Xbox and Halo and COD so in between sports we played a ton of video games. When we get together today we drag out the older consoles and play couch co-op just to spend time together doing something we all like to do
Absolutely, balance is key. That's interesting to hear about your background, thanks for sharing. There's nothing like a good session of local co-op with friends! Man I miss those days...
"I wish he could see how much joy that secret would bring." What an amazing line. This applies to just life in general. I feel like a lot of the time we hide parts of ourself fearing that people will judge us for it, but a lot of the time, those secrets are what enable us to inspire joy in the world. On a different note, it's sad how much video games are looked down on. There is nothing else that can bring so much joy and wonder.
That's very well said! It's really sad how things we hide from others would actually help facilitate connection. I try to hide as little a possible these days
I am someone whose parents didn't care for video games bc they didn't understand them, unfortunately. but video games have brought me closer to important people in my life, like my partner and my siblings. diving into the world of a new game is exciting, and replaying a game feels like visiting an old friend. thank you for such a well said and well made video 🥰❤️
This means a lot, especially to a 34 year old with whom in which had supportive parents for video games and a median for my older brother's bonding time. Wish they were still here. Thanks for the share, Wilson! Also, the collage of video games for the video was impeccable❤🔥👏
"Doing something you love should never, ever bring shame" - I'm not sure I entirely agree with that statement. Some people love to do some horrible things. I'm glad you found some friends.
I'm glad that gaming is becoming more accepted than it was before. I felt the same way you did for a while too. "They can't know a love gaming so mnuch". But like most poeple in the comment section, I'm so happy i've been gaming for so long. As a adult, with payments, children and all of these "adult stuff", I'm so happy I still get to be the child I was everytime I grab a controller. Gaming isn't just art. It's relaxing and liberating. Great video mate and cheers on many more years of gaming!
The love I feel for the medium of video games is simply impossible to put into words, yet my entire life, I felt like I was supposed to be ashamed for my passion. Whenever something wrong happened in my life, my parents were always eager to blame my games. Videogames made me think, laugh, cry, and get angry. They made me feel emotions and experience stories that just can't exist outside of gaming. I'm a student of Letters and I love literature, but it's so sad not to be able to simply bring some of my favorite stories to discussions because I'd be treated as a weirdo, and videogames would be completely disregarded. Last year, I finally mustered some courage, and I made a presentation on Historigraphical Metafiction using MGS3 as my object of study. The professor gave me a 10/10 for it, and it felt so good that it made me feel more confident about expressing my love for games. To me, they are art, and they've always been, not only story focused games, but the likes of Mario Galaxy, Mario Kart 8, those games ARE inherently artistic, and I'm tired of pretending they are not. I'm tired of seeing old coots treating the biggest revolution in art of our time as if it was trash, simply because they are too stupid to even try it out. I believe fully in my passion, and I will not let others tell me otherwise. In my honest opinion, men like Sakaguchi, Kojima, Sam Lake, even Akira Toriyama, Nobuo Uematsu, and George Lucas are not only great artists, but belivers, visionaries, they believed in the potential of the medium and fought for it. We should follow their example and never let ignorant people's opinions deceive us
Wow, this is incredible, thank you for sharing! I love hearing from someone as passionate about this medium as I am. You are genuinely making a difference in how video games are perceived. Taking Metal Gear Solid 3 into the academic space is exactly the type of act that tips the needle a little bit further toward universal acceptance of games. Congrats on the 10/10! It will take time, but I truly believe the ubiquity of video games will continue to grow exponentially, largely thanks to people like you!
I don't know why, but I got very teary eyed at the end of this video. Perhaps because it felt very relatable. I have a Steam library of 800+ games, I love reading about the history/background of the development of video games, and I've been pondering getting into gamedev stuff myself purely as a hobby to get a different glimpse and perhaps offer my own mark on the scene. But it's the biggest part of myself that I've hid from people only until recent years. And I have realized most of it is me, my past negative perceptions/experience that have shaped my own self-outlook. But as other have said, experiences like "you're a loser" one you had can have lasting effects well into adulthood. The past year specifically I've embraced openly talking about my hobbies with people, but when I'm all alone sometimes I still have that doubt/shameful seed deep within my psyche. I guess I needed to hear the last sentence in this video. So thank you.
I'm so glad to hear that the video resonated with you! I get a little emotional watching it too. I'm glad you've started to open more up about gaming, I think you'll come to find that people are generally very accepting of it and probably won't think twice about it. But I also still struggle with that feeling sometimes, when I'm alone. I just try to remember that my internal monologue often has no idea what it's talking about :) Thank you for checking out the video!
What an utterly briliant video. As someone who didn't play games much after the PS2 era (but started with my Amstrad CPC in the late 1980s) I dabbled occasionally over the last few years. Then in late 2022 I fired up my Amstrad again, and it still works, along with many of the tape based games. But I am a Mega Drive owner, along with a SNES, Sega Saturn (which is lush!) and a PS2. But I added a PS4 in December of 2022. I love that games give us not just fun, a sense of belonging, a collection of envy (300 games...I love that!) and a gentle escapism which is hard to beat. I also love that you featured Stray so much in your video...easily one of my fave 'newer' games. Just have fun....for God's sake....life is so short. I hope your channel blows up and soon!
Rachel, thank you so much for this comment!! Kind words like yours truly make my day. I love to hear that you came back to games after a long hiatus, especially given that a number of the other comments on this video have mentioned wanting or needing a break from gaming. I mainly play on Playstation as well, but I was raised with Nintendo. Oh man, Stray, what a masterpiece! I actually made a whole other video about Stray; I loved that game so much. Thanks again for leaving this comment, Rachel, I appreciate it so much :)
Excellent video. Glad that it appeared in my recommended feed. It's always nice to hear a channel open up and talk personally about something they're passionate about. Keep up the fantastic work.
Thank you so much, I really appreciate you saying that! I checked out some of your videos and really enjoyed what I saw, so I'd offer you the same sentiment! It's great to hear from fellow creators :)
I always had similar experiences with people lowkey shunning me cuz I was a girl who played video games. My mom was the worst with it; she thought it was a sign I would be transgender or that I’d go down the wrong path. I had a teacher pull me aside one day to tell me that she thought I was playing too many video games because I drew Minecraft depictions for all of my vocab terms. She thought it was bad that I was a female playing video games. I wish it was less lonely being a female gamer. And from what it sounds like, being a male gamer can feel lonely too.
I hate hearing this stuff and think it's so dumb that you got treated that way. Video games are far too beautiful of a thing for them to not be something that should be as accessible to as many people as possible. They're just a form of entertainment. And the idea that gals shouldn't get to enjoy games is stupido
I teared up when I heard this story. What an amazing story you have, thanks for sharing!! I've always had some shame around my video game playing as well, especially some certain games, but I've been doing better and hanging out with people who appreciate the authentic me.
I'm so happy the video resonated with you so much! I'm also very glad to hear you've found your people, such a valuable gift to find a crew that accepts for who you are and what you love :)
A beautiful and important video and message! Thank you for sharing it! Subbed! There’s so much in this world that demands we submit our passions for approval-but it’s that demand that must be resisted most strongly!
It’s really cool how your mind held onto that one part of the argument as a child “you’re a loser, all you do is play video games” that became a seed and grew into shame and then you transformed it into love when you were ready and it bared fruit. Pretty beautiful story really
That's a great analogy. It really was a seed, but instead of growing into some kind of hateful plant, it bore something great. I love thinking of it that way!
I loved this. You as a kid really describes me right now (I'm still in my teenage years). All my friends love playing video games, but I'm the only one who really appreciates them. While everyone else plays Fortnite during their free time, I play single-player games and appreciate the time taken to make the game and the story that comes with it. I really liked Spider-Man 2 (I had been begging parents to get it for me for 3 months), while some of my friends who had the game just played it and it felt like the took the game for granted. Video games are one of the best things that happened to me, and I love them to this day.
Thanks for sharing, Sammy! You sound like someone who truly appreciates this medium beyond the surface level, which reminds me a lot of myself (and I imagine many people here in the comments). I hope you continue to enjoy gaming for many years to come! It's only getting better :)
I'm thankful to have a very supportive family when it comes to my hobbies. I was feeling ashamed at the end of last year cause I still haven't finished any of my personal projects. I'm 23, still live at home, and don't have many life accomplishments. So I boxed up my video games and most forms of entertainment, and then moved them to the garage. I was tired of feeling like a failure. I was productive for about a week and then it fell off FAST. I felt like a failure once more. My mother reminded me that I work 40 hours a week (sometimes completely by myself at a store) and am a full time uni student as well, and that thinking I'm lazy in the slightest was an absurd idea. They encouraged me to set up my consoles again and just section out some time specifically for gaming that is non negotiable, that way I still feel like I'm doing something I planned on.
I can relate very strongly to how you feel! I often struggle with feeling like what I'm doing isn't good enough. It's so difficult to feel that way, but I'm learning that I simply underestimate my accomplishments. To work full time and be a student is very difficult! I never even attempted to do that. Pat yourself on the back, and yes, enjoy what you love in moderation, too! You have a lot of success ahead of you :)
Great video! It’s hard when you’re younger if you have a non-mainstream hobby (although games are very mainstream these days) but when you get older you realise that you’ve got one life, choose to spend it doing the things you love to do instead of things you hate but feel you have to do because of expectation/peer pressure etc. I don’t see it as any different to watching Netflix etc., and for narrative based games I’d argue that interacting with a good story can take you on the journey with a deeper connection than you can get from being a passive viewer. Some of my favourite games are experiences and memories that will stay with me forever.
Thank you so much, and thanks for sharing your thoughts! Couldn't have said it better myself. Like you said, if anything, gaming is a more enriching hobby than simply watching a movie or television show (although I love doing those things, too!). Gaming makes for great memories and a sharp mind; our brains will thank us down the line :)
I enjoyed that way of storytelling. Ohh right, makes sense, you talked about that! It relates to my struggle of feeling like I have to convince outsiders. Gaming seems like a parallel universe at times. I'm an aspiring GameDev whenever I share that I feel like I'm perceived as wanting to create time-wasters. The unique and flexible combination of art and technology doesn't shine through at all. The industry, the difficulty, the passion. "Ah cool, I don't know much about video games".
I can relate very strongly! Sometimes I still have to ignore feeling embarrassed about discussing gaming. You should totally make games! I know the industry is in a tough time right now, but I believe you can do it. Lemme know if you ever need a writer :)
Thank you for putting into words a feeling I have had my entire life. Being afraid and angry because people didn't understand me and my passions has caused a lot of problems in my adult life. I find myself being selfish with my free time and only allowing people who think the same way I do about hobbies into my life has really held me back. I believe the majority of those problems started because of how I was made to feel when I was a kid who just loved the worlds and stories he could go to when home wasn't so great. It's my responsibility now to open up my world but I'm glad I'm not alone. Thank you Wilson and every other person in this comment section.
Thank you for watching and sharing, Ryan! It's incredible how much the treatment we receive as children impacts the way we operate as adults. I'm truly sorry for what you went through when you were younger. I hope you can release that pain as you continue forward in life. I'm sure we would have been friends had we known each other back then :)
This is awesome. I have been having some weird anxiety lately around my large game collection (including collectors statues and whatnot) that I have been collecting since I was 5 (31 now) and I needed to hear this. Thanks, Wilson, I appreciate you.
Thank you so much, Zachary!! I really appreciate the kind words. You should be proud of the collection! I'm sure it's impressive. Once I move out of an apartment into a house, I want to start getting more collector's editions. I'm glad you enjoyed the video, hope you'll join for more in the future! :)
Thank you for creating this wonderful video. I was hesitant to click on it due to your channel being small, and was so pleasantly surprised. My relationship with video games has been almost identical to yours, I felt so connected to them and it's my favorite hobby. Yet, society pushing the idea that video games are bad caused me to go to a way worse outcome. I ended up convincing myself that video games are unhealty, a waste of time, that I could be doing something more productive and beneficial instead of playing this game right now, I started seeing gaming as ''escapism'' from the real world, me trying to run away from reality. This led me to enjoy games less because I kept thinking these things in the back of my head while gaming, and eventually cutting gaming out of my life for years. My therapist, helped me realize that there's nothing wrong with gaming. Yeah it is technically a waste of time and an escape from reality, but the way she put it is, aren't most things we do in our free time to relax a waste of time and an escape. Like reading a book for example, it's the same thing. Yet society sees it as a healthier more productive task. After this, I have returned to gaming and have been having the time of my life again, without feeling guilty or ashamed. Your video is a beautiful message about gaming, which I agree with and relate to everything you've said. You have incredible narration skills, and I can tell how passionate and genuine you are about the topic from the way you talk, something many youtubers lack. Great video! Keep it up and I am sure you will make it far on this platform :)
Thank you so much for watching it! And wow, thank you so so much for sharing your experiences, that was really interesting to read through. It seems like a lot of people can relate to us, which is a shame, but also allows for a sense of community amongst gamers. I try not to view video games as an escape from my world; I view them as an opportunity to visit someone else's. Maintaining that perspective helps with the feelings of guilt or shame for me. I am so happy you've come back around to gaming and are enjoying it more than ever. I'm right there with you! Eventually, society will catch up with us. Thank you again for the kind words, I'm so glad you stumbled upon the channel :)
I tend to get those internalised thoughts of games being escapism because others told me thats what they think it is many times until i slowly and unconsciously started to believe them. If we look at books, it doesn't seem right to call books themselfs escapism but how people use them - and for most people books seem to rather compliment real life, like seeing things through another perspective. When we think about gaming there even more depth like seeing joy in simple things with satisfying gamefeel or having to make and think through difficult choices yourself which a book or a movie can't really provide
Very well said, Alex! It's so interesting to compare many facets of gaming to other entertainment mediums. Video games are viewed as the black sheep in so many ways...
I love this video. It's so wholesome. Video games aren't that looked-down upon in my culture but there's still this lingering judgement that they're reserved for kids and are unproductive as if reading a book or watching/playing sports isn't the same. Still. This video is very relatable. And it made me smile for some reason.
Thank you for the message!!! I feel like I only say I was the opposite and feel like I want to make friends who love video games. However they just love movies and hate video games. But I’m proud of myself for loving video games and eventually I know the right people will be there to appreciate the art of competition and appreciation of video games
You will absolutely find the right people!! I have no doubt of that. It takes time, but just keep putting yourself out there and it'll happen. Thanks so much for watching the video, I'm glad you enjoyed it :)
This video hit really close to home. During my teenage years I really feared people knowing my love for videogames thinking they would make fun of me for it. Today I can openly share this passion with my friends, maybe not everyone understands it, but I feel in peace with myself and that's what's important. Thank you for making this video, I really needed to hear the words you said.
I am so glad the video resonated with you, thank you for sharing that! I"m so glad you're able to share more openly than you used to. Keep on gaming :)
Wow this is exactly how my early life and childhood was. Games were cool when I was 4 and 5, but from 6 to 17 I felt like I had to hide this love due to the fear I would lose my reputation among my peers, and would only have a couple friends left that actually cared about games. Being in highschool when pokemon go came out, and in college when the switch came out, changed my life bc it showed a stark shift in games, especially nintendo games, being actually cool and popular. My talent at super smash bros became a party trick and not something to be ashamed about. It is beautiful to think that videogames have gotten to where they are today in pop culture and thank you for making this video. Cheers!
Thank you for sharing your story! Awesome to hear how far you've come in your disregard for the opinions of others. Our trajectories sound very similar, maybe in part to the fact that it also sounds like we're really close in age. And yeah, I actually really love showing off my gaming skills when I get the chance too, haha, So glad you enjoyed, thanks for watching!
Waiting for this video to pass a million. Way underrated, but keep at it. Quality like this get's attention. Not if, but WHEN. In the meantime, I'd like to add to this sentiment of the video. I had a similar experience myself but mine wasn't from bullies on the playground, it was from my father. He would see me playing games and likely because of the messages being put out by the news back then, that games led to violence (as you referenced in your vid) and the fact that the older generation never understands the hobbies of the younger ones, he would make comments about it being a waste of time or rotting my brain. But I've grown a lot since those days and done a lot of self reflection. I know my dad was making passive comments that he couldn't have known the impact of. I don't think he meant to hurt me the way he did but I looked up to him and the things he said carried more weight for me than they did for him. Looking back now, I can see it was simply something he didn't understand so he didn't appreciate it. But what really got me was when I remembered that he used to watch M.A.S.H. on tv EVERY day. Not like a DVD box set he was watching through the series on or anything, but live tv channel reruns of an old show he watched when he was younger and he proudly boasted he had seen every episode of, multiple times. His still watches that old show (on TV channels) to this day and it's a pretty mindless experience. He just sits there and stares at the screen as something he's already seen plays for him. Not even watching the series again in sequence on a DVD (which he does have btw), just whatever episode the TV station chooses to play. The only thought that goes into it for him is: Turn on TV, choose station, watch show. So for him to criticize my preferred form of entertainment which requires engagement, problem solving, attention to detail, and keep my mind sharp, as mind rotting is ironic at best and hypocritical at worst. My point is, people don't appreciate what they don't understand. People won't accept you or appreciate you unless you choose to and that's as much of a reason as any not to let yourself be bogged down by other people's opinions. If you don't like what someone thinks about you, go hang out with someone else. I love what you said about too much of a good thing can become a bad one. That's true. Everything in moderation. Especially now with so many games in the industry designed to suck away our time and our money but if you're doing something because you enjoy it and it's not hurting your real life, then there's nothing wrong with it in my book. One final note I want to add, some of the older generations fought in wars on the other side of the world and saw hell on Earth, or were raised by people who did. When you risk your life for a cause, it changes your perspective on life. These people may not do much in their day to day lives that we can observe but in their minds, they have earned their rest because of the traumas they experienced growing up and they believe those traumas made them better people. When they see younger people who don't have to face those same difficulties and are raised in a time of peace where people can spend their days obsessing over movies, games, sports, etc, instead of being shipped over seas to fight a war, they thing it makes those people weak and of a lower quality. I don't believe that's true myself, but I can almost see where these old timers are coming from. But being born in peace time isn't your fault or mine. Living in a world where war is slightly less common doesn't make us bad people and playing video games, or watching movies, or enjoying sports isn't morally wrong just because our grandparents didn't have that luxury. Sorry to write my own essay on your video but this is a topic I've grappled with for a long time myself and it's nice to see someone else talking about it too.
Wow!! What an insightful comment. Thank you so incredibly much for taking the time to share all of this. I was really hoping this video would inspire others to share their own stories and experiences. I imagine a disapproving parent had a profound impact on your relationship with games. My parents never disapproved, but possessed a certain apathy about games, which I think delegitimized them for me to some extent. Ultimately, you're exactly right. We all consume entertainment in our own way and I think newer mediums are bound to face criticism and conjecture from those who don't understand it. Which, as you mentioned, is very ironic, given the fact that video games actually strengthen, not weaken, our minds. But that's a great final point you make. I suppose, everyone has their own perspective, and we all stand to gain a bit by putting ourselves in those shoes. Don't apologize, I'm so grateful to you for writing it! Thank you very much for the kind words, I'm so glad you stumbled upon the video. Here's to a million! :)
I had the same experience as you in my childhood. Even now, when I'm 39 years old, I still have to hear those words, "do you still play video games like a kid!" But you know what, I came to the realization that it doesn't matter! Those people who despise video games don't matter in my life. I'm perfectly happy with my 500+ video games in my computer, PS2, PS3 & PS4. It is my life and I decide what makes me happy! I will teach my 1.5 years old daughter to do the same when she grows up.
That's a wonderful attitude you have, thank you for sharing! I couldn't agree more, we can't dwell on dissenting opinions. You sound like a great parent :)
Awesome perspective dude. Also gotta love the PS2 :). I'm 22 and the PS2 was my first console when I was like 5. And the first game I ever played, Lego Star Wars (bomb of a game), was on there. I don't have my original PS2 anymore, but I got one off my brother and it felt so good booting that thing up after AGES of not playing one
I’m losing my mind, could someone please tell me what the background song starting at 3:16 is??? It awakened an old memory and I NEED to know which game’s soundtrack it’s from. Great video as well!
Haha, sorry, I just now saw this comment or I would have responded sooner! @Mister_Domm got it, it's from Celeste! What an incredible soundtrack that game has...
Had this video suggested on my home page and I am glad I clicked. This is a really great video and summarises how I use to feel in high school when I would spend my weekends playing video games all day while all the people around me would party, or be out chasing girls. Wish I could tell my younger self that it’s okay to play video games and that everything would turn out okay. Thank you for this beautiful video.
Thank you so much for watching it, Nathan! I'm really glad you enjoyed it. Yeah, these feelings hit me super hard in high school. That's when I remember really starting to feel FOMO, likely exacerbated by starting to use social media. Really appreciate the kind words :)
The only thing that makes gaming a bad hobby is that your sitting down doing nothing, but its no different from watching tiktok or tv. Also, this was really well made and your really good at story telling, keep it up!
That’s why I think a video game hobby is only good when coupled with other hobbies like an instrument, or exercise, or spending time with family and friends But I also relate, I feel guilty when buying games with my own money because it sometimes feels “wasteful” although I enjoy them so much
Thank you so much, I somehow got this video on my feed and I get now why. It made me realize how much truly I love video games and why I am so drawn to them. And at the same time why I internally battle myself about it. I didn't even realize. Thank you! I will enjoy every second of it now guilt free!
Wow, thank you for sharing this, Dita!! It makes me so happy to hear you say that. I think many of us struggle with that internal battle you mentioned, but you shouldn't feel any guilt whatsoever. Keep on playing, my friend :)
As someone who relates to this hobby this video genuinely made me happy when the part you said when you showed your friends the door room and they thought your collection was awesome. 😎
I gotcha covered! In order of appearance: Doom Eternal Astro's Playroom Ghostwire Tokyo Journey Hohokum Tunic Dark Souls Chicory: A Colorful Tale We Love Katamari Omori The Last Of Us Part 2 Stray Celeste The Evil Within Downwell Outlast II Red Dead Redemption Resident Evil 4 (2005) Home Uncharted 4: A Thief's End Fort Solis I opted not to label all the clips in the video as to not distract (and save time lol). Feel free to give me a timestamp if you want to know a specific game!
I put the controller down after I moved out over 10 years ago. I played some via emulation, but never regularly. My family grew up with Nintendo and my siblings all still play regularly even though they are grown. My parents played too and now play Pokemon Go. My brother is a hobby-ist game dev on pico-8. My life got busy. But I still have lots of joy watching video of others play old games I used to play. My kids play the switch, but sometimes get dis-regulated when playing too much. I remind them the point is to have fun. I've started playing with them too since we got a console switch this christmas.
Yeah, it can be tough to maintain playing when life gets really busy. I'm happy to hear you're able to connect with your kids through games! I'm sure they love the Switch :)
It's never ok to be an addict, do what you have to do in life, it's way more important than playing. I got rid of most bad habits but games are still my kryptonite, but I don't play them all day, I reward myself after completing long and hard task. Played Tomb Raider Legend last month and still haven't touched games, now I'm getting back to Tomb Raider Anniversary for more nostalgia. That's the best way to play games, it just gives you perfect amount of satisfaction and doesn't make you addicted. Also the game choice absolutely matters, if you play Fortnite, that is the best game to get addicted to and feel like a stupid braindead human while playing it. Choose games that actually make you think about things and have something to offer.
A great point! Addiction is brutal, and I'm sure many struggle with an addiction to games. I know I certainly struggle with an addiction to my phone... I also opt for single player games. Being able to "complete" whatever I'm playing is hugely important to me. Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts!
Beautiful video. I grew up in a very anti-technology household and as a young developing kid it was impossible to to feel loved and accepted when my passions were constantly under attack. I have since mostly learned to separate my self worth from the parental/peer approval of my interests, but hearing people express the genuine pure joy that videogames bring them still usually ends up being a validating and emotional experience for me. Thank you for sharing your experience in such a well put together and empathetic way
Thank you so much for the kind words!! I appreciate it so much. I'm sure so many people can relate to your upbringing, thanks for sharing your experiences. I'm so happy the video resonated with you, thanks for watching :)
It took me a long time to say that I was proud to be a certified gamer and game enthusiast. I think my dad wanting me to play sports so badly messed it up, but at some point I just didnt care anymore. Games being seen as more of an art form now is the most glorious thing I never would have imagined in my youth
I can't fully explain it at the moment, but i just finished watching this video and it made me cry. This is such a beautiful and important life lesson. Thank you so much for sharing your experience. Im so so so glad you were able to find people who could celebrate and share your love for video games! I also love video games and not a lot of my friends do, so it always feels special when i come across welcoming corners of the internet where you feel accepted 🎉🎊🎮 You’re incredible, Wilson
Wow, what an incredibly kind comment, thank you so much, Andrea!! I absolutely love hearing this. Even today, most of friends don't play games, so I too love finding people that share this passion. You are quite welcome here, I'm so happy that you discovered the channel!! I hope you'll join us for more videos :)
I cried watching this video, thank you, it was very healing. Life has not been kind to me socially speaking but video games have always been there for me.
I am so glad to hear that the video affected so deeply! I can empathize, I struggled socially for a long time as well. Things will get better in time, and video games will always be a constant for you :)
I think this is genuinely something that's important to talk about, especially for teens I'm freshly 18 years old as of now, and have never stopped playing video games, many of my friends I used to play video games with have either quit playing them or rarely play them and some of them even think that video games are an insignificant, useless side hobby nowadays which is - not exactly wrong, but I think people who start to grow embarrassed and think they're immature for enjoying them don't understand that that really isn't an issue. everyone has hobbies they like to do on the side when they have spare time, and we just happen prefer to fill that time with video games instead of say for example, watching a movie like a more "normal" person. of course the main issue with video games is remaining physically inactive while playing them, which is why I seriously recommend anyone massively into video games like I am to pick up a sport they enjoy and do it on a regular basis. but apart from that, just play what you like and don't let it override your responsibilities
Couldn't agree more, I think it's really important to discuss! We've all got to accept what everyone enjoys, as long as it's not harming anyone else. But, as you say, the sedentary nature of games does welcome the introduction of a more active hobby as a companion. It's all about that balance :)
Man I'm so glad i found your channel from RUclips recommendations, definitely one of your best works ! I completely agree on your viewpoint, just don't forget to take short breaks and drink water !
I was mad for racing games, and I played a load between 2005 and 2012 (through secondary school). I still get chills from watching the intros of the original Motorstorm, GRID, Split Second. There was NFS Most Wanted, Burnout Paradise, all the other Burnouts. It really does feel like a golden age of racing, even now. Early this year I finally got to experience the magic of Super Mario Odyssey. That game blew me away. Pokemon Arceus brought me more magic last summer. The only thing is, I tend to overplay and feel worse off for it, no matter how magical the game is. Perhaps there's something about reality that brings me down. Maybe that's the trick, to bring more magic into the real world, just like you did this with this video. Cheers to you my friend 💙
You're listing some fantastic games right there! I'd love to play Burnout, it's been forever since I played one of those games. I sometimes overplay as well, which is usually I sign I need to stop playing and go do something else. Thanks again, Samy :)
I have been playing video games for 35 years (I am 39) and I remember when I was bullied in school because I played video games, loved anime (which was not popular at that time) and read comics, me and the little group of friends were called losers and nobody's by the whole school. Nowadays it is cool to play video games and watch anime but at that time it was very rough, at least for me but I never denied that my favorite hobby is playing video games it really relaxes me.
Thank you so much for making this video. I've struggled similarly growing up. Playing video games was one of the only things we could do growing up, so it became pretty big for me. After I left high school I got a job, and gained a relationship that would turn out to be abusive years down the line. Currently I have all the games I still own and everything, but it's been tremendously difficult for me to pick up the controller and have some fun playing. With this video, I'm going to start trying to enjoy video games once more. Thank you, and may God bless you bud ^^
Of course, thank you so much for watching it and for sharing your experiences! I hate to hear about the hardships you've had to endure, but I'm really happy that you're feeling inspired to jump back into gaming again. Keep me posted on your experiences with them!
I wish younger me would have been able to see how much the medium has matured and that there is value in this hobby. It’s always reassuring being able to see that I wasn’t alone in my passion for video games and I will never have to be embarrassed about it ever again.
I'm right there with you! My goal with this video was to help affirm everyone who feels passionately about video games, so I hope it resonated with you. Thanks for watching :)
One of my favorite questions to ask someone new is what they like to do. It’s usually something interesting like dance or rockclimbing or sports. When they say that o revise it asking what do you do when you only have a few hours to do something you enjoy. I want to know if they are normal and like Netflix or video games or TikTok because to me hearing those responses says a lot more about person than other things mentioned above. I too love dance, rock climbing and sports but they are thing I do when I can make the time but being able to play a game at the drop of a hat that allows me to do those things to me has its own value that is both different and special to me. And people that label those activities as bad or of losers really tells me a lot about them.
That's a great question to ask people! We spend a lot time focusing on what people do for a living that we forget to discuss what brings us to life. And I agree, someone insulting you for doing something you love says a lot more about them than it does about you :)
Your story from college was really encouraging for me as an European video gamer about to start the the equivalent to high school, who isn’t *too* social. I usually play single player games and I love the experiences I have when playing and feeling the games’ atmospheres. My favorites are always indie games. Their themes and worlds just often resonate with me on a deep emotional level. I would give my left nut for another Outer Wilds or Tunic or Undertale or Journey. A lot of people play games these days but it’s always some modern competitive fps or a multiplayer mobile game. Three of my friends are kinda like me and play single player occasionally but still dont really love them like I do (at least I dont think they do). I’ve never been to a party and kinda nervous about that in the future. I’ve kinda been in the slumps lately but this video really cheered me up! Sorry for the long comment! This was mostly for me to get my thoughts together.
No need to apologize, thank you for leaving the comment!! I totally understand the nerves! My advice would be to lean into them. Embrace the discomfort! My biggest regret about college is how much I refused to socialize. I would kill to go back and do it all over again. I think you're gonna have a fantastic time in college and will meet some amazing people. Come back and let me know how it's going if you get the chance! And also, love all those games you mentioned :)
Love this video man, what an awesome message. I’ve loved gaming for as long as I can remember and I don’t get as much time for it anymore due to pursuit of other passions but I resonate so much with the idea of not hiding your love for something, of course negative judgement exists but when people reveal their judgements it says more about themselves than you and of course positive judgement exists too, you never know who you’ll meet who is into the same thing. Great work brother
Thank you so much, I appreciate you taking the time to leave such a kind comment! You encapsulate it perfectly when you say that one's judgment says a lot more about them than you. You just gotta find your crew and ignore the dissenters. Thanks again!
This one resonated with me a ton, thank you so much for sharing your experiences! Having grown up in a small town with not too many friends and family that really didn't appreciate that i spent most of my free time playing video games i still feel quite a lot of shame meeting new people or trying to join conversations at work lunches or at parties when i meet new people. When my coworkers talk about hiking and ski trips while i take my days off to go visit Cons or online friends it can get a little heartbreaking how much i shamefully retreat during those conversations. It got to a point where i feel bad doing what i like by myself in my own free time, but i'm pretty sure i'm past the worst now. It important to balance new experiences in addition to the usual hobbies! I can imagine that those feelings of shame can be somewhat of a drive to do other things to connect with different people aswell. I hope more people are going to find your stuff, your voice is really pleasant and cutting in footage of all those great games helped with the story telling aswell :)
Thank you so much for the kind words, Alex! And thanks for sharing your own experiences. I can relate to marching to the beat of my own drum. It can feel alienating at times, but I'm trying to learn to embrace it and let it empower me. But yes, I completely agree that balancing other hobbies along with what you already love is extremely important. Thanks again for the positive words, I'm so glad you discovered the channel! I hope you'll join for more videos in the future :)
Happy this video blew up for you, drove me to check some of your other content and subscribed. I related to this too, thanks for sharing such a beautiful, inspiring story.
At the turn of the millennium when my high school friend saw my collection of ~20 video game boxes he became very serious and said "hey, I think you might have video game addiction, did you ever think of that?" Now in the era of Steam those are rookie numbers but back in the day that was genuinely something to be ashamed of.
Man I teared up during the video. What a masterpiece. Thanks for sharing your story and inspiring all of us to just enjoy something you like - regardless of other people's opinion. Thank you. Btw u got a great voice.
I grew out of games for a bit, because my collection was way too massive, and hell I used to be insecure about my games as well on the shelf. You'd be surprised how many people are actually curious if you give them the chance to see or listen. Some might not, but it really doesn't matter. You're having fun, and as long as some people show interest, it's perfect. Gaming is just meant to be fun, same as any hobby. I feel I need to share even more. A coworker of mine who isn't a huge gamer recently told me she found my collection cool, as she had started collecting for the 3DS. I was beyond happy to share that. Great video man, I'm sure a lot of gamers needed to hear it.
I think you're right, most people are actually really fascinated by a big collection. I couldn't agree more, gaming is intended to be fun and shouldn't be looked down upon. That's awesome that you were able to connect with your coworker over your game collections! Thank you so much for saying that! I'm really glad you enjoyed it :)
Hey everyone! I am completely thrilled with the response to the video. I'd love to hear about your experience with playing video games if you feel like sharing! I'll be responding to every comment. Also, if you enjoyed the video, "liking" it will help it to reach more people. Thank you all for watching! I'm so glad you discovered the channel :)
Unfortunately there is still a stigma regarding gaming. I still get shit sometimes for playing from some of my family and my wife. But honestly, I don’t care. It’s not going to change a thing! This is my favorite hobby and really helps relieve stress and allows me to stay in touch with a bunch of my friends. For example, my best friend has 4 boys under the age of 8. We don’t get to hang out too often, but we play video games a couple nights a week together!
You've got a great attitude, Cole! You also make a great point that hasn't been brought up: gaming can help so much with connection. I've made multiple close friends through gaming. I even dated a girl I met through games! So glad you're able to keep in touch with your friends through playing together. Keep on gaming my friend!
@@Wilson-108 whats the name of that game iwth the colour string fish thing
Man. I'm a game developer. You must try game development, even if its only a hobby. The fun of making games is 10X bigger than playing them. And you as a professional gamer and story teller can make the best game ever!
Take what I said seriously... I mean it.
It's called Hohokum!
If i ever go to my friend's house and see 300+ games, then that guy is a certified homie
Dude, I'm the guy who owns that many games, and whenever the opportunity arose I'd showcase my collection. Not sure how many actually cared, but I did, and that's all that matters to me. Owning so many games is like having a portal to different worlds and stories that aren't your own at any time, and I adore that. I still get out, and do try to control my purchases now, and I think I've found a perfect balance of happy living and gaming. There was a period where I was tired of gaming, but got back into it in 2022 because I remembered to just have fun, no matter how long. You're meant to just have fun, who cares what others think? Apologies for the long reply, I just feel in the same boat sometimes. I want a friend with the same variety I have. 💀
I'm almost up to 500 now ;)
Harder now with digital libraries 😉
Ugh, tell me about it :( I'm trying to support physical games as much as I can!
Damn you guys are Rich haha
I'm 53 with my own family and play videogames every day ,never change.
I love to hear that! I don't plan on stopping anytime soon, I hope you don't either :)
Me too! I just wish there were more of us to feel like a tribe and that developers took note so we'd be more than a cane wielding stereotype.
I bet there are a lot more than you realize! :)
love that
Nothing wrong with it in the slightest! Keep on gaming!
"Wilson, you're a loser." It's sad how destructive kids can be to each other. I have a lot of psychological damage from bullying. I used video games as an escape but I always had them growing up (except when I had bad grades lol)
As a soon to be 24 year old, I'm glad I got into video games at a young age. There's magic in them you just can't find elsewhere
So true, kids can be brutal! I think make of us suffer from a little bully trauma, unfortunately. I'm glad you got into them, too! There's nothing like a great video game :)
same about to be 24 yr old, i like videogames as well, the satisfying game mechanics, smooth animations, the stories feel like sub stories that resides in my own story waiting to be discovered by the protagonist which is me. people like movies and reading books, for me the videogames are all of that things and much more a pinnacle of entertainment in my opinion.
and the most normies around here play mass mobile multiplayer games, real gamers like console and pc gamers are few and i adore my gamers, they makes me feel like my country harbors my breed in safe arms.
Yeah, I love being able to pace out my own story!
@@Wilson-108nice
Sometimes I think I don't want my games in my bedroom because if I take a girl in there, she might think less of me. But then I also think if she doesn't respect my hobby, then I don't want her in my life.
I used to feel the same way!! Take it from me, man, don't worry about it at all. Of all the girls I've had in my room, literally none of them have ever reacted poorly to seeing them. Only one seemed a bit unenthused (and I ended things after a few dates, lol). I think people are attracted to passion. I don't care what anyone is into (within reason), I want to see their passion. So never feel stressed about that; I think you'll be presently surprised when you bring someone over!
Exactly.
That's absurd LOL Even worse that the lie of omission you're committing by trying to hide a hobby, but it's even more ridiculous because you're dooming yourself by possibly getting involved with someone who doesn't respect gamers. Only the dumbest people would ever react that way to seeing someone with video games or consoles, especially if they're your age.
Some women claim to be okay with your hobbies until you get them pregnant and that's how they make you get rid of your hobbies.
Then they break up, make you pay child support and ruin your life.
So bringing a woman inside your room, is like brining the devil 😈 who will ruin your life 😅
I‘m a girl who only dates guys that play video games because I don’t like the feeling of having such a big hobby / interest that I can’t share with my partner. I tried but damn I hated it 😂
You actually made me remember a core memory of just how guilty I felt playing video games, knowing my parents could hear me and silently judge how much time I was wasting. Fantastic video topic and execution.
Wow, thank you so much for saying that! I know how you feel, man, I have many of the same memories.
Especially given the quality of your videos, the compliment really does mean so much, thank you again!
same, yet those same people would spend their time watching TV all day, which is fine I'm not going to call someone a loser for that.
Honestly when I was younger I feel like I saw the “video games are for losers” mindset more, but now I (at least personally) have been seen it going away like I see people from all walks of life gaming even the popular girls at my school play video games
I think you're right! It seems like gaming has never been more universally accepted than it is now, which makes me so happy.
One look at the Nintendo Switch sales charts tells you everything you need to know. Video games have been in homes for 50 years. The social stigma came largely from a generation that no longer has any sway over the culture. There is only a small lingering remnant of that attitude.
@@bcj842yeah, I think the rise in social acceptance of Games and Anime was a seed planted in the 90’s kids that have now become the dominant demographic in media and the market.
We make and spend the most money now(I’m guessing. I didn’t look it up), and now we determine what’s cool and what’s not.
We've got the power now :)
@@Wilson-108 😈😈😈
It's crazy how a few words can leave a lasting impact, negatively or positively.
It really is, particularly at a younger age. It's kind of scary...
This is the most relatable video ive ever seen
I'm so glad you connected with it, Tojo! Don't ever let the judgement get you down. Keep on playing :)
I've been seeing so many videos recommended to me "stop playing video games now" "stop playing before it's too late* "put down the controller" and that's something I was always confused by, if people don't wanna play, I get that. Some people do it a little too much, you have to be moderate about it, but putting down the controller forever and giving up something I love? I can't do it, it never clicked for me, I have so much fun gaming but those videos and the concepts they suggested just couldn't get out of my mind, I tried watching so many other videos to counter them "it's ok to game" "gaming is good for you" and they made good points, but the idea of giving up gaming still stuck in my mind until I watched your video, everything you said clicked and by the end of it, all the ideas of gaming being an inherently bad thing no matter what were wiped away, nobody made so many points as excellent as yours, let alone tell such an intriguing story. Thank you.
Wow, thank you so much for saying all of this!! It brings me so much joy to hear of people being impacted by the video, particularly hearing that other videos didn't have such an effect on you. I hope you're able to continue enjoying gaming without any feelings of guilt or shame! :)
Video Games are a form of meditation for me.
Since my childhood I play in order to make my imagination soar.
In my teenage years I was a sports guy, playing soccer for hours and hours.
But there were these days that I just wanted to live a story in another world and witness the journeys unfolding. Being a co-protagonist of an epic battle or just chilling in a preety and engaging scenario.
Games are a form of Art.
They are capable of transforming us and make feelings and thoughts arise from our depths.
Games can change you for the better if you can play them in a healthy way.
I don't care what anyone says.
I see true beauty and joy in playing.
It's like being in a lucid dream where I really have control over the history.
Awesome video
Thanks and keep up the great work.
Thank you for sharing this, Johanes! Really beautiful stuff. Entertainment provides endless fuel for imagination, but only video games allow you to jump into those worlds. It's something really special. I absolutely feel as though video games have shaped me into a smarter, more well rounded person than I would be otherwise.
Thank so much for the kinds words, welcome aboard! I hope you'll join me for future videos :)
Video games are a form of cope. It makes you feel like you achieved something when you really haven’t.
Playing sports games doesn’t make you an athlete.
Playing shooters doesn’t make you disciplined, just addicted.
Winning competitive matches doesn’t make you a winner, just dopamine overloaded.
Are there stories worth experiencing in games? Sure, but time spent “achieving” in video games means less in real life, which is, you know, reality.
But, if the process of playing a video game brought you joy and released healthy dopamine, you've received intrinsic value. It's not just about what happens on the screen, it's about the personal satisfaction you garner.
This channel is so much underrated. I mean it should have passed 500k at this point. Your narration skills are just insane for videos like these. Appreciate your effort and passion.
Thank you so much for the kinds words, Umar! I cannot tell you how much they mean to me. Hopefully we'll reach 500,000 before we know it :)
Man this makes me cry. Thank you. I live in a country where almost everyone plays multiplayer game while I play retro/single player games. Thanks for this video. It inspired me that maybe out there there are other people like me.
Thanks, Zorro! I'm so happy the video resonated with you :)
Makes me wonder, what county are you from?
@@Kimo_uwu Philippines man.
Excessive gaming can absolutely be damaging, but the bullying only furthers social isolation. We need to push a message of healthy living and balance, not shame.
I couldn't agree more, Caleb, very well said!
Balance is key, balance.
Thank you for this comment.
Totally agree, everyone can find their own life balance of video games and everything else. Once you find that balance there’s no need to defend your lifestyle to others
I just had this conversation with my brother yesterday. It’s funny how so many passive forms of media are considered acceptable. TV, the news, popular movies, they all are considered social activities where as video games are considered to be anti-social. Yet the way I keep in touch with all my friends that I don’t get to see anymore is by playing games with them or at the very least talking about games we have played. There is nothing that forms quicker connections than shared gaming experiences.
Yeah, you make a great point that I didn't really discuss: games are so good at connecting people. I think the average person really underestimates the social component of video games. So glad you're able to use it to connect with your friends :)
I love how the video opens with doom gameplay overlayed with a happy little omori song
Haha, I actually struggled with what game to put first! I figured some kind of FPS would hopefully keep people engaged off the bat. Also, anyone who knows both Doom and Omori is a real one for sure. Thanks so much for watching!
rare instance of the words "happy" and "omori" being used in the same sentence
Haha, very true. Man, what an incredible game. I'm thinking of dedicating an entire video to Omori soon...
@@Wilson-108 YES PLEASE that would be awesome
@@Wilson-108do it, that game is a masterpiece
Video games aren’t a waste of time, they are simply…Art.
Couldn't agree more :)
Holy shit this is so relatable to me. This is such an important lesson to learn. I was bullied as a kid for liking games and the shame of playing them stuck with me for years.
I have a very similar story to yours and am very content with my passion for games today. Thank you so much for making this video! It genuinely touched my heart. I know how it feels bro. ❤
Thank you so much for saying this, Gehab! I appreciate it so much. It's been so impactful to hear everyone chiming in with their own experiences of being judged for playing. I'm really glad you've been able to rise above the past bullying and embrace your love of gaming :)
kinda unrelated but i used to watch your vids lot as a kid and they always made me happy hope youre doing well
Honestly, if people were going to dislike you because you liked video games, then they were never your friends or even going to be your friends to begin with. For me, I wasn't so much afraid of liking games but more I was afraid that I might quit gaming but it still hasn't happened thus far, I got a feeling I might be gaming less the more years go on but life is unpredictable.
I agree completely! I'm very curious to see if I'm able to maintain as much time for gaming as I get older. Here's hoping :)
@@Wilson-108
I got feeling I'm going to game less in the coming years, planning to take down many games with me before that time arrives.
@@civilwarfare101 For sure, gotta game while the getting's good :)
@@Wilson-108
Sometimes I got to wonder when life's going to change know exactly when its coming.
This message is so profound, much more than video games. This really appeals to ANYTHING that you like, you should not be ashamed, but embrace it, because only when you do, you will find your crowd. The problem is not what you do, but hiding it you never find the people that also like it.
Well said, Fanatik! There is always someone else out there that loves the same stuff you do. You just have to find your people! Thanks for watching :)
I'm 37 years old. Some adults tried to make me feel bad about gaming when I was a kid, but I ignored them and I didn't feel bad about it. However, later in life I did feel ashamed, when I was in my late 20s and early 30s. I changed my diet and I realized that that was why I was depressed. Now I play games and I enjoy it again. As long as I have a successful career, good health, and a peaceful life, who cares what other people think? Video games are part of the culture now and there's no going back. It's similar to recorded music and television: older people thought that those were time wasters, too.
Well said, Timothy. Thank for sharing! I couldn't agree more, if you're leading a healthy, multifaceted life, there's no reason not to indulge in gaming to your heart's content. I'm so glad you've triumphed over your depression and are feeling well :) Thanks for watching taking the time to leave a comment!
How has a particular diet made you depressed, if I may ask?
@@thomas.thomas Eating junk food makes people depressed because they are not getting the vitamins and nutrients that they need for proper brain function.
@@thomas.thomasmy guess is that he was probably eating loads of junk food which caused weight gain and body image issues. I've dealt with that too.
I feel ya dude. I remember in high school when my friends were getting into cars and I was still into video games. It made me feel soooooo immature and inadequate. It was made worse because i didn't care for cars and I hated that i didnt. This was back in the late 90s-early 2000s. Now, I gladly enjoy my hobby and still don't care much for cars 🤣
"Nobody seemed to be drawn to the medium as myself" - this line hit so hard and so true that you earned a subscriber for that alone. I am in college right now and everyone talks about videogames like they are too "mature" for them and that its a waste of time. I love when i see people like myself talk about games, talking about games is my favourite thing, i just dont have anyone to talk to about them its so depressing
So glad that line resonated with you! That's something that's always bummed me out, and continues to: the fact that I don't have people to talk games with. I mean, I have some friends that are into gaming, but I've never met anyone that knows as much about games as I do. But hey, it's great to connect with people on here and swap stories, so thank you sharing your experiences!
How are games too mature wtf?
Thank you for the message, Wilson! I’m in middle school and I usually bring a controller (because it’s allowed) to play retro games like Crash, Sonic, Mario, basically 16 and 32 bit console games. I’ve been caught a few times by my peers who look down at the games I play like it’s the worst thing they’ve seen in their lives. I was considering putting it to a stop but this video was an absolute god send and I’m glad I found a video that’s relatable and isn’t a huge channel. You’ll grow soon, I just know it :)
Dude don’t worry about those kids. If you truly love video games, play them. Don’t let the opinions of others stop you from doing what you love. Its your life to live, not theirs.
Realize all you have is the present moment. You can never be a kid again, either. Enjoy that, man. You’ll realize how unimportant other people’s thoughts are the older you get.
@@chaoscriminal thanks for that, usually most of them would rather play either Fortnite or GTA, and they say the stuff I play is “overrated” but I’ll try my best not to let them get to me.
EK, thanks so much for sharing this, my man!! Take it from me, someone who spent far too much time worrying about what other people think of me in middle school, just do what makes you happy. If people can't accept that, they're not people you want to keep around. As you get older, the judgment will quiet down and you'll find your real friends, I promise. I'm so happy you discovered the channel, I hope you'll join us for more videos :)
PS - Your taste in games is incredible!
Very well said, Chaos. I second this!
@@Wilson-108 This means so much to me Wilson :)
Wow I needed this as a guy who gets told I can’t just play video games all day and one who hides my collection & play times often
Perfectly said. Ironically, the multitude of people sharing similar stories in response to this video completely proves your point. It’s something I also wish I could tell my younger self, but I think for people like us, the journey of acceptance we’ve been on makes our love for this art form even deeper. Thanks for this message, it genuinely brought a tear to my eye :,)
Thank so much for this comment, VR!! I completely agree with what you said: the process of accepting this hobby has only deepened my passion and admiration for it. It's been unbelievably gratifying to see everyone share their own stories and experiences. I'm so glad the video brought out some emotion for you :) I'm gonna have to check out more of your content, your videos are fantastic!
I've played my entire life seeing how my playmates started just leaving the hobbie because "It's kid's stuff".
I still play them, and now I make them too.
That's awesome!! Never stop playing :)
Your story is so lovely! Always think that people like us who like video games and spend lots of time in are lonely people, more willing to jump into the virtual world than to attend a party. Always spent the whole weekend playing games without hanging out. But that doesn’t mean that we are isolated. We have our passions, we have things to love. Deeply resonate with your story. You’ve just told what I want to say. Thank you.
Thank you so much for watching!! Nothing wrong with spending some time in a virtual world, they're incredibly fun to visit! I'm so glad the video resonated with you :)
That last statement is a beautiful bow on such an honest, intimate story. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much for saying that, it really means lot :) I'm so glad you enjoyed the video!
I think it's ok to play games as well as you're a well balanced person
In my childhood there was little else to do. I grew up in a rural community so getting together to play was difficult, but we all had an Xbox and Halo and COD so in between sports we played a ton of video games. When we get together today we drag out the older consoles and play couch co-op just to spend time together doing something we all like to do
Absolutely, balance is key. That's interesting to hear about your background, thanks for sharing. There's nothing like a good session of local co-op with friends! Man I miss those days...
"I wish he could see how much joy that secret would bring." What an amazing line. This applies to just life in general. I feel like a lot of the time we hide parts of ourself fearing that people will judge us for it, but a lot of the time, those secrets are what enable us to inspire joy in the world. On a different note, it's sad how much video games are looked down on. There is nothing else that can bring so much joy and wonder.
That's very well said! It's really sad how things we hide from others would actually help facilitate connection. I try to hide as little a possible these days
the algorithm has been doing so good in recommending me small channels. so far, always getting a banger video. good job, wilson 🤩
Thank you so very much, Bern! Can't tell you how much I appreciate the kind words. I hope you'll join for more videos in the future :)
I am someone whose parents didn't care for video games bc they didn't understand them, unfortunately. but video games have brought me closer to important people in my life, like my partner and my siblings. diving into the world of a new game is exciting, and replaying a game feels like visiting an old friend. thank you for such a well said and well made video 🥰❤️
Thank you so much for the kind words!! I am so happy to hear that games have brought you closer to the people in your life :)
Videogames and hobbies are keeping me sane.
Haha, I often feel the same way!
This means a lot, especially to a 34 year old with whom in which had supportive parents for video games and a median for my older brother's bonding time. Wish they were still here. Thanks for the share, Wilson! Also, the collage of video games for the video was impeccable❤🔥👏
Thank you so much for the kind words!! It's been wonderful to connect with other gamers through this video :)
"Doing something you love should never, ever bring shame" - I'm not sure I entirely agree with that statement. Some people love to do some horrible things.
I'm glad you found some friends.
That is true! I exclude those harmful peeps :)
As long as It’s legal and ethical ?
Yeah, legality and ethics are always important to keep in mind, haha
@@SampleFireYes, yes it does.
I'm glad that gaming is becoming more accepted than it was before. I felt the same way you did for a while too. "They can't know a love gaming so mnuch". But like most poeple in the comment section, I'm so happy i've been gaming for so long. As a adult, with payments, children and all of these "adult stuff", I'm so happy I still get to be the child I was everytime I grab a controller. Gaming isn't just art. It's relaxing and liberating. Great video mate and cheers on many more years of gaming!
Thank you so much for the kind words!! Keep on gaming, my friend :)
The love I feel for the medium of video games is simply impossible to put into words, yet my entire life, I felt like I was supposed to be ashamed for my passion. Whenever something wrong happened in my life, my parents were always eager to blame my games. Videogames made me think, laugh, cry, and get angry. They made me feel emotions and experience stories that just can't exist outside of gaming. I'm a student of Letters and I love literature, but it's so sad not to be able to simply bring some of my favorite stories to discussions because I'd be treated as a weirdo, and videogames would be completely disregarded. Last year, I finally mustered some courage, and I made a presentation on Historigraphical Metafiction using MGS3 as my object of study. The professor gave me a 10/10 for it, and it felt so good that it made me feel more confident about expressing my love for games. To me, they are art, and they've always been, not only story focused games, but the likes of Mario Galaxy, Mario Kart 8, those games ARE inherently artistic, and I'm tired of pretending they are not. I'm tired of seeing old coots treating the biggest revolution in art of our time as if it was trash, simply because they are too stupid to even try it out. I believe fully in my passion, and I will not let others tell me otherwise. In my honest opinion, men like Sakaguchi, Kojima, Sam Lake, even Akira Toriyama, Nobuo Uematsu, and George Lucas are not only great artists, but belivers, visionaries, they believed in the potential of the medium and fought for it. We should follow their example and never let ignorant people's opinions deceive us
Wow, this is incredible, thank you for sharing! I love hearing from someone as passionate about this medium as I am. You are genuinely making a difference in how video games are perceived. Taking Metal Gear Solid 3 into the academic space is exactly the type of act that tips the needle a little bit further toward universal acceptance of games. Congrats on the 10/10! It will take time, but I truly believe the ubiquity of video games will continue to grow exponentially, largely thanks to people like you!
I don't know why, but I got very teary eyed at the end of this video. Perhaps because it felt very relatable. I have a Steam library of 800+ games, I love reading about the history/background of the development of video games, and I've been pondering getting into gamedev stuff myself purely as a hobby to get a different glimpse and perhaps offer my own mark on the scene. But it's the biggest part of myself that I've hid from people only until recent years. And I have realized most of it is me, my past negative perceptions/experience that have shaped my own self-outlook. But as other have said, experiences like "you're a loser" one you had can have lasting effects well into adulthood. The past year specifically I've embraced openly talking about my hobbies with people, but when I'm all alone sometimes I still have that doubt/shameful seed deep within my psyche. I guess I needed to hear the last sentence in this video. So thank you.
I'm so glad to hear that the video resonated with you! I get a little emotional watching it too. I'm glad you've started to open more up about gaming, I think you'll come to find that people are generally very accepting of it and probably won't think twice about it. But I also still struggle with that feeling sometimes, when I'm alone. I just try to remember that my internal monologue often has no idea what it's talking about :) Thank you for checking out the video!
What an utterly briliant video. As someone who didn't play games much after the PS2 era (but started with my Amstrad CPC in the late 1980s) I dabbled occasionally over the last few years. Then in late 2022 I fired up my Amstrad again, and it still works, along with many of the tape based games. But I am a Mega Drive owner, along with a SNES, Sega Saturn (which is lush!) and a PS2. But I added a PS4 in December of 2022. I love that games give us not just fun, a sense of belonging, a collection of envy (300 games...I love that!) and a gentle escapism which is hard to beat. I also love that you featured Stray so much in your video...easily one of my fave 'newer' games. Just have fun....for God's sake....life is so short. I hope your channel blows up and soon!
Rachel, thank you so much for this comment!! Kind words like yours truly make my day. I love to hear that you came back to games after a long hiatus, especially given that a number of the other comments on this video have mentioned wanting or needing a break from gaming. I mainly play on Playstation as well, but I was raised with Nintendo. Oh man, Stray, what a masterpiece! I actually made a whole other video about Stray; I loved that game so much. Thanks again for leaving this comment, Rachel, I appreciate it so much :)
Excellent video. Glad that it appeared in my recommended feed. It's always nice to hear a channel open up and talk personally about something they're passionate about. Keep up the fantastic work.
Thank you so much, I really appreciate you saying that! I checked out some of your videos and really enjoyed what I saw, so I'd offer you the same sentiment! It's great to hear from fellow creators :)
I always had similar experiences with people lowkey shunning me cuz I was a girl who played video games. My mom was the worst with it; she thought it was a sign I would be transgender or that I’d go down the wrong path. I had a teacher pull me aside one day to tell me that she thought I was playing too many video games because I drew Minecraft depictions for all of my vocab terms. She thought it was bad that I was a female playing video games. I wish it was less lonely being a female gamer. And from what it sounds like, being a male gamer can feel lonely too.
I hate hearing this stuff and think it's so dumb that you got treated that way. Video games are far too beautiful of a thing for them to not be something that should be as accessible to as many people as possible. They're just a form of entertainment. And the idea that gals shouldn't get to enjoy games is stupido
I teared up when I heard this story. What an amazing story you have, thanks for sharing!! I've always had some shame around my video game playing as well, especially some certain games, but I've been doing better and hanging out with people who appreciate the authentic me.
I'm so happy the video resonated with you so much! I'm also very glad to hear you've found your people, such a valuable gift to find a crew that accepts for who you are and what you love :)
A beautiful and important video and message! Thank you for sharing it! Subbed!
There’s so much in this world that demands we submit our passions for approval-but it’s that demand that must be resisted most strongly!
Thank you so very much for the kind words!! I couldn't agree more with your statement. We need only look inward for approval :)
I am a proud owner of 2000+ steam games. Now I just need a giant screen to show off my collection on the wall.
Oh man, that is one impressive collection right there. Would love to see them all lined up!
Damn, I thought my ~150 collection was impressive...
Hey, that's nothing to scoff at!
your ability to tell stories is exeptional. Your use of dialouge is amazing, keep going man
Wow, thank you so much for saying this! I can't tell you how much I appreciate it. I hope you'll join me for future videos!
Dude, this is a hidden gem of a channel and video. Very heartfelt and the way you write/talk is very relaxing but captivating. Nice work!
Thank you so much, Orange Potato (fantastic name)! Welcome aboard, I'm so glad you discovered the channel :)
It’s really cool how your mind held onto that one part of the argument as a child “you’re a loser, all you do is play video games” that became a seed and grew into shame and then you transformed it into love when you were ready and it bared fruit. Pretty beautiful story really
That's a great analogy. It really was a seed, but instead of growing into some kind of hateful plant, it bore something great. I love thinking of it that way!
I loved this. You as a kid really describes me right now (I'm still in my teenage years). All my friends love playing video games, but I'm the only one who really appreciates them. While everyone else plays Fortnite during their free time, I play single-player games and appreciate the time taken to make the game and the story that comes with it. I really liked Spider-Man 2 (I had been begging parents to get it for me for 3 months), while some of my friends who had the game just played it and it felt like the took the game for granted. Video games are one of the best things that happened to me, and I love them to this day.
Thanks for sharing, Sammy! You sound like someone who truly appreciates this medium beyond the surface level, which reminds me a lot of myself (and I imagine many people here in the comments). I hope you continue to enjoy gaming for many years to come! It's only getting better :)
Is playing online games like Fortnite to you any lesser than playing story driven single player games?
Depends on if I’m playing with my friends. I only play online games with my friends (usually)@@thomas.thomas
Nope! I prefer to play story driven, single player games, generally, but there's nothing wrong with playing Fortnite!
I'm proud to show off all my video game stuff. You deserved better
Thank you very much :)
wilson you are a certified homie
Goat, thank you my friend :) You are the g.o.a.t.
I'm thankful to have a very supportive family when it comes to my hobbies. I was feeling ashamed at the end of last year cause I still haven't finished any of my personal projects. I'm 23, still live at home, and don't have many life accomplishments. So I boxed up my video games and most forms of entertainment, and then moved them to the garage. I was tired of feeling like a failure. I was productive for about a week and then it fell off FAST. I felt like a failure once more. My mother reminded me that I work 40 hours a week (sometimes completely by myself at a store) and am a full time uni student as well, and that thinking I'm lazy in the slightest was an absurd idea. They encouraged me to set up my consoles again and just section out some time specifically for gaming that is non negotiable, that way I still feel like I'm doing something I planned on.
I can relate very strongly to how you feel! I often struggle with feeling like what I'm doing isn't good enough. It's so difficult to feel that way, but I'm learning that I simply underestimate my accomplishments. To work full time and be a student is very difficult! I never even attempted to do that. Pat yourself on the back, and yes, enjoy what you love in moderation, too! You have a lot of success ahead of you :)
this definitely makes me feel better about playing games... thanks
I am so glad to hear that, Stonk!! That was the goal :)
Great video! It’s hard when you’re younger if you have a non-mainstream hobby (although games are very mainstream these days) but when you get older you realise that you’ve got one life, choose to spend it doing the things you love to do instead of things you hate but feel you have to do because of expectation/peer pressure etc. I don’t see it as any different to watching Netflix etc., and for narrative based games I’d argue that interacting with a good story can take you on the journey with a deeper connection than you can get from being a passive viewer. Some of my favourite games are experiences and memories that will stay with me forever.
Thank you so much, and thanks for sharing your thoughts! Couldn't have said it better myself. Like you said, if anything, gaming is a more enriching hobby than simply watching a movie or television show (although I love doing those things, too!). Gaming makes for great memories and a sharp mind; our brains will thank us down the line :)
I enjoyed that way of storytelling. Ohh right, makes sense, you talked about that!
It relates to my struggle of feeling like I have to convince outsiders. Gaming seems like a parallel universe at times.
I'm an aspiring GameDev whenever I share that I feel like I'm perceived as wanting to create time-wasters. The unique and flexible combination of art and technology doesn't shine through at all. The industry, the difficulty, the passion. "Ah cool, I don't know much about video games".
I can relate very strongly! Sometimes I still have to ignore feeling embarrassed about discussing gaming.
You should totally make games! I know the industry is in a tough time right now, but I believe you can do it. Lemme know if you ever need a writer :)
Thank you for putting into words a feeling I have had my entire life. Being afraid and angry because people didn't understand me and my passions has caused a lot of problems in my adult life. I find myself being selfish with my free time and only allowing people who think the same way I do about hobbies into my life has really held me back. I believe the majority of those problems started because of how I was made to feel when I was a kid who just loved the worlds and stories he could go to when home wasn't so great. It's my responsibility now to open up my world but I'm glad I'm not alone. Thank you Wilson and every other person in this comment section.
Thank you for watching and sharing, Ryan! It's incredible how much the treatment we receive as children impacts the way we operate as adults. I'm truly sorry for what you went through when you were younger. I hope you can release that pain as you continue forward in life. I'm sure we would have been friends had we known each other back then :)
Beautiful story, and an important message. thank you for sharing it.
Thank you for watching it, Ethan! So happy you dug it :)
This is awesome. I have been having some weird anxiety lately around my large game collection (including collectors statues and whatnot) that I have been collecting since I was 5 (31 now) and I needed to hear this. Thanks, Wilson, I appreciate you.
Thank you so much, Zachary!! I really appreciate the kind words. You should be proud of the collection! I'm sure it's impressive. Once I move out of an apartment into a house, I want to start getting more collector's editions. I'm glad you enjoyed the video, hope you'll join for more in the future! :)
Thank you for creating this wonderful video. I was hesitant to click on it due to your channel being small, and was so pleasantly surprised. My relationship with video games has been almost identical to yours, I felt so connected to them and it's my favorite hobby. Yet, society pushing the idea that video games are bad caused me to go to a way worse outcome. I ended up convincing myself that video games are unhealty, a waste of time, that I could be doing something more productive and beneficial instead of playing this game right now, I started seeing gaming as ''escapism'' from the real world, me trying to run away from reality. This led me to enjoy games less because I kept thinking these things in the back of my head while gaming, and eventually cutting gaming out of my life for years. My therapist, helped me realize that there's nothing wrong with gaming. Yeah it is technically a waste of time and an escape from reality, but the way she put it is, aren't most things we do in our free time to relax a waste of time and an escape. Like reading a book for example, it's the same thing. Yet society sees it as a healthier more productive task. After this, I have returned to gaming and have been having the time of my life again, without feeling guilty or ashamed. Your video is a beautiful message about gaming, which I agree with and relate to everything you've said. You have incredible narration skills, and I can tell how passionate and genuine you are about the topic from the way you talk, something many youtubers lack. Great video! Keep it up and I am sure you will make it far on this platform :)
Thank you so much for watching it! And wow, thank you so so much for sharing your experiences, that was really interesting to read through. It seems like a lot of people can relate to us, which is a shame, but also allows for a sense of community amongst gamers. I try not to view video games as an escape from my world; I view them as an opportunity to visit someone else's. Maintaining that perspective helps with the feelings of guilt or shame for me. I am so happy you've come back around to gaming and are enjoying it more than ever. I'm right there with you! Eventually, society will catch up with us. Thank you again for the kind words, I'm so glad you stumbled upon the channel :)
I tend to get those internalised thoughts of games being escapism because others told me thats what they think it is many times until i slowly and unconsciously started to believe them. If we look at books, it doesn't seem right to call books themselfs escapism but how people use them - and for most people books seem to rather compliment real life, like seeing things through another perspective. When we think about gaming there even more depth like seeing joy in simple things with satisfying gamefeel or having to make and think through difficult choices yourself which a book or a movie can't really provide
Very well said, Alex! It's so interesting to compare many facets of gaming to other entertainment mediums. Video games are viewed as the black sheep in so many ways...
I love this video. It's so wholesome.
Video games aren't that looked-down upon in my culture but there's still this lingering judgement that they're reserved for kids and are unproductive as if reading a book or watching/playing sports isn't the same.
Still. This video is very relatable. And it made me smile for some reason.
Thank you so much!!
Where are you from, if you don't mind me asking?
So glad it made you smile :)
Currently in uni feeling the same way. Thanks for sharing your experiences!
And thank you for sharing yours! I hope this video made you feel a little more validated in this hobby we all love so much :)
Thank you for the message!!! I feel like I only say I was the opposite and feel like I want to make friends who love video games. However they just love movies and hate video games. But I’m proud of myself for loving video games and eventually I know the right people will be there to appreciate the art of competition and appreciation of video games
You will absolutely find the right people!! I have no doubt of that. It takes time, but just keep putting yourself out there and it'll happen. Thanks so much for watching the video, I'm glad you enjoyed it :)
It's the only thing I look forward to in life anymore
It can feel that way for me as well, sometimes! Keep on pushing, my friend. Life has plenty of great surprises in store for you :)
This video hit really close to home. During my teenage years I really feared people knowing my love for videogames thinking they would make fun of me for it. Today I can openly share this passion with my friends, maybe not everyone understands it, but I feel in peace with myself and that's what's important. Thank you for making this video, I really needed to hear the words you said.
I am so glad the video resonated with you, thank you for sharing that! I"m so glad you're able to share more openly than you used to. Keep on gaming :)
Dude, you gotta show off your collection in a video
Great idea, that would be a lot of fun! I'm closer to 500 games now!
@@Wilson-108 Thats awesome I hope I can get there someday
Wow this is exactly how my early life and childhood was. Games were cool when I was 4 and 5, but from 6 to 17 I felt like I had to hide this love due to the fear I would lose my reputation among my peers, and would only have a couple friends left that actually cared about games. Being in highschool when pokemon go came out, and in college when the switch came out, changed my life bc it showed a stark shift in games, especially nintendo games, being actually cool and popular. My talent at super smash bros became a party trick and not something to be ashamed about. It is beautiful to think that videogames have gotten to where they are today in pop culture and thank you for making this video. Cheers!
Thank you for sharing your story! Awesome to hear how far you've come in your disregard for the opinions of others. Our trajectories sound very similar, maybe in part to the fact that it also sounds like we're really close in age. And yeah, I actually really love showing off my gaming skills when I get the chance too, haha, So glad you enjoyed, thanks for watching!
Waiting for this video to pass a million. Way underrated, but keep at it. Quality like this get's attention. Not if, but WHEN. In the meantime, I'd like to add to this sentiment of the video. I had a similar experience myself but mine wasn't from bullies on the playground, it was from my father. He would see me playing games and likely because of the messages being put out by the news back then, that games led to violence (as you referenced in your vid) and the fact that the older generation never understands the hobbies of the younger ones, he would make comments about it being a waste of time or rotting my brain. But I've grown a lot since those days and done a lot of self reflection. I know my dad was making passive comments that he couldn't have known the impact of. I don't think he meant to hurt me the way he did but I looked up to him and the things he said carried more weight for me than they did for him. Looking back now, I can see it was simply something he didn't understand so he didn't appreciate it. But what really got me was when I remembered that he used to watch M.A.S.H. on tv EVERY day. Not like a DVD box set he was watching through the series on or anything, but live tv channel reruns of an old show he watched when he was younger and he proudly boasted he had seen every episode of, multiple times. His still watches that old show (on TV channels) to this day and it's a pretty mindless experience. He just sits there and stares at the screen as something he's already seen plays for him. Not even watching the series again in sequence on a DVD (which he does have btw), just whatever episode the TV station chooses to play. The only thought that goes into it for him is: Turn on TV, choose station, watch show. So for him to criticize my preferred form of entertainment which requires engagement, problem solving, attention to detail, and keep my mind sharp, as mind rotting is ironic at best and hypocritical at worst. My point is, people don't appreciate what they don't understand. People won't accept you or appreciate you unless you choose to and that's as much of a reason as any not to let yourself be bogged down by other people's opinions. If you don't like what someone thinks about you, go hang out with someone else.
I love what you said about too much of a good thing can become a bad one. That's true. Everything in moderation. Especially now with so many games in the industry designed to suck away our time and our money but if you're doing something because you enjoy it and it's not hurting your real life, then there's nothing wrong with it in my book.
One final note I want to add, some of the older generations fought in wars on the other side of the world and saw hell on Earth, or were raised by people who did. When you risk your life for a cause, it changes your perspective on life. These people may not do much in their day to day lives that we can observe but in their minds, they have earned their rest because of the traumas they experienced growing up and they believe those traumas made them better people. When they see younger people who don't have to face those same difficulties and are raised in a time of peace where people can spend their days obsessing over movies, games, sports, etc, instead of being shipped over seas to fight a war, they thing it makes those people weak and of a lower quality. I don't believe that's true myself, but I can almost see where these old timers are coming from. But being born in peace time isn't your fault or mine. Living in a world where war is slightly less common doesn't make us bad people and playing video games, or watching movies, or enjoying sports isn't morally wrong just because our grandparents didn't have that luxury.
Sorry to write my own essay on your video but this is a topic I've grappled with for a long time myself and it's nice to see someone else talking about it too.
Wow!! What an insightful comment. Thank you so incredibly much for taking the time to share all of this. I was really hoping this video would inspire others to share their own stories and experiences.
I imagine a disapproving parent had a profound impact on your relationship with games. My parents never disapproved, but possessed a certain apathy about games, which I think delegitimized them for me to some extent. Ultimately, you're exactly right. We all consume entertainment in our own way and I think newer mediums are bound to face criticism and conjecture from those who don't understand it. Which, as you mentioned, is very ironic, given the fact that video games actually strengthen, not weaken, our minds. But that's a great final point you make. I suppose, everyone has their own perspective, and we all stand to gain a bit by putting ourselves in those shoes.
Don't apologize, I'm so grateful to you for writing it! Thank you very much for the kind words, I'm so glad you stumbled upon the video. Here's to a million! :)
This video is so good and warm I could cuddle and sleep with it.
I spoke to the video and it also would like to cuddle with you :)
An inspiration
Thank you my brotha!!
I had the same experience as you in my childhood. Even now, when I'm 39 years old, I still have to hear those words, "do you still play video games like a kid!"
But you know what, I came to the realization that it doesn't matter! Those people who despise video games don't matter in my life. I'm perfectly happy with my 500+ video games in my computer, PS2, PS3 & PS4. It is my life and I decide what makes me happy!
I will teach my 1.5 years old daughter to do the same when she grows up.
That's a wonderful attitude you have, thank you for sharing! I couldn't agree more, we can't dwell on dissenting opinions. You sound like a great parent :)
Awesome perspective dude. Also gotta love the PS2 :). I'm 22 and the PS2 was my first console when I was like 5. And the first game I ever played, Lego Star Wars (bomb of a game), was on there. I don't have my original PS2 anymore, but I got one off my brother and it felt so good booting that thing up after AGES of not playing one
I’m losing my mind, could someone please tell me what the background song starting at 3:16 is??? It awakened an old memory and I NEED to know which game’s soundtrack it’s from. Great video as well!
I was thinking maybe it’s from Stray, but that ain’t it 🤔
It’s from Celeste
@@Mister_Don888 Thaaaat’s it, thank you!
Haha, sorry, I just now saw this comment or I would have responded sooner! @Mister_Domm got it, it's from Celeste! What an incredible soundtrack that game has...
@@Wilson-108 No worries! (I’ve been listening to the ost nonstop since getting the answer)
Had this video suggested on my home page and I am glad I clicked. This is a really great video and summarises how I use to feel in high school when I would spend my weekends playing video games all day while all the people around me would party, or be out chasing girls. Wish I could tell my younger self that it’s okay to play video games and that everything would turn out okay. Thank you for this beautiful video.
Thank you so much for watching it, Nathan! I'm really glad you enjoyed it. Yeah, these feelings hit me super hard in high school. That's when I remember really starting to feel FOMO, likely exacerbated by starting to use social media. Really appreciate the kind words :)
The only thing that makes gaming a bad hobby is that your sitting down doing nothing, but its no different from watching tiktok or tv. Also, this was really well made and your really good at story telling, keep it up!
That's a very good point, gotta mix in a little exercise here and there. Thank you so much for the kind words, Tropix! Welcome to the channel :)
@@Wilson-108vr is great for exercise i usually burn a few hundred calories in a session
That’s why I think a video game hobby is only good when coupled with other hobbies like an instrument, or exercise, or spending time with family and friends
But I also relate, I feel guilty when buying games with my own money because it sometimes feels “wasteful” although I enjoy them so much
Hey, it's not a waste if you're having fun with it!
@@Wilson-108 I meant more along the lines of its not the healthiest hobby, your right though
Thank you so much, I somehow got this video on my feed and I get now why. It made me realize how much truly I love video games and why I am so drawn to them. And at the same time why I internally battle myself about it. I didn't even realize.
Thank you! I will enjoy every second of it now guilt free!
Wow, thank you for sharing this, Dita!! It makes me so happy to hear you say that. I think many of us struggle with that internal battle you mentioned, but you shouldn't feel any guilt whatsoever. Keep on playing, my friend :)
No idea why so many people are trying to demonize video games now.
For the most part, I think they just don't understand them. Hopefully, in due time, more and more people will feel comfortable with the medium!
It’s alot better than it used to be but yeah some stuff still lingers
As someone who relates to this hobby this video genuinely made me happy when the part you said when you showed your friends the door room and they thought your collection was awesome. 😎
I'm so glad you enjoyed the video! Thank you for watching :)
can someone name all the games in this video?
I gotcha covered! In order of appearance:
Doom Eternal
Astro's Playroom
Ghostwire Tokyo
Journey
Hohokum
Tunic
Dark Souls
Chicory: A Colorful Tale
We Love Katamari
Omori
The Last Of Us Part 2
Stray
Celeste
The Evil Within
Downwell
Outlast II
Red Dead Redemption
Resident Evil 4 (2005)
Home
Uncharted 4: A Thief's End
Fort Solis
I opted not to label all the clips in the video as to not distract (and save time lol). Feel free to give me a timestamp if you want to know a specific game!
I put the controller down after I moved out over 10 years ago. I played some via emulation, but never regularly. My family grew up with Nintendo and my siblings all still play regularly even though they are grown. My parents played too and now play Pokemon Go. My brother is a hobby-ist game dev on pico-8.
My life got busy. But I still have lots of joy watching video of others play old games I used to play. My kids play the switch, but sometimes get dis-regulated when playing too much. I remind them the point is to have fun. I've started playing with them too since we got a console switch this christmas.
Yeah, it can be tough to maintain playing when life gets really busy. I'm happy to hear you're able to connect with your kids through games! I'm sure they love the Switch :)
It's never ok to be an addict, do what you have to do in life, it's way more important than playing. I got rid of most bad habits but games are still my kryptonite, but I don't play them all day, I reward myself after completing long and hard task. Played Tomb Raider Legend last month and still haven't touched games, now I'm getting back to Tomb Raider Anniversary for more nostalgia. That's the best way to play games, it just gives you perfect amount of satisfaction and doesn't make you addicted. Also the game choice absolutely matters, if you play Fortnite, that is the best game to get addicted to and feel like a stupid braindead human while playing it. Choose games that actually make you think about things and have something to offer.
A great point! Addiction is brutal, and I'm sure many struggle with an addiction to games. I know I certainly struggle with an addiction to my phone... I also opt for single player games. Being able to "complete" whatever I'm playing is hugely important to me. Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts!
Beautiful video. I grew up in a very anti-technology household and as a young developing kid it was impossible to to feel loved and accepted when my passions were constantly under attack. I have since mostly learned to separate my self worth from the parental/peer approval of my interests, but hearing people express the genuine pure joy that videogames bring them still usually ends up being a validating and emotional experience for me.
Thank you for sharing your experience in such a well put together and empathetic way
Thank you so much for the kind words!! I appreciate it so much. I'm sure so many people can relate to your upbringing, thanks for sharing your experiences.
I'm so happy the video resonated with you, thanks for watching :)
It took me a long time to say that I was proud to be a certified gamer and game enthusiast. I think my dad wanting me to play sports so badly messed it up, but at some point I just didnt care anymore. Games being seen as more of an art form now is the most glorious thing I never would have imagined in my youth
We've come a long way, which also makes me super happy. Keep on gaming :)
I can't fully explain it at the moment, but i just finished watching this video and it made me cry. This is such a beautiful and important life lesson. Thank you so much for sharing your experience. Im so so so glad you were able to find people who could celebrate and share your love for video games! I also love video games and not a lot of my friends do, so it always feels special when i come across welcoming corners of the internet where you feel accepted 🎉🎊🎮 You’re incredible, Wilson
Wow, what an incredibly kind comment, thank you so much, Andrea!! I absolutely love hearing this. Even today, most of friends don't play games, so I too love finding people that share this passion. You are quite welcome here, I'm so happy that you discovered the channel!! I hope you'll join us for more videos :)
I cried watching this video, thank you, it was very healing. Life has not been kind to me socially speaking but video games have always been there for me.
I am so glad to hear that the video affected so deeply! I can empathize, I struggled socially for a long time as well. Things will get better in time, and video games will always be a constant for you :)
I think this is genuinely something that's important to talk about, especially for teens
I'm freshly 18 years old as of now, and have never stopped playing video games, many of my friends I used to play video games with have either quit playing them or rarely play them and some of them even think that video games are an insignificant, useless side hobby nowadays
which is - not exactly wrong, but I think people who start to grow embarrassed and think they're immature for enjoying them don't understand that that really isn't an issue. everyone has hobbies they like to do on the side when they have spare time, and we just happen prefer to fill that time with video games instead of say for example, watching a movie like a more "normal" person.
of course the main issue with video games is remaining physically inactive while playing them, which is why I seriously recommend anyone massively into video games like I am to pick up a sport they enjoy and do it on a regular basis. but apart from that, just play what you like and don't let it override your responsibilities
Couldn't agree more, I think it's really important to discuss! We've all got to accept what everyone enjoys, as long as it's not harming anyone else. But, as you say, the sedentary nature of games does welcome the introduction of a more active hobby as a companion. It's all about that balance :)
Man I'm so glad i found your channel from RUclips recommendations, definitely one of your best works !
I completely agree on your viewpoint, just don't forget to take short breaks and drink water !
Thank you so much, MrAdhito!! I appreciate it so much, welcome aboard!
Oh yes, breaks and water are key for sure :)
What a beautiful way with words you have, to go with a beautful story. Thank you for making the world a warmer, lighter place 💙
I was mad for racing games, and I played a load between 2005 and 2012 (through secondary school). I still get chills from watching the intros of the original Motorstorm, GRID, Split Second. There was NFS Most Wanted, Burnout Paradise, all the other Burnouts. It really does feel like a golden age of racing, even now. Early this year I finally got to experience the magic of Super Mario Odyssey. That game blew me away. Pokemon Arceus brought me more magic last summer. The only thing is, I tend to overplay and feel worse off for it, no matter how magical the game is. Perhaps there's something about reality that brings me down. Maybe that's the trick, to bring more magic into the real world, just like you did this with this video. Cheers to you my friend 💙
Thank you so much for the kind words!! You, too, are making the world lighter :)
You're listing some fantastic games right there! I'd love to play Burnout, it's been forever since I played one of those games. I sometimes overplay as well, which is usually I sign I need to stop playing and go do something else. Thanks again, Samy :)
I have been playing video games for 35 years (I am 39) and I remember when I was bullied in school because I played video games, loved anime (which was not popular at that time) and read comics, me and the little group of friends were called losers and nobody's by the whole school. Nowadays it is cool to play video games and watch anime but at that time it was very rough, at least for me but I never denied that my favorite hobby is playing video games it really relaxes me.
So glad you never stopped despite the bullying! Keep on gaming :)
I think we have already crossed this bridge. Games are beyond mainstream and have been for some time.
Very true! However, I do think many people still feel ashamed to play video games.
@@Wilson-108 Ashamed in front of who though!
Could be anyone, family, friends, anyone who may pass judgement@@willissudweeks1050
Thank you so much for making this video. I've struggled similarly growing up. Playing video games was one of the only things we could do growing up, so it became pretty big for me. After I left high school I got a job, and gained a relationship that would turn out to be abusive years down the line. Currently I have all the games I still own and everything, but it's been tremendously difficult for me to pick up the controller and have some fun playing. With this video, I'm going to start trying to enjoy video games once more. Thank you, and may God bless you bud ^^
Of course, thank you so much for watching it and for sharing your experiences! I hate to hear about the hardships you've had to endure, but I'm really happy that you're feeling inspired to jump back into gaming again. Keep me posted on your experiences with them!
I love how you're passionate about thingnyou actually love and show this passion
Thank you so much! Gotta keep the passion :)
Video games for life, 34 years old, nothing has changed in my 20 years gaming history!
I love to hear it, keep on gaming, my friend!!
I wish younger me would have been able to see how much the medium has matured and that there is value in this hobby. It’s always reassuring being able to see that I wasn’t alone in my passion for video games and I will never have to be embarrassed about it ever again.
I'm right there with you! My goal with this video was to help affirm everyone who feels passionately about video games, so I hope it resonated with you. Thanks for watching :)
As someone that's been playing videogames since about 92' I absolutely love hearing stories like this. My man!
Hell yeah, thanks for watching, Zogg! We gotta keep the gaming torch lit!
One of my favorite questions to ask someone new is what they like to do. It’s usually something interesting like dance or rockclimbing or sports. When they say that o revise it asking what do you do when you only have a few hours to do something you enjoy. I want to know if they are normal and like Netflix or video games or TikTok because to me hearing those responses says a lot more about person than other things mentioned above. I too love dance, rock climbing and sports but they are thing I do when I can make the time but being able to play a game at the drop of a hat that allows me to do those things to me has its own value that is both different and special to me. And people that label those activities as bad or of losers really tells me a lot about them.
That's a great question to ask people! We spend a lot time focusing on what people do for a living that we forget to discuss what brings us to life. And I agree, someone insulting you for doing something you love says a lot more about them than it does about you :)
Your story from college was really encouraging for me as an European video gamer about to start the the equivalent to high school, who isn’t *too* social. I usually play single player games and I love the experiences I have when playing and feeling the games’ atmospheres. My favorites are always indie games. Their themes and worlds just often resonate with me on a deep emotional level. I would give my left nut for another Outer Wilds or Tunic or Undertale or Journey.
A lot of people play games these days but it’s always some modern competitive fps or a multiplayer mobile game. Three of my friends are kinda like me and play single player occasionally but still dont really love them like I do (at least I dont think they do).
I’ve never been to a party and kinda nervous about that in the future.
I’ve kinda been in the slumps lately but this video really cheered me up! Sorry for the long comment! This was mostly for me to get my thoughts together.
No need to apologize, thank you for leaving the comment!!
I totally understand the nerves! My advice would be to lean into them. Embrace the discomfort! My biggest regret about college is how much I refused to socialize. I would kill to go back and do it all over again. I think you're gonna have a fantastic time in college and will meet some amazing people. Come back and let me know how it's going if you get the chance!
And also, love all those games you mentioned :)
Love this video man, what an awesome message. I’ve loved gaming for as long as I can remember and I don’t get as much time for it anymore due to pursuit of other passions but I resonate so much with the idea of not hiding your love for something, of course negative judgement exists but when people reveal their judgements it says more about themselves than you and of course positive judgement exists too, you never know who you’ll meet who is into the same thing. Great work brother
Thank you so much, I appreciate you taking the time to leave such a kind comment! You encapsulate it perfectly when you say that one's judgment says a lot more about them than you. You just gotta find your crew and ignore the dissenters. Thanks again!
This one resonated with me a ton, thank you so much for sharing your experiences!
Having grown up in a small town with not too many friends and family that really didn't appreciate that i spent most of my free time playing video games i still feel quite a lot of shame meeting new people or trying to join conversations at work lunches or at parties when i meet new people. When my coworkers talk about hiking and ski trips while i take my days off to go visit Cons or online friends it can get a little heartbreaking how much i shamefully retreat during those conversations. It got to a point where i feel bad doing what i like by myself in my own free time, but i'm pretty sure i'm past the worst now. It important to balance new experiences in addition to the usual hobbies! I can imagine that those feelings of shame can be somewhat of a drive to do other things to connect with different people aswell.
I hope more people are going to find your stuff, your voice is really pleasant and cutting in footage of all those great games helped with the story telling aswell :)
Thank you so much for the kind words, Alex! And thanks for sharing your own experiences.
I can relate to marching to the beat of my own drum. It can feel alienating at times, but I'm trying to learn to embrace it and let it empower me. But yes, I completely agree that balancing other hobbies along with what you already love is extremely important.
Thanks again for the positive words, I'm so glad you discovered the channel! I hope you'll join for more videos in the future :)
Happy this video blew up for you, drove me to check some of your other content and subscribed. I related to this too, thanks for sharing such a beautiful, inspiring story.
Thank you so much, DrFranq!! I'm so thrilled by the response to the video. Welcome aboard, I'm very glad you discovered the channel :)
At the turn of the millennium when my high school friend saw my collection of ~20 video game boxes he became very serious and said "hey, I think you might have video game addiction, did you ever think of that?" Now in the era of Steam those are rookie numbers but back in the day that was genuinely something to be ashamed of.
Wow, how the times have changed! It seems insane to think about such a comment made about 20 games today. Those really are rookie numbers, haha
Man I teared up during the video. What a masterpiece. Thanks for sharing your story and inspiring all of us to just enjoy something you like - regardless of other people's opinion. Thank you. Btw u got a great voice.
Thank you so much!! So glad you dug the video and so happy it made you feel inspired :)
I grew out of games for a bit, because my collection was way too massive, and hell I used to be insecure about my games as well on the shelf. You'd be surprised how many people are actually curious if you give them the chance to see or listen. Some might not, but it really doesn't matter. You're having fun, and as long as some people show interest, it's perfect. Gaming is just meant to be fun, same as any hobby. I feel I need to share even more. A coworker of mine who isn't a huge gamer recently told me she found my collection cool, as she had started collecting for the 3DS. I was beyond happy to share that.
Great video man, I'm sure a lot of gamers needed to hear it.
I think you're right, most people are actually really fascinated by a big collection. I couldn't agree more, gaming is intended to be fun and shouldn't be looked down upon. That's awesome that you were able to connect with your coworker over your game collections!
Thank you so much for saying that! I'm really glad you enjoyed it :)