GameGemini – Video Gaming Heaven

The image of what a gamer is can no-longer be so easily defined. There are now 2 different types of gamer – casual and serious. The idea and image of a gamer used to fall somewhere in the middle, but now the two extremes have been reached. At the same time that Nintendo are marketing their Wii games console to
families, women and kids, Professional gaming tournaments are taking place all over the world, where serious money is at stake. The job title ‘Professional Gamer’ has even become accepted as a valued source of income.

The gaming industry has changed. It has expanded, nay, exploded. Gone are the days when video games were the things you played on in pubs (think Pacman). Games are now immersive, emotional experiences. Games have the ability to change and affect people’s lives, sometimes for the worse (I’m talking about stress, anxiety and addiction), but mostly for the better. However, there are different types of games for different people. Depending on whatever you want from a game, there’s one for you. Some people dream of an escape – another life that they can lead. These kind of people seem to end up playing World of Warcraft, and spending hours everyday doing so. Some people might simply crave a piece of light entertainment for when their friends come over. Others will want something that will engage their mind, make them think and strategise, and give them a sense of accomplishment. It has been said that a person’s life can be predicted based on the kinds of games that they play. People play games to solve problems and to live out fantasies, because they are missing something in their life. Maybe it’s a sense of adventure, risk, or a dream that they simply never fulfilled.

The fact is that being a gamer is no-longer something that brings shame. In fact, nearly everyone in the Western world, in some way or another, can claim to be a gamer. Video games can bring people together – there’s nothing like playing a sports game with a group of friends and a few beers.