"I think most people should probably just avoid gambling games. Most people should avoid hypnotic, compulsive, addictive games in general. But I also think that, if you really want to understand games, you should learn how to play these games. Which means learning how to stop playing them."
Ironically, your piece about Balatro (1) turned me on to the game; (2) provided me with deep insight into what aspects of the game make it so more-ish and dopaminergic; which I think (3) has really shone a light into how I should manage and design my bigger, real-life motivations and "healthy" addictions.
This is all to say that I think your approach to looking at games is very, very good.
I know a handful of young men (early 20s) who live at home and play a lot of video games. I’m an older gamer (late 30s) and when I tell my older friends that “these young people live at home because rent prices are insane, don’t date much or at all and in their off time play video games” they blame the games for the situation.
But I see the games as giving them an outlet. I can’t imagine where young people would be right now without video games as a pastime. I honestly think it’s saving a generation from much worse fates.
"I think most people should probably just avoid gambling games. Most people should avoid hypnotic, compulsive, addictive games in general. But I also think that, if you really want to understand games, you should learn how to play these games. Which means learning how to stop playing them."
Ironically, your piece about Balatro (1) turned me on to the game; (2) provided me with deep insight into what aspects of the game make it so more-ish and dopaminergic; which I think (3) has really shone a light into how I should manage and design my bigger, real-life motivations and "healthy" addictions.
This is all to say that I think your approach to looking at games is very, very good.
And yeah, I'm still playing Balatro. :)
Glad to hear it. Be safe! :)
I know a handful of young men (early 20s) who live at home and play a lot of video games. I’m an older gamer (late 30s) and when I tell my older friends that “these young people live at home because rent prices are insane, don’t date much or at all and in their off time play video games” they blame the games for the situation.
But I see the games as giving them an outlet. I can’t imagine where young people would be right now without video games as a pastime. I honestly think it’s saving a generation from much worse fates.
Great article. Lots to think about