First Discussion - What I learned from Video Games

First let us begin at the beginning.

Part 1) Definition.

Video Game.
–noun
1. Any of various games played using a microcomputer with a keyboard and often joysticks to manipulate changes or respond to the action or questions on the screen.
2. Any of various games played using a microchip-controlled device, as an arcade machine or hand-held toy.

Also called "Electronic Game."

http://dictionary.reference.com/


Part 2) Background

But what is it really? First of all let me qualify what systems to play games are available today. Today there are computer games that can be accessed on desktops or laptops. These are often referred to as "PC games." Other games are accessed through "console games" such as Atari, Sega Genesis, Playstation, and more recently the ever popular Nintendo Wii. These typically involve a standalone station that can be plugged in through any television with the proper connections. A variety of games are accessible through these devices. Yet another type of game system is the popular "hand-held" devices such as the Gameboy, Psp, and Nintendo DS. These devices allow users to play a variety of games and have screens built in that can be used anywhere as long as the battery doesn't run out. Finally there are "Arcade" types of game systems which typically only play a single game and are generally retrofitted to a human size type box.

And secondly of course there are genres. There are first person shooter games where people generally control a single entity and blow things (or people) up to smithereens. Not commonly but on occasion referred to as “Shooters.” There are real time strategy games where people control vast armadas or armies. These are commonly referred as “Strategy Games.” There are role playing games where a person goes on an in-depth full emersion story line. These are often referred to “RPG’s.“ And finally there are massively multiplayer online games. These are often referred as “MMO’s.“

Ok Ok. I’m even boring myself here.

Now that you know a little background on them… Let me give you a first-hand look into what they have taught me. Now some of these may be good or bad. That is the case with most things in life. In any case here it is.

Part 3) The not-so-great or funny lessons I learned from video games:

a) If I don’t like the outcome of my game I just restart it or load it from a saved spot.
b) If someone dies they disappear.
c) If someone dies don’t worry they have a few more lives left.
d) It's OK to search random people's houses and take their stuff.
e) Save now. Save often!
f) If at first you don't succeed, level up for a while and then try again
g) Typing while clicking is a necessary skill.
h) Most of the laws of physics are just suggestions.
i) Shooting people is fun and no big deal.
j) People that are shot drop things often.
k) You will always be outnumbered... but it will never matter, because you're just that awesome!
l) Cheats make the game fun. They’re easily accessible through the internet on most games.
m) I can be any persona I wish online.

On a more positive note:

1) How you start exponentially affects your chances of success. It’s easier to start well and end well than to start bad and end well.
2) Don’t sit around waiting for a miracle. Be pro-active!
3) Try new things. If it doesn’t work one way try another.
4) Seize opportunities! Life comes at you fast. Be ready!
5) Evolve or die. Keep trying. Don’t give up. Try, try, try again.
6) Looks aren’t everything. Skill and technique are required to succeed.
7) From MMO’s: You must have a good, cohesive team behind you to succeed.
8) Networking makes your path at progress a lot easier.
9) Everybody wants to either rule the world or be the hero (in some cases the villain).
10) Don’t brag about what you do. Let your actions speak for themselves.