My life revolves around video games. I remember playing games such as Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Mega Man X, Super Mario World and Riven as a child, and I knew, even back then, that I wanted to devote my life to gaming.
As I got older and started reading some gaming publications, including my favorite, “Game Informer,” I realized that I wanted to take my passion a step further. I want to write about video games, especially if it means that I can state my case for them.
Video games have progressed visually over the years from 16- to 64-bit graphics, and to the current things of beauty that they are now, but they have also began to include more realistic characters and feature far better plot progression.
Back in early 2011, a game named L.A. Noire was released. It incorporates both extremely believable characters and a solid story into its structure. As a result, it became one of my favorite games of the past few years. This particular game is just one of many examples of how gaming has evolved.
Despite what anyone else thinks, I view certain video games as art. There are some games, such as Conflict: Denied Ops, that should be shoved through a meat grinder, but then there are a lot of games that need to be acknowledged for their artistic content.
Braid is a prime example of a praise-worthy, artistic game. It is a 2-D side-scroller with platforming and puzzle elements, but its true value lies in its narrative. It uses metaphors to paint a picture of a man’s life and the mistakes he has made along the way. Video games can evoke emotions in the person playing them. I have laughed and even cried while playing many different ones.
There is a certain joy to sitting down and playing a great video game that I can’t find anywhere else. I can escape my somewhat depressing existence for a little while. I can explore uncharted terrain. I can confront my fears head-on and come out unscathed.
There is no other medium on Earth that can compare to the realm of video gaming. I am proud to call myself a gamer. I would be even more proud to have a job as a video game journalist. Here’s to the future.
