Video Games Ruined Passive Entertainment, but Unlocked My Full Potential.

When I was young, I remember watching movies and TV pretty regularly. Now- I can't stand it.

My dad was a jock, so we measured our masculinity by playing Madden against each other. And by play I mean yell obscenities at the virtual player dropping the virtual ball. 

http://www.playerschoicegames.com/madden2000screen1psx.jpg

Throw it you jaggy textured ass hole!

Like all red-blooded Americans, we ceremoniously watched football on Sundays. But one day in 1998, I had an awakening- I'd rather play as the Denver Broncos than watch the Denver Broncos. This thought process began to bleed into other interests: Why listen to music when I can play music in Rock Band? Why am I watching the DOOM movie when I can play DOOM?

http://crystaltips.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/doom03.jpg
Well at least I’m not the only one who’s bored.

As console technology improves, developers are not just creating games, but fully realized worlds for players to explore and interact in. With games like Mass Effect, The Walking Dead, and Far Cry 3 - I get to be the star and I determine the path of the story. Projecting myself onto these characters is more satisfying than passively watching someone else be apart of something that I want to be apart of. In video games: I get to overcome trials and tribulations. I get to forge lasting friendships and alliances throughout my journey. No other visual medium allows you to save the princes one day, and become a super villain the next.

http://media.desura.com/cache/images/members/1/366/365912/thumb_940x3000/ShepardDealWithIt.png

I’m Commander Shepherd, the biggest ass hole on the Citadel.

In 2012, the feeling I had in 1998 reemerged, but slightly modified. I love playing as characters who perform amazing feats, make new friends, and overcome insurmountable odds; but what if I could do that in real life? Why run around and climb the snowcapped mountains of Skyrim, when I can explore the world I live in for real? Couldn’t I be a great leader like Commander Shepherd? The safety of the couch was no longer fulfilling - I wanted to be the hero of my own story.

http://cdnl.complex.com/mp/620/400/80/0/bb/1/ffffff/816bc3bdf25b1dcc6c0118e73333faa3/images_/assets/CHANNEL_IMAGES/MUSIC/2013/06/taco.jpg

I read that inspiring quip off a Taco Bell Fire Sauce packet.

Ever since then, my life has changed: I have taken up rock climbing, motorcycle riding, cooking, and volunteering in my community. I explore the City of Chicago, talking to anyone who crosses my path. Currently, I am applying for medical school, with the hopes it will allow me to help others, just like my favorite gaming heroes. Video games have pushed me to achieve more than I could have ever imagined. For this, they will forever be an integral part of my life.

So you’re probably thinking: “That's great ‘n all, but what do I get out of this?”
I want to let you know YOU can be Master Chief. You can be the Hero of your Hyrule! Stop making amazing things happen on a screen, and start forging them in your life!

-Doc Suave