Interesting. Thank you for responding

I don’t have trouble relaxing, per se, but I absolutely am a “I’ll relax when I’m dead” type.

That’s interesting you mentioned video games as a sort of solace amid late-stage capitalism. I can fully believe (so-called) capitalism as it has been known in the US is effectively over, but I tend to think it never really existed. Like, free market? OK, where do they sell heroin then? (Inb4 synthetic opiates at the hospital)

If (so-called) capitalism is ending, why is there no appetite to replace it?

Did the prior generations lose the skills necessary to operate civilization? Therefore, by the time we got to now, people only know how to play and consume?

Discuss (plz).

Thank you for responding. That–RPGs-- makes sense to me. I can conceptualize a game where you’re basically able to cram more into your actual life. I feel – nay, I’ve witnessed – a lot of businesses engage in practices that explicitly disempower their customers, and I see that practice a lot in videogames nowadays. That irks me. It’s ultimately treating customers like ATMs, and I am not on board!

Have you ever played Myst? From what I’ve read, that was the advent of the open world concept.

Similarly, have you ever used Oculus or any of those headset games? It seems like that would work well with unbounded exploration.

I hadn’t really thought of this previously, but maybe my pet peeve is that you’re often just being directed through someone else’s fantasy.

Lol. I watched quite a lot of that video, tho I was disappointed the dominoes didn’t make a big V (for Vendetta) from above.

Thanks – and dear god, I am doing luddite stuff online now: not replying in the thread etc.

That’s interesting you only came to play games as an adult. I wonder how much the starting point influences the trajectory.

Incidentally, I do have a rocking chair.

Interesting. So where I think I don’t like video games writ large, I may only resonate with particular genres or particular mechanics, etc(?).

That makes sense.

I further believe I see more sameness exist than actually exists because I simply am not as familiar with the subject matter.

And why is “a lot to learn” is listed as a negative? If you are enjoying what you’re doing, you probably don’t mind that it takes some time

I agree. I guess my perception is that you have to put in a lot of time to develop a skill that cannot be transferred. However, I fully accept that may be my own sampling bias and perception from an outside perspective.

My own lack of an appetite for longer games is completely plausibly an outgrowth of that.

Thank you for taking the time to respond thoughtfully.

Thank you for taking the time to respond thoroughly. So – if I’m understanding – video games are an alternative to video media like TV shows? I can see vgs offering waayyy better interactivity (et al) than TV shows.

I guess I wasn’t even thinking about TV, in part cuz I don’t watch TV. I have seen many, many movies. Recently I read “Story* by Robert McKee (the guy doing writing workshops in the movie " Adaptation”), and it was really fascinating. He essentially says story is an essential element of human existence, and your comment – well, the way I read your comment – reiterates that point. It’s not pure entertainment so much as a lens for seeing the world.

Makes sense, thank you.

Agreed. I didn’t realize he died so long ago. Tho I am very envious that you saw him perform live.

Wow – only 88!!! That’s nuts!

Wow that is a lot. Thank you – and RIP David Bowie. The others, too, of course. I was thinking Muhammad Ali died circa Bush as potus. Huh. And Elie Wiesel must have been like 90+. Like he was married when he was put in a concentration camp (and his wife was killed there🙁).

Who died? I stopped keeping track after …hmmm would it be funnier to say Kurt Cobain (RIP) or James Brown (RIP)?

Dear god, please don’t let comedians refer to the internet – talk about cringe.

OK I dug into this. It appears this is most easily accomplished with Matrix, as it allows many-to-many audio chats. I asked for a quote. ;P

I was afraid you’d say something like that.

Dang – I have no idea how to address that…🤔

Alright, well I’ll keep thinking.

Thank you very much for the feedback.

But hopefully with less overt racism.

I remain to be convinced people aren’t already stupid.

That’s way too fancy for irc, but good idea! I will think about how to do that. Would a single still pic be useful?