Gaming Culture

I suppose primarily, the gaming culture that i am a part of is the art side of things. Growing up my work was heavily influenced by concept art for games - both style and content. I wouldn't say that gaming is really a part of my life anymore these days. I still play the odd game, but I'm nowhere near as 'in to it' as i used to be. Back when i was at school my friends and I used to spend quite a bit of time on xbox live. It was immensely entertaining at the time, to be able to play some of the best games around in the comfort of your own home but be able to chat and socialise (virtually) with your friends too.

In that sense it was very addictive, i remember wasting many hours just sat on burnout paradise chatting to friends over the headset. Looking back, i don't think i would go back on xbox live again, mainly due to the fact that as I've grown up i find i have less and less time for games, as other responsibilities crop up.

Some games, almost have cult status and an incredible following. Take final fantasy 7 for example, or even just that series on the whole. Gamers have parties where they dress up as characters, films are made about games, and vice versa.

I think games have become a rather sophisticated form of entertainment and like anything which people are interested in and passionate about, the way in which it is reflected in our culture will reflect peoples passion for it.

I think for some younger children however it's quite a detrimental past time. I know some young kids that just sit on their games consoles all day everyday, chatting to people online, some of which they don't even know. I personally think this is a sad case, seeing as they should make the most of their time as kids, and be out enjoying the world, not cooped up. But then again i guess they have that option and can always take it if they want to.

Games have seemingly cemented themselves in our culture, how it will develop in the future still remains to be seen.