The popular video game Madden has been a part of my life for nearly 10 years. I can remember coming home from school in middle school and playing on my father's computer until it was time to go to bed. Now, I play on my Playstation 3 every night before going to sleep and even in between classes. For those unaware, Madden is an American Football video game named after the famous coach and announcer John Madden. I am definitely not alone in my addiction to Madden, as it is one of the best selling games of all time. There is even a television show on ESPN devoted to airing Madden tournaments around the country.
Typically, I play a game every night with a friend of mine who lives down the hall from me. The games get extremely competitive and usually result in one of us throwing our controller and yelling expletives. We even discuss the results of the game the next day, rehashing the best moments. Often, we have been reminded by others that we do not actually play the game, even though we discuss the game as if we do. The medium Madden has become an actual sport to us, in lieu of actually playing football outside. While decades ago children would play football oustide for entertainment, I find myself sitting in front of a television for hours on end simulating a football game with a computer.
Madden may be wildly successful and popular; however, the argument can be made that it negatively affects our youth. As a substitute to real physical exercise and social interaction, many decide to instead sit on a couch and compete in a fictitious football game against a computer. While I have never let a video game dictate my life, it is important that I budget my time appropriately so I can enjoy playing Madden while still maintaining a healthy balance of school work and social interaction. This is vital to anyone that takes as much enjoyment out of a video game as I do in Madden, as it is easy to become so addicted that other areas in your life suffer.
I agree with you, Kevin. Video games have made it so easy for us to entertain ourselves that it has greatly decreased the amount of time we should be spending outside doing more productive things.
ReplyDeleteKevin I really enjoyed your blog entry, for some reason this particular entry really struck a cord with me. I think that a lot of people resort to playing madden because they do not have the athletic prowess to play football in real life. What i found interesting is that you have memories of playing Madden for nearly 10 years. I would just guess that someone playing for that long would really be something special but it sounds like you ar still trying to compete with you friend from down the hall. Good luck staying competitive with him (you will need it).
ReplyDeleteI certainly agree with this comment. There are many times where I try to decide between going to the gym and playing another game of MLB2k10 and choose the latter. However, it is a great way to hang out and not only build a relationship with friends but meet new people on Xbox Live and Playstation online.
ReplyDeleteP.s. Come to Putney 3rd floor if you want some real Madden competition.
Media not only extend us but also amputate us! How does the madden game amputate you? We all know that spectator sports, unlike real participatory sports, make you lazy and addicted to junk food, what about these virtual sports? It seems like it lies in the middle of the spectrum: it's spectator-like, but it's also partipatory.
ReplyDeleteIt'll be nice to see you develop your last point about how these games would become so addictive--what about it that attract you exactly.
Interesting post!
d.
Jeff,
ReplyDeleteWho are you kidding when you say that video games are a great way to meet new people? You have to be a loser to go on xbox live with the intent of meeting a future friend.
I know that you don't actually do this so I'm going to let it go but let's be a little more careful when we choose to make outrageous statements like that in the future.