Branching Out and Moving On

Branching Out and Moving On

Things have been quiet here because I have felt directionless where my gaming is concerned. After being a dedicated WoW player for a considerable amount of time, I let my subscription expire a couple months ago. I had stopped playing about two or three weeks before that. I went through the same thing when I level capped to 85. So, what, exactly is my problem?

This is going to sound judge-y and like Im pointing fingers but I dont have anyone specific in mind, just so ya know. But the problem is the other players that have taken the fun out of the game and have turned it into a chore. I read all these different WoW blogs and I listen to in-game chat and core players (and I think the term "player" doesnt fit but I dont know what else to call them) have elevated (or maybe lessened is a better word) what is supposed to be a game to this whole other...thing. When you break down the timing of a shot or spell to tenths of a second and then verbally attack the player who didnt get that shot or spell off "on time" youre not playing a game anymore. You have analyzed and nit picked at the tiniest detail to the point where youve sucked all the fun right out of playing. At least for me. I can see how some people get their rocks off by displaying their massive grasp of statistical math by dissecting the game of World of Warcraft.
Something that I dont get, never have and probably never will, is...if youve successfully run an instance or raid, youve downed the last boss and youve gotten that coveted piece of gear or mount, why do the numbers matter? Shouldnt the final question be, "Did you have fun??"

Im neurotic, right? So when I log in to play a game, and I really mean play a game, and all I feel is pressure to perform perfectly, to study, analyze, and memorize game mechanics, all I feel is anxious and nervous and my hands sweat and by the end of the encounter I have to take deep breaths and Aleve for my massive headaches, it just isnt fun anymore. 

I realize that a lot of this dissatisfaction stems from my own hangups but its really 50/50 in that a lot of WoW players (again, that term just doesnt feel right here), have lost sight that its a game. Its supposed to be fun. Gaming, especially role playing-type games, is supposed to be a way in which you can immerse yourself in another world and just relax away from real life pressures. Most importantly, ITS SUPPOSED TO BE FUN!!! Worrying about tenths of a second has no place in a game. No place.


As a result of my neuroses, Ive branched out into playing Guild Wars 2 and Im back into Diablo 3 and the Sims 3 as well. I feel no pressure in any of the three of these games and in fact, will be back to blog a little about them all in other posts. One thing though, the players in Guild Wars 2 are so friendly that the contrast between the in game chat there and trade chat in WoW is like black and white. Anyway, more on that at another time.

In the end, even knowing how I currently feel and having said all that Ive said, I know Ill re-up my subscription to WoW at some point in the future. Probably even within the next six months. I just need a step back and gain a little perspective. Honestly, I miss the familiarity of WoW. I do. So, Ill be back to it sometime.