Technology and Gaming in My Life

 Hello World!

Some tech experts argue that we are more "connected" than ever before, yet this connectivity may paradoxically lead to greater isolation. Personally, I’ve experienced both sides of this dynamic. Growing up, my family wasn’t very tech-savvy. We only had basic devices like a DVD player, DirecTV, and plug-and-play games, which made it easier to establish tech-free zones. One such zone was the dinner table, where electronics were not allowed. This simple rule, implemented by my Mom and Grandparents, encouraged check in conversations that helped us bond over meals.

Every Friday we also had a tradition of game nights! These evenings were dedicated to board games like Qwirkle, Rollers, and Can't Stop. My grandpa, who created board games himself, often had us “play test” his latest designs. Game nights had strict rules: no music, TV, or cell phones. Since my grandparents’ passing, I’ve tried to uphold this tradition, ensuring that game nights remain a space for connection and focus. Though I make exceptions for games that require phones, like Jackbox.

When it comes to gaming, I enjoy more than just board games. I often gravitate towards single player video games. I particularly enjoy roguelike games for their challenging, randomly generated levels with high stakes gameplay that can lead to permanent death. Permanent death adds a layer of intensity and replayability to roguelike games. Some of my favorite rougelikes include Slay the Spire, Enter the Gungeon, Hades, and Cult of the Lamb. While these games can be frustrating at times, the thrill of the challenge always keeps me coming back.

In the past, I’ve spent a significant amount of time gaming. As I've grown into adulthood, my gaming habits have shifted quite a bit and I realized that online multiplayer was just not for me. As a middle schooler, I played Call of Duty and Halo online multiplayer on consoles. In high school I got a computer which led me to playing online multiplayer games, but now on the PC. During that period in my life I played Garry's Mod, League of Legends, SMITE, Rainbow Six Siege, and Overwatch. A majority of these games often require team communication to strategize and win. A lot of these games, if you have never played before, are similar to strategy war games where we needed to make an action plan and work together as a team to win the battle. When I had to use the in game mechanics, voice communication, in any way to try to work with my teammates I was sometimes met with silence at best and toxic, mean spirited comments at worst. This negativity ultimately drove me away from multiplayer gaming in general. I have found solace in solo gaming. I now feel like I can fully immerse myself in the experience without worrying about negative interactions. It was tough for me to quit games I had invested time into and even loved. I realized though that I was no longer having fun and that defeats the purpose of video games for me. 

Below I have provided a link to a short YouTube video made by Maybelline New York | Through Their Eyes Campaign that that really resonate with me and I believe it sheds some light on what its like to be apart of some of these gaming communities as a woman.

Cheers,

Sam