5 Gaming Myths Debunked
Whenever something catches our interest, it almost immediately becomes a topic of discussion, debate and criticism.
Gaming, being no exception, is a topic widely discussed and even researched around the globe. A few stray theories and myths are bound to crop up. Here are five such myths that should be debunked:
1. One cannot game on the Mac/MacBook
While it is true that the MacBook and the Mac are not machines built for gaming, there is no rule that says that games can absolutely not be played on them. As a matter of fact, not only does the Mac Appstore have a separate column for compatible games, there is a steam store for Mac, which includes several AAA titles including Tomb Raider, Civilization, Dota 2, Portal 2 and even Dragon Age: Origins. As an added bonus, the Mac App Store also contains a slew of well-designed iPhone games like Real Boxing, which have been ported to be playable on the Mac.
While it is true that the MacBook and the Mac are not machines built for gaming, there is no rule that says that games can absolutely not be played on them. As a matter of fact, not only does the Mac Appstore have a separate column for compatible games, there is a steam store for Mac, which includes several AAA titles including Tomb Raider, Civilization, Dota 2, Portal 2 and even Dragon Age: Origins. As an added bonus, the Mac App Store also contains a slew of well-designed iPhone games like Real Boxing, which have been ported to be playable on the Mac.
2. Games are causing people to get violent and commit crimes
While I can’t completely disagree that games can make you agitated, I simply cannot wrap my head around the fact that people consider games to be the reason why violent crimes are committed. Correct me if I’m wrong, but haven’t murders and wars been happening for a very long time? I certainly don’t remember there being any video game in the 1800s and early 1900s that could have led to the World Wars. As long as the gamer - or the parent (in case he/she’s a child) - keeps his actions under check and doesn’t come under the influence of the portrayal of violence in video games, society shouldn’t be affected in any way. It isn’t the game to blame, it is the person playing it.
While I can’t completely disagree that games can make you agitated, I simply cannot wrap my head around the fact that people consider games to be the reason why violent crimes are committed. Correct me if I’m wrong, but haven’t murders and wars been happening for a very long time? I certainly don’t remember there being any video game in the 1800s and early 1900s that could have led to the World Wars. As long as the gamer - or the parent (in case he/she’s a child) - keeps his actions under check and doesn’t come under the influence of the portrayal of violence in video games, society shouldn’t be affected in any way. It isn’t the game to blame, it is the person playing it.
3. Gamers are antisocial
Now while this might sound funny and unfamiliar to some, a lot of people actually feel that gamers are introverts and hate social contact. Well, that isn’t true. In the present day, most modern gamers are involved in some online community or the other, where they actively discuss and rant about various issues in games. In fact, a large number of games require gamers to interact with each other in order to complete and win the game. So, the next time if anyone tells you that his hobby is gaming or that he prefers gaming all day on a weekend rather than venturing out, please do not judge him or assume he is a sociopath.
Now while this might sound funny and unfamiliar to some, a lot of people actually feel that gamers are introverts and hate social contact. Well, that isn’t true. In the present day, most modern gamers are involved in some online community or the other, where they actively discuss and rant about various issues in games. In fact, a large number of games require gamers to interact with each other in order to complete and win the game. So, the next time if anyone tells you that his hobby is gaming or that he prefers gaming all day on a weekend rather than venturing out, please do not judge him or assume he is a sociopath.
4. Games are overpriced and it is okay to pirate
No matter how well a game may be doing in the market, pirating is a crime. It should be avoided not only for fear of the law, but also out of respect for the developers. Now consider this: A game developer, be it an independent studio or one with an AAA status, spends months and at times even years making a game.
No matter how well a game may be doing in the market, pirating is a crime. It should be avoided not only for fear of the law, but also out of respect for the developers. Now consider this: A game developer, be it an independent studio or one with an AAA status, spends months and at times even years making a game.
Consider Watch Dogs for instance. The game took four years to develop. Throughout this time, the studio had to pay its 200-plus employees working on the game, without earning even a single cent off that game as money would roll in only after the game was released. Each model, each character, pavement and building in the game were painstakingly created. It was first drawn on paper, then modelled in clay or 3D printed and then modelled on computer. After all this effort and spending US$65mn in developing the game, it sells for RO29/$59.99. But you consider that too much and hence, torrent the game and play it for free.
All of that effort and investment has just gone down the drain. Yes, torrenting a game is more than a crime; it’s stealing someone else’s creation.
5. Independently developed (indie) games are not as good as AAA titles
It’s easy to understand one’s reluctance to spend money on a game developed by an independent studio, while you could obtain an AAA title for a few extra bucks. But it’s 2015 and to be honest, indie games should be looked upon as nothing, but a treasure trove of great experiences just waiting to be played.
It’s easy to understand one’s reluctance to spend money on a game developed by an independent studio, while you could obtain an AAA title for a few extra bucks. But it’s 2015 and to be honest, indie games should be looked upon as nothing, but a treasure trove of great experiences just waiting to be played.
You would find it difficult to believe, but just one taste of an indie game is enough to make you go on a shopping spree across steam, hunting for other such indie developments.
I would recommend anyone interested in gaming to support the rise of indie games. After all, it is these ‘now unheard of’ developers who will run the gaming industry in the future.
Pranav Nair is a 17 year old whose passion is writing reviews and articles on technology and gaming. His gaming tag is Fleet Admiral. You can check out his tech vlog at: www.youtube.com/user/pranavnairtech or contact him at pranavnairtech@gmail.com
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