As an undergraduate student at Morehead State University in Kentucky, T.J. Evans would invite groups of friends to play Super Smash Brothers before classes.
But after graduation last spring, Evans began working on his master's degree in philosophy at Ohio University, and his friends stayed in Kentucky or moved to West Virginia. To keep in touch, the group continues to play video games such as Final Fantasy XI online.
It keeps me from being lonely
Evans said. When I go online and recognize their characters it feels like I have someone with me to hang out with. The only difference is they are at a computer in Kentucky and I'm in Ohio.
A self-described gamer, Evans has been playing video and computer games since age 5 and now plays an average of six hours a night.
The term gamer commonly refers to someone who spends a significant amount of time playing computer or video games.
Although the stereotypical gamer is described as a loner, playing in his mother's basement, gaming is seen by players as a social activity, said John Bowditch, director of the GRID Lab and an instructor of game development in the School of Media Arts and Sciences.
Another way of communicating
A 2008 study by the Entertainment Software Association, an organization that serves game publishers, found that 65 percent of American households play video or computer games. Fifty-nine percent of gamers play with other gamers in person, while 22 percent play online ' which increased from 8 percent in 2004. Many gamers play both types of games, Bowditch said.
Gaming with others online or in-person can forge friendships, he added.For Todd Bowerman, a freshman studying biological sciences, video games helped him make friends at OU. He got to know his roommates when they started playing Guitar Hero together and now they play games such as Halo for about an hour every night.
But gaming friendships often go beyond the physical realm, Evans said.-
there's actually a character that you can walk up and see
Evans said. Not being able to see (the other player) is not a big challenge 'cause you can interact with them.
Gaming friendships are often criticized by people who don't understand them, but they are just another way of communicating, Bowditch said.
I don't know why people say games make people anti-social
he said. I think they are more social and connected more now than ever: A kid in Iowa can be playing a game with 1
500 people.
More connected then ever
With the rise in the use of online forums and YouTube, gamers now have more of an opportunity to interact with one another, said Mia Consalvo, an associate professor in the School of Media Arts and Design. Not only can gamers share thoughts and advice about games, but they can also create their own games and post them on the Internet, she said.
Tyler Zak, a freshman studying video production, listens to gaming podcasts several times a week and uses the Web site 1up.com to keep up with the latest gaming news.
Gaming conventions give players another opportunity to interact with each other, Evans said. There are gaming conventions around the country including SugoiCon in northwestern Kentucky, which Evans has attended for the last six years. The Origins Gamefest is held each June in Columbus.
Even Facebook offers ways for gamers to connect. Consoles like Xbox360 and PlayStation 2 offer the option of creating a player profile. Once these profiles are created, gamers can invite others to become friends and play online. Facebook now has an application that attaches a gamers' profile to his or her Facebook so he or she can communicate through the social network.
Although it is easy for gamers to connect, it can be a challenge to balance playing games with other commitments, Evans said. Games are usually $50 or $60, and it's important for students to make sure they have the time and money to balance games and school, he said
To balance gaming and his other obligations Evans often multitasks while he games, sometimes cooking dinner or talking to his mother while he plays. But he said he makes sure he gets his classwork and teaching responsibilities taken care of during the day so he can devote his evenings to gaming with his friends and making new ones. -
even other countries and you make friends through that
he said.-
and it gives you a way to meet a new group of people.
as147005@ohiou.edu
