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GMC Forum _ CHILL OUT _ How To Waste A Year Of Your Life.-eat-sleep-andjam
Posted by: Eat-Sleep-andJam Apr 18 2008, 10:03 PM
A year ago I bought and traded my Nintendo Wii for an Xbox 360. Seemed like nothing at the time but just did it as a means to have fun.
Well I originally bought a title known as Gears of War . At first it was awesome . Not only was the Xbox 360 a thrill but it was a means of online communication. You made your online gamertag, chated with other players and then had an online competition. Little did I know that I was going downhill from there.
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One month Later - Things started to become more addicting. I became obsessed at being good at Gears of War a headshot with a sniper rifle, shotgun, pistol- It never got boring. It was just so addicting. Three hours here, an allnighter there, so addicting, so refreshing. I wondered why people in the real world did hard drugs? Xbox was my drug of choice . Sure it sounds silly to someone whos reading this but it was so fullfilling playing. Just the thought you can badmouth, tell jokes, and everything on there/ it was surreal! You were whoever you wanted to be on it. I easily spent more then 4 hours a day on Gears of War for awhile.
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Three months Later- Gears of War is now too easy. We needed more of a challenge. So I bought Bioshock. After that happened I didnt go outside for 2 days straight. I spent around 24 hours playing and beating Bioshock in 2 days. The sense of accomplishment of beating a newgame was unreal. And on top of that to make it more addicting you would often find yourself playing for Achievements. Little set goals that you would play for on the game and "unlock". It was captivating. Aftertime one thing got boring on xbox, another thing bit you in the ass and gave your purpose to accomplish something else.
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One month Later- Halo 3 became a huge problem. This was the first time I was every introduced to a "Ranking Up System" A system in which you can achieve higher ranks by playing more and more, BRILLIANT ! I played for probably a total of 3 or 4 days time and achieved the Rank of Commander. Then I quit that game.
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-This is the point of downfall, the point where things started to get very bad.- Some time later Call of Duty 4 was released. Oh my god, I was instantly in love. Not only could you "Rank Up' like in Halo 3. But you could also work up your weapons and get attachments like Silencers,Iron Sights, Acog Scopes, Grips, and various camoes. The online was amazing. One you reached the highest rank you could enter "Prestige Mode" . It was basically away to show how good of a player you were on the game, not only that but it every Prestige Mode you got a new interesting symbol next to your gamertag. It was Amazing and was the most addicting thing yet. Each Prestige Mode ( There were 10 of them) took roughly a day to get to level 55. Before you can enter the next one. And I dont mean roughly a day, I mean 24 hours. The only downfall to this game was that you could check your total time played on the leaderboards. It started at minutes, Increased to Hours, and then hit Days.
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When I really started playing I would stay up past 4 am - Playing for 8 hours straight. Becoming obssesed with getting a higher rank. Caffiene fueled me as I stayed up night after night. And sometimes the whole day, Playing and Playing. It was only yesterday that I realized it was out of control and I needed to stop. I finished Call of Duty 4 between my 2 accounts playing for around 14 days time. If your not a math wiz thats 336 hours of my life- GONE ! Not only that but I started to become more tired, lacked energy from staying up so late. My back hurts from hunching over on the floor and commiting myself to Games. MEANINGLESS, WORTHLESS GAMES !
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All along the way I was still playing my guitar, but was dedicating much more time to Xbox. Now things are about to change. Im selling my Xbox and all my games in order to buy a new guitar and some supplies 
Im a changed person and It feels so good. I know there are gamers out there and this topic is for them. Yeah games are fun but dont play them obssesivley , once and awhile wont hurt but if you play to much it can become a problem. Your Grades, and Your Social Life can suffer. Take it from me 
I wasted a year of my life on Xbox-Later guys~ John
Posted by: kyldeee Apr 18 2008, 10:11 PM
Good thing you got rid of this nasty habbit I haven't played that much since I bought the guitar, but every now and then it's nice to relax with a good game, but I never really had any problems when it comes to playin, tho I don't own Xbox360 or Ps3, just my Ps2
Posted by: Robin Apr 18 2008, 10:21 PM
great to hear that you stopped. i had the same problem with counter strike and world of warcraft. about 4 years of my life completely wasted. i lost all my friends, never got any girls, didnt do anything at school, didnt play guitar. i always found excuses to fool myself into thinking that playing games werent really a big deal, so i continued.
but around christmas 2006 i told myself that i was finally gonna get good at guitar. my dad showed me soem blues guitarists and then i started looking for guitar websites and i ended up at GMC. GMC was one of the things that made me stop playing games.
Posted by: Tjchep Apr 18 2008, 10:33 PM
Good for you man.
What are you savin up for?
Posted by: Sam Hook Apr 18 2008, 10:39 PM
Haha, this is exactly why I've never bought a games console, I didn't want to get addicted to it like all my friends had. 
Anyway, nice to hear that you quit.
Posted by: DeepRoots Apr 18 2008, 10:42 PM
Great topic- i'm so glad you first recognised the problem then took the steps to getting over it. Quite inspiring actually
edit: typo
Posted by: Eat-Sleep-andJam Apr 18 2008, 10:43 PM
What are you savin up for?
Man I dont even know
. Thats another topic 
Im thinking about really diving into theory. And learning all the notes on the fretboard. And Id really like to do that I a nice new acoustic guitar
Ill have probably around 600$ once I sell all this crap
Posted by: Nemanja Filipovic Apr 18 2008, 10:44 PM
when I bought my new comp,I bought a good graphic card for double view(two monitors)..I installed one game,start to play,seen where it leads to,and uninstalled right a way...
Posted by: Eat-Sleep-andJam Apr 18 2008, 10:45 PM
edit: typo
Hey thanks man
Great to hear that I inspired someone I wish I was that wise
Posted by: Pi38 Apr 18 2008, 10:51 PM
Yeah, I'm more of a casual gamer, but every once in a while an awesome game will come out...and, well, let's leave that part out. Good, important topic.
Posted by: fkalich Apr 18 2008, 10:56 PM
Often it is not possible to do something in moderation. It depends on the person. For example, not many people can smoke cigarettes in moderation (say a pack a week) where it would not really hurt them. But a few can. Drinking, a lot of people can drink in moderation, but not all of course, some have to quit altogether. I think that is what the Man meant when he said "if your arm troubles you, cut it off". Sometimes we just have to recognize we are not capable of doing something in moderation, and so the only solution is to not do it at all.
I quit TV for this reason, a few years ago.
You can ask yourself this question. On your death bed, do you think your last words will be "gee, I wish I had not given up playing video games!!!".
I don't play them. They just never appeal to me. But I do not see myself saying "gee, I wish I had not given up TV, I missed out on life".
I do wish I had fewer cats, but too late now. 6 is sufficient, should never have more than 6, and I have 8. I could see myself saying that on my death bed.
Posted by: stratman33 Apr 18 2008, 10:58 PM
im pretty much upsessed with xbox to, but i dont play much because i dont have time.i never really feel the need to play, but when i get going on a game, its tough for me to stop because its SO fun.i guess i wouldnt consider myself addicted then, because i only play about 1.5 hours a day.but i dont really want to quit video games because im not addicted and its so good to have at parties.but anyways, good for you to quit it man.
Posted by: Eat-Sleep-andJam Apr 18 2008, 11:06 PM
I quit TV for this reason, a few years ago.
You can ask yourself this question. On your death bed, do you think your last words will be "gee, I wish I had not given up playing video games!!!".
I don't play them. They just never appeal to me. But I do not see myself saying "gee, I wish I had not given up TV, I missed out on life".
I do wish I had fewer cats, but too late now. 6 is sufficient, should never have more than 6, and I have 8. I could see myself saying that on my death bed.
Well put. I never thought about it that way.
That post changed my outlook on life a litte bit Everytime I see something tempting Ill just think about me in my deathbed ha ha ha Man you remind me of myself
Thanks Man
Posted by: Hisham Al-Sanea Apr 18 2008, 11:06 PM
nice from you what you did .
Posted by: Eat-Sleep-andJam Apr 18 2008, 11:09 PM
thanks Hisham
Posted by: Fran Apr 18 2008, 11:30 PM
I know what you are talking about, I spent way too much time a couple years ago playing WoW, and I'm so glad I stopped. MMoRPGs need so much time and are so addictive than can be dangerous sometimes...
Posted by: Jerry Arcidiacono Apr 18 2008, 11:51 PM
Thanks for sharing Eat-Sleep-andJam. Have a great time with this acoustic guitar
Posted by: Eat-Sleep-andJam Apr 18 2008, 11:54 PM
Yes. WoW is far worse then what I was playing, but anything can be as addictive as you let it be
Will do ! Im currently looking at Custom Carvin Acoustics
Posted by: audiopaal Apr 19 2008, 12:22 AM
Good topic and thread.
Nice your taking the steps necessary
I don't have an urge to play unless there's a new Mario, Zelda or Final Fantasy game out..
If there is, well... I'll be gone a while
Posted by: Eat-Sleep-andJam Apr 19 2008, 03:54 AM
Nice your taking the steps necessary
I don't have an urge to play unless there's a new Mario, Zelda or Final Fantasy game out..
If there is, well... I'll be gone a while
Posted by: Unleash-The-Shred Apr 19 2008, 04:06 AM
That's good that you put a stop to something that was a big problem to you. I love video games myself and I love playing for hours but not all the time.
Posted by: Outlaw2112 Apr 19 2008, 04:16 AM
I was the same way with cod 1 on the computer.... I was in a clan in CAL and TWL and had matches and scrims every night... it was alot of fun, but i wasted alot of time doing that stuff... but i dont regret it at all, i made some good friends online gaming and still keep in contact with a few of them..
Posted by: Unleash-The-Shred Apr 19 2008, 04:40 AM
Yeah I love online gaming. I don't find gaming a waste of time for the most part because it really can be beneficial believe it or not.
Posted by: Eat-Sleep-andJam Apr 19 2008, 04:48 AM
There is nothing wrong with gaming. But there is a distinct difference between My Gaming and Your Gaming.
Before I started playing video games I would bring my Guitar Magezines in the Bathroom. Once I started I moved onto gaming manuals
Posted by: Unleash-The-Shred Apr 19 2008, 04:53 AM
There is nothing wrong with gaming. But there is a distinct difference between My Gaming and Your Gaming.
Before I started playing video games I would bring my Guitar Magezines in the Bathroom. Once I started I moved onto gaming manuals
Lmao! Now thats hardcore gaming!
Posted by: Smikey2006 Apr 19 2008, 06:14 AM
good to hear your over your addiction.. i used to be a major gamer.. now i own an x-box 360 and online.. but i manage to only use it for casual halo 3 action--
Posted by: Eat-Sleep-andJam Apr 19 2008, 06:30 AM
Yeah
Halo 3 was never my strong point.
Posted by: Young Guitarist Apr 19 2008, 08:08 AM
I got a PS3, with this game i love, Elder Scrools: Oblivion. Its awesome, but i merely use time on it. since i got my guitar i use most of my time on this site, and these awesome forums
Posted by: Siggum Apr 19 2008, 10:04 AM
Ex gamer here as well, i got addicted to wow without even realising it 
The only game i play now is the fretboard game
Anyway man, glad you quit
Posted by: Eat-Sleep-andJam Apr 20 2008, 11:46 PM
The only game i play now is the fretboard game Anyway man, glad you quit
Thanks
Posted by: Fsgdjv Apr 21 2008, 07:29 AM
Omg, I'm the total opposite, I'm wishing I could find more time to play games, I didn't finish a single game last year and that's actually a problem for me.
But good job for quitting something that had gotten out of hand!
Posted by: Ivan Milenkovic Apr 21 2008, 09:47 AM
I'm very happy for you because you don't play games in such manner man. They are truly very very addictive. I used to play games a lot, get one game and don't calm down till I finish it, but don't play games for quite some time, and really don't have the time for them now. They are truly a waste of time and brain energy. You can find some other much better things to do instead of playing games.
Posted by: Danilo Capezzuto Apr 21 2008, 12:59 PM
The only game i play now is the fretboard game Anyway man, glad you quit
Me too...
Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Apr 21 2008, 01:09 PM
I'd say interacting in games online is a fun way to spend your time but everything needs to be in moderation. It's ok playing 4 hours games in a row as long as you make sure the next day you go out with friends and do something and also have a day of guitar or whatever. I try and mix up a load of activities to make me happy. I enjoy spending time reading books, listening to music, playing guitar, playing keyboard, playing games on my PC and new PSP , Playing in my band, going to see concerts, going archery and clay pigeon shooting, drinking and socialising at rock nights and many other things. It's all about getting the right mix. You shouldn't feel like playing games is bad. You should just see it as a means of fun that if you moderate your playing time is great . I also love watching TV shows like Lost, Criminal Minds, 24 etc.
Life has many activities and opportunities. Make the most of everything
Posted by: Fran Apr 21 2008, 04:39 PM
, Playing in my band, going to see concerts, going archery and clay pigeon shooting, drinking and socialising at rock nights and many other things. It's all about getting the right mix. You shouldn't feel like playing games is bad. You should just see it as a means of fun that if you moderate your playing time is great . I also love watching TV shows like Lost, Criminal Minds, 24 etc.Life has many activities and opportunities. Make the most of everything
I totally agree!
Gaming is great, but like all things in excess, can be damaging.
Except guitar, of course
Posted by: shellshock1911 Apr 21 2008, 06:53 PM
If you thought Xbox Live was bad, World of Warcraft or any other MMORPGs are even worse. At one point in my life 1/3 of my life was going to WoW, I calculated it. And since sleeping and eating is about 1/3, school is 1/3, that means I LITERALLY had NO life.
Posted by: Fsgdjv Apr 21 2008, 07:31 PM
No offense to Eat Sleep and Jam, but.
I'm getting abit tired of this whining about how games are addictive, games can make you waste a lot of you're life on them etc. Just face it, it's not a game that's does this to people, it's the people themselves. Play as much games as you want, just don't let them take over your life. It's the one playing too much (if he doesn't want to play that much) that's got a problem, but it's a problem caused by the person playing too much and not the game itself.
I used to play world of warcraft around 12 hours/day and while I understand that it seems like a lot of time, I never felt addicted. I played because I liked it and I didn't have anything better tyo do with my time. When I got tired I just stopped playing, nothing hard or dramatic about that. I still don't regret those hours I spend with the game. So this is clearly individual, and if you can't control your playing then, yes, it's good to play less, but come on, don't blame the games, blame the weak psyche of the person getting these problems.
This is not meant to offend anyone or anything, I just had to bring this up, and I still think it's awesome that you realised you played to much and did something about it, Eat sleep and Jam, that's how it's supposed to be when you know it's become more than just a way of relaxing and having fun.
Posted by: Nick325 Apr 21 2008, 08:02 PM
glad you got over your addiction. when i first got my xbox and call of duty thats all i played everyday online but i got over it and play it occasionaly with my friends online.
Posted by: Jeff Apr 21 2008, 08:09 PM
Good move, John!
Posted by: Nathan333 Apr 21 2008, 08:11 PM
Good that you got over your addiction man! I suffer a kind of similar problem, I haven't played on my 360 in about 2 weeks now, but when I get a new game I will not be able to stop playing until I complete it. This makes games with online especially dangerous as there's nothing to complete 
. With some new games that I want coming out soon I don't really know what to do... Do you recon I should kick the habit altogether and sell my 360? 
Posted by: Mark. Apr 23 2008, 06:02 PM
I've been addicted to a MMORPG called Maplestory; played it like 1,5 years.
I quited this game 1 year ago in August, but I'd better quited in mai (before the summer holiday)!
That summer holiday I played like 10 ~ 13 hours a day,7 days in the week and for like that for like 7 weeks!
Going on vacation was like a hell for me, cause I was scared to get hacked! I wasted a more then a year of my life on that game 
But after playing a game for so much and so long all other games seem to lose their goal, so I infact almost totally quited gaming
And now I've been addicted to guitar playing for 1,5 year and the summer holiday... umh replace gaming with guitar
Anyways the big difference in achieving something with guitar or any "real" thing and achieving something in a game is that once you quit a game you nothing left, guitar playing is something reall, not some digital crap
Posted by: Old School Rocker Apr 23 2008, 06:15 PM
Im just gonna be worried when Ninja Gaiden 2 comes out ugh that game is too much fun and it looks good to i've seen it here and there on the internet. Im still gonna play it just not to the extent I played Ninja Gaiden Black.
Games are fun and all but why put it off completely, its all self control I play it when ever i feel like it playing video games there great just dont put off life completely either. Balance everything out. Balance guitar, friends, games, sports, studing, whatever you like to do. Just dont blame the game for you or whomever getting addicted, its in your control to stop or continue playing, the game just does what its told to do.
Posted by: Fran Apr 23 2008, 07:16 PM
So true!
I had a lot of fun playing WoW for a year, non-stop, but... What can I do with all my World of warcraft knowledge now?
Simple answer: nothing at all.
I guess that's the difference between having fun with a productive hobby such as guitar and having fun gaming...
Don't get me wrong, I still play lots of PS2 and NDS games, but not nearly as much as in the past.
Posted by: Zizi Top Apr 23 2008, 07:21 PM
imagine if you have passed all this time playing guitar, you would have becope soooo gooooood, but it's cool that you've stopped, i can understand that games could be really attractive..
Posted by: kaznie_NL Apr 23 2008, 08:03 PM
Man, glad you quited. I read the whole story because some friends of mine also play a lot, but not 24 hours straight!! I'm lucky I don't have that habbit! God job getting rid of it! G'd Luck
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