Your Couch and a Controller
You play video games to have fun. But why do you put up with work in video games?
By work, I mean actions you do for a living or as household chores. By contrast, hobbies are something you do after work for fun. For most people, they may race or play sports as a hobby.
Lots of games let you race, shoot, fly and jump, but Animal Crossing somewhat blurs the line between hobbies and work. I mean you could work as landscaper by day. Then you could come home and relax as you pull weeds and plant flowers in that game.
I mean, one can pull weeds and plant flowers in life for relaxation. Or they could try one of the many other video games out there.
My friend got me thinking about Animal Crossing, so blame him. The other day he told me about his GameCube. Yes, he is a little behind the times. Anyway, he praised Animal Crossing and loved to plant and fish in that game.
I had to interrupt him.
“What’s so fun about that game?”
He paused, furrowed his brow, and gave me a quizzical stare.
Then he said, “You mean about doing work in video games? I don’t know why, but I love to fish and do errands in Animal Crossing.”
I’m still not satisfied with his answer.
Video Game Work: Three Silly Theories
So, I’ve come up with some silly reasons why gamers might like to do work in video games.
1. Work is always fun in a fantasy world. Just think of what you do in Animal Crossing. “Sure, Mr. anthropomorphic Cat with a corncob pipe, I’ll help take out your trash.”
2. People are so bored out of their minds that they’ll play anything. Hopscotch and solitaire aren’t cutting it anymore.
3. People like to run errands from their couch. I suppose a comfy couch with enough pillows to break an elephant’s fall is hard to resist.
A Revolution or Never-ending Work?
There is a spectre haunting all video games: it is work. Gamers of the world must decide tonight. We must lop off the head of work with an iron sickle or revel in digital chores.
Oh, wait, my virtual sink’s full, and I like my dishes sparkling clean. See you later.
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Why is it so much fun to do work or chores in games?
Video Games Nebula 