For anyone who makes the dubious claim that video games are nothing more than time

wasters, its suggested that you find a new outlet for your venting. While the electronic means of entertainment are by no means to become an overactive obsession, they have earned a solid, secure place in todays society. Hover! (created at a time when the Windows 95 was a pristine, modern piece of technological genius is the first video game ! remember playing. "he e#perience was fascinating$by several simple button presses, ! commanded a futuristic ship that, yes, hovered through a ma%e of trap laden, opponent filled areas. ! had seen similar concepts before, whether they be in movies, books, or other media, but to be participating in what ! once only witnessed second hand provided a thrill unlike any other. &eedless to say, ! wanted more. 'nd thus began a hobby which ! held with intense interest. (et as ! played games that came with the recently released )ameboy *olor and +laystation, ! was gently, if consistently, reminded to never spend too much time with my respective consoles. +arental re,uests, those of being productive and taking breaks to do -something creative evolved at seemingly the same pace as video game technology itself. .oon the -dont play too long reminder turned into a strict set of time restricting rules. ! simply couldnt understand my mom and dads utmost concern. !f !, per say, practiced piano for more than one hour, ! would be congratulated, applauded, and commended for my dedication to the instrument and for the desire to hone my musical skills. (et if ! practiced my hand at fighting off enemies in an alternate reality for a lengthy amount of time (usually an hour , ! was critici%ed and instructed pointedly to turn the "/ off, usually at an inopportune time.

's a sophomore in high school, my devote interest in video games abruptly ceased to e#ist. .uddenly, as ! pondered late at night which route of entertainment to seek, the thought of holding a controller in my hands was strangely unappealing. .everal months went by0 my +laystation 1 gathered dust$computer game discs were in the back of my closet. ! reali%ed ! wanted to follow my parents advice2 ! wanted to do something productive. 3y free time was converted into more intense piano practice, drawing, reading, and outdoor sports. ! took pride in those arts as ! developed my own styles and methods, seeking the opportunity to appreciate what others before me had created and using their inspiration for new creations of my own. (et it was through my strict removal that ! reali%ed that video games are an art form of their own, an art that deserves to be acknowledged and appreciated.