It's Just a Game
An idiot wrote an article in the University of Oklahoma student newspaper my senior year about how World of Warcraft was addictive, as well as how it was ruining people's lives. She wasn't a gamer. Basically, it was the stupidest article ever. Below is the response I wrote, which was published on the student website for which I wrote. Remember, this article was written almost a year ago, so it's a bit out of date (specifically regarding subscription numbers).
I'll admit it - all of the skills I learned playing World of Warcraft have made me a better person, even if mainstream culture doesn't understand it. So what if we are "underground?" Last night I skinned my cats using my leatherworking skills to make myself some new shoes. Casey Klebba, SIN's Design Director, used the skills learned with his level 52 night elf priest (shadow build) to make all sorts of potions. He's not addicted to drugs - he's addicted to herbalism.
In fact, we are so "underground" that the 1.5 million World of Warcraft gamers in North America, plus all those in Korea, Europe and the Chinese beta (get ready for blurred reality!) don't even come outside anymore. Norman just doesn't compare to Ashenvale in Spring, though the Christmas additions were nice. In fact, I have no idea how I still manage to work 40 hours a week, keep my GPA high, or write articles like this. I mean, I'm not even using l337 speak with this - I thought I had forgotten my English skills. After all, Orcish and Taurahe are just so much cooler.
I'm glad World of Warcraft lets me do things I can't do in real life, though I'm not sure how long I can avoid aggroing my accounting professor. He should fear my chain lightning (level 32 Shaman skill. Pwnd!) The University of Oklahoma should totally incorporate a PvP battleground - I think the South Oval would be contested, the dorms Alliance, and the University Club Horde. You know, we'd get to drink there and /dance at the ballroom.
The communication between friends has been greatly improved by the guild system. Family members now know they have to log before addressing me, and they can only call me by my real name, Sturm. Mom, if you're reading this, PST (please send tell). Gold flows freely amongst guild members. We figure we've already left reality, so socialism is a viable option.
I still haven't purchased my mount, so I really hope the administration places a flight path between the Union and my apartment soon. East side Norman can be dangerous, and though some good loot is dropped, the mobs are often elite. There are also a ton of harpies and centaurs. If I hate anything, it's the damn Kolkars and Bloodfuries!
It's hard to find a raid group to hit the clubs and restaurants. You know, a 1 on 1 raid. My relationships with the opposite sex have taken a turn for the worse. Good thing my World of Warcraft girlfriend's undead warrior is hot - I think she's actually a girl. If she ever dumps me, I'll just create a female alt so that I can stare at her.
Halo 2 is just so November 9. It just never gave me the satisfaction of gold, power leveling, skinning, and owning the stupid Alliance. I hate gnomes.
Addiction can apply to anything - TV, alcohol, drugs, women, and yes, video games. It's a tad scary to think that a person might not have an obsession or hobby that leads him/her to skip a class, cancel a date, etc. Diversions are healthy if taken in moderation, because life needs a balance. Making assumptions about anything just makes you look ignorant.
If you'll excuse me, I have to slay a rampant demon.
Grant Rodiek is an international business senior and the Director of SIN. He is a level 35 Tauren Shaman, Gorefinde (PVP), Leatherworking 184, Skinning 251, First Aid 114.
