How I Discovered Gaming

My journey into gaming began in my childhood. The first gaming device I received was a VTech that my parents gifted me. Soon after, I started playing computer games on my grandparents' PC, enjoying CD-ROM titles like a marble game and various Hoyle board games. The most significant moment was when I got my first PlayStation. I had two versions: a compact one and a larger, bulkier model. My family frequently played a golf game together. Additionally, we owned the original Nintendo, which my brother and I used to play classics like the first three Mario games, a Kirby title, Duck Hunt, and many others. While I can't recall what happened to those consoles, I do remember the excitement when my sister's friend brought over a PlayStation 2, where we all played Guitar Hero. It was the first game I excelled at, mastering the expert level by age ten. Eventually, I received my own PlayStation 2, and I spent countless hours playing Guitar Hero along with other titles.

Shortly thereafter, my dad brought home a Wii, which introduced us to Rock Band. This was a pivotal moment for me, as it allowed my siblings and me to bond over gaming. When family members moved in, they introduced me to World of Warcraft. I created a character during their stay, even though I was too young to fully grasp the MMORPG concept. This was around the time Cataclysm was released, and I played a bit at the age of 11, still not fully understanding the intricacies of the game.

A few years later, my brother surprised me with an Xbox 360 Elite for my 13th birthday, along with several games, including Assassin's Creed, which introduced me to the world of open-world gaming alongside titles like Grand Theft Auto. My next console was a used PlayStation 4, gifted to me at Christmas, paired with some coupons for new games. I also dabbled in gaming on my mom's computer, which had limited RAM, and explored handheld consoles like the 3DS and Game Boy, mostly for Pokémon.

Why I Turned to Gaming

Amidst the chaos of fighting and drinking in my household, gaming provided an escape from the turbulent reality I faced. I often chose gaming over attending school, leading to a period where I dropped out to connect with a youth worker. The strain of my parents' divorce and the ongoing conflicts made life difficult. My mom's subsequent abusive relationship added to the stress of the transition. My mental health was fragile during my formative years, and as I entered my teens, my gaming habits intensified, leading to an even stronger addiction. Eventually, I completed my GED while in a relationship with my girlfriend before relocating to Alberta.

The Impact of Gaming on My Adult Life

As I transitioned into adulthood, gaming influenced my life in numerous ways. Each time I acquired a new console or delved into my favorite games, I faced challenges at work. My relationships suffered, often ending because I prioritized gaming over everything else. My mental health deteriorated, and I found myself increasingly frustrated when I couldn't dedicate enough time to gaming. It wasn't until I was given an ultimatum that I realized the extent of my addiction. I had to choose between quitting two specific games that were negatively impacting my life or risking my relationship. This wake-up call made me recognize the need for change.

Gaming had become my identity; it shaped many of my memories and friendships. Losing those connections was difficult, but I started rediscovering aspects of myself I hadn't acknowledged before. Writing became a newfound passion for me, and I still engage in gaming, focusing on titles my girlfriend and I can enjoy together. I also write about games, with aspirations of turning my passion into a side hustle in the future.

Where I Stand Today

Two years have passed since I scaled back my gaming, and since I stopped playing those two particular games, my relationships have improved. I've experienced increased happiness, reduced agitation, and a significant decrease in depressive feelings. Although the journey has been challenging, I'm finally in a better place. While I occasionally miss gaming, I hold onto the hope that one day I can revisit those games and write about them as a career.

Thank you for taking the time to read about my journey. If you enjoyed it, please give it a clap and leave a comment. To learn more about me and my gaming experiences, feel free to follow!

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