Why men are increasingly preferring Video Games over dating

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I'm getting the impression that this topic gets a little overinterpreted. Isn't it possible that it is simply still rare to find a girl you can play videogames with as much as with the average guy? I think there is still an unspoken convention that videogames are not a girls' hobby. This cliché is bound to change with time.
At the same time the tradition of males aggressively courting females has been eroded wuite a bit in recent times. Once women get used to the idea of openly signalling their interest if they want to and also to choose any hobbies they like regardless of what is considered "proper girl behavior", then the problem will probably vanish.

I've met a few women who were openly into videogames in my life (too few unfortunately) and and there was no question that I loved spending time with them, just as in other case where you can spend time with someone who shares your hobby and is attractive at the same time.

The girls don't like games is a stereotype.

Whats worse is girls who DO like games who think they're special. You aren't.

It's extremely common! I have hundreds of female gamer friends. This isn't counting wii gamers, either.

I agree that it is a stereotype but it is one many women still take seriously, at least in my age range. I have met many, many women who were uncomfortable confessing they liked gaming once they tried it, until they saw enough other women liking it too.

I was simply responding to someone who said he did not understand why men would rather play video games then have sex.

That person did not say, i cannot understand how men would rather play video games then date women.

i do not think dating, sex or a relationship are the same thing...

I'm one of those not-terribly-rare female gamers (been playing games since I was little) and I can say that I've ignored people in the past because I'm more interested in what I'm doing in my game. That men do this too doesn't surprise me in the least. Games are really fun and addicting sometimes. I know that's not the point of the article, but I figured it should be mentioned.

Overall, I think the cost-benefit analysis in the article was really spot on. That's probably one of the reasons why I don't go out and meet people... and why I'd rather stay at home pursuing my hobbies or talking to people online. I get my social quota met and I don't have to expend a terrible lot of effort. I think what the article is getting at is that the modern world is now set up so that it's a lot easier to never need to leave your house. You can get almost all of your needs met with minimal effort. Instead of calling these people losers, you could just call it simple "economics".

Another point about this opinion piece struck me while driving home the other day (don't know why, it just came to me as thoughts often do).

The very same attitude expressed in the blog could be applied to almost anything worthwhile in life.

Want to be successful? Don't want to try? Yep, video games are easier.
Want to maintain good relationships with friends? Oops, video games are easier.
Want to develop a top notch skill or talent in yourself? That's too much effort, video games are easier.

I could go on....

Well, games aren't necessarily easier. There is a surprising amount of effort required to actually become good at any game. My friend is a raider on World of Warcraft and she does a ton of research and analyzing... she reads the news sites, stays up to date on the latest patch information, reads about bosses, etc. She is required to set aside time in her schedule for uninterrupted raid time. It may all be done "for entertainment", but it's a job like any other. I've known a lot of people who quit playing because it's too much work. I mean, online games are just one example, but the same can apply to other games too. Good games are built so that they are challenging-- not impossibly difficult, but not super easy either. That's how games are designed and it's part of why they are so addicting. People get bored or frustrated when the continuum shifts to either side.

I know that wasn't your point, but people who chose to stay home and make games their hobby aren't always choosing the "easy road". Playing games is also much more "active" than, say, watching TV all day. It's a subtle point, but someone who is really choosing the easiest path would probably prefer a more passive hobby.

The other side of the coin, though, and perhaps what you're really getting at, is whether games are meaningful or have value. I think it's like any other hobby and it's gonna depend on who you ask. The girlfriend whose boyfriend won't pay attention to her will probably think that the games aren't valuable. The boyfriend would probably disagree, though.

I think you make my case with the bolded portion. My list wasn't comprehensive. But let me add:

Want to be a successful high end Raider on WoW, but it's too hard? Play a (easier) video game.

In fact, this Raid leader probably has to deal with a lot differing personalities, negotiate deals, and otherwise have to deal with people. I won't disparage that at all. In fact, I'd argue that the hypothetical male postulated in the original blog post wouldn't put up with this either. It would be too much work.

I was a leader in a browser based MMORPG for a while. It was cool for a while, then it felt like a job. I did learn quite a bit about how to manage people though.

I don't think women are turned off by the medium per se, but many are by the offered content.

Seriously, what portion of the video game market doesn't involve sports or violence?

Yep. It is a lot of work. There was a time when I played online games..never a guild leader as I didn't have the time. Now I don't really have the time to even play them at all.

If I had a girlfriend or knew a girl I was interested in dating, I would definitely do that rather than play video games. The bottom line is that I don't know anyone to date.

I don't want to be any of those things thats why I game and whats wrong with that ? some would call me a loser (sad but true)

I'm doing something I love so how can you say I'm wasting my life ?

Haha. Fair enough. You are probably right... someone who is really THAT lazy is not going to become a raider.

@Moog: I used to be a GM in the past and it's probably a similar deal. On a browser-based game, I was also mayor of a town. I had everyone coming to me for advice and asking me to resolve conflict. Too much work! Needlessto say, playing online games definitely has helped my ability to deal with people. I can't really put it down as "leadership experience" on my resume, though...

Um perhaps their are gamers and their are gamERS is Olivia Newton John a gamer





One who games = Pee with the kids on a wet Sunday afternoon



GamER = Far Cry 2 on the hardest setting ( those that hate this game probably suck at it)