"Get a life"

This phrase is one of the most common accusations and comments that I have come to associate with gaming; three short simple words, often seen alongside "no life", and that seem to suggest that the recipient - in black and white terms - needs to conduct themselves in different ways. Often the arena for these comments are highly ironic, with people who sit at their computers for considerable periods consigning them in dedicated gaming platforms such as crossfire, as if their own behaviour is above being judged. But the purpose of this column is not to decide who does and who does not "have a life", infact I want to examine why the issue even arises, and even what constitutes having a life at all.

You will, if you've been reading the site over the past few days, have heard about many drunken experiences involving altercations with street signs. Chiefly among those involved with this particular example are the familar faces of the British pair of TosspoT and Sheep, who have spread their tales of signjacking in very pleasing ways over the site, to the amusement of many. In the past we've also seen the now busted-for-hacks lesser known grinning mug of MaeL next to a displaced sign. The signs are just to give a focal point to this section, in fact you only need to cast a quick glance over the many "back from the club" journals this site receives to know that this gaming site harbours many partygoers.
On the other hand, you have those who cannot be involved in such activities due to things like age, but still get out frequently to play sports or socialize. I'm not trying to sum up the life of a gamer here, because infact that'd be akin to naming almost all the activities this wide world has to offer. In truth, the phrase of "get a life" is almost not aimed at particular individuals, but the perceived stereotype of a 24/7 gamer, and here is where the discussion becomes interesting.

You see, what difference, what right to be judged does anyone who spends 12+ hours a day infront of a computer have over someone whose social life depends upon drink. Who says that being a "hardcore" gamer is any less worthy an occupation to flying kites, or acting, or being a professional photographer. And why on earth do people take it upon themselves to point the finger of death upon those who they perceive to be "socially inept", when in most cases it is they who most needs to address their own behaviour.

I can see why it happens. Its hard not to, it is pretty obvious. Many (perhaps rightly) perceive amateur gaming to be a far less productive use of time than say, going out and finding a job, or studying for future exams. But you also get this scenario pointed at people with a job, who could also be married with children, enjoying a healthy social life and playing games in his/her spare time. When this happens, it tends to suggest that the accuser is displaying their social insecurities. It is tantamount to bullying: countless studies have shown that people who bully attempt to project their own worries and fears onto others in an effort to generate self justification. It is the classic call for attention.

Perhaps somewhat arrogantly, I'd like to use the example of myself for a moment here. For two years I wasn't very happy at school, and turned to gaming as an escape. I disliked going out and socialising outside of school hours, and night after night would play ET infront of my computer screen, etc etc, the point is I was far from a social animal. Then two years ago I changed schools to a college in London which I have enjoyed far more, a switch which has gradually but completely transformed me as a person. Today I spend far too much time in the pub, value friends on a par with my work - if not more - and look upon the events of xfire as almost trivial; seeing people arguing over cheats, "old" content, and the like. A year ago I most probably would have been more involved with these things than most. However this is beside the point. The point is, who says where I am now is anymore of "having a life" than two years ago? Who says that getting drunk on Friday night is more of a life than reading a book, or playing a videogame? I am not trying to project myself as a beacon of light, or as a measure for social success, infact it is the total opposite. If you viewed living as being part of a complete existence, then I would almost certainly not "have a life". You see why it is impossible to say someone doesn't have a life. It's unworkable. It's unnecessary. It almost feels like I'm reinventing the wheel in terms of finding out the meaning of life.

To close, let me be blunt. Who actually cares? This phrase is far, far more revelant. The very idea you can judge someone's worth by the way in which they choose to lead their lives compared to others via an internet forum is laughable. And even if you feel extremely strongly that you can, what place is it yours to say? In the end, a person who feels it is their duty to tell someone to get a life, is, infact, I feel reflecting more upon themselves than their intended victim.