lost in games

When asked by people why do I game, my usual and simple (easy) answer is because they are fun. Playing videogames however can be a turbulent ride and not always of the fun kind.

A couple of days ago, i got stuck at Super Mario Galaxy and had to repeat the same planet 3-4 times. At some point, right before another imminent death, i yelled at the TV, “PETAKTOU MALAKA!” (JUMP YOU A…….LE). I am not sure if videogames’ most iconic character heard me but he still fell to his inevitable death.

With Battlefield: Bad Company, i kept cursing the developers whenever i had to find a RPG to destroy a tank, whilst watching my Explosives expert squadmate with a rocket launcher on his back, moving around and doing absolutely nothing to help. The “EN PELLOI RE” (THEY ARE CRAZY) screams were probably heard by my neighbours of the floor we share.

Before that i played Demon’s Souls where the recipient of my abuse was actually me. “EIMAI GAROS”, “EN EXW YPOTHESI” (I AM A DONKEY/IDIOT, I DON’T HAVE A CLUE) were some of the insults that crashed my confidence even more alongside the never ending deaths in the game.

This behaviour and sentiment really does go back to my childhood gaming days with games like Syndicate Wars and Cannon Fodder. Abuse, anger, screaming and swearing while playing videogames.

Am i alone in this? What about you? Ever had this experience and if yes why do you keep putting yourself through it?