This I Believe

Below is what I wrote when we were studying This I Believe with Christina. I'm posting it for safekeeping.

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I believe in video games.

I believe in the imagination. Whether it's a dark plane filled with falling, colorful blocks, a vast, vast land and its diverse residents and deadly dungeons, or a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, games take players to places they've never seen. Traveling to these wondrous worlds only enabled by games is a magnificent experience, an excellent retreat from reality.

I also believe in the interactivity. Video games are better than books and films in a sense, because players become characters themselves and make their own choices. As a pirate, a bounty hunter, or even a heroic plumber, a player gets to be fully immersed within the fantasy. He can follow the white rabbit into a hole, time travel in a DeLorean, or strike a Bludger straight into one of his opponents himself.

I believe in the growth. Every enemy crushed is a step closer to the player's ultimate perfection. Starting out in humble clothes and a feeble sword, the protagonist makes his way through many obstructions, gathering skills and experience and adding useful items to his inventory, gradually maturing into the knight in shining armor capable of slaying the dragon. This hero's journey is what always fascinates the gamers.

I believe in the frustration of constantly being killed and defeated in the process by zombies, flying bullets, or even an activated trap card, and also in the satisfaction that comes from overcoming all obstacles and delivering the final blow to the boss, finally clearing a level, and moving on to the next. I believe in the pure challenge the player has to face.

I believe in the competition: battling others to determine who is the most skillful in the virtual reality. Despite the insignificance of it, the inexplicable passion of the participants and the bonds that are created are amazing. I believe in the entire community that can share the fun and communicate each other through games, bringing friends and families together.

Most important of all, I believe in the simple joy of gaming.