STOP Wasting Time Playing Video Games NOW
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- čas přidán 7. 09. 2024
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What are you wasting too much time on? Let me know in the comments below!
Oh man that's ironic. Recently I added up the hours I have spent playing on my computer I bought mid December. This time of year is typically slow for construction and covid amplified that a bit. Full time work but barely. That said, I have wasted almost 400 hours in a month.. So after coming to that realization, I am switching gears and committing to using that time to learn html, css, js. Enough is enough.. I'm 33 now and like you said.. 50 is a whole lot closer than it used to be. Anyway man, thank you for sharing, you hit pretty close to home lol.
Game development is my biggest time user but it's also my dream, keep up the great content
i waste a ton of time on fortnite im 19 im really good so its hard to quit and i have a spinal injury which makes it hard to get out but im trying to learn to code off the code camp you linked. thanks for the advice keep making videos man
I used to have a habit of always watching self help videos and how to videos but never just commited myself to anything.
Over 7000 hrs in the past 4 years ~5000 in dota2 and ~2000 csgo, haven’t played for about a month now and not planning on going back to gaming ever.
One summer I bought guitar hero 2 and played it everyday for like 12 hours a day throughout the whole summer. I now reflect on the fact that had I simply practiced actual guitar I would be able to play a musical instrument.
I hear you, I remember buying Rock Band right when it came out and playing the game solo. Did every song on all the instruments by myself just to get the xbox achievements.... What a waste of time and I still don't play any real instruments lol
People who play the Guitar often say a guitar is actually easier to learn.
@@DorianDevelops This is the issue with video games. They are fun, but you get absolutely nothing from that investment of time other than the fun you have while you play.
@@atlasatlantis8447 eh, I disagree, they are quite different skills. The basics of guitar are way harder than the basics of Guitar Hero, you'll have to get calluses and get you hands used to the correct position or it will sound really bad. On the other hand once you have the basics down you can progress fairly quickly ^^
A few years ago RockSmith came out, which iirc had an actual guitar, and now there's some mobile apps that follow your progress, plenty of good ways to learn with that game-like motivation ^^
@@DorianDevelops hi peanut brain that does not get you can get dreppoins if you dont play them or sometimes s1lde
I think that endless, multiplayer games are the biggest problem. If you treat gaming as a way to experience different stories, artstyles and gameplay mechanics, then it's less likely to become an addiction and can even inspire some creativity. I think that playing high quality, interesting single player games in moderation is a healthy hobby, as opposed to grinding in MMOs.
I agree. Some games have such a nice story that they can easily become books. A video game is just a medium.
Jokes on those of us who have an achievement addiction, that cancels out the single player aspect.
This is why I like games like Playdead's Inside. It's a single, simple, narrative that you play through while solving puzzles, and it left me with an inspiring sense of creativity. And it only took me one evening to finish.
yeah i am stuck in one of those endless ones. there is the social and the teamwork aspect also. plus, the investment of time etc. already made in one's account. That goes to waste if leaving it.
Agree with u
I'm super successful in my career and in the best shape of my life, and still feel like I'm wasting it on games.
My family deserves better and so do I.
Thanks for this man.
I've wasted my life watching CZcams videos about how to stop wasting time! 😳
You wasted your life typing that dumbass comment.
@@supinthiam5741 No u
Bruh me to
Same here lol
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂♥️♥️♥️👍👍👍
If I had spent half of the time playing video games on software development I would be a developer on sage mode by now 😁
Great video, Dorian!
You and me both brother! At least we're wiser now as we're older.
I have to say though that coding and programming makes one want to spend less time online because we are already online all the time.
Ah we've all been there mate, at least we can help others avoid that hopefully!
same... 😢
I'm 40 now, been gaming my entire life and don't regret it at all. If Elon freaking Musk has time game, so does anyone else. I guess this is one of those things where you just need to treat gaming differently. For me, I just transitioned it to evening-time ONLY after the day has passed as an enjoyable way to wind down (and I find it better than, say, mindlessly scrolling Netflix). The only time I'll ever game when the sun hasn't fallen is on the weekend, and even then only occasionally. Works for me and doesn't interrupt my life at all or hold me back from progressing in other aspects of life. In fact, it gives me something to look forward to after a productive day.
Time enjoyed is not time wasted. But if you get ADDICTED and find yourself gaming when you wake up on a Monday morning, yeah, you likely have a problem.
Best comment! I agree 100% and do the same as an evening-only hobby
Lmao bro, I feel the whole “counting the hours of sleep” I literally did the same shit. I stopped gaming in August 2020 to focus on lifting/my CZcams channel. Leveling up your IRL character feels so much better 🤘thanks for the raw & real content homie
Your videos really inspire me to keep coding !
I remember going through a phase like this in my teenage years.. what a waste.. I didn't get addicted but I did spend full night's playing until the sun came up.. we'll never that time back... Great video Dorian, thanks for sharing
Thanks Enok! It's funny because I'm sure you remember how I'd talk about video games all the time and then Miles got me back into wow because of the office guild lol
To play devil's advocate here this could be said about many things. For example if you spend most of your life grinding away at a job that you don't really love then you could argue that that is also just a lot of time wasted. All so that your employer or business can make more money than you while you work your backside off. And let's be realistic here, most people don't have the luxury of pick & choosing their dream job. A lot of people (most actually) have to take whatever they can get, and for lots of people it's not the job they actually wanted. Also, if you sleep for 8 hours a day every day and live to the age of 75 then you will have slept for a total of 30 years. That's 30 years of time you wasted sleeping. Yes, gaming addiction is real, but so is work addiction.
@@cobalt-snake6125 time sleeping is wasted? How so? Sleep is health, learning, rejuvenation and all, so many important things happen while we sleep. It's not a waste, not at all. If you think otherwise, don't sleep for like 3 or 4 nights In a row.
@@cobalt-snake6125 cope
My approach to controlling my gaming has been a bit different. I noticed I'd sink thousands of hours into games that truly have no plot/ending. Counter-Strike, League, Dota, Apex, SF. These games I can play as much as I want and there is really no endpoint, especially if I obsessed myself to become the best. The High Skill Ceiling with no true end is what has doomed me to sinking probably more than 10,000hrs if I were to add all these games together.
Now if I do have the urge to play, I play more story-driven games. It's easier to pause, and most importantly play in small increments. I find I can easily control myself to do a small story segment for about 30mins to an hour which I believe is a much healthier way to enjoy video games without feeling the guilt that I've wasted time.
So what? What about the thousands of hours you wasted learning useless subjects at school,commuting , working a slave wage job,millions of hours.i regret a lot of stuff but never the 10.000 of gaming I did
i’m getting bored of video games now. there’s more to life than them and i spend way too much time playing them since corona. i’m focusing on doing meaningful things with my life now. i don’t want to look back on my past and see that every memory i had was from video games and the temporary online friends i made. living a sedentary lifestyle is not good after a long time, it sucks. not gonna lie though, i played them for the entertainment and the challenge and it taught me that i could do whatever i set my mind to. i’ve mastered things i never thought i would, overcame steep learning curves and had lots of good times on them but when you do it everyday for a year it’s an addiction. i needed this video now more than ever. i hope anyone else who struggles with video game addiction will overcome it and realize this too.
thanks alot dorian.
I don't know what it is with your videos, they unironically hit different. Games used to take over my life too, I don't play games anymore unless its with a group of friends and I restrict how much time I play. Your story really helps me keep going, there's also a really cool Ted Talk on Life Gameification by Mark Rober. I feel like a lot of people who watched this should watch that.
There's a lot of us out there, I'm happy to share my story if it helps people! I will definitely check out that Ted Talk.
hi, Which video? You mean the mario one?
Thanks bro will definitely watch it
Bcs most games now are dogsht
I'm a 22 y/o aspiring web developer, who lives in Vegas as well, and I really needed this. I've been playing games since i was 5 and it's probably been one of the biggest constants in my life. I've known I have problem for a while now. Even while watching this video, i had the urge to open up steam and start playing something. I'm really addicted to video games and its been getting in the way of my self improvement. The thing you said about not really enjoying many other things really hit home with me because that's how I feel. Hearing your story really has put things into perspective for me. It's not going to be easy but I think I need to cut video games out of my life entirely. At least for a while. you're an amazing person and thank you for sharing your story. Its helped me a lot
Hey Eathan our stories do sound very similar in many ways. Do your best and take it one day at a time. Shift that energy into learning to code and focus on that for a while. Addiction is hard and many people deal with different forms of it, I have dealt with a few throughout my life. You can do it too! Also since you're in Vegas you should check out the demo day meetup www.meetup.com/Las-Vegas-Developers/
@@DorianDevelops yeah I'll try and see about that meetup. I've been meaning to look into them for a while. even though I don't think i'm experienced enough to hold my own at any coding/programing meetup I think it'll still be very helpful. Thanks for the encouraging words. Much love to you man.
@@eathanwashington7589 eathan do what I did sell you gpu bro get good at what you want to do then buy whatever gpu you want by then u wont even care, sell that gpu!even if its for cheap coding doesn't require a gpu
Relatable. 26 y/o aspiring programmer living in Vegas with a video game addiction that gets in the way more often than not here. 4.1k hours in a year old video game (Lost Ark). It’s bad, I need help. I just can’t quit and I wish I could.
Having an addiction to video games is actually a symptom of a bigger problem. Those that are not addicted to video games can use them responsibly. I work two jobs and live by myself. When I’m not doing chores or working, in the few hours of free time I have, I find settling into a story rich game to be like reading a novel; a respite from hard work. It would be amiss to think everyone is wasting their time by playing video games.
I don't take this as hard as you, having fun in life is important, but in the other hand you have a family and kids, so you are literally in another dimension.
When I got ill with schizophrenia I found that I didn't enjoy games anymore. I couldnt focus/concentrate on anything. This led me going down a path of going to the pub to ease my life. I used to eat and drink at the pub and waste my money. But I was bored out of my mind so it was the only thing I could do.
Be grateful with what you have. If you want to get a job then great, but understand that if you aren't ready when you leave gaming it can lead to far worse things.
You're going to continue to be blessed, brother. You never know who's gonna see your testimony!!
I just hope it helps someone and it's just stuff that I wish I would have known or listened to when I was younger. Thanks for watching!
You and I have a lot in common. I used to practice music obsessively as a kid. Then I trained MMA in my twenties, pretty much full time... for no real career or competitive reason.. just because I latch on to things.
When that was over, i decided to do a deep dive on opiates... again for no career reasons really (joke). Homeless.. Now 2.5 yrs clean/in recovery and working in tech support while learning to code... but working everyday to do it with ease... to not give in to my obsessive nature that throws my life out of balance.
Above all, drowning in gratitude. And so thankful for you and your channel.
In common as in Martial arts/obsessing over things. I didnt mean to call you a drug addict lol
You're absolutely right, it sounds like we have a lot in common. While I never got hooked on opiates I have struggled with drugs and alcohol as well. Also my mom and I lived out of our car for a short time until some friends took us in when we first moved to Vegas. People change and I'm glad to hear that you're doing better now and have found your path! I struggle with keeping balance still and my wife helps keep me in check when I slip up lol.
I'm gonna be honest, I've grinded for my career and have (and still do) play a ton of videogames. I would never put the same amount of time to improve my career/social life like I have when I was focussed on it. The times I had during gaming with my friends, the nights we still spend together playing and laughing together is worth more than any more 0's I could add to my account.
Theres playing videogames (Regardless of how long) and theres being addicted to videogames to a point your dopamine baseline is totally messed up and you can't seem to truly focus on anything else (even when you think you can) other than videogame progression. I.e if you are playing a survival game, thinking about the game (i.e How should I build my base etc) is the first sign of addiction. People on drugs also tend to feel the same way you wrote in your comments, but then they NEED to stop because they are abusing it, and they cant. I think the video is about the latter example.
I did that too. I’ve played video games all my life. For the past ten years, I played for some 12+ hours a day. When I finally quit six months ago, I realized I could’ve made my real life a lot better. I could’ve gotten two degrees in that time. So I’m now going back to school to get my bachelors in computer science. I don’t miss the games I used to play. I like living my life now. I’d rather level up in real life than in some virtual game that has no real impact on my life.
I feel the exact same way. I’m dedicating more of my free time to web development instead of gaming. I’m grinding to get my first web dev job.
Same bro let’s come back to this comment with a job lol
@@eddies6280 yessir
So am I man. Lets do this together ! what subject are you learning right now ?
@@calvinmoore2393 JavaScript right now
@@CodeSigmaStudios It's been a year, i'm in my early stages of coding, but the question is, did you make it? best of luck.
Can relate to this. I now restrict myself to one "game night" a week as a kind of reward for working and studying hard. It's also freed up so much more time to get out there and enjoy the great outdoors or catch up on books and films when I just want to chill out at the end of the day.
That's a really healthy way to handle it and I wish that I could but I lose track of time and get sucked in too easily.
@@DorianDevelops me too! its like a drug that i cant come back to, when i do, i endup days at home, delaying everything.
@@DorianDevelops instead of studying my c++ class I been playing game more... I really need to get my life together....
I'm 30 bro and I really need to focus
Thank you for awaking me up
@@Adam-kk7nw Same, dude. A year later, how did it go?
Ironically when I hit 26 recently, and I actually wish I spent more time playing video games. I spent too much time trying to reach this goal and set no time aside for enjoying things I like, didn't go out, didn't play games, didn't meet people. Just grinded on this goal and unfortuntely I have very little to show for it. I guess my perspective is different, these games mean a lot to me in a way nothing else has be able to do, and I'd think I'd hate myself if I ever put myself in a position where I couldn't spend some time playing them. It's how I connect, relate and relax.
“Marry, and you will regret it; don’t marry, you will also regret it; marry or don’t marry, you will regret it either way. Laugh at the world’s foolishness, you will regret it; weep over it, you will regret that too; laugh at the world’s foolishness or weep over it, you will regret both. Believe a woman, you will regret it; believe her not, you will also regret it… Hang yourself, you will regret it; do not hang yourself, and you will regret that too; hang yourself or don’t hang yourself, you’ll regret it either way; whether you hang yourself or do not hang yourself, you will regret both. This, gentlemen, is the essence of all philosophy.” -Kierkegaard
I feel that this is something that we all did. I never stopped playing video games. But, I always make time to take care of my responsibilities and do other things in between. I never regretted playing video games. Like you, through video games, I used that same persistence in my career and video games was what inspired me to learn programming and web development. So thus, not all is lost.
And it sounds like you still came out good with your family, your youtube channel, your career NOW, etc. So, I don't think that all is lost. It sounds like everything still worked out for you. Nobody is perfect. There are ALWAYS things that we wish we would have done in the past.
And I'd say, if you weren't able to do some of things that you wanted to do back then, you could always do them now!
Don't forget to enjoy some things and take a break once in a while. Learning to program and being a software developer is a never ending learning cycle and can be stressful. Sometimes it's OK to play an hour of a game over the weekend, just to unwind. Though, as you say, don't let it be an addiction. Also of note, once you try to break the habit, you fill the gap with other distractions such as social media or consuming video media (CZcams hehe).
you have to make the conscious choice to fill the gap with self - improvement, but you're right that it's not one's default state
To addict it's very hard to play "just one hour". The premise of the video is not that you should never play video games but that if you're a video game addict who plays 16 hours a day for instance, you're gonna get to a point where you will realize how crappy your life has been cuz it's an absolute waste of time.
Ofc it's different story if you're a professional gamer and you're making a living off of it. But doing it just to entertain yourself is a waste. I wish a knew better back when I was stuck playing video games and losing sleep but at least it served as a valuable lesson
some people have addictive personalities and can't handle moderation, myself included. Its either all or nothing for me
@@jonathan-3008
Maybe single-player story driven video games can be fits for you?
Playing just one hour a week is really impressive. Even more so than just quitting entirely. How do you even do that? Do you set a timer, and then have insane levels of discipline to shut it off after an hour and wait a week until the next time?
Man, this video hits home and not only because I worked at GameStop from 2000-2012. It's because video games are an addiction and the hours that you spend playing video games can take away the hours you will never get back trying to become a Software Developer.
I feel you. I had this one encounter back in the day with Battlefield 4. There was this one guy who was extremely good at flying jets. I had a look at his stats: 40'000 hours flying in the jet. Yes, 40 THOUSAND hours. That's like 4.5 years being in the Jet constantly, not counting in the time to boot up the pc, starting a game, finding an empty plane etc. It took me 4.5 years to got part tiome working and do my Bachelors. This was my wake up call back then lmao.
so what, if he has fun doing it theres nothing wrong with it
@@DonPascquale lol
In my view, behavioral or substance addiction is the symptom of a problem, not the root cause.
I can personally attest to that. It's a form of escape. Unfortunately, you can only run for so long. You might be able to out run the minor stuff, but avoiding the major stuff just makes it more difficult when you inevitably have to face whatever you're running from.
The same could be said about any hobby though - technically, it's a waste of time. But the only other option is to work 24/7.
Games, in moderation, are fine. Like a couple of hours a day.
I also spent a lot of time on videogames, but it doesn't feel like wasted time. I probably spent more of my spare time learning every day and playing videogames is a nice break in between.
You are so lucky
Some people said "If you enjoy it then it's not a waste of time"
You have a point. Addiction on gaming is really bad in any form. You lose a lot. Time, money, and probably sanity. I still play gaming but in moderation. Gaming for me helps me relax and meditate at the same time as it helps my mental health, so for me, it's not a waste of time at all. Still depends from people to people. It's something I really love but had to decrease my time over it and be more productive in life.
Moderation is key my friend. You don't have to cut out everything that you enjoy like freinds, or video games for your family. You can still do and enjoy those things, just don't let the addictive tendencies overtake you. So many people talk about "cut everything or everyone off that doesn't make you money" as some kind of motivational speech, but there's way more to life than just money. If you don't do other things on the side that give you joy in life and just focus on material gain, your gonna end your life on your deathbed with huge regrets.
exactly
But not everyone can do moderation, I, for the longest time, couldn't. I didn't spend 16 hour days in one game, but I spent a lot across many games that I didn't finish, because I have a powerful gaming PC and could play "everything" from current to years past, to console and arcade emulation, to that obscure console port in HD to some massive multiplayer games (though these not very much). Exploring all the time stories, game mechanics, technologies made in the games, etc etc, often not finishing a game.
Then I went months without doing any of those things, but eventually came back anyway and dropped everything else except work because it pays the bills. Many games, take longer than an hour or two to "get started", so limiting to the ocassional 1 hour or so seems like a waste of money on expensive gaming gear (newest consoles, PC parts, etc). if one will only play very ocassionally.
@@MoonOvIce If that's your situation, then you adapt. Approaching 40, with a family and kids, I still game, being only limited to an hour or two at night.
I avoid very long games and MMOs never appealed to me. Long games, I avoid because I don't want to spend a whole year on one game, or risk getting bored before finishing.
Gaming should just be another hobby or leisure activity, taking the place of watching TV/movies, reading, etc.
It feels like I am in a cycle, weeks and months go by where I am in a bad cycle of gaming addiction, until one day I come out of it for a couple of days and feel miserable, realizing what I am doing with my life. Then try to come out of it, but a few days later I'm giving myself excuses to play again, and I'm back at it for another few weeks or months. I might think to my self, "I'm just going to finish this story or reach that level, then I'm done." But then as I try to recover from the addiction, there is always this new game around the corner whispering in my ear to play, and my friends start texting me to play it together and it just gets so much harder to quit. I played games for as long as I can remember. I am 25 now, and I know what I really want to do is live off of my music, but this addiction makes even that feel boring, and I hate it.
THIS IS ME LOOL, I started playing cyberpunk 4 hours in and felt disgusted that I could have used that for something productive
Dude I waited for that game for years lol glad I didn't get sucked in, RDR2 did get me for a while though, spent about a month playing that when it came out.
If only you had started streaming at the same time 10 years ago.
I wasted the last 5 years of my life playing video games and feeling sorry for myself because of a break up. I’m 22 btw
I didn’t literally nothing but play video games, pornography and maladaptive day dream. I had a couple jobs working as a warehouse worker while everyone was in university levelling up their lives. Instead I wasted all my money( I have no money) and I’m balding. It’s super depressing to acknowledge that it’s going to take me 10 years to “catch up” to where everyone is today. GG
I remember clocking 222 hours on Skyrim. It was like that moment when Penny from the Big Bang Theory was addicted to MMOs and realized, "Oh crap, I need help". lol So one of my goals is to make an art book called 222, in which I share drawings and sketches that I have done by focusing on becoming a better artist.
That sounds like a cool goal! Are you planning to try and complete the book in 222 hours to show what that amount of time can accomplish when focused on a skill?
I want to start a "30 minutes a day for 30 days" series to see how good I can get at something by just practicing for 30 minutes a day.
Good luck on the book! Let me know when I can check it out!
Playing games is good if you do it in the right way. Me after studying 8 to 10 hrs a day as a selftaught programmer i used playing games to reward my self. But if you play all day like you said its a tremendous waste of time
I needed this talk. I found this channel right on time. Funny how life works! I’m in the transition of putting the controller down and picking the MacBook up so I can finish this python course. This was the last push I needed. Your point about taking the video game eagerness (being willing to grind for HOURS!) and applying that to your coding journey couldn’t have been stated better. Thanks brotha, much appreciated!
I learned Russian playing MGS V with changed language settings. And I've played a lot of it (hours, I mean).
It's just the purpose you give to it.
Do not let corporations and hype give meaning to your gaming experience which is what happens the most nowadays.
It's not wasted time if you create a shared experience with the game.
Search to learn something from the game and give it your own meaning.
But most importantly, learn to enjoy the present moment with or without the gaming experience being present.
Play to learn, enjoy and explore.
Not to escape and fear.
@Ярослав I actually just play games if it adds in some other area of my life. I play mgs and fallout only when settings are on a language I'm learning. I only play halo with my little brother so we can share the experience as family, otherwise I don't play. I'm addicted to other things but not gaming.
Really needed this. Your subs and view count might not be where you want it to be. But your videos are without a doubt making differences in people's lives. Certainly my life. Thank you.
I've wasted so much time on videogames and I can't break out of that habit completely yet, and I am like 30 years old already and gonna be 31 real soon. I want to turn my life around, but the addiction just keeps holding me back
Keep fighting.
I love video games and I don't necessarily feel like playing them is a waste of time for me personally, but I really loved the video and your experience and I think it gives people a lot to think about.
For me though I play story/singleplayer games more often than online or shooter games. The stories and worlds mean a lot to me and have a lot of impact on me. I have fond memories of most the games I play, so I don't regret playing them. I have a couple different mental health problems and diagnoses that really make it hard for me to feel motivated or happy. Games really help me with this though. I don't think I would've made it past middle school if it weren't for them.
There's also still a lot of social interaction in games if you want it. I know some communities and people can be toxic, but you can also meet amazing people. I met my boyfriend online 2 years ago and now we've been dating for almost a year, we meet up every couple of months, and we have plans to move in together. I also met all my best friends online, and some I also have plans to meet up with.
I know most people think I could've spent that time doing something productive like learning an instrument, programming, art, etc., but for me my goal isn't to be productive and master as many things I can in life. Being happy and enjoying my life is my only real goal, especially with how hard of a goal that is for me. I'm learning programming and I enjoy it a lot and I'm hoping to find a career in it, but besides that I enjoy just playing games and I don't feel like I need anything else. Whenever I look back on the video games I've played I just have fond memories of my favorite stories, nights where I stayed up til sunrise having a blast with my best friends on a video game, or all the times I've got to bond over games with my boyfriend. Its my belief that if you are enjoying something and it makes me happy, even if its not considered productive, then I still don't think its a waste of time.
I wasn't saying all this to disagree, in fact I agree with you a lot. I just wanted to share that sometimes they can be a very positive thing for one person, and a very negative thing for someone else. I play video games in almost all of my free time, but thats never been a problem for me because it doesn't interfere with my passion for coding or the time I spend with loved ones. I can understand though if that did become a problem for someone. I even know people who don't have the best relationship with games and who don't even seem to enjoy them, but yet they are addicted to the grind. I know other people who get insanely crazy over every loss or bad thing that happens, and they probably shouldn't be picking up a controller when thats the case.
This was a great video, and even though I don't view video games the same way for myself, I still feel like it gave me a lot to think about and consider.
Video Game addiction is real. It's like all things. You can become obsessed with anything. People often say to replace this "bad" addiction with another "good" one, which is terrible advice. All addiction is bad. For example, one I hear a lot is to stop playing video games and go to the gym. Most people would agree that going to the gym is healthier than playing a video game. You can still waste your life with a fitness obsession. Losing relationships and underperforming in other areas by being hyperfocused on that obsession. I was there too. My day used to revolve around my workouts. I would work out 2-3 times per day for an hour or two each time.
As for video games, the first step for me was to stop playing competitive multiplayer games. They typically are the most shallow because they are the most restrictive. They require so much time investment that even if you become a master, the nature of the games industry is to move on to something else. Then you have to start at square one again. These days I only play single player games or sometimes co-op experiences. Things that tell a story or stimulate thought. I treat video games more like books or movies. They are just another way to learn something. A good game, like a good book, will teach you something, and you should be able to walk away better than when you started.
Back in the day it consumed my life 24/7, but oh boy!... it was so much fun! I miss those days to be honest
It was fun at times but after it's all said and done I really wish I could get some of my life back from all the time I spent playing tbh.
video games are particularly dangerous for folks like myself, because i have ADHD. during the height of the pandemic i had over 8 months off of work, and I wish I had put that time towards learning to code and learning german. I would have a different life by now. Instead i've started learning to code like 5 months ago, and that unheard of amount of free time I had I can't get back.
i was obsessed with coding for hte first 4 months but it's starting to taper off as I struggle more and question myself more. I'm not putting as much time in. I don't think I'll quit though, I've had such incredibly satisfying moments where I struggle to get something working for an hour or two and when I finally get it I could shout it's so exciting. I don't get that from other things in my life.
I remember having some money and wanted to go buy the PS4. I was walking to the store and then passed by a musical instrument shop and bought a bass guitar instead. This was 2013
Well I dedicated ALOT of time to learning the bass guitar and I am a professional player now. That's a decade gone, time flies guys.
Don't waste your time
Now THIS is how you approach the subject of addiction. It's a highly nuanced thing. It isn't just "this bad, that good". Great video man. I would like to encourage people who are maybe in a dark place because of wasted time. Know that this is incredibly common and you are not alone and it isn't just video games that does this. This has been a part of the human condition for a long time. I'm 35 (36 in two months) and just now trying to create a life for myself. Our life isn't wasted. We can still turn it around. Also, please keep in mind that the time wasn't entirely wasted. I know that sounds like bs, but think about it. It shaped a huge part of who you are today. You learned A LOT from the experience. I know that many of my positive personality traits I have today are directly due to learning things the hard way by "wasting" my time.
Yes, and those who went out partying and drinking wasted their times too. Got a few illnesses on the way too and alcohol increases your cancer risk too like so many other things in life.
Such a life changing video!!! it has helped to reassure a decision am going to make today. After 2 years graduated from university with an average grade in computer science, I was and still struggling to land a job in related field. No one to blame but myself not taking study seriously during my school days(I was a lost sheep not knowing what I want in life). At first, I started looking for programming jobs and working part time. I used spare times to grind, hoping to compensate those wasted times supposed to use for learning back in uni. Unfortunately, for a reason(personal) I quit the part time job, gone back to live full time in my moms basement(mine is attic) - watching youtube, locking myself in bedroom, not socialising, playing games(ffxiv, wow, gmod:swamp cinema, vrchat, fking ds3 n elden ring) and studying less n less. Gradually, my once motivating mindset started to decay into an unhealthy state: I become anti-social, developed anxiety, stress, fearing of talking to people including family and friends, started smoking and drinking.....The old me from 3 years ago, whom once naive, smiling, and loving was gone, I changed to a despicable agitating person, a piece of shit I dare to say. It affected my relationship with family and friends, as a result mental state worsen; started to have crazy unhealthy thoughts. It feels like my conscious is watching and fully aware of whats going on but physical self just keep on acting. talking and thinking the way I do that hurts people and my future. Fortunately, my mother and supportive family members haven't given up on me. Skipping the details how my mom persuaded and consoled me, I have finally decided to step out the comfort zone to work a customer service job recommended by mom (BEST MOM EVER), that doesn't mean I have fully given up on the software industry yet, Im going to work harder during free times, I will not give it up. For, it took a long time to realise my goals and passion about technology, its infinite potentials to bring cool ideas to life - I believe in it.
Thanks for reading, for those like me failing behind in life, i have one phrase: "Ride cow Seek horse" until you make it. For those who are still young, work hard and have fun. Otherwise, you would end up like me having to deal with regrets and consequences.
ohhh, also there's no shame in taking jobs that are below your degree certificate; you work for that money, you support yourself. Working an undesirable job doesn't mean its permanent, you definitely have enough time to spend working on your goals. Besides, dealing with people improve your socialising skills, am sure its required for most jobs to communicate effectively and everyday life.
PS: Taking care of your body is important for an energetic and healthy mind, these two are the backbone for a productive and positive mindset. Please be moderate on easy to addict activities like gaming and porn, they fuck up your reward system.
i hit 27 and felt this way. i wish i worked out, learned a language, explored hobbies. However i got into computers and have a job and degree in cyber security so its not all bad. but now im hyper focused on everything else. Uninstalled steam and all games on my pc also deleted social media
Problem is most people don’t know when to stop
I do play games, but I know wen it’s enough
I’m 23 and I also regret spending last 4 years playing video games and not making. A channel about it
I was super addicted i could’ve really made an income if I had done it
I also regret not making TikTok in 2020
When everyone was on social media
A lot of opportunities missed
But now I’m still in my 20s
I’m learning everything from AI to editing to content creation
Since I won’t get those years back
Im thinking about making vids about my experience playing those games
Using AI for some of the things
I’m also planing to make TikTok account for going viral
I also plan on doing different niches
I have so many things to do
There is truth to what you're saying. But video games are no different than any other form of entertainment. Reading novels. Watching movies. Playing golf. Listening to music.
You can write any of them off as a waste of time. But if you enjoy doing something, and it enriches your life, what better use of time is there?
dont regret it, you had fun and you were entertained for all that time you spent playing video games. theres no need to regret that
Regret and shame is a good thing if it stops you doing something you don't want to be doing.
Anyone whos a full time gamer will tell you it's hell, you're just numbed out, watching the hours disappear.
Damn I started when I was 4 or 5. I only started playing really hard when I was 16 and it only escalated upwards over time. Got to age 26 and realized I played 1132 hours on Path of Exile. I mean there are some I'll still play here and there, but it wastes too much time. It's far more important to develop skills instead.
Game theory definitely does help past gamers, but I think the thing that turned me was depression, and healing from it. Covid ironically helped because I was learning coding everyday in college and I couldn't remain online everyday anymore. I learned that that was the fastest track back to depression. If I ever feel like gaming, I always ask myself, is the time really worth it? How much time do I have to waste? What could I be improving? It works.
Everything should be done in moderation. I've been playing video games since the 80s. I resonate with what you said about how many hours can be lost by playing video games.
There is no moderation when you are addicted to video games. It’s like telling an alcoholic to drink in moderation. It’s not going to happen.
Watching videos like that seems insanely ironic
now i just play casual games. 30 minutes or so when im really bored and most my responsabilities are done.
shooters mostly.
mmos can suck you in forever... they are like casinos, they designed to make you play more and more every day
I grew up playing NES, snes, genesis, etc. Then I fell for the trap " newer = better " and like millions of people I always tried to have the last generation console, etc.
At some point I realised most games were more and more designed to have no end and keep you playing "forever".
As I got older and got more responsibilities, etc, I've come back to those old games where the only thing that mattered was having fun straight away (I know this is also obviously due to the technological limitations at that time). But my point is that now I don't have 500 hours (or whatever)to spend playing any game and I'm glad I grew up with those 8 and 16-bit because I still appreciate them, (more than ever actually) and if I spend an hour playing them I know it's an hour of pure fun and I can even finish one or two games while with new games, dedicating it the same time, you can barely make it past the cinematic intro lol.
And don't get me wrong. I still love videogames and I know true masterpieces are still being made, and some of those are the ones I would invest my time on now. But I'm veeery picky now and if I play a new game it has to be a masterpiece, otherwise I don't even bother.
great video! I can relate to your story. I am 28 and have a masters degree. The thing is that i Wasted so many hours playing videogames and I would always make excuses saying,: "I'm in school, it's fine to enjoy my free time" but looking back at it, I could have done so much with those hours.
I think there is absolutely a limit to the amount of time that should be spent playing video games. It's a beautiful world out there and games steal you from incredible real life adventures. That being said you only live once. If you spend the next ten years doing nothing but working your ass off and grinding for a dollar sign you'll look back and regret having done that as well. Life is all about balance.
It wasn't wasted time. Maybe from your perspective. But in these moments it was fun like anyone else is playing soccer, hanging out with friends etc.. Growth, growth, growth ... but in the end it's all going back in the box anyway.
I can relate. I was addicted to video games up to just recently. Started learning code back in November. I’ve been trying to code everyday now and I’ve seen a lot of improvement in my mood, health, everything. I still love video games and play them every now and again but now all my focus goes to my fiancé and coding. Thanks for putting this video out man. Very inspiring.
Damn, this hits hard. I'm learning to code. I've completed a fullstack Java boot camp, created a few custom projects. I want to learn other stacks and technologies. I sometimes catch myself getting caught up in some of my favorite games. I even feel my conscience telling me to drop it and start working on my next goal. I'm glad I found this. Subbed!
Thanks for the reminder man. I've been off gaming for about three years now. I still feel the urge sometimes. It's good to see a video like this and be reminded.
I'm an 80's baby and grew up watching my mom speedrun punch-out, megaman 2, and super mario bros. I've owned or played just about every console and game from then to now. Games have been the central theme of my life but as an engaged 33 y/o with a 2 y/o kid and another on the way, I'm struggling with focusing on life progression. I kicked my 13-year WoWcrack addiction years ago (top 300 world pve raiding guild tryhard) as well as CoD (3.5+ k/d tryhard on most titles) and focused on earning my CS bachelors and just finished a masters in project management. Even still, I have trouble devoting myself to simply coding side projects and working on job applications. I want to be a part of the game industry (drove cross-country to settle in Seattle) because it's all I know, but I know web dev is easier to break into. I just have a really hard time not using video games to decompress during downtime.
Although I get your point, from my own experience, even though I probably spent ~10k hours playing video games, I don't look at it as time wasted. Although I could've probably spent it more wisely, I learned so much from games. From learning practical side of economics and business in games where you had to trade with other people, to your mentioned "level up" approach to life, learning to enjoy and thrive in competition, and so on. Anyway, without being interested in games, as you mentioned yourself, most of the people here probably would've never found coding, or something else they are currently passionate about.
(I quit playing a year or two ago)
This is me right now. I’m just realizing how much time I’ve wasted playing video games. I’m just starting my journey on coding and I feel like I’m addicted to video games and want to move that addiction over to bettering myself. I know it doesn’t happen over night but it’s cool to know I’m not alone
I'm so glad I watched this. I'm in a mid 20s and I just spent the last 5 months aggressively playing genshin with every ounce of free time I had. It was truly addiction. I don't remember a single time I was socially active or notably productive. Looking back, I realized how how much time I wasted that I could've used to spent time with friends, to work on mobilizing my career, to do anything other than gaming. It so hard to play in moderation but I'm trying to restrict myself, so I can finally focus on real life. Thank for the wake up call.
My time gaming coincidentally nosedived around the same time I bought my guitar lol. I wish I bought the thing earlier, I wasted so much time while unemployed during the pandemic playing league its depressing.
Videos are great in moderation and sometimes its hard to limit ourselves 😄.
Also video games can change your life for good, i met my best friend 6 years ago on dayz and we are learning react and next js now, if it wasn't for video games i would be much less motivated.
When video games become a job the fun goes away.
I want to stop video games because I am obsessive by nature.
I can't stop thinking about new strategies, I can't be moderate in anything so stopping is the only way.
Exact same story here man.. addicted. I still game most weekends but try to moderate it as much as I can, but sometimes it's hard.. If I end up playing for more than I planned, I now just uninstall the game. It's kinda helped but damn it can be hard to admit to yourself that it's an addiction and not just you having fun
If you can self reflect and realize that it's a problem, that alone is a major accomplishment in itself!
Love your growth!
Thanks!
I know this video was a year ago, but I used to love playing video games, starting as a kid with my grandmother gifting me a Gameboy and into my teen years. During my time in school I discovered animation, and animation is how movies and video games are made, so while I still play games I started experimenting with art and animation. I'm currently in my last year of college pursuing an animation degree, got a full scholarship so no debt. I love doing 3D animation and modeling. I'm only now considering learning to code because I see coding can help with the process in the 3D programs. I still love video games but I'm not as eager to play them. In fact I would feel a bit down knowing I could have been resting or working on my projects instead of playing games. I barely play games, only in breaks but majority of the time I want to get better in my skills so I can be prepared when searching for my first job. Edit: Sentence fixes.
Your story RESONTATES with me. Thank you so much for sharing!! Yesterday I threw away all my videogames as a competive gamer, but your story is the same as mine (Wes Watson gave me the courage to do it). The only part I need now is to better myself, and software development may be the way!! Thank you again Dorian I don't know you but I've subscribed and am so grateful you made this video!!
Pause at 55 sec: "Hold on this sounds like my own life till 2018 and i was 31!" Damn i was dump wasting so much of my lifetime.
I'am glad that i found your channel!
Edit after watching the full video:
I can absolutely confirm everything what you said and you are definitely speaking from experience!
I relate to this so much. I sold my xbox about 6 years ago so I had no option to play anymore. Best decision ever.
I've been playng games since i was 4 on my sega genesis (31 now)
I have a decent career, bachelors, married (but not planning to have kids, less time to game ;)
I absolutely love video games and wont stop, its like telling a golfer to stop golfing. Im entrenched in video games, awaiting new releases, upgrading my pc, researching strats
late night games with the boyz (IRL friends)
But I also have to keep in mind and I am fully aware that gaming doesnt progress my life in anyway. You have around 75 years to live on this planet, do what you makes you happy whether that is gaming, golfing or improving skills
I'm 20 soon 21 and I resonate with your story a lot. I spent a lot of time in period of 12-16 years on video games and I also regret it now. But shit happens I guess. Thanks for sharing your story it was very interesting to hear your thoughts and perspective on this subject. I hope I can make up for this lost time just like you did! Keep grinding bro
great story! i am in your boat but 10 years older than you. Had a mid life crisis at 35, just about done with a BA degree but would like to code one day as a backup. I enjoy games now with my kid, but your right moderation is key! I am lucky to have a good job but i know not everyone is fortunate in these days. If you hustle and grind you cant fail.
Something about that midlife crisis, it can really light that fire for you. Keep hustling and grinding!
thanks for the video, I used to play videogames a lot too because it helped me escape from my emotions and problems. But one day after going through therapy and stuff I just stopped. Sometimes I felt the urge to play but since I erased the games in my laptop I needed to re-install them and since it took sooo long by the time the game was ready to go I already didn't want to play anymore. This tip helped a lot. Now I think like you Dorian, that wasted time will never come back but everyday is an oportunity to level up our lives. I'm a 33 yo musician/vocalist and in Latinamerica is hard to earn a living as an artist. I want to give myself and my family great life experiences so now I'm learning how to code to make that possible. I just subscribed ;) Great channel!
ohh man keep making these types of man. im 22m lived meaningless in past but now i'm trying to get back on track. this is my biggest motivation. thank you.
Thanks. Deleted ALL of the videogames while listening to this in the background.
This is so true!
ARMA 3 modding motivated me to learn to code (still learning).
That's awesome! It's great when hobbies can cross over and spark new interests!
"I was a game addict, and I decided that was bad. Now I'm a workaholic, which is arguably worse and less fun. But now I'm ON THAT HUSTLE now, I'm ON THAT GRIND. #winninng "
I'm 17, and I do feel the same. I felt like my whole 2 years in grade 10, 11; I did nothing else than playing video games, I could have used that 2 years and master a programming language like my friends did. I regret it, but now I looked back, and it's not late
Nothing is ever too late lad.... It has to do with focus.
Chao John. Wish I had your wisdom at 17. Spend your time productively from now and you'll go go far!
My life story == yours. I began coming to my senses at the age of 28, but it took another 2 years for me to get completely free of my shackles. In fact, Wow had to burn to a certain crust, to the degree of being so distasteful it was largely unbearable, for me to get where i am rn. I'm 31 and have begun my journey, leveling up a largely ignored character of whom is my actual self, and finally pursue my dreams of learning how to code, build projects and hit a job one day.
I was about purchase a game after years of not playing games. Just finished watching this and I changed my mind. Thank you, Dorian!
That was me a few months ago. With all the distractions we have nowadays it is really hard to focus. Only thing we can do now is to look forward and make it up for the time we wasted doing useless stuff for our life. Our drug should be self development. The grind should never stop. Great video as always Dorian!
this video was timely. i'm conflicted w/ the amount of time i've been playing shadowlands. you've convinced me that it's time to let it go. level up my life.
I feel like I had a panic attack watching this, knowing it's truth but wanting to deny it.
The same feeling here. It really is a very unpleasant feeling.
I feel like I was wasting a lot of time playing video games, when I started to see life like a video game everything has been better
Good morning Dorian,
I've watched this video multiple times today on repeat. I'm not going to lie but I am guilty of videogame addiction. As I grow older and mature, I realize that I'm starting to lose the motivation when it comes to playing videogames. I was in the same situation as you and everybody else here for more than a decade. I was addicted to playing PC games, specifically MOBA games like DotA and LOL. After multiple academic failures and real life failures in life. I realize that I am my worst enemy and what contributed to those failures that happen in my life was me being heavily addicted to videogames. I'm still a work in progress but I am trying to turn my life around. I tend to play less now and focus more on myself and self growth physically, mentally and professionally. I failed nursing school about 2.5 years ago but contemplating on going back again and pursuing that career again. I really appreciate you making this video as this video resonated with me in a very deep level.
Hopefully one day I can come back to this video once I have "leveled up" and "grinded" my way up. Thanks a lot brother.
I’m 23 and I’m building projects to put into my ux portfolio. I work at T.G.I. Friday’s from 12pm-4pm then I dash from 5-pm10pm and then I design up until like 2am or 3am in the morning and then repeat . I always have the work first play later mentality. So when I’ve taken care of bills or I’ve put in effort on my designs I would reward myself by playing video games and I don’t feel bad about it because I’m very passionate about gaming and it also helps me decompress and forget about life for a moment . You deserve to relax and enjoy life Dorian even if it means playing video games lol . You’ve worked hard and made big accomplishments. Never feel bad about rewarding yourself from hard work that you do everyday 🤜🤛
You're not wrong at all, here I am closing in on my 40s and am going though a mid-life crisis because I have nothing at all to show for it, no career no real money making job, and just no idea what to do or where to go, I guess one step at a time.
I just had this realization today. Then I find this video, hits hard. I have no idea what to do for the rest of my life and wish I knew what direction to take.
My first time coding was writing scripts for GTA Vice City with my friend. Coding is appealing for me because I always liked to tinker with stuff. I always loved to mod games, to fix issues when they didn't start or when mods didn't work, setting up emulators, then I'd play for like 2 hours and got bored. I can get hooked on solving problems. So yeah gaming certainly has something to with my interest in coding but not in a traditional "I'll become a game developer" sense. I just love to put things together, make them work, fix them.