What was the first video or computer game you played

[owlet]

I think it was Frogger on the PS1 when I was about 5.

 

[Mr Allen]

One of the first I played was a Frogger clone on the Spectrum called Horace goes Skiing.

 

[Mary Anne]

Never have played one! Never! It’s not useful except to waste time.

 

[AGXStarseed]

Never have played one! Never! It’s not useful except to waste time.

For some people, its a way to let off steam after a stressful day...or to make your day more stressful depending on your skill level and the game you're playing.
I say this as Irish comedian Dara O'Briain has said he likes to play video games as they do something that no other art form does; while you cannot be bad at listening to an album or watching a movie, you can be bad at playing a video game - which will then punish you by denying you access to the rest of the game.

He makes a joke about it in one of his gigs where he declares that no other art form does this, before giving two examples:

You've never been reading a book and three chapters in the book says "What are the major themes of the book so far?"
You: "Well, I don't know...I..."
*book slams shut*
You: "Oh for Christ sake!"

You've never been listening to an album and after four tracks the album declares "Dance! show me your dancing and prove that the rest of the music should play".
You: *starts awkwardly dancing* "Er, how is this? Is this alright"
Album: "No!" *Album stops playing*

 

[Mary Anne]

For some people, its a way to let off steam after a stressful day...or to make your day more stressful depending on your skill level and the game you're playing.
I say this as Irish comedian Dara O'Briain has said he likes to play video games as they do something that no other art form does; while you cannot be bad at listening to an album or watching a movie, you can be bad at playing a video game - which will then punish you by denying you access to the rest of the game.

He makes a joke about it in one of his gigs where he declares that no other art form does this, before giving two examples:

You've never been reading a book and three chapters in the book says "What are the major themes of the book so far?"
You: "Well, I don't know...I..."
*book slams shut*
You: "Oh for Christ sake!"

You've never been listening to an album and after four tracks the album declares "Dance! show me your dancing and prove that the rest of the music should play".
You: *starts awkwardly dancing* "Er, how is this? Is this alright"
Album: "No!" *Album stops playing*

Yeah, I see how people let off steam by playing all those killing video games....killing zombies, killing soldiers, killing monsters. Hunting videos where people shoot and bow hunt deer, or safari animals. Or GrandTheft Auto...OMG. I also don’t understand games like candy crush, or Sims, or any of it. Life is challenging/cinfipusing/ busy enough in the real world w/o creating other fantasy worlds. That’s just my take on things.

I do see some positive attributes to flight and driving simulators as they can prepare one for flying planes, or driving. However, some people drive in the REAL highways like they are in a death defying race, and that can have real life negative consequences.

 

[owlet]

One of the first I played was a Frogger clone on the Spectrum called Horace goes Skiing.

Haha, I'd never heard of that one, but it does look pretty similar!

Never have played one! Never! It’s not useful except to waste time.

That's a shame. There's a lot of evidence for video games aiding brain development and motor skills in children (including things like puzzle-solving, rhythm, team work and so on). From the list of games you posted below, it sounds like you're only really aware of the first/third person shooter variety or simulations, rather than, for example, the metaphorical/story-focused ones (such as Journey, Hollow Knight, Owlboy, Okami etc.), puzzle games (such as Professor Layton, Ghost Trick, Zero Escape etc.), interactive story games, visual novels, platformers and so on. If you're ever interested in checking any of these out, I can recommend some videos of them.
Sorry for the long post. Video games are just such a great art form, it's always a shame to hear people viewing them as a waste of time (moreso than any other art form, at least). It reminds me of when my mum said she 'hates fantasy' when what she actually meant was she hated sword and sorcery, like Tolkein's stuff, and she actually does enjoy fantasy media (she also never played a game before, but she got pretty into Journey when I encouraged her to try it, because she loved the visuals and music).

 

[WildCat]

...I do see some positive attributes to flight and driving simulators as they can prepare one for flying planes, or driving. However, some people drive in the REAL highways like they are in a death defying race, and that can have real life negative consequences.

Can't agree with the part about simulators preparing one for real-life scenarios. Especially driving, the best way to do that is to get behind the wheel of an actual car, put yourself out on the streets and start doing it. Lessons for the basics as needed, but how is a simulator preparation or a substitute for the real thing?

I can definitely agree with the part about people driving like it's life or death though. I play a game every morning and night on the freeway, and I know all too well not everyone's on the same level. For better or for worse, it's a tossup every time.

 

[Mary Anne]

Can't agree with the part about simulators preparing one for real-life scenarios. Especially driving, the best way to do that is to get behind the wheel of an actual car, put yourself out on the streets and start doing it. Lessons for the basics as needed, but how is a simulator preparation or a substitute for the real thing?

I can definitely agree with the part about people driving like it's life or death though. I play a game every morning and night on the freeway, and I know all too well not everyone's on the same level. For better or for worse, it's a tossup every time.

Flight simulators are how people usually learn to fly these days prior to stepping into a cockpit. I also heard that driving simulators can be used in classrooms in addition to getting behind the wheel.

 

[Judge]

I also heard that driving simulators can be used in classrooms in addition to getting behind the wheel.

That's how I first learned driving an automobile. Simulators in high school in the early 70s. But I always thought that there was no substitute for actually getting into a car and driving. Simulators offer a too limited field of view. Something you don't want to get used to compared to the real thing.

 

[WildCat]

Answering the topic in question now, that would have to be Super Mario Bros. for the NES. We had the NES trilogy and a functioning console, but that I believe was my first experience.

The game's now a joke that I could play with my hands tied up and eyes closed, but in my early age I could only get so far. Exactly what the developers would have wanted for a little tike. I got my revenge at least.

 

[LucyPurrs]

Zork on an Apple computer taught by my 3 yo nephew. My first interaction with a computer. He even had to teach me how to turn it on and off, XD. I didn't get far on the game either, LOL. MANY years later, my first real game was RAMA. Then didn't play again until Archeage, which I consider my first real game although I got pretty far in RAMA, about 5-10 minutes away from nuclear explosion.

 

[AloneNotLonely]

Blaster Master for the NES. God that game was awesome.

Screw saving a princess, I need my pet frog back!

 

[Mr Allen]

Haha, I'd never heard of that one, but it does look pretty similar!


That's a shame. There's a lot of evidence for video games aiding brain development and motor skills in children (including things like puzzle-solving, rhythm, team work and so on). From the list of games you posted below, it sounds like you're only really aware of the first/third person shooter variety or simulations, rather than, for example, the metaphorical/story-focused ones (such as Journey, Hollow Knight, Owlboy, Okami etc.), puzzle games (such as Professor Layton, Ghost Trick, Zero Escape etc.), interactive story games, visual novels, platformers and so on. If you're ever interested in checking any of these out, I can recommend some videos of them.
Sorry for the long post. Video games are just such a great art form, it's always a shame to hear people viewing them as a waste of time (moreso than any other art form, at least). It reminds me of when my mum said she 'hates fantasy' when what she actually meant was she hated sword and sorcery, like Tolkein's stuff, and she actually does enjoy fantasy media (she also never played a game before, but she got pretty into Journey when I encouraged her to try it, because she loved the visuals and music).

Yeah Horace goes Skiing, apart from the downhill Skiing bit is almost the same kind of game as the original Frogger, the main character, Horace, has to survive crossing a busy road to get to the Ski shop.

If you have a Windows PC, have a look on Worldofspectrum.org for an emulator and the game (Spectrum emulators have been legal for years by the way, Amstrad released the ROM images etc years ago).

 

[Horsegirl]

I first played Temple Run on my stepsister's tablet

 

[Nitro]

Flight simulators are how people usually learn to fly these days prior to stepping into a cockpit.

No, not exactly.

I have logged quite a few hours of flight time and fully understand the requirements needed for the first step.

Here are the requirements needed for gaining each ticket to fly.
https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/learn-to-fly

I believe the FAA only allows 2.5 hours of simulator time during your initial training for your private license, the rest of it is hands on in a real aircraft.

After you have proven to your certified instructor that you are capable of handling a single engine trainer, you do your first solo flight.

After your solo, there is more training hands on with an instructor to gain navigation and safety skills.

Then you move onto solo cross country flights to prove your navigation skills.

There are minimum requirements that need to be logged in an actual aircraft and not all in a simulator because there is no real way to fully simulate everything one might encounter in a light craft.
Some simulator training is allowable during you instrument flight training, but by then you are a capable pilot that already has proven yourself in an actual aircraft.

As you move higher up in the ranks to say airline captain ratings, they do use simulators that mimic problems that can be encountered in an airliner to save from having a serious accident involving human lives and very expensive aircraft, but it is not a total substitute for real air time.

 

[Ezra]

I don't remember. I have always been really bad at gaming because of my slow reactions and serious dexterity issues.

A couple of years ago someone talked me into playing lord of the rings online with them. And I have been playing it ever since.

One person described it as being so easy, you can play it with your tongue while blindfolded (although you might want to clan your keyboard first).

 

[Misery]

Yeah, I see how people let off steam by playing all those killing video games....killing zombies, killing soldiers, killing monsters. Hunting videos where people shoot and bow hunt deer, or safari animals. Or GrandTheft Auto...OMG. I also don’t understand games like candy crush, or Sims, or any of it. Life is challenging/cinfipusing/ busy enough in the real world w/o creating other fantasy worlds. That’s just my take on things.

I do see some positive attributes to flight and driving simulators as they can prepare one for flying planes, or driving. However, some people drive in the REAL highways like they are in a death defying race, and that can have real life negative consequences.

See, this is something that always bugs me. This... misconception. The idea that Grand Theft Crap is all there is. Or shooters like Call of Whatever. Those stupid games that try so hard to be bloody mature, and get paraded around all over the place. In case it's not clear, I aint a fan of those sorts of things myself.

It's also not just about letting off steam. I can imagine some people play games for that reason, but for others, that's not good enough.

I play games because I need something mentally stimulating and challenging to hold my attention and get me thinking. And because they can help me improve in various ways. For instance, I am fast. Very... very... VERY fast. I dont mean like running speed or something. I mean reaction and mental processing speed. In all of my time gaming and going to conventions and such (the hobbies where I meet people the most) I have met one, and only one, person who can match that sort of speed. And most of this was gained due to all of the gaming I do. It's kinda like the idea of working out... you use certain muscles to make them stronger and more effective. In my case, all the games I play constantly work on reaction speed, processing speed, and also coodination. It's not even a matter of "catlike reflexes" at this point. That's not fast enough.

And yeah, that all came from gaming. But not just that. Improvement on the ability to think things through logically, and reason stuff out, that's improved as well. The idea of games as mindless gory shooters is an unfortunate one pushed forward by the idiot media. And the unnecessarily large publishers in the gaming industry (who are all shady, nasty groups). The actual truth is that there's so much more to it than that.

Just as an example of that:

https://store.steampowered.com/app/342610/HyperRogue/

A quick look at that shows some of what I mean here. This is HyperRogue, a game I've been really into lately. The game takes place on a hyperbolic plane. Essentially, non-Euclidian geometry (or a representation of it anyway). No blood & gore here, none of that crap. The game is turn-based, and constantly generates difficult situations that require tactical thinking and puzzle solving to get out of. The difficulty is *very* high, and just one single mistake means game over, and all of this in a world that is more infinite than infinite (I'm not even going to try to explain how that line makes sense, just roll with it). Every area is more creative than the last, introducing new concepts that add more to the mix, complicating the situations the player will encounter. You really need to use your head to even stand a chance at this one. Most players will never beat this game, or even come close (whereas alot of the sorts of games you're thinking of are stupidly easy and frankly rather mindless).

The reason why I put that link there is because that description doesnt even come close to doing this one justice... it has to be seen before you can even start to really understand what it is.


And that's just one example. These sorts of games are the norm for me, not the exception. That specific one of course is not going to do anything for reaction/processing speed, but I've got so many others that do that bit. Without being the braindead gory crap. This particular game is all about tactical/strategic thinking, planning, and puzzle solving. Among other things.

And this all has resulted in the benefits mentioned above. Most of the skills/talents I have, I got through this hobby.

On top of that, this hobby often involves social situations. I dont have all that many friends, but those that I do have, I met through gaming. There are all sorts of competitve or cooperative games out there (and again, I dont just mean the "OMG so mature" sorts). This can build skills related to teamwork, or just make one more comfortable with socializing in general. To be honest, without these, I wouldnt even be here on this forum. I used to be *very* uncomfortable and paranoid even about conversing online. But through these, I got over that, and now have no problems with it. I also started travelling on my own as a result of this hobby. That though is a story for another day, so I wont go into it here.

And lastly, this hobby can lead to greater things. Many gamers take an interest in computers, electronics, stuff like that. Plenty go on to become programmers, software engineers, whatever. Some take an interest in art or music, after being exposed to so much of it with these.

I apologize if this is a bit of a long post, but this particular type of misconception has always irritated the hell out of me. The media, along with ultra-greedy corporate jerkbags, tend to push forward this idea that blood and gore and all that crap is all there is to gaming. Or, they'll push the idea that it's all Candy Crush and Farmville (ugh). When neither is true at all. It's kinda like the hobby of reading books. I've met so many people that take no interest in books, thinking that it's all a bunch of silly, shallow, generic fantasy crap or whatever. But anyone that likes books and reads alot knows that is absolutely *not* true. Just another unfortunate misconception.

And it's important to keep in mind that pretty much any hobby is like this. There's always something that can be gained from it, and there's always more to it than you know, if you arent already a part of it.

Well, usually. If your hobby is throwing rocks at tigers, that's not really going to get you anywhere. But for more typical hobbies... there's alot to them.

 

[Mary Anne]

See, this is something that always bugs me. This... misconception. The idea that Grand Theft Crap is all there is. Or shooters like Call of Whatever. Those stupid games that try so hard to be bloody mature, and get paraded around all over the place. In case it's not clear, I aint a fan of those sorts of things myself.

It's also not just about letting off steam. I can imagine some people play games for that reason, but for others, that's not good enough.

I play games because I need something mentally stimulating and challenging to hold my attention and get me thinking. And because they can help me improve in various ways. For instance, I am fast. Very... very... VERY fast. I dont mean like running speed or something. I mean reaction and mental processing speed. In all of my time gaming and going to conventions and such (the hobbies where I meet people the most) I have met one, and only one, person who can match that sort of speed. And most of this was gained due to all of the gaming I do. It's kinda like the idea of working out... you use certain muscles to make them stronger and more effective. In my case, all the games I play constantly work on reaction speed, processing speed, and also coodination. It's not even a matter of "catlike reflexes" at this point. That's not fast enough.

And yeah, that all came from gaming. But not just that. Improvement on the ability to think things through logically, and reason stuff out, that's improved as well. The idea of games as mindless gory shooters is an unfortunate one pushed forward by the idiot media. And the unnecessarily large publishers in the gaming industry (who are all shady, nasty groups). The actual truth is that there's so much more to it than that.

Just as an example of that:

https://store.steampowered.com/app/342610/HyperRogue/

A quick look at that shows some of what I mean here. This is HyperRogue, a game I've been really into lately. The game takes place on a hyperbolic plane. Essentially, non-Euclidian geometry (or a representation of it anyway). No blood & gore here, none of that crap. The game is turn-based, and constantly generates difficult situations that require tactical thinking and puzzle solving to get out of. The difficulty is *very* high, and just one single mistake means game over, and all of this in a world that is more infinite than infinite (I'm not even going to try to explain how that line makes sense, just roll with it). Every area is more creative than the last, introducing new concepts that add more to the mix, complicating the situations the player will encounter. You really need to use your head to even stand a chance at this one. Most players will never beat this game, or even come close (whereas alot of the sorts of games you're thinking of are stupidly easy and frankly rather mindless).

The reason why I put that link there is because that description doesnt even come close to doing this one justice... it has to be seen before you can even start to really understand what it is.


And that's just one example. These sorts of games are the norm for me, not the exception. That specific one of course is not going to do anything for reaction/processing speed, but I've got so many others that do that bit. Without being the braindead gory crap. This particular game is all about tactical/strategic thinking, planning, and puzzle solving. Among other things.

And this all has resulted in the benefits mentioned above. Most of the skills/talents I have, I got through this hobby.

On top of that, this hobby often involves social situations. I dont have all that many friends, but those that I do have, I met through gaming. There are all sorts of competitve or cooperative games out there (and again, I dont just mean the "OMG so mature" sorts). This can build skills related to teamwork, or just make one more comfortable with socializing in general. To be honest, without these, I wouldnt even be here on this forum. I used to be *very* uncomfortable and paranoid even about conversing online. But through these, I got over that, and now have no problems with it. I also started travelling on my own as a result of this hobby. That though is a story for another day, so I wont go into it here.

And lastly, this hobby can lead to greater things. Many gamers take an interest in computers, electronics, stuff like that. Plenty go on to become programmers, software engineers, whatever. Some take an interest in art or music, after being exposed to so much of it with these.

I apologize if this is a bit of a long post, but this particular type of misconception has always irritated the hell out of me. The media, along with ultra-greedy corporate jerkbags, tend to push forward this idea that blood and gore and all that crap is all there is to gaming. Or, they'll push the idea that it's all Candy Crush and Farmville (ugh). When neither is true at all. It's kinda like the hobby of reading books. I've met so many people that take no interest in books, thinking that it's all a bunch of silly, shallow, generic fantasy crap or whatever. But anyone that likes books and reads alot knows that is absolutely *not* true. Just another unfortunate misconception.

And it's important to keep in mind that pretty much any hobby is like this. There's always something that can be gained from it, and there's always more to it than you know, if you arent already a part of it.

Well, usually. If your hobby is throwing rocks at tigers, that's not really going to get you anywhere. But for more typical hobbies... there's alot to them.

Thanks for your explanation. I have not met anyone like you, or the type of gaming you described. It must be a small minority of the gaming population? You mention having a fast brain...so how have you personally been able to apply your gaming experience to your real world career? Has it made you successful in terms of work, and finances?

So many people that game are doing nothing but gaming, and thus, I do not see the point of gaming other then it tends to be an escape from reality, or becomes an addiction. Or an obsessive hobby. No wonder childhood obesity is escalating, and they never go outside to play- they want to stay glued to electronics.

 

[Mary Anne]

No, not exactly.

I have logged quite a few hours of flight time and fully understand the requirements needed for the first step.

Here are the requirements needed for gaining each ticket to fly.
https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/learn-to-fly

I believe the FAA only allows 2.5 hours of simulator time during your initial training for your private license, the rest of it is hands on in a real aircraft.

After you have proven to your certified instructor that you are capable of handling a single engine trainer, you do your first solo flight.

After your solo, there is more training hands on with an instructor to gain navigation and safety skills.

Then you move onto solo cross country flights to prove your navigation skills.

There are minimum requirements that need to be logged in an actual aircraft and not all in a simulator because there is no real way to fully simulate everything one might encounter in a light craft.
Some simulator training is allowable during you instrument flight training, but by then you are a capable pilot that already has proven yourself in an actual aircraft.

As you move higher up in the ranks to say airline captain ratings, they do use simulators that mimic problems that can be encountered in an airliner to save from having a serious accident involving human lives and very expensive aircraft, but it is not a total substitute for real air time.

Ok, but I have had two boyfriends who fly personal planes, and both use simulators all the time when they cannot get time to fly. Maybe it’s to brush up on skills or just enjoy. I recall the one, a colonel with over 27 years in the US Army telling me that simulators are utilized all the time, and he also enjoys them in his spare time.

 

[owlet]

So many people that game are doing nothing but gaming, and thus, I do not see the point of gaming other then it tends to be an escape from reality, or becomes an addiction. Or an obsessive hobby. No wonder childhood obesity is escalating, and they never go outside to play- they want to stay glued to electronics.

I was wondering if you view video games differently from other media, such as books, films, board games, music and so on? When I was little, I didn't get much access to electronics (I was allowed on the Playstation for maybe half an hour here and there and eventually we got a household computer) but I read books all the time, unless my mum stopped me and made me go outside or do art with her. Books teach language skills and visualisation, but it could be argued that I would have been better served by training my brain for quick problem solving, reflexes, team work etc. by playing more video games and I'd argue that when anything becomes a hobby that's so obsessive you do nothing else, that it's a problem regardless of what it is (even a 'productive' activity like working/studying all the time has been proven to be bad for someone's health), so it seems like children being glued to electronics is less to do with video games themselves (which are just another form of art media) and more to do with parents not managing their children's time well enough.