The Journey from Gaming Enthusiast to Music Producer: A Personal Narrative

For me, the decision to drop video games as a primary hobby was a complex one, driven by several factors. This article explores my experiences, reflecting on why I made the choice and how it has impacted my life.

Reasons for Dropping Video Games

My decision to discontinue my heavy involvement in video games was influenced by a combination of issues, including the toxicity of public lobbies, the lack of personal growth, and the lure of alternative hobbies that offered more fulfillment.

1. Toxicity and Hostility

Public lobbies and online gaming communities often become environments where toxic behavior and hostility thrive. I frequently found myself walking on eggshells to avoid being ambushed or harassed by other players. This constant vigilance and fear of negative interactions created a stressful experience rather than the enjoyment I once derived from the games.

2. Personal Growth and Fulfillment

Games can be fun, but they often fail to offer substantial personal growth or fulfillment. The moment my PS4's HDMI port broke, I realized that I was no longer getting substantive personal satisfaction from gaming. Instead, I had become a mere vessel for someone else's story, and it was making me miserable.

3. Pursuit of a Healthier Outlet

I had always been passionate about music, particularly the creative aspects of writing and performing my own music. Discovering that this was a much healthier and more productive way to express my emotions led me to seriously consider a shift in my interests.

Statistics of My Gaming Past

A significant part of my life was spent immersed in various video games. Here are some of the games I played along with an estimate of the hours spent on each:

IGI (6 hrs) IGI 2 (6 hrs) CSGO (80 hours) Minecraft (20 hours) Cricket 07 (40 hrs) HALO (50 hours) Unreal Tournament (70 hours) Unreal 2 (10 hours) Prince of Persia (15 hours) FarCry 1 (10 hours) FarCry 3 (16 hours) FarCry 4 (20 hours) FarCry 5 (20 hours) FarCry Primal (10 hours) Max Payne 2 (20 hours) GTA Vice City (40 hours) GTA San Andreas (50 hours) GTA 5 (20 hours) Witcher 2 (10 hours) FIFA (N/A) Call of Duty Modern Warfare (10 hours) Battlefield WW 2 (8 hours) Battlefield 4 (20 hours) NFS Hot Pursuit 2 (20 hours) NFS Most Wanted (60 hours) NFS Rivals (20 hours) NFS Heat (20 hours) Crysis 3 (10 hours) Skyrim (80 hours) Fortnite (8 hours) Dragon Quest Builders (N/A) COD Warzone (50 hours) PUBG Emulator (600 hours) APEX Legends (450 hours and counting…) Doodle Army 2 (80 hours) Clash of Clans (60 hours) PUBG MOBILE (120 hours) APEX Legends Mobile (40 hours) Watching Gameplay (RDR 2, God of War 4, Rust, Minecraft, FarCry 6)

This list only includes the games I remember immediately; I've played many more over the years.

Alternative Hobbies and Achievements

One fine day, a friend complimented me on my swimming skills and diving abilities. Surprised, as it had only been less than a month since I started learning, I realized that with minimal practice, one can indeed become proficient in various activities. This observation led me to reflect on the importance of productivity alongside skill and passion.

Escapism vs. Productivity

The achievements in video games are often virtual and lack real-world significance. These achievements vanish as soon as the player logs off, and the gaming industry invests heavily in creating attractive and addictive environments to keep players engaged. On the other hand, activities like music production, cooking, and sports offer tangible and lasting satisfaction, even with minimal dedicated practice.

A Motivated Shift

By comparison, the activities that I spent a fraction of the time on gaming—such as learning to swim, sketch, drive, and play music—have been more fulfilling. The skills I have developed through these activities are sharper and more helpful in my daily life. Had I focused on any other productive skill during those seven years, I am certain that I would have made more meaningful progress.

Conclusion

The journey from a video game enthusiast to a music producer has been a personal and transformative one. While games can be enjoyable and even beneficial, the real-world satisfaction and growth from alternative hobbies can be far more significant. For me, this realization has not only improved my well-being but has also helped me channel my time and energy into more productive and fulfilling activities.