I was in Lincoln over spring break and to kill time I started playing video games on my boyfriend's Xbox. As a kid I played Gran Turismo, Skylanders, and Minecraft on the Playstation, but after a few years I found joy in video games again.
Not because the games have changed, but rather because I have discovered games that fit my interests.
Whether you have a computer, console, or mobile device, game developers create games for everyone to enjoy. You don't need a console specifically designed for video games to get started.
No matter what you play, there are endless games to experience.
Video games are designed to appeal to a wide variety of audiences, so no matter what niche interest you have, you can find a game that suits your interests.
If you're creative and enjoy the freedom to build, create and explore, sandbox style games might be for you. If you're looking for a challenge, survival games are a more exhilarating option. If your goal is to relax, relaxation style games are great for relieving stress.
Even if video games aren't your main hobby, playing them can be a nice break from work or school. Everyone needs an outlet to break the monotony of everyday life and relax. While not all games are relaxing, video games have been proven to be effective at relieving stress.
Prioritizing mental health is especially important for college students. Even on campus, some residence halls are providing Nintendo Switches for students to use in certain study lounges, and at University Suites, students can rent controllers at the front desk in exchange for their NCard.
The real reason I got interested in video games again was because so many of the people close to me were playing them. My best friend wanted to play with me, so I downloaded Clash Royale on my phone and played religiously for weeks. Playing multiplayer games with my boyfriend on his Xbox is a great way to spend time together and bond. My RA organizes Mario Kart game nights as a bonding activity. Video games really do create a connection with the people you love.
Like many people, I had a biased view of video games because of my older brother and friends who played first-person shooters. I didn't like those types of games so I assumed they weren't for me. I much prefer puzzle games and games with a story, but I didn't know what I liked until I started playing video games again. It seemed like a challenge, but I'm glad I stepped out of my comfort zone because I've since found games that I really enjoy and appreciate.
You don't have to be an avid gamer to enjoy video games. I encourage you to give video games a chance and try types of games you may not have played before. There are plenty of arcade, sports, survival, role-playing games and more to choose from. Like me, you may find enjoyment in just playing games every once in a while.
Elise St Clair is a freshman journalism and broadcasting double major and can be reached at elisestclair@dailynebraskan.com.
