A few days ago, a guy named Brian Schmoyer posted a short film on the Internet called “The Only Thing I Know.” The video chronicles his life so far and outlines the role which video games have assumed therein. But this isn’t an inspirational tale. Instead, Brian demonstrates how three decades of gaming has precipitated a steady decline into loneliness, depression, and regret. If anything, his story delivers a single clear message: Don’t let video games ruin your life.
Before you continue, please take the time to watch his video. I elaborate on the video and add some of my own opinions after the jump!
[video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKBRG_QgEAM 400×400]
Having seen Brian’s short film, you probably have an opinion concerning the things he said. His confessions — and eventual epiphany — may sway some of you, while others might raise an eyebrow at his claims and generalizations.
Personally, I believe the video is interesting — beyond that, however, I don’t see much value in Brian’s animated lecture. Instead of blaming his own weak-willed, invertebrate nature, Brian accuses video games for all his misfortune. Moreover, his video projects a massive stereotype of gamers as overweight loners — a fact which is inaccurate at best and offensive at worst.
Brian posits that in lieu of fully leveling a character in World of Warcraft, the average gamer could learn a language, travel the country, and read literary classics like Moby Dick and Huckleberry Finn.
The reality: I have done all those things and so have most of my friends! I speak three languages, have seen most of the world, and live a fulfilling life. At the same time, I regularly play Modern Warfare 2 with my brother, discuss Mass Effect 2 with close friends, and bond with my girlfriend over Katamari Damacy. The iconic notion of gamers as socially retarded fat-bodies is as specious today as it was a decade ago.
Video games aren’t to blame — the way Brian consumes them is.
It’s perfectly possible to enjoy a balanced life, free from loneliness and unemployment, while at the same time being a gamer. Mr. Schmoyer, the next time you make a film, please don’t use your personal experiences to fuel sweeping generalizations. It doesn’t help anyone.