Please note that this is not a review of the game.

Okay, so a few short days ago I got my invite to the Launch event.  Yes, I even checked my email twice to make sure it wasn't a mistake.  As it goes with Launches (or so I am told), there were prizes/giveaways, food and drinks and a whole lot of talk about the item being launched.  Well, for most part, what I have been told about launches was true.

Walking into the M-Cave you get the feeling of gamer paradise.  Large HD screens plastered on the walls above Xbox360's, PS3's and PC's.  Machines that make you want to sell your mother for in order to own one.  It just looked absolutely awesome.  There is no other way to describe it. 

After brief introductions and the customary "Thank You" to the sponsors (Nicely done Des), we immediately launched into some giveaways from various sponsors, like Rectron (WD Drives - That skiks for niks), and EA South Africa (Awesome games, even after flirting and sucking up for so long and getting nada - C'mon Bianca give me a game plz!). We were energised by Red Bull, something no gamer should go without of course.  And then for me, the absolute GOVERNATOR of sponsors, Samsung.  Wow, those screens were spectacular.  Its like the ultimate dream to have one of those hanging in my lounge.

After some light snacks and pizza's, more prizes and giveaways.  Even with my gift bag in hand, I still felt left empty without my brand spanking new version of Mass Effect 3 to play as I got home.  Sniff Sniff.  However, there were loads of happy gamers winning games on all platforms.  It was like a bunch of screaming chicks when an invitee had his/her name called out.  Im not bitter at all!

To give a basic feel of Mass Effect 3, it seems and looks better, even though someone new to the series may not appreciate the subtle differences.  Yes you are still Commander Shepard, and yes you still staving off an Alien invasion, but it does look better.  If what I had played, even for that brief time (And on PS3 too), then I am sure its gonna be a hit for the series, as usual.

 But as I said, this isnt a review of the game. 

The event was well managed and prepared.  It looked stunning, and I would encourage any gamer to enter in future and try it out.  MWEB has truly focused on the needs and (wet)dreams of gamers.  And the guys running it all are a true blend of gamers.  They know what they are doing, and they do it well.  I can honestly say that if I could work there in that department, I would do almost anything (Hint Hint). 

Again, to MWEB, Gamezone, Choc_Salties, BosbVok and Schmoe....well done guys, it was lekker meeting you all.  The event could not have been run smoother (Maybe some Redbull ladies next time Bosbvok). To all the sponsors and the lovely Assistant walking around ensuring we had plenty of refreshments...a BIG THUMBS UP.

Gabe

escapism - defined by the dictionary as:

1. the state of having wandering and imaginative thoughts in order to escape from reality. — escapist, n., adj.
2. the practice of engaging in activities that enable one to avoid having to deal with reality, as the persistent attendance at science-fiction films, reading of fantasy literature, etc.

There are a few variations to the work ‘Escapism’, with the above, for me, being the more defining explanation.  The reason this is, is mainly because it’s how it makes me feel.  There is another term used to define this notion, and it’s called ‘Immersion’.  Although this term is more loosely defined in an overall concept, a notion or an action is rather an idea of some sort.

Now the main thing to consider when defining these terms is to define what they are trying to refer too.  Recently I read an article about how many countries are banning certain games within their borders due to the high violent content of the said games.  Does one particular game influence the actions of its player more than another? Would a teenager playing Worms react more aggressively than say another teen playing Silent Hill, or Alan Wake, or maybe even World of Warcraft?

The notion (defined: A belief or opinion) is that the player becomes so immersed in the actions they partake in with the game, that the shift in reality and fantasy is so immense that the player no longer separates the two "worlds”.  I read an article from a website called ‘New Scientist’ in which it writes about violent video games.  I have extracted a particular paragraph from that article:

"Many studies have concluded that people who play violent video games are more aggressive, more likely to commit violent crimes, and less likely to help others. But critics argue these correlations merely prove that violent people gravitate towards violent games, not that games can change behaviour.”

Essentially the article continues on to say that you either are violent by nature, or not.  Whether or not this is true, has never really been determined through all the studies done on young minds.  I for one have been an avid gamer for many years.  I have a stressful job; I have a family and carry the responsibilities of that family each day.  I use "My Gaming” as my "escapism”.  It doesn’t mean that the lines of fantasy and reality ever collide with each other to a point I can no longer separate the two.  I escape to my gaming, because for me it doesn’t change my day to day reality, but only allows me to delve into another form of entertainment that preoccupies my mind from the obvious stresses that I face on a day to day basis.

Obviously this affects people differently; I am not blind to that.  I know that some teenager’s worldwide are more easily affected by what they encounter daily, and so immerse themselves within the gaming world.  I also believe that when these teenagers do violent acts, the general notion is to pass blame on to the very things that seem most likely to have affected that teenager’s personality to create such a violent act, instead of what the main root of the issue was.

I hope that everyone that plays games, on whatever platform, in whatever genre appreciates the intent for which it was made…..to entertain you.  Like going to the movies to watch the latest blockbuster, as long as you can enjoy it, then gaming is definitely escapism for you to delve into.  I encourage it, because I know what it has done for me.  Whilst I have been gaming over the years I have met some wonderful people, made some excellent friends, challenged myself like never before and had a great time doing it.  And, I will continue to do it….because it’s what I truly enjoy doing.  Maybe there should be some kind of Survey compiled where gamers can go to and add what they feel gaming has added to their lives, so that instead of "scientific studies”, a basic understanding can be gathered from the information compiled by real gamers, young and old…..to show that gaming in its true form – FANTASY – is done for FUN.

I know this article is intense for a gaming site, but I just feel so strongly about the subject that I had to see what others feel.  It is a subject that I have discussed with my many online buddies, and the general consensus is evident…..gaming is just that….a game.  At least it is for us.

Gabe