Gentlemen- I have some questions

Gentlemen. I have some questions for you.
I will ask a question and give you my answer in brackets.
To answer yourself- copy this and edit my answer in the brackets.
There is no right or wrong answer.

Why do you play video games?

(I play video games for entertainment. I play them to release myself from the world as it is and enter another world. The reason I find them entertaining is because they challenge me, they can enlighten me and they tell a story)

Does violence make a video game better?

(Violence is a natural part of human nature, it is unavoidable- it is in movies, songs, speeches, art and historical events. In a video game it is just as expected; but we see it in a much higher percentage of video games then we would the percentage of movies or songs. For one reason- A video game engages the user in a higher level than a movie or song, it requires interaction- where as a song or movie brings interaction through plot or character development- a video game interacts with the users arms and mind. You could say that a shooting game is the equivalent of a thriller or action movie, one which makes the viewer get a rush or tension from the suspense or action created on the film. For a video game to achieve that it needs fast paced movements and danger. That is why violence is so common in video games- because- as we know from war movies and action movies- Violence is exciting. When thrown into a situation of great danger a gamer gets that adrenalin rush which excites him- thus the gamer enjoys the game more so. It is not needed in video games, but a violent video game (Call of Duty/Halo/Duke Nukem) can bring an adrenalin rush, a level of excitement- that is not achievable through a movie. Now when it comes to ULTRA violent video games (Manhunt, Hitman, Fallout 3, Doom 3) which glorifies and emphasises the violence in the video game through gore or through method- this is simply for a different audience- the horror movie's of video games. It is simply a different form of stimulus.)

Do you consider video gaming to be an art form?

(Video gaming is possibly a higher level of art form, it requires art, writing, music, animation among other things. Most video games tell a story- through interaction. If music and movies are art (Which most would say they are) then video games certainly are.

Does a video game have to be visually exciting to entertain?

(A video games "graphics" do not directly effect the entertainment value In my opinion. A video game could have the visual detail of a math grid book, it is the gameplay/level design/story and difficulty which have a greater effect. However- a video game with supreme graphics and innovative gameplay has greater potential than a video game with poor graphics and innovative gameplay. However the term "supreme graphics' does not essentially mean "true to life" realism. It does not need to look like a photo to have "good" graphics. "Good" graphics are achieved through how they use a game engine. Crysis looks good- nearly like a photo- but I consider Batman Arkham Asylum to be a much better game to look out due to the use of colours and environment even though it is further from true to life detail.)

How greatly does music effect your gaming experience?

(Greatly. As a musician myself- music has an effect on every bone and nerve on my body. For example- in Minecraft when I am tunneling through a mountain with only the sound of my pickaxe to hear and suddenly a sombre gentle piano and synth fades in with a low pitch tone, I stop mining and just look around for a bit, to enjoy the musics effect on the game)

Do you strongly follow the story in games?

(Not as much as I would like, I have found that it depends mostly on how well the game explains the story, in games like Half Life 2- where the story is unfolding directly infront of me and most plot points are explained in passing dialogue I find I often miss alot of the story because I am always looking around for things that are trying to kill me. However- in games like Fallout 3, where the story is ocuring behind the gameplay and you alter its path; I find I become immersed greatly in the story and have a genuine care for the outcome.)

What are your thoughts on pirating games?

(I am generally against it; if a studio has put 100's of hours and thousands of dollars into a game, then it is only fair to pay for the content they are providing you with. Whether it is good or not to your opinion, the work they have done is done. HOWEVER. I am a strong believer that ALL media after a certain age deservers to be public domain. If a game reaches a stage where it is no longer sold in stores, then it should be released free of charge to the public. Which is why I have such respect to developers who provide free games such as "Battlefield Heroes" or "Farcry" whether intentionality developed to be free or made free after sale. It's a great contribution to the gaming community)

Why do you play video games?

(I play games to unwind and socialise with some of my mates, i also love some of the stories they tell, ( bioshock being of my faves)) [lolz double brackets]

Does violence make a video game better?

(i suppose this would depend on the kind of person you are, i personally enjoy violence in most games, i guess it instills a power in the player , being able to clear entire rooms of enemys with a few well placed shots, or a g-nade or 2, always makes me feel like ive aclomplished somthing. then again some games to perfectlly fine without viloence, E.g. building stuff in gmod, that always keeps me enganged.)

Do you consider video gaming to be an art form?

(Ofcourse, as james said it embodys all parts of any good artwork, and more. that level of interacvitiy only enhances the artist experiance.)

Does a video game have to be visually exciting to entertain?

(OFCOURSE NOT, take moonbase commander for instance, me and jerms loled our tits off playing that game and it had some very simple graphics, but i do perfer a better looking game.)

How greatly does music effect your gaming experience?

(Depends on the mindset im in, when i play casual games, like minecraft or sims or whateva, i usually listen to the game music cause they are always lighthearted and fun, but when i play soemthing like counterstrike or COD, i usually listen to my own music, gets me in the state of mind hehehe.)

Do you strongly follow the story in games?

(Very!, Bioshock dragged me into its story in a way ive never felt about a game, half life came close, but bioshock just did it for me, when the pieces came together, it was such an amazing feeling.)

What are your thoughts on pirating games?

(i personally.. am againist it, but am gulity of particating in the act. so much shame. )