But, and here's where the theory comes in, I don't think they have the same effect on everyone. I think everyone falls into pretty much one of these categories. Or, at least, one at a time.
The Gamer-- This person treats gaming like a hobby. They carve out time for it like others might carve out time to watch tv or play tennis. (And the game is typically a first person shooter or an RGP (or even an MMORPG). (And if you don't know what this means, then I'd venture to say that you are NOT a gamer.)) Those virtual pats on the back are just part of the complete package.
The Strategist-- This person uses the playing of games as a way to tire out their left brain, so their right brain can claim exclusivity while writing. The virtual pats on the back? Whatev. They're frosting.
The Time Waster-- This person heads to the game section of facebook when they can't figure out how to dig themselves out of the hole they wrote themselves into, or when they can't figure out what the heck is wrong with the part they are editing or how to fix it. Those virtual pats on the back are the only thing going right. Like water in the desert.
The Ungamer-- This person doesn't need no stinking games! They've either got other hobbies / methods / time wasters, or they are just so completely focused they need nothing else.
What category do you fall into? And if it's one of the first three, what's your poison?
If you fess up, I will, too. I fall into the Time Waster category. And since I've felt a distinct lack of time for a while now, I've stepped solidly into Ungamer territory. My go-to when I occasionally fall off the Ungamer wagon? Bejeweled. My game I don't call a game because I can't just keep playing? Words With Friends. My games I don't consider time wasting because I only play together with my hubby and kids? Call of Duty 2 & Warcraft III maps (because there's nothing quite like the classics ;)).
