Why Make Games?

One thing I’ve mentally battled with for a long time is: Why bother making games? Does it contribute positively to society? Why not doing something more noble and impactful?

I’ve always sat with a small sense of guilt when trying to find purpose in life. When I was a kid, one of the things I wanted to be when I grew up was a vet; and even today I do have interest in animal conservation (not so much veterinarian stuff). So why not focus energy and resources into something that would save animals and help the planet? Well, as much as I love animals, I just don’t share the same amount of passion of it, as I do for making stuff, particularly games.

Last week, I asked AI and did some googling to see what benefits there are for playing video games. The main ones that resonated with me were increased problem solving ability (which I find extremely valuable), and stress relief / escapism. But as I’m sure you’re aware, there’s a lot of negative stigma around playing games. It’s addictive. It’s non-productive. It’s a few other things that are no good. I personally think playing games have a big positive impact, but only when played in moderation.

So, do the positives of video games justify putting my main focus and energy into making them? I don’t know. But I do enjoy making things, setting challenges and telling stories through unconvetional means. Perhaps that is enough reason to dedicate a chunk of my life to it.

I dare say this is related to tackling the question of: What is meaning of life?

What is the purpose of living? How do you find purpose? Who cares?
The one thing that’s kept me grounded is this poorly paraphrased quote: “Life is meaningless, find something you enjoy doing, and do it. Try to get really good at it.”

And in face of that quote, if later down the line you find something else you enjoy, just go and do that thing as well / instead!