Thursday, June 3, 2010

Two. Only two video games completed over the course of more than five days, and frankly such progress is reprehensible. When last we spoke, we started building a syllabus of electronic diversions, and by close of Memorial Day I had expected to conquer five, possibly four, or at the very least three titles. Didn’t happen. Clearly my throughput’s been compromised, and my initial theories placed the blame on reflexes dulled by age, lack of focus, or general sloth.

Whatever the causes, my poor showing may actually have been a boon in disguise. You’ve probably read news coverage at some point or another on how gaming correlates with increased aggression and violence. Now, while I’m not gripped by ill will toward living creatures whenever I turn off the console, I will tell you this: after an Xbox binge, the mere sight of a flammable symbol, gas tank, or an oil drum stirs within me a compulsion to shoot the container in question. It’s the strangest thing. I mean, it’s not like I even own a gun, but that fiendish gaming trope–which asks that all red barrels and other combustible objects be shot so they can prodigiously explode in a glorious plume of fire–occasionally will give me pause as I drive by, say, the propane tanks at the supermarket.

Obviously it’s time to take a break from video games. There are far more pressing matters of the mind, however, with the most significant being that the mental haze is back. It’s disappointing, really. You’ll have a thought, then reach out to seize it, only to discover a fuzzy outline of an idea. More sleep is certainly important. But beyond that, I’m wondering if there’s a way to formulate a kind of boot camp for the brain. There must be.