Ever since I’ve been a little child, I loved playing computer games. Back then, I wasn’t able to get my hands on many, as they were so costly. Even worse, the really cheap PC games were – let me say it tactfully – not very good. So I used to hunt gaming stores for and look for discount video games, and usually didn’t have much luck.
But these days things have changed. The internet is a wonderful thing for computer gamers. First, there are many websites that literally offer free games. Thousands! on a wide variety of styles (i.e. some offer free online adventure games). And of high quality, too! When I was a kid this would have been unthinkable, but in our time there are plenty of people who literally make games for their own enjoyment (or have advertisements interweaved into the game – another idea I wouldn’t have been able to grasp as a child). Additionally, there are so many websites that offer really cheap games, i.e. for $5 or less. Even as a child with a very low budget I could have easily afforded those.
The funny thing is is that I believe this – in a sense – cheapens the games. Back in the 80s, every game was precious. Even if you didn’t like it at first, you’d still explore it until you mastered it – because there were few games available. However, now that one can get very high quality games for a low price or for free, I can imagine today’s kids and teens simply giving a game one shot, if it doesn’t immediately grab their attention, toss it away. I probably would do this if I were a teenager nowadays.
Ironically, I’m pretty sure that’s what our grandparents used to say about books (”back in our time it was hard to find books, but today’s children don’t read book seriously and give them up too easily”). Funny how history repeats itself, no?