I like games a lot. I imagine that most people do, since they’re one of humanity’s top pastimes. They can allow us to express our creativity, vent anger, and collaborate in some cases. They do have a weird quirk of letting people get a little too loose… But I won’t begrudge people their fun.
However, now I will urge any readers that may be present to consider what games truly are. They may have morphed into a screen and a few keys that we frantically tap, but they used to be board- and card- games. Most people still play these, and here’s why I think that you should keep with that habit.
Board and card games (I’m just going to say board from here on out but both count) are ancient, with 4600 as the oldest found so far. Egypt had built a few pyramids back then, but not many. This is a cultural touchstone that everyone can enjoy.
Another important thing about these games is their complexity. Chess is more on the simple-yet-hard side (this is a very fun one), while they can get complex and hard. I do note that there are few easy games, but I appreciate this.
Anyways, the creativity that the games let their players unleash allows for all sorts of expression, communication, and prosperity. I even enjoy making games, and though I have a hard time following through it is very interesting to see what possibilities the medium has.
They also let communities meet and form, as any number of games can demonstrate. Trading card games are especially prolific in this, as an alarmingly strong bond can exist between players. The spaces where you can play these games, and their nature, also promotes interaction, education, and joy.
I suggest you every once and a while try to get off screens, and play a board game.