Lvl 440 "Loves The Developers"

799 Posts

thought this might be an interesting thread.

I play BW2. For me the operative word is play. Now honestly my version of play still probably includes a bit more use of analysis that the average bear. Well I guess in many ways I'm not an average bear. But this is all an aside.

The core of my thoughts here is the word "play" and what exactly is "play.

My first thought is that play expresses its self in a personal way... changing this way and that depending on the person doing the playing.

For me play includes experimentation, doing things in a less than business like way. Failing to me completely prepared. A big helping of silly; have to admit silly is hard for me. Going off to do things half baked and willing to see what happens.

I guess the above means I don't read all the instructions. I do stuff and see what happens.

Another side to playing BW2 for me is the ritual value. I do the same stuff as the cobwebs drift out of my brain in the morning and the coffee takes effect. I get an early morning hit of feeling effective as I finish some goal inside the game.

I love that there is a place to talk to each other and the devs. I can use all the added social I can get. I love the references to various parts of "real" life. I just found a stack of DnD books in Cere A... (dont want to spell that place) It brought back memories of another stack of untouchable DnD books.

I have a bit more time and while poking (or maybe polkaing) around the game I realize how many things I could be doing if I felt inclined. What i don't do reflects on my "real" life . I don't fix up my house (my real house needs a lot of attention to meet my dream for it and I don't tend to do that either). I do very little for holidays but my imaginary self celebrates holidays and throws parties.

I just looked through my game "Achievements" and noticed that I've never played golf on anyone's golf course.

I find this lovely silly game a pleasant escape, a gentle testing ground for my values and preferences, and a ritual that has lasted years.

So how do you play the game. What gives you satisfactions and keeps you coming back.

Lvl 440 "Crazy Cat Lover"

670 Posts

I love this so much! It's so true.

My biggest problem has been realising that I'm in control of when I play. So if I want to not play for the day, that's perfectly fine. No one will judge. I once stopped playing for 3 months. Pretty sure it was just a depressive episode, looking back.

Bw2 is amazing. It's a game where you can go as slow as you like, or as fast as you like (within reason and what has been released).

I tried mindfulness on this the other day. To be present in the moment. I have a huge thing for getting side tracked and having so many tabs open, it's hilarious.

It was an amazing exercise, and I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the moment.

1819 Posts

Yep, this is my way of relaxing too, and putting aside the everyday stresses. I love decorating my ranch and golf course. I have it set up sort of how I would live in real life. LOL. As for pets roaming on my ranch, I only have a couple of butterflies, and a little froggy. I find that too many pets really slows my server down big-time! It would be nice to run into each other on AI so we can visit one another's ranches and courses. And I do agree, it's been a great way to meet new people!!!

Lvl 440 "Other Peoples Problem Solver!"

5565 Posts

my golf course right now simply displays all the 72 pieces that exist. kind of sorted by topology. i do have 2 playable holes top right.
these is even one that the wiki does not mention.
i simply play to have fun.