When Times Get Tough

Life is hard.  Times get tough for people.  What happens to people who play MMOs when the hard times in life intersect with their favorite hobby?  Are MMOs capable of providing an outlet, an escape, a coping mechanism to people who are struggling with some of life’s more difficult issues? 

I know that over the years I’ve seen this happen via the various guilds I’ve been a part of -whether it be financial issues, martial problems, a breakup, a death in the family, the loss of a job or a serious health issue.  Whatever the case, you have people who play MMOs in the midst of the difficult times in life.  They continue to connect with their friends, guildmates, and the game at a time in their life when you wonder how they could possibly hang in there.  Why do they do this?

We often talk about the social aspects of MMOs and that for many of us, it’s the people that keep us playing.  Sure, we want a solid game that’s fun to play that can provide for our entertainment needs.  But we also want to experience it with friends.  The companionship in the journey makes the entire journey worthwhile.  It’s neat to see dungeons and boss mobs and find nice loot, but without that person to joke with and share the experience, it can feel a little empty.

I think that MMOs can provide something that people need in times of hardship and crisis – fellow gamers and friends that also have gone through hard times in life.  The MMO becomes the place to go that’s free from the stress and worry of their current situation, if even for a little while.  Over the years, I’ve seen this happen time and time again as guildmates and other friends have shared, via chatting in-game or on forums, some of the difficult situations they are facing.  The outpouring of understanding, sympathy, support and in some cases tangible help has been amazing. 

We live in a technology saturated world.  The more we grow connected, the more in danger we are of growing disconnected.  But I still see those glimmers of hope in these fantasy worlds we call a second home.  There is genuine human connection behind the screens and beyond the character models. 

Finally – and please hear me clearly – I’m not advocating that people try to escape or ignore RL problems and issues by playing an MMO.  Clearly that wouldn’t be helpful and could cause more harm than good.  In addition, in some cases “addiction” to an MMO has caused serious harm to people’s lives.  But I see far more benefit than detriment, and I think this form of entertainment has more to offer than just a new shiny or a few more levels.

So here’s the question – have you ever been in a tough situation in life and continued to play an MMO?  If so, what were you reasons for doing so?  I’d be interested in hearing your story.