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I was a Farmville Addict. When they came out with the app for the iPad it broke me of it, I was so peeved from the app not working I said, ‘screw it.’ Haven’t played any of those games since. Also the really cool stuff cost money and I like cool stuff, just not bits on a screen cool stuff. I like to hold it in my hot little hands, I’m cheap like that.

I was addicted to Plants vs. Zombies, but version 2 is a “freemium” game where theoretically it is free, but you can only get the really cool plants by buying them. I haven’t played it. As for Candy Crush, I refuse to buy any of the upgrades or helpers. If that means I am stuck on a level for months at a time, so be it. (Hint for others: If you ignore the game for a very long time – a few weeks at least – then the next time you try the impossible level, it becomes easier, with many of the enhancements, such as the bomb you can only get by matching 5 candies, showing up more frequently as you play. They don’t want to frustrate you into quitting the game. This has worked for me several times.)

I don’t let my tablet spend money. I don’t trust the little bugger. I have no paid apps, and my books come from my Kindle.

I don’t get the attraction of video games. I kind of wish that I did, as the graphics are amazing and a lot of the story-lines look to be really fascinating. Some of the multi-player games look like a lot of fun as well. I just don’t seem to enjoy activities that are generally thought of as fun. Is there a genetic marker for curmudgeon?

Well, if so, that makes two of us, Feynmangroupie… I don’t get it, either.

Have you ever tried watching YouTubes of other people playing through games, FG?

There were a few games I knew I’d never play (they were console games, or multiplayer), so I watched video of other people playing them. I was intrigued to discover I found it enjoyable…almost more enjoyable than playing, because I wasn’t on the spot to work out the puzzles.

Of course, most games are many hours to pay through, and I haven’t ever actually watched 8 hours worth of gameplay.

It’s like you are speaking a foreign language.

I played a ‘free’ zombie game in Facebook for a while, until the only way to advance was to buy stuff with real money…eff that…now I blow off people’s invites to play ‘free’ games in Facebook.

…I’ll stick with Steam for games, at least they’re upfront about it.

I have not played candy crush and do not want to play candy crush. I do like angry birds, though. I’ve several mindless games on my mobile to do exactly what you suggested, Stoaty…stave off boredom in queues and the like. I used to bring a book.

Thing is, Nina–you still can bring a book, using the mobile as an ereader.

I’m with Feynmangroupie & Uncle Badger–I don’t get the attraction of games.

Way, way back in the mists of time, if I was waiting for a phone call or something, I’d play a couple of rounds of solitaire. Judging from my memory and old movies, that wasn’t uncommon. Killing time is an old, old human game.

Though the full-on cinematic video games are really just extended works of fiction with puzzles to unlock the next plot point. I’m thinking a Portal or Half Life or Bioshock.

It’s interesting, to a non-gamer, to catch glimpses of the differences between games like Farmsville and Candy Crush Saga and the “full-on cinematic video games.” I think I had a sense there was a difference–but no real understanding of what it is. Not that I have a real understanding, now, but that last comment does suggest differences.

Stoaty,

I have tried watching some of the stuff on Youtube. I even downloaded the first Portal because I got a kick out of the AI song that was going viral. I just got frustrated after a couple of tries. Of course, playing on a keyboard sucks and I have the manual dexterity of a manatee. Personally, I prefer the real thing anyways. Give me a full-on zombie apocalypse/alien invasion/Armageddon any day over the play stuff. It’s just not fun if it isn’t real.

I still enjoy a good hack & slash, but I don’t much care for the silly, overdone graphics. I blame Doom.

Edited to add:

game designers gotta eat

From the looks of most game designers, they already do plenty of that.

I’ve watched friends & hubby play video games. Some are fun to watch, and occasionally I feel the urge to kibitz.

For playing, tho, I prefer the old fashioned, roll the polyhedral dice, with pencil & paper handy D&D game, sitting around a table with friends.

Oh, Candy Crush. I wish I could quit you. I admit to buying some of the upgrade items from time to time. Happily they’ve added a prize wheel that you get to spin once a day to give you some helper candies to use when you want to.

You ought to try Angry Birds again, they’ve got a bunch of new versions out there now. Also, Angry Birds Go! (cart racing) is a blast, particularly on a tablet. Temple Run 2 is fun as well.

Of course there’s Words with Friends. It really helps improve your Scrabble skill. If anybody wants to play look up MitchMor

“I prefer the old fashioned, roll the polyhedral dice, with pencil & paper handy D&D game, sitting around a table with friends.”

Why is it all the gamer girls live somewhere else?