Do you have a game console ?

[expat]

I think it's definitely more productive than watching a film.

A film may passively entertain, but a compute game is interactive and stimulating. You can make decisions in a computer game, and this expend brain power. You cannot in a film. (Atmosfear DVD doesn't count!)

Not that I am knocking films, as some can be though-provoking.

There is just more milage in a good computer game.

I completely disagree, I see the exact opposite. Where to start? Well, in a game you make decisions, but it's just a game - it's a diversion. It's only something to do to fill in time. You may expend brain power, but after it, what have you gained? What is in your brain that wasn't in it before? Nothing, apart from a better knowledge of the game itself.

A film is a creative work - not yours certainly but the director's, maybe the writer's and actors'. You think about it and that is what makes it worthwhile. It is not just to fill up time (if that's all it is for then it is a piece of worthless junk).

After you have watched a film, your brain has absorbed input, and generated its own thoughts, and will continue to do so in the future as you reflect on it and fit it in your view of the world and your ways of thinking and seeing. If it didn't do that, then either the film is trash or your brain is switched off. When I think of film I don't think of mind-numbing opiate.

As I said, the exact opposite: any film of any worth will make you think; some games may rise to making you think a little.

[juststarting]

I completely disagree, I see the exact opposite. Where to start? Well, in a game you make decisions, but it's just a game - it's a diversion. It's only something to do to fill in time. You may expend brain power, but after it, what have you gained? What is in your brain that wasn't in it before? Nothing, apart from a better knowledge of the game itself.

A film is a creative work - not yours certainly but the director's, maybe the writer's and actors'. You think about it and that is what makes it worthwhile. It is not just to fill up time (if that's all it is for then it is a piece of worthless junk).

After you have watched a film, your brain has absorbed input, and generated its own thoughts, and will continue to do so in the future as you reflect on it and fit it in your view of the world and your ways of thinking and seeing. If it didn't do that, then either the film is trash or your brain is switched off. When I think of film I don't think of mind-numbing opiate.

As I said, the exact opposite: any film of any worth will make you think; some games may rise to making you think a little.

But another point is killing aliens and nazis relieves stress. It is like sex.

If a person is so stressed that needs more and more ways to relieve it ( besides sex ) it means he is hard-working and presumably successfull. ..

I see games as stress relievers and certainly not source of raising IQ. ( shooters only , I am not meaning to play other games )

[expat]

But another point is killing aliens and nazis relieves stress. It is like sex.

If a person is so stressed that needs more and more ways to relieve it ( besides sex ) it means he is hard-working and presumably successfully. ..

I see games as stress relievers and certainly not source of raising IQ. ( shooters only , I am not playing other games )

Sure, fair enough. I do plenty of stress-relieving, relaxation, mind-numbing etc, in fact I'm off for a beer or two in just a sec. I can see games for that (or some films), I just wouldn't compare the two for provoking thought.

[Shimano105]

Sonic the hedgehog on the megadrive was the last I played.

Absolutely hated games ever since. Work all day coding - then play computer games? You must be f'ucking joking! Get a life.

Not a film buff but give me a good film any day over a saddo game.

[realityhack]

Work all day coding - then play computer games? You must be f'ucking joking! Get a life.

Post of the thread.

[juststarting]

Post of the thread.

indeed

[eliquant]

PS3, XBox 360, Nintendo Wii, Alienware ALX PC, Nintendo DS. I don't play any games on them these days, they're gathering dust. Games are like 40-50 quid these days over hyped most of them and ultimately dead boring compared to say going out to the cinema or some bar to socialise with real people.

The Wii is sometimes fun when you've got guests though.

Don't waste your money on them ! go on holiday instead !

[Beefy198]

I have a Wii and whilst I enjoy playing it I only buy a game once in a blue moon. I only pick it up and play it in short bursts.

[bodnobal]

I have a Commodore 64 does that still count as a console. At least you could cut your teeth and learn programming on that thing, try that on these new Xbox and Playstation thingies.

Jeff Minter I've hear is still coding his Llamas .

[d000hg]

Have a Wii, missus' and my Xmas treat. Might get a 360 for business purposes.