So there's been a fair amount of negativity on the forums lately. The numbers are late. The scores aren't exactly what we wanted. Or they ARE what we wanted and we're rubbing it in.

But underneath all the sniping and gloating, there's something that unites us: love for video games.

I imagine most of us didn't join VGChartz as console war conscripts. We joined because we love games, we love talking about games, we're curious about them and eager to share our experiences with them.

So let's do that. Let's talk about why we love games. 

Here are a few reasons why I love video games.

1) They've brought me closer to my friends and family. 

When I was a kid I would watch my brother play his NES. He loved Kung Fu and Bubble Bobble, and so did I. That's what kid brothers do. Years later, whenever I played Super Mario World, I invited my little sister to pick up a second controller and "play" as Yoshi. It was an excuse to spend more time with her. In middle school and high school, my friends were very much defined by what video games they played. Some of my best friendships were forged under the intense pressure of GoldenEye and Super Smash Bros. matches.

2) They've transported me to another world.

Whether it's Hyrule Castle or Shadow Moses Island or the Pillar of Autumn, the fictional worlds within video games are so often a safe haven from the stress and drudgery of the real world. In video games, I can explore uncharted territory, save the princess (or prince), and leave my mark on the world.

3) They've challenged me.

Anyone who's played video games knows that frustration is part of the deal. But dealing with that frustration, overcoming obstacles, and achieving success is indescribably satisfying. Taking down the final boss (after 26 tries) or unlocking 100% in a "Metroidvania" or nailing that speed-run with perfect timing -- these are the things that engender pride and a sense of accomplishment, and allow our brains to release all that delicious dopamine :)

So those are some of my reasons. What are yours? Why do you love games so much? What have they meant to you?

Incredibly NSFW 

I love it cause while girls in porn don't squirt enough, girls in video games squirt a lot! And on top of that, you can make them cum at the sametime as when you are cuming which is truly a great experience!

Edited in spoiler tag and warning - Starcraft

Wow, my mind is blown. I was actually thinking of an idea just like this last night. I'll need to take a seat and think on this. I'll be back....

I love games for a good amount of reasons.

The big ones I can name include the challenge, music, unique gameplay, world designs, characters, and story.

I agree, no squirt is boring. I want the intensity to look like a sprinkler broke or somebody hit a fire hydrant.

What is this?! A thread not designed to gloat or downplay anything?!

I kid, I kid, good idea!

If I was drinking anything, I would've demanded recompense for a new computer because you had me laughing so much.

Anyway, I love video games because -

They're not reality. It's one reason why I prefer over-the-top insanity or fantastical elements over more mundane games. Quite a few people rail against power fantasies, but I would not have my games any other way. Character designs that just wouldn't fly in the real world, situations that otherwise be impossible, and so on.

Video games are badass.

I love games cause it makes polygamy ok!

I love video games for their ability to use mechanics, context, interaction, the simple press of a button, all of which are purely objective and based off formulas and algorithms, to create strong, subjective, emotional reactions out of its players.

It's amazing how far pressing a button has come.

Point 2 really resonates with me. The idea of discovery is what really keeps me playing video games. Discovering new worlds in super mario world as a kid, to playing through the uncharted story, to laughing every now and then at kid icarus uprising, to facing the epic bosses in metroid prime (just finished and the ending was amazing). Next up is either skyrim or metroid prime 2: echoes