richardhutnik said:
I understand the social element, but how do you get this when you play people who do things they wouldn't do with you in person? Jumping in with a bunch of strangers you don't know, and playing, is social to some extent, but when they view you merely as smarter bots, then how is it? It is like hanging out on Facebook all the time, or Twitter, reading posts and thinking all that is having friends. And what I see the likes of Microsoft doing, is wrapping up the online experience with "better matchmaking" with strangers. There isn't anything given to actually matchmaking with people who are fun to play with, just their skill is similar. That to me isn't social, it is turning people into bots. |
It sure comes with frustrations too, just like the ones you describe in the OP. Sometimes to the point that you throw the disc out and swear you'll never voluntarily allow yourself to be tormented again.
Yes, it works kinda like an illusion. In a MMO you pretend that other people around actually care about you as a person, or in an RTS or FPS that people actually care if you win or not. Illusions of co-operation, acknowledgment and pride. And sometimes you find out that you are taking things too seriously, that things aren't what they seemed to be.
It's a double-edged sword.
Single-player is much more predictable and safe.
