I have been playing games since I was around 7 years old in the early 80s-the 1st generation-and have owned around 15 systems. During all of this time I've easily beaten hundreds of games from many generations and have crushed opponents many times. I even beat a local champion in a fighting game during the 5th generation/PS1 era.
When I was in school, I was asked to beat games so that people could see the endings. This is back during the 3rd generation 8-bit era when games were really hard. I have rarely used cheats, and when I have, it has usually been to get extra enjoyment out of games I've already beaten. I always enjoyed a gaming challenge! I was so skilled at games that I called myself gamemaster.
I'm now 42. In recent years, I've played a lot more solo. I recently decided to get competitive again online. I noticed that I struggled to be average at fighting. After much playing, I noticed soreness just to keep up with my matches. I'm talking a few hours in a row. Wow! I used to go like 12 hours straight before getting sore.
I have had to come to a realization... I'm no longer a gamemaster. I'm still pretty decent, but not amazing. Games have gotten so easy that beating them is not much of a challenge so I have that on my side, but I realize that this will be my last generation of gaming. I may be able to temporarily get back to above average with training, but my best days are gone.
In a way I don't feel like calling myself gamemaster is correct anymore; however, like a retired president I will keep my name. Besides, I have been known as gamemaster 4747 for years, so it could be confusing to change my name on all the sites.
This is my gaming confession guys.
