MeinMMO author Andreas Bertits is married, has three children, and works full-time. He explains how the time-consuming hobby MMORPG still works.
More and more players complain that they have less time for the content in time-consuming MMORPGs.
Anyone who decides to start a family has to make compromises with hobbies. This can become especially difficult with MMORPGs. Here, a change of mindset is necessary to continue having fun.
Playing as part of youth life
Ah, how I used to play all night long.
I took my first steps in the MMORPG genre in 1997, when Ultima Online was released. As a fan of the Ultima series, I simply had to play the online version. However, at that time, it was anything but easy. Because there were no internet flat rates yet, and when the monthly phone bill came, I would sweat through one or another T-shirt, fearing that I was once again over budget.
There were also technical issues with the telephone system. Although we already had an ISDN line, our telephone system would always disconnect me when someone called.
Nevertheless, I played as much as I could. Everquest joined in 1999. However, that same year I also met my future wife. Gaming took a back seat. However, my wife is also an avid gamer, which allowed us to enjoy our hobby together. Especially Diablo 2 was played extensively online.
How job and family change everything
In 2003, I received the offer to take up an internship at Computec Verlag. So I had myself trained as an editor. The advantage was that I had to “play” a lot of games, including many MMORPGs.
In 2004, my first daughter was born. And suddenly, everything changed.
People often say that life turns 180 degrees with the birth of a child and then think: “Yeah, right. Just talk. That won’t happen to me!” But exactly this radical change that everyone talks about has occurred. And in many ways.
While I previously thought less about my future and perhaps wasn’t the most responsible person in the world, friends and family didn’t recognize me after the birth of my daughter.
A child means a lot of work that a father cannot just shift onto the mother. And a child requires a lot of attention. So gaming took a back seat, as the little one needed to be occupied, and there was less and less time left for gaming.
At work, I was also unable to work as many overtime hours, much to the chagrin of the bosses. In 2008, my second daughter was born, and in 2011, the third. And each time, another person comes into life who needs time and attention and whom one must care for. It’s a balancing act to get family, work, and leisure under one roof.
Playing still works, but differently
And yet it is still important for me to play. It’s a part of me that I don’t want to give up. However, the days when I spent every minute of free time at the computer in other worlds are over. Nevertheless, there is still time for gaming. This time must be used wisely.
Hours-long raids, which used to be the order of the day in World of Warcraft, have become rare and need to be planned carefully – and even then, something often gets in the way. Trying to become the most powerful player on the server or at least keep up with other players has become basically impossible.
Of course, one might buy certain boosters in in-game shops, but as a family man, I ask myself whether I could spend the money somehow more wisely. For example, on a trip to the movies, which nowadays costs quite a bit for a family of five.
Nevertheless, I still play MMORPGs. However, differently than before. It is no longer important for me to try to keep up with other players. I no longer go after all set items, I don’t like grinding, or try to analyze the game mechanics to get the best build. I play at my own pace.
You have to find your own fun
It’s about having as much fun as possible in the time I can spend in an MMO. And for me, this usually happens through the story and through quests. And by exploring the game world.
I’m particularly grateful to the developers who also incorporate shorter quests into an online game. Missions that can be completed quickly in 15 minutes. Of course, I still play longer quests.
It’s precisely the opportunity to quickly accomplish something in between and enjoy a sense of accomplishment that makes an MMO attractive to me. While others may not find this as appealing, I’m glad that more and more developers are offering content for players like me.
I still have a great time in online role-playing games and enjoy trying out new titles.
If I get the job to test an MMORPG, I particularly enjoy that time because then I have to play that game more intensively. It brings back memories of earlier times.
However, generally in my free time, it has changed significantly due to work and family how I play. Shorter gaming sessions are necessary, which should be as exciting as possible and in which I can enjoy a sense of achievement despite the short time.
Some may find that a pity, but I have come to terms with it and think it is good this way. One does change over time, and other things find their way into life that one has to take care of as well. The gaming industry has recognized this as well and offers appropriate content for players with less time.
I’m glad that I can still pursue my hobby in my own way. And that’s the good thing about computer games and, in this case, online games. You often have the opportunity to enjoy the games in your very own way.
