Video Games: Gateway to another dimension

Tanvir Muhtady, ID: 24101175

In a not-too-distant future, a chaotic world overrun by the undead, You are dashing towards sanctuary. Your breath is quick and shallow, matching the rhythm of your racing heart. Each step is a gamble, each shadow hides a potential threat, each breath hopes for salvation. Fuelled by hope and determination you step into the unknown. Sounds thrilling right? A scary future yet fascinating to think about, as proven by the millions of post-apocalyptic movies and books sold every year. But why just watch and read when you can get an immersive experience through the art of video games, a portal into a realm where you are no longer bound by the laws of reality.

One of the most compelling aspects of video games is the opportunity it provides for a much-needed escape from the stresses and worries of the real world. We often get overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of life and deserve a break, and what better to relax than simply grabbing a controller and embarking on a journey in the jaw-droppingly beautiful world of the Wild West in “Red Dead Redemption 2”, explore the beauty of America before industrialization and go on a heroic journey as Arthur Morgan, the protagonist of the game. I have put in roughly 60 hours in this game and I am still not done! You are bound to love this game because of its award-winning story, gameplay, mechanics, and much much more. And there are many more games just like this, from being a samurai in medieval Japan in “Ghost of Tsushima” or even playing as a literal cat in “Stray”, there is literally something for everyone.

A VR Setup

This immersive-ness was taken to a whole new level when VR(Virtual Reality) hit the masses. In VR, players are not only passive observers but active participants, interacting in 3D and navigating through extremely detailed environments as if they were actually there. This enables an unprecedented level of immersion, transporting *literally* players to breathtaking landscapes, places we can only dream of.

Wentworth Mansion in Minecraft.

Similarly, gaming provides a platform that allows players to exercise their creativity and spark their imaginations. Games such as Minecraft, gives the tools to players to build anything, making worlds within worlds down the last-minute details.

And last but not least the communal aspect of gaming. While gaming may be a solitary activity for some, but for a lot of people, including me it is a shared experience. Online multiplayer games such as “Fortnite” and “Call of Duty” often serve as virtual meeting grounds, where friendships are formed and embark on epic adventures together. I have made so many friends from all over the world, of different ages and just simply having an absolute blast laughing, losing track of time till the sunrays shine through the windows. The sense of shared purpose that emerges within these communities is just another testament to the power of gaming to connect us in various ways across geographical and cultural boundaries

To sum up, video games are more than just a form of entertainment, they are portals to new experiences, creativity, and communities. Whether you are exploring distant galaxies, building mansions, or battling dragons with friends, gaming can transport us to worlds beyond our wildest dreams. So the next time you are going to pick a controller or VR headset, remember you are not just playing a game – you are stepping into a doorway to another realm.