The advent of the New Year results in events that are regarded as tradition by observers and participators; the release of the sparkling ball on Times Square, news networks chronicling the events that shaped the previous year, and persons resolving to modify aspects of their character or personality for the following year.
While the first two proceedings are expected to become commonplace throughout the passage of time, it has become common knowledge that the premise of making ‘new year’s resolutions’ is an exercise in futility as individuals often lack the discipline to pursue these goals with utmost care. This concept proves applicable in many cases; from individuals vowing to lose ten pounds only to gain twenty halfway through the year, to persons swearing to adopt a positive outlook only to express disrespect toward their loved ones the next day. A game that entered the mainstream.
For individuals who regard themselves as avid video game players, the challenges of proposing and maintaining New Year’s resolutions mirror those of non practitioners. However, in the face of video gaming’s rising profit margins and continued acceptance into mainstream culture, video game players should use this opportunity to create their own resolutions.
With that said, here are five key resolutions that, if adopted, can not only aid in the growth of the video gaming industry, but can lead to a more fulfilling gaming career.
1. Game players must attempt to embrace genres that are different from the ones that they are used to.
This resolution, while appearing simple to adopt at the outset, is actually difficult to adopt in reality. This can be attributed to a pair of factors: (1) the rising cost of games themselves, both in development and distribution, and (2) the inability of gamers themselves to extend them to explore differing avenues. The first factor is understandable; as the gaming market is a volatile one, publishers do not want to extend themselves on a project if they know that it will not generate the revenue required to stay in business. After all, it is much easier to make a sequel to an established brand, i.e. Madden, than to take a chance on an unknown property. In Madden’s case, it is virtually assured of generating a large amount of sales. Sadly, the same can’t be said of other ‘experimental’ properties such as Okami and Beyond Good & Evil. While both of these games generated positive reviews from critics, they failed to generate adequate sales, so they were immediately regarded as ‘outcasts’ by all but a select few game players. This segues into my second point; gamers have to be willing to try out new franchises and other ‘experimental’ attempts and do their best to deviate from the norm. If not, how long will it take until store shelves are crowded with sequels, remakes, and rehashes?
2. Gamers should to their best to include each other, regardless of system or preference. This resolution clearly calls for a limit to the system superiority arguments that permeate message boards. While it became easier initially to support a singular system, that distinction is proving difficult as more games are being released on multiple platforms. This realization should force gamers to refrain from belittling one another for choosing one particular system over another.  A game that was praised by critics yet sold poorly.
3 Gamers as a whole, should become more politically aware regarding their hobby. This is an important resolution as the gaming industry is slowly but surely achieving mainstream acceptance throughout society. A reasonable goal for the coming year is to limit the amount of times that Jack Thompson, the fabled games-averse lawyer, appears on the news. Thus far, that resolution is appearing to become reality. However, that brief success has not prevented other ludicrous provisions such as suggestions for a tax increase on video games to other politicians questioning the inclusion of items that would appear common place in most movies, such as the supposed ‘lesbian love scene’ in the hit video game Mass Effect.
In order for video game players to limit the role that politicians have on influencing their chosen hobby, it would behoove them to join game-related advocacy groups. The Electronic Consumers Association is a strong group dedicated to video game advocacy, while the Video Game Voters Network is keen on highlighting the efforts of gamers to make their politicians aware of the negative coverage that their interest of choice is receiving. Organizations like these are vital for gamers, as video games are just another form of media in the same league as comic books, music, and movies. If it should come to games being regulated, it would be a stark violation of first amendment rights. It is up to gamers to make sure that does not happen.
4. Gamers must work to eliminate the stereotype of ‘lazy individuals who sit around.’ This is an important resolution for gamers to adopt, as this claim has existed for quite awhile according to the mainstream media. However, as gaming becomes an acceptable part of our society, thanks primarily to group-based experiences such as Dance Dance Revolution, Guitar Hero, and Rock Band, this stereotype will slowly wear away. It will be up to gamers to make sure that this change becomes permanent. After all, if this stereotype remains, gaming critics such as Jack Thompson will forever remain present in order to detract our hobby.
5. Lastly, gaming must remain fun, no matter what. This is an obvious resolution; no matter what challenges a respective adventure can throw at you, remember that gaming is fun, first and foremost.
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