That was great. So very true as well. Lucky I found that out just as I was graduating High School. I would hate to think about what my life would be like if I still devoted every waking minute to games.

Still with that being said, I have made many life long friends because of games, it gives me some common ground with people I would otherwise not talk to or interact with at all. I agree that as long as we game for entertainment and do not allow games to control us we should be able to balance everything out. Great Video!

I appreciate the hard work and thought you put into this video, and, ultimately, I would agree with what you are saying. However, near the end, you bring up the idea of the video game community as a "ray of hope,' but I would argue that this is not merely a "ray of hope," but rather the whole point to video gaming. When I think of all of my favorite games, my memories of all of them are linked to real life bonds and friendships that were forged through the common enjoyment of these games. I understand that you are speaking from your own personal experience, and forgive me if I am merely putting words in your mouth, but I feel there is somewhat of an assumption in your video that most gamers see video gaming as the end all be all, which I simply think is not true. Undoubtedly, some people do, but I would suggest that a great majority of gamers enjoy them in healthy, and harmless way. Still, I thought this was a thought provoking and, all in all, good video.

Listening to your story, it is clear that video games had become an unhealthy addiction rather than just "entertainment". The key to living a healthy life is moderation.  It does not matter what the substance is; video games, drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, or even surfing through facebook and twitter.(yes it happens)  If you are addicted to something to the point you that are neglecting your job, school, friends, family or your own health, steps must be taken to end this self-destructive behavior.

I am glad you had the the foresight to realize your Achilles' heel was video games, and that you had the resolve to put an end to its hold over you.  I hope that your message makes it through to others who are in a similar situation.

Like TheJonman said, the key to anything in life is moderation. A quote from my Organic Chemistry professor. "In toxicology it is assumed that everything is toxic but it depends on the dosage as to whether or not it will kill you." This remains true for consumable substance, and activities alike. Certain things that are otherwise good for you can be lethal in high enough doses. For example if you drink excess water it will cause your bodily fluids to become hypotonic which will cause your cells to burst. (i.e. you'll die)
    This logic can be applied to gaming as well. If you play video games moderately the affects can be beneficial to ones self. Allowing some one to de-stress, improve their problem solving skills and motivate them to try new things. In excess however one begins to experience the negative effects of gaming such as lack of physical activity causing obesity, not getting out and enjoying other aspects of life, and potentially bad temperament.
    I as an example play video games occasionally probably about 5-10 hours a week and have experienced many positive benefits. After playing games like Zelda and Final Fantasy I was motivated to learn how to use a sword and subsequently joined a fencing team. Motivated by Zelda and my father I learned how to use a compound Bow which I've used quite successfully in hunting deer and rabbit. (I even won $200 In the big buck contest under the bow hunting division). Playing adventure games has also peaked my urge to explore my own world and I now participate in many outdoor sports like Hiking, Snowshoeing, Skiing, Mountain climbing and most of all caving.
     Anyhow the point I'm trying to make is that gaming is only detrimental to ones person if they let it be, and, gaming can instead be used to motivate ones self to try many things out in real life as well.

Good God. I'm really conflicted on this. You have valid points, but I want to strangle you and yet hug you at the same time.

I think what it really comes down to is the person themselves. The first half of the video you can apply to just about anything. Not just video games. Most things in life are harmless in and of themselves. But when one puts their "wants", "needs", and "desires" on that thing above everything else is wherein lies the problem. Not the thing itself, but the person.

Yes it would be pointless to make the same video about anything else to post on a video game website. But I feel it's important to remember what you said in the end. Finding the balance between technology improving our lives or risk allowing it to dominate us. But not just gaming or technology. But life itself.

wow, im speechless, this is simply just amazing...I seriously just called my friend and made plans instead of playing uncharted 2 again. Thank you im seriously inspired

frking amazing cant belive they putt this on the home page of  screwattack ....great though

you did an excellent job sir, luckily i never got to the point where video games brought me to failer. we will miss you sir, and hopefully you will return when your life is in a place you want it to be.

That was cool. I still will play games, but not as much. I also don't play WOW or use facebook so I should be good there.

I understand what you're saying and I can empathize with it.  However, I play games to be entertained, not to have some earth-shattering epiphany about the direction my life is going in.