There is no doubt that in some form WoW is an escape mechanism. We use this game to get away from some part of our life that we don't like. That doesn't mean that we're running from relationships or real life responsibilities. It just means that WoW can be a way to step away from things like boredom or some things that are more serious. Last night WoW was a needed escape for me.
I received a call Thursday morning informing me that a good friend of mine had died in his sleep at age 38. He went out the night before, hung out with friends, came home and ate dinner. He told his fiance the food was good and that he was going to sleep on the couch. That morning she found him dead. I didn't know what to say.
He and I worked in the same bar and that means we know lots of people around town. Within an hour word had spread to everyone and there was a get together planned for 4pm that day. The bar he was working at would be closed for only those of us who were good friends of his. When I arrived there were easily 100 people inside. Half of us were in tears, the other half laughing as we thought about the good times... then we would switch roles.
After two hours I couldn't take it anymore. There was too much going on, too many memories that I couldn't sort out, too many regrets, too many questions. I started driving home and received a phone call informing me that my guild was about to run BRD and wanted to know if I could make it. I said I'd be there.
I walked in my house, sat down at the computer and spent the next few hours running through BRD with my guild. Every time the sadness crept back in my head there was something to be done, a mob to be taken down, some water to drink, a buff to re-apply. By the time we were finished I was tired and headed to bed.
Now it's a day later and the initial shock has passed, I can wrap my head around the situation. I can make plans with friends for a memorial service and so on without letting it hit me too hard. For a little bit of time during a tragedy I was able to take a breather, I was able to escape and gather myself. So people can say what they want about WoW removing you from reality, but sometimes people need it.
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2 comments:
I'm so sorry for your loss. That is so tragic. A stranger's words mean little in situations like this but my sympathies and mental hugs to you and his loved ones he left behind.
I completely understand what you mean by using it as an escape mechanism. Sometimes people need to take a breather and just get away: Some go for a drive, some go eat a container of icecream and watch soap operas, some hop on WoW and beat the crap out of mobs and players. When I was raging over something horribly unfair at work I came home and PvPed by little heart out until I was in a better mood. It's a game to play but often it can be a needed respite from craziness in the real world.
Again, I am sorry for your loss.
Oh I really feel for you. And WoW is a wonderful place to escape to. I can't understand all of the hatered there is against the escape function in WoW. It's no different than to escaping to the gym, a stroll in the forest or a cinema. We all need it from time to time.
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