Why Do You Play?

[Guest]

I am at a strange point in my sim-life... I've been playing this game for about 5 months now... And suddenly I don't even feel like logging in; it's like I don't know why I should... I guess I haven't been around enough to even make friends - people seem to come and go anyways and those who have been there a long time already have friends, and it's hard to get to know the 'settled sims' - not to mention the fact that I am a bit odd and don't make friends easily as it is (nor have any wish to) - but in this game it seems to be part of it, because if not you may aswell just play Sims 2 - and build all you like without having to worry where the money is supposed to come from... Which is what I have been doing for days... So yes; I am debating with myself whether to leave the game or not. I will give it a little time yet; I may find myself there again in a couple of weeks - but for now there seems to be no incentive for me to log on.

I've tried being a roomie twice - one place no one was ever present and the other I had no say-so whatsoever about what went on in the house - and that's really not how I work. At the same time - I can't dedicate myself to being on line every day for hours in a house that I didn't build, have no decisive effect on and really no investment in; I feel I would have to be a masochist to do that... lol...

And I find it strange that people will ask you to be a roomie after hardly having exchanged more than a few words with you - I mean they have no clue who I am, what my views are and so on - I would want to get to know someone myself before having someone live with me. I mean; I know it's not 'really' living with someone - but in a sense it is; in that you have to obviously spend a lot of time together on line if you are working on a successful house....

I think I may like to open a house with some people I have something in common with and where all of us 'owned' the house and had a say so... But that seems very hard to find in game.

Don't get my wrong; I've had several conversations and interactions with very interesting and nice people in the game; and maybe it's just me - but 'friend' is a word I take very seriously and only use for very few people in my life.

Anyway - I've probably been babbling - but I really would like to hear from people who have played this game for a good while - why they are still here, what about the game that makes them stay and whatever other thoughts my post may have provoked.

Thank you!

 

[Guest]

good job...i can feel how u feel for the game...^_^

 

[Guest]

As the game stands currently, the only thing keeping me on is the slight, ever...so...slight, glimmer of hope that everything will straighten out and be for the better and the game will be fun again once they allow players to start scripting objects.

I have played the game on and off for four years. I have quit in the past when i have gotten bored and come back. This time i came back because of all the changes promised.

But the fun i have found in game has been different at different times. I also have a hard time making friends. I think I must be a real (insert a common term for a female dog, lol) but as much as i like to play around and chit chat sometimes, for the most part i have not made any real "friends" here just the occasional sim *cough* avatar that i enjoy hanging around.

So I tend to bug my rl friends to death til they download the game and that way i have a friend or two to play with lol.

I have had certain goals at different times to keep the game fun, for a while i might want to rebuild the house, tho that has become impossible in the current economy.

I like trying out different categories when i get bored. Hosting parties at your house can be fun, if you can get people to come lol.

I like to occasionally work my simmy buns off to see how high i can get in a job track before wanting to throw my pc out the window.

The last time i played i had a goal set, i wanted a number one island lot, a tree, a cannon, and a pink poodle. After achieving these goals, mostly through the graces of ebay, i gave all my stuff to my rl sis and quit the game. Regret that much? why yes i do thank you

My current goal in game is to stop myself from hitting the cancel button while waiting for all good things to come. I am working on the restaurant track while i wait. I was lucky and got in game before the merge so lots of kind peeps gave me money and i dont have to struggle to buy a lot and build a house.

I logged in today for the first time in two weeks so i can understand needing a break from the doldrums.

I am one of the "negative nancy's" here on the boards but i am still gonna hang in there for a little bit. If you decide to stick around, look me up in game and maybe we can find some fun somewhere

 

[Guest]

I felt much the same as you did about 'friends' in this game...it seemed too strong a word for people who's names, ages, gender, family situations or jobs, I didn't and couldn't really know.

So I went off and set myself a difficult solo challenge. While I was doing that, I gradually met more people and got more comfortable in the TSO world, and eventually had a change of perspective about pixilated 'friends'. I stopped comparing them to lifelong friends in the real world, starting taking them on the limited terms of an online world (mysterious and flighty), and within the limitations of that, there have been many good friends.....who's real life names I still may not know.

As for roomies, I have made made lots of them, and in truth, no one method is fool proof. Total strangers, roomied on the fly, have become valued roomies and friends...or complete disasters....and players carefully vetted and investigated have not worked out.

But that is part of the fun of this game. Taking chances we wouldn't dream of risking in real life.....in rl, a roomate that trashes the place and invites over the mafia, would be a total nightmare....here, it is just a game!

Boot 'em out, clean it up and give it another go....the next gamble could be a real treasure.....or at least an *entertaining* mess.

 

[Guest]

Thank you, Takobells... I was sooo excited when I found this game - they must have done a good job keeping it hidden, 'cause I have played the regular Sims for years and only found TSO accidently during a random search for some Sims 2 objects.

Haha.. Evasive; I forced my bf to join - but he can't get into playing so I have taken over his account... I have had some goals set that I have accomplished, and currently I love working at the factory - I've actually had some of my best times doing that - and some of the worst (all depending who you are working with...lol) - I'll take you up on the offer and look you up some time in game (when I decide to log on again...)

'mysterious and flighty' is very accurate, Gilly ...A funny run-in, I had at a store (as a bear) comes to mind - some guy was there shopping - I didn't pay much notice to him. Then suddenly a male bear arrived with my female bear-name in the male form - he declared his love for me and kissed me...

My one and only sim-kiss (I usually don't do this) - but this was too cute for me to resist... lol... (It was the shopper who had created the bear at a whim.) Little episodes like that makes the game fun.

And yes; you are probably right about roomies... just as in rl it is not always the people you think you are going to get along with that you actually do...

Thank you all for responding!

 

[imported_Shirl1211]

<blockquote><hr>

I am at a strange point in my sim-life... I've been playing this game for about 5 months now... And suddenly I don't even feel like logging in; it's like I don't know why I should... I guess I haven't been around enough to even make friends - people seem to come and go anyways and those who have been there a long time already have friends, and it's hard to get to know the 'settled sims' - not to mention the fact that I am a bit odd and don't make friends easily as it is (nor have any wish to) - but in this game it seems to be part of it, because if not you may aswell just play Sims 2 - and build all you like without having to worry where the money is supposed to come from... Which is what I have been doing for days... So yes; I am debating with myself whether to leave the game or not. I will give it a little time yet; I may find myself there again in a couple of weeks - but for now there seems to be no incentive for me to log on.

I've tried being a roomie twice - one place no one was ever present and the other I had no say-so whatsoever about what went on in the house - and that's really not how I work. At the same time - I can't dedicate myself to being on line every day for hours in a house that I didn't build, have no decisive effect on and really no investment in; I feel I would have to be a masochist to do that... lol...

And I find it strange that people will ask you to be a roomie after hardly having exchanged more than a few words with you - I mean they have no clue who I am, what my views are and so on - I would want to get to know someone myself before having someone live with me. I mean; I know it's not 'really' living with someone - but in a sense it is; in that you have to obviously spend a lot of time together on line if you are working on a successful house....

I think I may like to open a house with some people I have something in common with and where all of us 'owned' the house and had a say so... But that seems very hard to find in game.

Don't get my wrong; I've had several conversations and interactions with very interesting and nice people in the game; and maybe it's just me - but 'friend' is a word I take very seriously and only use for very few people in my life.

Anyway - I've probably been babbling - but I really would like to hear from people who have played this game for a good while - why they are still here, what about the game that makes them stay and whatever other thoughts my post may have provoked.

Thank you!

[/ QUOTE ]



I feel what your saying and i'm alot like that too. I don't open up easily to people and usually the only chatting I do in game is if the people are on a subject that I can relate to or if theres a problem that maybe I have a true answer to. I guess the reason i'm still in the game is because of the fun I use to have. I loved playing in the casinos but because of legalities, they had to be discontinued. Ther use to always be contest in which you could win simoleans or whatever item was hot at the time. I remember when pets first came out. I loved them, especially when they added the pink poodle, the purple turk, and the robo dog and cat. It took me 2 years to get that pink poodle lol. anyway i'll stop babbling about the old days and just keep hoping that this game will eventually become as fun as it was in the early days. I also want to add that the majority of people seemed friendlier back then too, maybe because they were having a great time.
Here's a big hug to you ((((Nadi)))) and I hope you get a chance to see this game get to the fun stage again.

 

[PHREEKESIM]

Hey Nadi, I've been playing since 2002 and it has it's moments. I think for the most part the reason why I've stayed with the game is cause I know it's potential. I've had some really fantastic times and I've also just sat at home for hours waiting for someone to come by (even by mistake lol).

Goals are good to have in this game. set some realistic goals and maybe 1 or 2 way out there goals to keep it interesting.

I just started working at the factory with my Pungent sim and it's been great! I really should have been working all along lol. I've met a lot of really cool people there.

Some of the greatest people I've known have come from this game, I love them to death even if I don't speak to them in rl or they have left them game. I will always remember the great times we've had. Friends I've made here might not be like rl life friends, but I've logged in to chill with them like I would chill with my rl friends. Many times I've blocked out rl for sl &lt;-- maybe a little sad, but don't regret a thing lol... great times!

The good moments is this "Game" are worth me logging in, even if at times they're hard to find.

Good luck with your sim journey hun and if you're ever looking to talk hit me up I'm never afk.

 

[imported_Shirl1211]

<blockquote><hr>

Hey Nadi, I've been playing since 2002 and it has it's moments. I think for the most part the reason why I've stayed with the game is cause I know it's potential. I've had some really fantastic times and I've also just sat at home for hours waiting for someone to come by (even by mistake lol).

Goals are good to have in this game. set some realistic goals and maybe 1 or 2 way out there goals to keep it interesting.

I just started working at the factory with my Pungent sim and it's been great! I really should have been working all along lol. I've met a lot of really cool people there.

Some of the greatest people I've known have come from this game, I love them to death even if I don't speak to them in rl or they have left them game. I will always remember the great times we've had. Friends I've made here might not be like rl life friends, but I've logged in to chill with them like I would chill with my rl friends. Many times I've blocked out rl for sl &lt;-- maybe a little sad, but don't regret a thing lol... great times!

The good moments is this "Game" are worth me logging in, even if at times they're hard to find.

Good luck with your sim journey hun and if you're ever looking to talk hit me up I'm never afk.

[/ QUOTE ]




Excellent choice of words!!! Yes Nadi, what this poster said so well !!!! Applauds

 

[Guest]

Why do I keep playing? Good question! What you said in the OP was what we all mostly good thru over time. I started playing in 2002 and also found TSO by accident. I ended up becoming so addicted that one time I drove 2 hrs after a large snowstorm to work to play there...we didn't have a computer at home.

I played the majority on and off for 6 years. Everytime I come back I am a newbie and have to learn everything all over again and that to me is the best part. I AM STILL LEARNING because I love to learn.

As some of the posters said when I get in that funk I try to set a goal for myself in the game and it normally works for me. I started the factory job track and met alot of cool people. I'm not normally a talker myself so I do find it hard.

I used to stay on my lot to avoid having to talk to people but I noticeed that I get really lonely so I venture out and always meet differant styles of people and it makes it worth it to step foot outside of your lot.

Roomies are always hard to find and trust. I tend to bring them in and if I see that they are doing me wrong I boot them and move on. Eventually I will find one that works for me.

You will find what works for you and come back to game again. Just don't forget us here in EAL!!

 

[Guest]

A good way to get into the community is to be a roomie, so don't give up on that.

There are people who are just desperate for anyone to keep their place open, and not interested in you as a person or anything. But there's the other ones too.

Usually things just suddenly happen.

It's just like in real life... There you are minding your own business and suddenly you meet someone who will change your life forever.
It only happens if you "put yourself out there" and engage in activities that will enable you to meet someone. Just the same as real life, maybe you need to take up a hobby where you will meet people with the same interest, or maybe you need to start going to many places and putting yourself in situations.

For me, I once walked into this store... I started chatting a while with the owner, she was nice... Then she asked if I would want to be interviewed for a job as "taking care of the pet section" in her store. Sure I said, and we talked for a while and liked each other.
That was the beginning of becoming a part of the place, being friends with her and the roomies, experiencing a lot, and it sparked my interest in the store business, something I still love doing in the game.

The best stuff just happens

But you must put yourself in situations where they can happen. Nobody will come knocking on a locked door. That's what I try to live by in real life.

As for the header "Why do you play?"
- So I can run the store which I love
- So I can make cc items people like and see them in their homes and be proud
- So I can learn more about 3D + such
- So I can make some unexpected friends

 

[imported_Shirl1211]

<blockquote><hr>

A good way to get into the community is to be a roomie, so don't give up on that.

There are people who are just desperate for anyone to keep their place open, and not interested in you as a person or anything. But there's the other ones too.

Usually things just suddenly happen.

It's just like in real life... There you are minding your own business and suddenly you meet someone who will change your life forever.
It only happens if you "put yourself out there" and engage in activities that will enable you to meet someone. Just the same as real life, maybe you need to take up a hobby where you will meet people with the same interest, or maybe you need to start going to many places and putting yourself in situations.

For me, I once walked into this store... I started chatting a while with the owner, she was nice... Then she asked if I would want to be interviewed for a job as "taking care of the pet section" in her store. Sure I said, and we talked for a while and liked each other.
That was the beginning of becoming a part of the place, being friends with her and the roomies, experiencing a lot, and it sparked my interest in the store business, something I still love doing in the game.

The best stuff just happens

But you must put yourself in situations where they can happen. Nobody will come knocking on a locked door. That's what I try to live by in real life.

As for the header "Why do you play?"
- So I can run the store which I love
- So I can make cc items people like and see them in their homes and be proud
- So I can learn more about 3D + such
- So I can make some unexpected friends

[/ QUOTE ]


Awesome, and very well said. I think I could use this advice myself. Thank you for posting it.

 

[Wizuss]

I came back after years away and just got right into it with more fun now than before. I am somewhat reserved in real life and don't open up so easily about personal things, but having said that, I *love* to make people laugh and smile and this game allows me to do that constantly. It's been easy to make friends here, even when the bugs and glitches are driving my sim up the wall I still manage to have fun just by chatting with others in this environment. I don't really set any specific goals here - my goal is to enjoy this sim life. Because in my real world, I'm stressed -- an illness that almost took my son from me 4 years ago has made me see things in a whole new light, and I'm sure that's had an effect on how I interact with others - life can be gone so quickly . . .!

 

[Guest]

I too feel the same way as Nadi. I barely log in anymore and a lot of my good sim friends have quit the game for various reasons. I log in to the game about once every 4 days or so and stay on for about 20 mins thats about it. I'm looking forward to better days here in the game and thats why I stay around and dont hit the cancel button. Anyways I hope that everything gets better for you Nadi and Im positive that TSO will see better days

 

[imported_Qute Pi]

I have been struggling to find my place recently.
I have played a loooong time and have ALWAYS been able to amuse myself.
I am the first to admit when I need a break or might be crabby or whatever. lol.

As the new features come out, I make an attempt to try them out, I still like to be aware of everything, in case people have questions, I may be able to answer.

What I used to do in game is much harder with the lack of money, and all of my close friends have "taken breaks". I don't always make enough effort to get around town, see new properties and meet new people when I feel alone. lol.

What I decided last week was to open a welcome property. I love helping new players, and I think even tho there are many welcome properties, one more won't hurt. I think there is an issue with free accounts and I don't pay any attention to that, because maybe one day they will subscribe and it will help our game overall.

So..since I opened my welcome property I have meet many new people. I bring free accounts to my carnival to play a few games, win small amounts of cash to get them started on their way to enjoying the game. Or we go clothing shopping at the store I merged lol. What else am I gonna do with all those clothes since I never open.

I recently had my first experience with another language. I was sooo excited lol. I opened altavista to help me figure out what she was saying and what I should be saying, and we actually spoke to each other. I answered her in Portuguese and she answered me in English. I'd have to say the challenge is what made it so much fun, besides she was very nice.

It's seems to be the little things that make me enjoy this game so much. I miss holding contests and such, so helping new players, one at a time is the next best thing for me.

 

[SammiiBeta]

I dont play nearly as much as I use to "I use to sleep on my keyboard just to keep my Sims skilling "(lol j/k not quite that bad or was I hmm) but I think we keep our accounts because at one time or another we were here for a reason and we are just waiting for that fun time to come again.

I've met tons of people in the game and many are my good friends now. I think thats the main reason I've stayed this long.

 

[imported_Gracie Nito]

This has always been the easiest question for me to answer. I play because I am entertained. I rarely login and find myself bored. I have the ability to make every day a new adventure. There is a creative atmosphere to be found here that continues to stimulate my imagination. Perhaps I am easily amused but I laugh at some point every time I log in. For $10 a month, I find this a cheaper amusement than renting dvds or paying my cable bill for tv each month.

 

[imported_Mavric]

Why do I play, hmmmm. The game gives me a needed break from the real world.
It relaxs me.
I really enjoy the game when my wife is playing, she cracks me up, she has the dumb blonde act down perfect, and I haven't seen anybody come close to her, she's the best at it.
Mostly though the game makes me smile.

Mavric

 

[Guest]

If you found yourself in paradise, it wouldn't be long before your mind would say "yes, but..."
By Eckhart Tolle, The Power of Now

My purpose in game is to spread joy among the masses that are drowning in sorrow. To help people solve their problems and help them see the light . . so to speak. In my 5 years of game play I have met many avatars suffering from real life problems, that only needed to hear the right words to live a happier, fuller life. I left for a year, but have returned to the New Ea Land in hopes to spread more Joy in what I call A New Earth. For me the greatest joy in the game is when someone is helped by the words of encouragement I share with them, which in turn is the greatest gift I can receive.

For me the happiest times were not when I got something, but rather when I gave. Which for a short time I ran a charity in Betaville, Lot Bug Town Hall, and it became the greatest accomplishment of my sim life. A bug was taking people's lots, and so with the help of others (love spreads faster than hate) we were able to give those hit by the bug a size 8 lot so they could continue to play.

We been traveling in circles such a long long time, trying to say hello. This game allows me to meet and greet people from all over the world, in a format we all enjoy. Learning can only take place in a photo static mind, that is a mind relaxed and ready to receive.

 

[Guest]

<blockquote><hr>

If you found yourself in paradise, it wouldn't be long before your mind would say "yes, but..."
By Eckhart Tolle, The Power of Now

My purpose in game is to spread joy among the masses that are drowning in sorrow. To help people solve their problems and help them see the light . . so to speak. In my 5 years of game play I have met many avatars suffering from real life problems, that only needed to hear the right words to live a happier, fuller life. I left for a year, but have returned to the New Ea Land in hopes to spread more Joy in what I call A New Earth. For me the greatest joy in the game is when someone is helped by the words of encouragement I share with them, which in turn is the greatest gift I can receive.

For me the happiest times were not when I got something, but rather when I gave. Which for a short time I ran a charity in Betaville, Lot Bug Town Hall, and it became the greatest accomplishment of my sim life. A bug was taking people's lots, and so with the help of others (love spreads faster than hate) we were able to give those hit by the bug a size 8 lot so they could continue to play.

We been traveling in circles such a long long time, trying to say hello. This game allows me to meet and greet people from all over the world, in a format we all enjoy. Learning can only take place in a photo static mind, that is a mind relaxed and ready to receive.

[/ QUOTE ]

I am far from expecting 'paradise' (it's a game) - but I work with the elderly, sick and dying every day and I do not come to the game to do therapy there aswell, but to have some fun.

Other than that - it's been very interesting to read everyone's view and I do not feel so much of an 'odd one out' anymore - thank you all!

 

[Guest]

Well, im not playing much lately, that is bcoz of my exams and school... i wont be playing much until june

... but in general, i play the game bcoz i love my friends there and meeting new people and creating new houses (which are becoming more discouraging to do

) ... i am also waiting to see the improvements. I love to be part of the testing of stuff hehe

 

[imported_Calina.Rhiannon]

I've been playing on-and-off since December of 2002, and I've gotten to the point that you're at right now. It happens to everyone, I think. After a few months I missed the game and would start contacting my old friends... and a month or so after that I would come back

It's a cycle

 

[Guest]

I played from 2002 to 2004 because I loved the creative aspect in building. The pride that others are living in the house you designed for them and the praises you got. Inspiring others to build as well. The design contests at the end of my lifetime in 2004 sparkled creativity in many sims.

After that I got hooked to WoW but I returned in december 2007 and fell in love with the building again.

Until EA land arrived. I had to stop playing because I could not do the only thing I liked in the game: building houses.

I hope I will be able to do that again in the future because currently it is simply impossible due to money scarcity and building costs too high.

 

[Guest]

<blockquote><hr>

I played from 2002 to 2004 because I loved the creative aspect in building. The pride that others are living in the house you designed for them and the praises you got. Inspiring others to build as well. The design contests at the end of my lifetime in 2004 sparkled creativity in many sims.

After that I got hooked to WoW but I returned in december 2007 and fell in love with the building again.

Until EA land arrived. I had to stop playing because I could not do the only thing I liked in the game: building houses.

I hope I will be able to do that again in the future because currently it is simply impossible due to money scarcity and building costs too high.

[/ QUOTE ]

That's kinda sad - I've seen your work and it's awesome. I love building too and it does get a bit tedious trying to get the money together - none the less - I am back playing today - and part of it is thanks to the inspirational words I got here - thanks again guys!

(Hope to see you back too, Johnny! I tried WoW but I am just not into all the killing and fighting...

)