UO Game?

[Doubleplay]

I was just in my study, in the middle of a battle on UO when company arrived at the front door. My wife answered it. I started to extricate myself to a location where I could log out safely. Then I heard, "Where is John?" Next thing I know, one of the relatives looked into my office and said "Oh, you are playing your game again".

I replied, "It's not a game!!", a slow burn starting. Later I got to thinking, really UO is not a game, but what is it? How do you explain to some casual observer that you have been "playing UO" for the last 13 years. If not "Playing", then what is it that I am doing? You can win most games can't you? In fact the object of a game is to win. What the heck am I doing? Gotta go entertain......

 

[MalagAste]

I'm having social hour with my friends who happen to live in all parts of the world.

I'm sharing in an adventure with friends. I'm making new friends... forming friendships, gaining enemies... building and maintaining a community...

Enjoying my time to relax.... instead of sitting in front of the "idiot box" I'm enjoying time with my friends... having a mutual adventure and building a lasting friendship with folk while learning different cultures, and experience from around the globe.

Hearing how the weather is in various parts of the country, talking politics on occasion and other things while enjoying myself online.

 

[Woodsman]

I just tell them I'm playing an adult version of World of Warcraft. Most people who use the internet know about Warcraft.

 

[Kiminality]

A game is structured playing, usually undertaken for enjoyment and sometimes used as an educational tool. Games are distinct from work, which is usually carried out for remuneration, and from art, which is more often an expression of aesthetic or ideological elements.

UO can be all three.
You have those that play the game, PvE or PvP within the mechanics provided.
You have those that treat the game as work, most notably with RMT.
You have those that use the game as a creative outlet, such as house designers and RPers to an extent (it's improv).

Seems like the problem's more one of a negative stigma placed on playing a game when you're an adult.
The most awesome part is that it's none of their business, and if they want to look down their nose at you for having a hobby that doesn't align with theirs, good for them.

 

[zylo]

Really it's an online community. We've all met great people in the world of Sosaria and formed friendships that have lasted many years longer than many "real world" relationships.

It's a place to socialize, chat about anything you want and mess around Brittannia with other people and unwind a bit from the daily grind

 

[Doubleplay]

I'm having social hour with my friends who happen to live in all parts of the world.

I'm sharing in an adventure with friends. I'm making new friends... forming friendships, gaining enemies... building and maintaining a community...

Enjoying my time to relax.... instead of sitting in front of the "idiot box" I'm enjoying time with my friends... having a mutual adventure and building a lasting friendship with folk while learning different cultures, and experience from around the globe.

Hearing how the weather is in various parts of the country, talking politics on occasion and other things while enjoying myself online.

I could tell them it is sorta like Facebook with adventure? The only thing lacking from a Facebook analogy would be the ability to upload files like in Second-Life. Being able to design clothing offline and upload for sale or personal use would be awesome in our environment

 

[MalagAste]

I'm having social hour with my friends who happen to live in all parts of the world.

I'm sharing in an adventure with friends. I'm making new friends... forming friendships, gaining enemies... building and maintaining a community...

Enjoying my time to relax.... instead of sitting in front of the "idiot box" I'm enjoying time with my friends... having a mutual adventure and building a lasting friendship with folk while learning different cultures, and experience from around the globe.

Hearing how the weather is in various parts of the country, talking politics on occasion and other things while enjoying myself online.

I could tell them it is sorta like Facebook with adventure? The only thing lacking from a Facebook analogy would be the ability to upload files like in Second-Life. Being able to design clothing offline and upload for sale or personal use would be awesome in our environment

Knowing how much I loathe facebook... but yes it's like Facebook... I have known some whole families that played together for years this way their way of staying together as a family ....

And about the clothing... I wish we could. Somewhat like the Sim's... I remember designing several walls, floors, and other items to add to the Sims... but that was more offline... wonder if that would be possible online. Sure would be sweet.

I'd like to be able to add Tile sets. Modify facings of chairs and furniture and things of that nature.

 

[old gypsy]

UO is a beautiful fantasy universe where you can achieve whatever you want to achieve... and where magic is real and death is temporary. It's my favorite escape from reality.

 

[Barok]

UO is a graphical chat program.

 

[Felonious Monk]

UO is a graphical chat program.

With monsters optional..........

 

[Woodsman]

UO is a video game version of A&E's Hoarders TV show.

 

[G.v.P]

UO is a graphical chat program.

With monsters optional..........

With clothing optional ...except for underroos ;(

 

[Uvtha]

It's a multi-player game with a series of chat systems. You cant win pac-man either, but it's still a game. A way to pass time idly.

 

[Serafi]

I dunno. Difficult question that.

It`s a social construct for sure - it`s not "just a game". You are as bound to agreements and agreed meetings for example as you would be in RL, since you commit to people, not the "game". I find that hard to explain to others sometimes.

It`s also a place. You could say " I`m in Sosaria" as much as you would say " I`m at the pub". Physically you sit in front of your computer, mentally - you are somewhere else. A poormans version of the holodeck?

Since everyone now knows about social media an easier explanation would be as others have suggested a graphical version of facebook, including dragons. But I doubt they will get it even then.

I usually try to explain it with the need to have a mindescape. A place where your perspective and thought are wholly focused on something else than your day to day challenges. Since the brain can`t think of "nothing" - the only way to get some brain offtime is to force it to think on something else for awhile. It`s your hobby - thats what you "do" - you are actively pursuing your hobby as a **** ludens. (Grr - the filter took out the latin prefix for "human" here. )

Me? I just never tell people. Much easier.

 

[Lady Tia]

I'm having social hour with my friends who happen to live in all parts of the world.

I'm sharing in an adventure with friends. I'm making new friends... forming friendships, gaining enemies... building and maintaining a community...

Enjoying my time to relax.... instead of sitting in front of the "idiot box" I'm enjoying time with my friends... having a mutual adventure and building a lasting friendship with folk while learning different cultures, and experience from around the globe.

Hearing how the weather is in various parts of the country, talking politics on occasion and other things while enjoying myself online.

^ This...all while wearing your jammies...or not! LOL

 

[Lord_Puffy]

Ultima Online era 1997-2001 goodtimes in the game.

 

[Lord_Puffy]

Very fun alot of people played then!

 

[yars]

its therapy and this SH*T is real!!!!!!

 

[Kayne]

its therapy and this SH*T is real!!!!!!

Therapy is probably a good name for UO. We come here after a day at work and unwind and work through our troubles via hurting random monsters

 

[MalagAste]

its therapy and this SH*T is real!!!!!!

Therapy is probably a good name for UO. We come here after a day at work and unwind and work through our troubles via hurting random monsters

Therapy... I like that... I've been in group therapy for over 10 years now!

 

[iamSnippa]

I was just in my study, in the middle of a battle on UO when company arrived at the front door. My wife answered it. I started to extricate myself to a location where I could log out safely. Then I heard, "Where is John?" Next thing I know, one of the relatives looked into my office and said "Oh, you are playing your game again".

I replied, "It's not a game!!", a slow burn starting. Later I got to thinking, really UO is not a game, but what is it? How do you explain to some casual observer that you have been "playing UO" for the last 13 years. If not "Playing", then what is it that I am doing? You can win most games can't you? In fact the object of a game is to win. What the heck am I doing? Gotta go entertain......

UO is infact a game and nothing else.
You were playing a game, period. Just as we all are when we load up this game and log into our characters. Why you try to say that it is not a game is beyond me.

If you are feeling embarrassed for playing a game as an adult, you shouldn't be, as most (if not all) adults play games and the majority of Ultima Online players are also adults.
You don't have to win a game to be playing a game. Think back to your childhood when you played with toys... there was no winning there unless you created a scenario where there was a win involved.. but you were still playing. And every time you are on your character in UO, you are playing just like you did when you were a child with your toys.

 

[Kayne]

Therapy... I like that... I've been in group therapy for over 10 years now!

If we were talking about RL therapy I'm sure it would mean its time to give up as its not working.

Ultima Therapy Online (new expansion? or sequel?) however can go for 14 years+ and still work.

 

[Gidge]

UO is a video game version of A&E's Hoarders TV show.

without the stench thankfully!

 

[Lord Frodo]

^ This...all while wearing your jammies...or not! LOL

UMMMM Lady Tia in underoos or not. UMMMM

 

[Lady Storm]

I have to agree with malagAste this is a social media of world wide people you visit with daily and work on your social skills. As well as hand eye cordination. If they care to try they are welcome to join you.

 

[hen]

It's dead-time. Very like the time wasted sitting in front of the idiot box.

 

[GalenKnighthawke]

I have no problem referring to UO as what it literally is: A computer game.

-Galen's player

 

[Kayne]

It's dead-time. Very like the time wasted sitting in front of the idiot box.

Surely if its a waste of your time then its time to give it up?

 

[hen]

Surely if its a waste of your time then its time to give it up?

Yes I don't watch tv anymore.

 

[J.B.]

UO is a graphical chat program.

Agree, And I like it......