Father's Day: How Having Kids Can Change Your Gaming - For the Better

[Steve_OS]

I used to be hardcore.

I used to tweak sliders. I used to edit rosters. I used to complete full seasons without simulating a single game. Hell, I used to set hot dog prices. I was a hardcore sports gamer and I loved every minute of it.

Then something happened. Well, two things, actually. I had kids, and with them came dirty diapers, sleepless nights, play dates and enough brightly colored plastic to put the Great Pacific Garbage Patch to shame.

What didn't come with kids was spare time. Now, don't get me wrong, I understood this going into parenthood -- it was one of the trade-offs of becoming a parent. I was willing to make that trade-off at the time, and I'd make it again in a heartbeat because having kids is one of the most rewarding and fulfilling experiences you can have in life. Every single day brings with it new adventures and the joy of watching your children grow up. They truly are little miracles.

Read More - Father's Day: How Having Kids Can Change Your Gaming - For the Better

[K_GUN]

Great Blog Steve/Jim. I too was 'hardcore' ,re-editing EVER MLB player for mvp 2005. now?.....not so much. my 3 year old angel is #1 in the 'power rankings' in my life. BUT...when I have time...i do fire up my PS3 for my fix...and if i need those up to the second roster/sliders....i turn (where else?) to the OS community & download them.

happy fathers day fellow dads!

[sinc79]

amen

[Scott]

Re: Father's Day: How Having Kids Can Change Your Gaming - For the Better

Very good article.

[magahi]

Agreed!! Infact i'm so behind that I just recently started my MLB09 chise and i'm still in spring training . My 4 yr old watches Noggin on TV so no games for me till everyone is sleeping .

[Hellisan]

Happy Father's Day, Dads.

edit: Ok I see the whole article now... heh

[onlybygrace]

I have two children and I completely ignore them and play games instead...

NOT.

But seriously, I too miss the free time like were saying. That said, I've still remained hardcore with the time I do have which is when the kids have gone to bed and I've spent some quality time with the wife. Luckily, I'm a night owl...so its cool with me to stay up till 1 am playing games and my wife is cool with it.

...I truly have the best of both worlds.

[DubTrey1]

Being a dad is great - one of, if not the greatest thing I have accomplished in my life. I am a gamer like I was, but nothing beats actually gaming with my 5 year old on Castle Crashers... -

Happy Fathers Day all .....!!!

[Pete1210]

Actually my oldest got me into console gaming about 8 years ago. Now he is19 and not interested in gaming much, but my 10 year old is. We just finished playing some TW10 golf and disc golf.

[stlstudios189]

I used to stay up untill 2 am and play everyday. Now with 2 kids and one on the way I get maybe 3-4 games in a week after everyone is in bed. I still wake up at 5:45 to hit the gym.(gotta stay big, my girls will be dating in 13 years.) so now its bedtime for the girls around 9:30 and game time for daddy untill 11 at the latest. Oh well I love them so much.

[J-Unit40]

Good article Steve. Happy Father's Day to all the Dads on here.

I have three little ones (My boys are 4.5 years, 3 years and my little girl is 4 months old). They are just awesome. All the laughing, crying, mood swings, middle of the night wake-up calls are all worth it and then some.

I always thought I would have absolutely no time to game once we started a family, but I was completely wrong. I play mostly after they all go to bed at night, but still sneak in a fun game with them here and there during the day sometimes to mix it up. Why else would I have downloaded the demos for Wall-e, Lego Batman, Rag Doll Kung-Fu and so on. LOL.

I still find time to play because I don't golf, bowl or do the other out of the house type of "guy things". I work out in my gym at home, watch plenty of college football, play hoops here and there and of course, hit the sticks!

Oh, and I like your comment about your DNF rate not being 0% anymore. So true.

[chops44]

Dave Bolland IS a true number 2 center.



seriously

[texbuk84]

happy fathers day to all the dads. i don't know my son is 2 and 2 months can't really determine that yet. on the other hand my 2 yr old loves playing castle crashers for some reason. lol

[ezio]

Great Blog that I can totally realte too It was one of the reason's I was debating getting Madden especially since there is no game saves again but I am sure I will get it.

Happy Father's Day to all the dad's here.

[WeLLWeLL]

Re: Father's Day: How Having Kids Can Change Your Gaming - For the Better

Good read. Happy Father's Day to you sir.