A daily dose of PVP.... keeps one healthy?

"Don't make me angry.You wouldn't like me when I'm angry".

Are you the type of player who goes berserk and goes on a killing spree like Incredible Hulk?

Or do you do the best move of all: PLAY DEAD (and curse your murderer in front of your computer?)

Mass Murderer or Target Dummy, whatever role you want to portray, still nothing beats the emotions that players experience during PVP (player vs. player).

According to the American Psychological Association (APA) 'Anger' is a completely normal, usually healthy, human emotion. Moreover, anger triggers the body’s ‘fight or flight’ response. Other emotions that trigger this response include fear, excitement and anxiety. The adrenal glands flood the body with stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol. The brain shunts blood away from the gut and towards the muscles, in preparation for physical exertion. Heart rate, blood pressure and respiration increase, the body temperature rises and the skin perspires. The mind is sharpened and focused.

I consider players who enjoy PVP with utmost grace are people who excel in anger management. It's very difficult to stay focused and strategize while your anger is eating you. But when does anger becomes unhealthy?

The effects of anger on health have more to do with duration than frequency and intensity. The normal experience of overt anger lasts only a few minutes. But the subtle forms of anger, such as resentment, impatience, irritability, grouchiness, etc., can go on for hours and days at a time. Consistent, prolonged levels of anger give a person a five times greater chance of dying before age 50.(Stosny, 2004)

Anger if prolonged may cause bad effects to our bodies such as: headache, digestion problems, insomia, increased anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, skin problems, heart attack and stroke.

On a lighter note, there are also a few ways to express anger such as: (as suggested by http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au)

• If you feel out of control, walk away from the situation temporarily, until you cool down.
• Recognise and accept the emotion as normal and part of life.
• Try to pinpoint the exact reasons why you feel angry.
• Once you have identified the problem, consider coming up with different strategies on how to remedy the situation.
• Do something physical, such as going for a run or playing sport.

On a final note, PVP can either be a healthy or an unhealthy way of expressing anger. This depends on the personality of the player. I would consider PVP a healthy way of venting anger but with proper moderation but if you're a type of person who lacks self-control and pampers anger inside then PVP at YOUR OWN RISK.

Princess Peach: "Who's your Mommy now?"

Which side are you on: Prepaid vs. Postpaid

Prepaid vs. Postpaid

Convenience is always everybody’s game. That’s why as early as the 1920s, oil companies and hotel chains began issuing credit cards to their customers in the U.S. Credit cards revolutionized man’s way of living. Everything became fast-paced. It also uplifted security to men and to companies as well.

On the other hand, with the change that credit cards brought to mankind, also fed man’s nature to splurge in which companies would naturally really take advantage of. But when it comes to gaming subscription, how safe are the consumers? Are the consumers aware of the terms and conditions that they agreed upon signing up? Did they even bother reading those lengthy terms and conditions which also indicate that companies can change anytime they want?

One good example for this is an Xbox Live Gold membership. When a customer purchase an Xbox Live subscription Gold membership (whether 1-month,6-month,1 year subscription), he/she is not aware of Microsoft’s automatic membership renewal feature. Microsoft sends an email to their customers before their accounts are about to expire but most of the customers fail to read it. That’s why most of the customers are surprised to have their credit card charged for another subscription. I know most of you would say “Well, there’s always refund”. But NO, with some cases like a month subscription wouldn’t let you allow making a refund. Why? Because it would take time for them to process that with your bank. Now I ask, where’s the buyers’ protection? Shouldn’t companies tell you everything before you really make a purchase? But who can’t blame those big companies, $$$$$$$$ is all that matters.

Now the question is how we (buyers) can outsmart companies. Choose the alternative that companies are least likely to offer because with those choices, you get a good bargain. Similar to the example given above, there are always prepaid cards. I know, I know… that buying those cards from distributors will require much effort. But as the saying goes, (excuse me for sounding cliché) “No pain, no gain”.

On a final note, it’s always depends on what’s convenient for you. But a little knowledge won’t hurt you.

Time Management Mastery Lvl. 10

From MMOGs we would see Sword Mastery, Bow Mastery, Dagger Mastery, etc. On the other hand, what about real life Time Management Mastery?

Some people would allot an hour or two daily to play online, some would play 4-6 daily, and some would play 8-12 hours daily similar to what a professional gamer does.

For whatever reason each person has for playing, I think that in gaming there are always time management issues.

For students (teenagers and young adults), you should keep in mind that gaming is the least of your priorities. Some students would even cut classes just to be in front of the computer and be with their 'online friends'. The sad thing about this is that students miss the important phase of their lives by spending much time with their online community rather than investing on friendship with real people around them. Yes, a lot would say that they also play online games with their classmates or people around their community, but what happened to traditional outdoor fun? Are playgrounds and recreational centers not that appealing anymore?

Study Time vs. Gaming Time

When I was in college, I would always make it to a point that if I spent two hours playing games then I have to double that for study time. I remember that there were times that I went to school without sleep because of that principle. It is always about self-discipline. And to quote something that I've read on a game forum before "You will never be able to include your in-game achievements on your resume." (unless you want to be a professional gamer)

Work Time vs. Gaming Time

Feeling sleepy while at work due to overnight pvp or leveling? Well, isn't it about time that you get that promotion you really wanted? If that's what you want then you have to reconsider your priorities. MMOGs come and go but professional opportunities doesn't come everyday. Like what I said before, it's all about time management.

Live your life, gamers! Always prioritize your responsibilities at home, school, or work. Go out and meet people. Explore the world. And when you're done with all of that then reward yourself with some gaming time! =)

F2P is it more economical than P2P?

I have always opted to play on a Free to Play server ever since I started playing online games. I know, I know... it's in man's nature that anything free is very appealing. Now, for playing a F2P online game for more than 4 years, I couldn't help but wonder if it would cost less if I were on a Pay-to-play game.

I'll enumerate some advantages F2P games:

1. You don't have to purchase playing time. Therefore, you won't feel bad if you can't play everyday.

2. You can easily invite friends to play anytime.

3. You can easily purchase exclusive items as long as you have the $$$$$$$$$$$.

4. F2P servers are more populated. Meaning there would be more people to chat with.


On the contrary, I could also list a lot of disadvantages of F2P:

1. It's F2p, there's a high probability that customer service wouldn't be that satisfactory.

2. Teenagers are always online and even out of school youth.

3. Everything you need is in the Item Mall. (forces you to purchase them using $$$$$$)

4. You'll be meeting people from all walks of life. (hackers and scammers included)

For now, I think the best way for me to find out is to try a P2P game.

Dilemma

For every MMO game, every player has the choice to pick the type of character that he/she will be using in that game. But it is easier said than done because choosing the type of character affects how the game will be played.

Now, are you a melee type? Who faces battles head-on.

Are you a magic type? Who takes time to cast a spell but can take down multiple enemies. ( who also ends up dead if the enemy gets near)

How about a support type? Who protects their party members.

Or are you the ranged shooter type? Who targets the enemies from afar.

I guess one's decision depends upon the gaming style of a person.

Mario! Mario! MMO Machismo

Princess Peach: Why is it that I'm always tied to that flagpole? Why don't you just try it for once, Mario! And I'll do the rescuing!

Mario: Because that's how it is.

Princess Peach: (sighs)

I'm half amused and half unamused by the legacy that Mario has given the gaming community especially to men. I think masculinity is way overrated in games (be it online or offline). Everyday is a battle of testosterone (hello! PVP).

Well, who could blame Mario and his sidekick Luigi (green jumpers??? green was the old pink back in the day, they say *winks*) for being the better sex? The history behind this could go on and on even way back to Adam. Most female characters in MMO would be for support, I say let them take the lead. If men wants war then women should give them war. (armors paired with stilettos, ladies?)

Oops, I think I went too far. The bottom line here is that, gaming is not only for men to dominate. Because I think that is one of the reasons why majority of the women lost interest in games. I say "Men, let them (women) take part in your gaming life. Play with them, so that you don't have to lie about your gaming time. Play online or offline games together."

If that doesn't solve the issue... Mother Peach, please pray for us.