Last year, WHO (World Health Organization) added gaming addiction to it’s list of 11th Revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) . Gaming addiction is defined by WHO as a “characterized by impaired control over gaming, increasing priority given to gaming over other activities to the extent that gaming takes precedence over other interests and daily activities, and continuation or escalation of gaming despite the occurrence of negative consequences.”
While some gamers rolled their eyes at the thought of a medical addiction defining one of their favorite past times, others used the WHO definition of gaming addiction to discourage parts of the population from indulging in their ‘addiction’. But the tides seem to be turning.
Actual photo of me during quarantine
Children were warned by their parents to stay off of games because of the potential harm it can cause and the fact it may take away from study time. While parenting styles and techniques differ, so does the conflicting sciences of gaming. Some experts argue that gaming can lead to addiction like gambling while others say that gaming is a great way to relieve stress, practice making decisions, and experiencing in-game consequences.
Psychology Today reports that gaming allows the younger generation to practice autonomy over their decisions after having every action dictated by authority figures at school or home. The article then continues to say “Of course, none of this is to say video games are a good substitution—quite the opposite. While a well-designed game attempts to satisfy these needs, it can’t come close to the deep satisfaction that real life and real human connection can provide. No game can give a child the feeling of competence that comes from accomplishing a difficult task or learning a new skill on their own accord.”
Then: coronovirus.
Don’t. Shake. Hands. Like. Ever.
With thousands trapped inside their homes, many people who were originally apprehensive of gaming have changed their minds. Nintendo Switches have been selling out of stores, leaving retailers struggling to keep the shelves full. Activision Blizzard, Amazon, Jam City, Riot Games, Twitch, YouTube, and Zynga have joined together under the hashtag #PlayApartTogether in conjunction with WHO to create a new online movement. This movement encourages those stuck at home or those participating in social distancing to play together online instead of exposing themselves and others to the coronavirus in their areas.
Many critics are calling out WHO’s hypocrisy at this 180 turn by discussing WHO’s loose definition of gaming addiction which does not include hours but instead only discusses that gaming may interfere with other activities. Now WHO wants you to understandably follow health guidelines but also keep in touch socially with your friends and family…through gaming.
Ah. Sweet isolation.
While many may be taking social distancing as a joke, I have mad respect for those of you taking it seriously. So stay inside and play a video game. You can even participate in the #PlayApartTogether. Who knows. When all this is over, will WHO reclassify a new wave of gamers as the new addicts? Will companies try to make games more addicting? Only time will tell.
After careful consideration, we as a society have realized that our current attire is just not cutting it. What did our ancestors wear in their times of pandemic? After playing games like Kingdom Come: Deliverance and A Plague Tale: Innocence, we’ve got some ideas. Here are a few articles of clothing that would make a wicked comeback in this time of peril. Introducing: The Plague Spring Collection 2020.
Bird Man Mask
It’s hard to dismiss the iconic bird-like mask of the Black Death of the 1300s. Except this particular design didn’t come around till the seventeenth century. Different suits have existed for centuries in several different forms. Even medieval doctors realized that there needed to be a barrier between the sickly outside world and remaining in a healthy state. The reasons for the shape varies, but one article states:
“According to one source, people once believed that the plague was spread by birds. Therefore, the use of such a mask may have stemmed from the belief that the disease could be removed from a patient by transferring it to the garment. The mask also had a utilitarian function, as the beak was packed with strong, pleasant smelling substances, such as ambergris, mint, or rose petals. These were meant to ward the disease away because people believed miasma (“bad air”) spread the disease . “
So, are you brave enough to rock this edgy look? If not, here are a few others to try out.
Yas, queen!
Totally Tunics
There’s no need to dress too fancy when you are confined to your home for an unspecified amount of time. The perfect, effortless garment that you need for the season is the completely versatile and unisex tunic!
So they must be expensive and difficult to make, right? Wrong! Experts state “Such tunics are made either by folding over a long piece of fabric and cutting a hole in the center of the fold for the neck; or by sewing two pieces of fabric together at the shoulders, leaving a gap for the neck. Sleeves, which weren’t always part of the garment, could be cut as part of the same piece of fabric and sewn closed or added later. Tunics fell to at least the thighs. Though the garment might be called by different names at different times and places, the construction of the tunic was essentially the same throughout these centuries.”
These were all the rage in the medieval ages, my friend. They were perfect for work in the fields or home. In the public square or to bed. The material was typically wool but the designs and lengths could vary. Women traditionally wore longer garments, but you don’t have to adhere to those outdated stereotypes! Short or long, embrace that tunic! Slit it up the sides for a breezy, beachy look (not that you should be at the beach…celebrating Spring Break...FLORIDA). Or belt it and pair with a cozy, long sleeved undershirt for those early spring snow storms.
#tunictuesday
Pinterest and other online sources are available if you would like to purchase one online. There’s a huge market for that kind of stuff, apparently. Or you can make your one and add embellishments like ribbons or details to EXPRESS YOUR UNIQUE IDENTITY. Fashion Nova can’t beat this sick piece.
Saturdays with the boys will be a lot more comfortable!
Hoods…but not Hoodies
Mix up your head-wear with a pointed hood to protect you from the sun or to keep you anonymous as you traverse the mall when you’re supposed to be self-isolating. These hoods provide a quick, easy, adjustment for protection or the coziness of a hoodie, without changing your outfit.
Hoods, like tunics, were unisex in medievel times. So why not indulge your loved one with the perfect accessory?
Perfect hood for acorn gathering!
Some hoods for women can even drift into the ‘cap’ style of head-covering. Save a good hair day for when life returns to normal. Instead, slap a cap on and go about your day in style. Or you could even opt for a later era French hood, popularized by the infamous Anne Boleyn.
Beyonce has nothing on the French hood, hun.
Girdles…but not like that
While the definition of girdles has changed to mean a corset-like garment that holds in fat, historically, it was a garment more like a belt. One article says “They might be made from rope, fabric cords, or leather. Occasionally belts might have buckles, but it was more common for poorer folk to tie them instead. Laborers and peasants not only tucked up their clothing with their girdles, but they also attached tools, purses, and utility pouches to them.”
Slayeth, king! Wait, was that heresy?
What better way to adjust your tunic than to cinch it in with a fancy…rope. For those late Walmart runs, it may be hard to reach into your pocket, get out money, hand sanitizer, your keys. Your germy hands rummage around your pocket or purse until every surface is counted with the pathogen. You’re practically a corpse walking.
Yes, that brown garment is the girdle.
Picture this: all of these important items are simply attached to your girdle! With a swift hand, you are in and out of the store with all the toilet paper you need. Clearly, the multi-purpose girdle is the absolute finishing touch to the collection.
If you are ready to join the future by embracing the past, gird your loins in this collection today! As tomorrow, you may perish of the pestilence.
Many games have focused on elements of isolation or quarantine. Alien: Isolation focused on being alone in space (with a xenomorph). Far Cry 5 zeroed in on a community where prepping for doomsday led to social isolation (and eventually nuclear holocaust). Being able to accomplish tasks on your own in a video game has always been a self-exploratory journey of strength and determination. However, in the upcoming weeks, we might see a different reason for setting out on our own in light of more than just a journey of self-discovery.
Coronovirus is sweeping the nation at the moment and nearly everyone has been affected by it in some way or another. The most common predicament is quarantine and isolation, or keeping yourself away from sick people or away from healthy people, depending on existing symptoms or conditions.
The crushing loneliness of Death Stranding should be different from your quarantine…Also, don’t go delivering mail while sick.
Quarantine vs. Isolation
First, we need to get our definitions straight. As defined by LifeHacker, quarantine is for people who might have the disease or who have been instructed to stay home and monitor whatever symptoms that they may be exhibiting.
Isolation is when someone has the disease and has isolated themselves or are isolated in a hospital.
Let’s say you are one of the few without the disease but you’re struggling with going through every day life with a world that seems to be crushing down around you. Here’s a gamplan inspired by…well…games.
Step One: Stocking Up
I’m sure you’ve all seen the toilet paper video. If not, watch it. This craziness happens every year in the south but instead of toilet paper, it’s typically bottles of water. When it comes to stocking up or prepping, customers in your local Walmart act more like the starving monkeys in Thailand than people.
You don’t need a million rolls of toilet paper, nor do you need a bunker full of supplies for the apocalypse. Preparing for a possible future quarantine just means that you won’t have trouble staying home for a few days.
When I first heard about coronovirus in early Febuary, I slowly began to stock up on canned foods and some paper products. I made sure that all of our meds were up to date and we had some medications that we hadn’t stocked up on before (antacids, etc). By doing this seemingly crazy act, I have avoided most of the insanity of shopping at the moment.
Press ‘X’ to eat
If you can, stock up on a few canned goods and granola bars, but be careful on OVERSTOCKING. This is where things get tricky. Depending on your household, you are probably not going to need 10 packages of toilet paper. If you are going to horde, do it in small doses so you are not exposing others to possible starvation. LifeHacker continues by saying “You don’t need a million rolls of toilet paper, nor do you need a bunker full of supplies for the apocalypse. Preparing for a possible future quarantine just means that you won’t have trouble staying home for a few days.” So everyone. Needs. to. Remain. Calm.
Wryd? Just chillin’ in the attic with my corn doll. wby?
I grew up with the survival young-adult novel Hatchet and Little House on the Prairie. My great-grandmother survived the Great Depression. She washed out Ziploc bags and gardened and canned food in her later years. Nothing ever went to waste. Preservation and preparedness should be key elements of American self-reliance.
While not everyone has the means to, stocking up (easy on hording…I don’t like the word) has always been a part of being American. Preparing for the future is okay, as long as you aren’t denying others food or resources in the store that you are good on for the time being.
Headgear, bro
The CDC says that if you believe you have the virus, to “Wear a facemask when sick: Put on a facemask before you enter the facility. These steps will help the healthcare provider’s office to keep other people in the office or waiting room from getting infected or exposed.” Seems appropriate. Except…
Christmas photos are going to be lit this year.
Face masks are sold out at most places. The insanity surrounding their sale has been unexpected, but we should have expected it. While coronovirus is airborne, many experts suggest by covering your mouth, not touching your mouth and face, spending more time at home, we can slow the spread of the virus to help hospitals and medical facilities prepare for future cases.
While you could go with you standard face mask (if you were lucky enough to buy one), you can always get creative with it. For some inspiration, you can turn to some of your favorite games.
One Reddit user, u/HeyItsAppie, created this Black Persian outfit in Assassins Creed Origins. What better way to do a grocery store run than dressed like an ancient warrior?
Maybe these are too subtle. You want to protect your ENTIRE face from this virus. For that, perhaps you’d like to don a Yalung mask from Far Cry 4?
Just because they belonged to a serial killer, doesn’t mean it’s not an option!
And who can forget some of the best-known masks in the gaming world: Borderlands!
I can’t guarantee your bank won’t call the cops when you go in for a withdrawal.
In Honor of the latest event in For Honor, how about a decorative and functional For Honor face mask? Perfect for a crusade OR raid!
Walk the dog or reclaim Constantinople? I’ll decide when I go outside.
Distancing Yourself
Think of Logan or Wolverine. Think of the Witcher. Think of all those game and movie characters who know that they don’t belong around people. Channel that angst and energy and get ready to stay in your house. For awhile.
If you are sick, the CDC says “Stay away from others: As much as possible, you should stay in a specific room and away from other people in your home. Also, you should use a separate bathroom, if available.” If you aren’t sick but perhaps live in a more populated area, it’s best to settle in and cut your outside time short. While some experts are saying you can still go out as long as you are more than six feet away from others, many are not taking the chance and are foregoing outings altogether.
How I imagine the stores during the epidemic. Also, I still have nightmares of Alien: Isolation.
So you don’t want to risk it out there in the world, prepare for some monastic isolation in your self-imposed quarantine. In the meantime, you can play video games, visit the library and check out a few books (before they close the library), purchase a good book or two on Kindle (I’ve got several articles of suggestions on the homepage), or take up some new hobby.
Stay away from others: As much as possible, you should stay in a specific room and away from other people in your home. Also, you should use a separate bathroom, if available.
Even if your level of risk is low, it’s important to be considerate of those around you who may be more at risk like children or the elderly. If you live alone or with a roommate, just set up your PC or console and buckle down for the long run with that game that you’ve been meaning to finish but were never able to find the time.
If you have a lot of time on your hands and you haven’t played them already, the Assassins Creed games are enormous and will consume a lot of time as you play through battles, stories, and costume changes. Other longer games include:
Witcher 3
Skyrim
Final Fantasy XIV
Persona 5
Red Dead Redemption 2
Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
If you really crave human interaction, try:
World of Warcraft
Destiny
Monster Hunter
Fortnite
Apex Legends
Minecraft
Borderlands
But Seriously
We’re all hoping this passes over soon. But in the meantime…
Wash hands for 20 seconds with soap (duh)
Cover mouth when you cough
If you think you may be sick with coronovirus, call the doctor’s office or hospital BEFORE you go.
Alert healthcare officials and limit exposure to those around you.
If you aren’t sick but are are worried about yourself or others, limit your time in crowded areas if possible (optional but encouraged)
GameStop has had a rough few years. With the rise of online shopping, accessible games through online stores, and companies like GameFly where you can get games delivered to return, it’s not difficult to see that the games seller would run into trouble. “Digital downloads are becoming more and more prevalent, and people are buying their consoles on Amazon. The physical copies of the games that GameStop sells are becoming less popular because most gamers either download their games or order them online instead of going into stores”, FRAGHERO reports. Browsing for games and merchandise in a crowded mall and selling back your slightly used games for less than a fraction of their worth just doesn’t seem that appealing to everyone.
Shopping? Without the internet? Absurd.
Except it gets worse.
The company has been plagued with scandals. An article on thegamer.com reports that workers are instructed to prey on those who are unfamiliar with games (encouraging them to purchase more without understanding what it may be that they are purchasing), push certain subscription agendas (GameStop Elite Pro memberships, PowerUp Rewards) to fuel the corporate circle of game purchases, and even price games differently in the same store. Same game. Same store. Same condition (new or used). This happened to me this weekend while trying to purchase a used copy of For Honor (one was $4.99, the other $9.99).
It’s no wonder the finances are an additional issue to the ethics of the gluttonous gaming giant. The company is set to close over 200 under-performing stores in the next year, with over 100 employees being laid off in the previous year. The company’s plan is to revamp the stores in a way that appeals to gaming communities and introduces a stream-lined concept. GameIndustrybiz.com says “While details are a little light, the firm has said it wants to introduce new ways for its customers to try games before they purchase them, as well as add other features that encourage people to visit their local branch more often”. They may also be adding competitive gaming areas (think e-sports) and retro-gaming consoles. Cool. I guess. Anyway, here’s my beef.
My Beef
Vegans mad.
Speaking of being interactive…my experience at GameStop is a little too interactive. While not anti-social, I do appreciate privacy while I’m shopping. Avoiding people is the name of the game when you’re busy comparing prices and trying to find a deal before the Fortnite-dancing 8-year old behind you finds it first.
In 10 minutes, three separate employees had asked me if I needed help. Because the store was empty, they had all seen the other one ask. But. They. Persisted. Why?
I had come to browse and pass the time before going out to eat and getting berated by salespeople with nothing else to do made me want to leave before picking out a game. Not a very good sales strategy but that’s just me.
Attack of the Merch
One of the local GameStops in my area recently moved some merchandise around. It happens all the time. No big deal. Except it became grossly apparent that now the store was 80% pop culture merchandise and less than 20% games and gaming accessories. Rows of t-shirts with anime images, marked down coffee mugs with Rick and Morty on the sides, and crudely cheap action figures assaulted customers as they made their way to the back where the games are kept. Before me was an entire wall of the most hated commercial nerd merch imaginable– Funko Pops!.
Why would you spend money on this? Do you want this in your house?
Why is it suddenly cool to own every item of merchandise for a particular show like Bob’s Burgers? Why are there seven different Rick and Morty shirt designs? Foam Fortnite weapons? Collectible Stranger Things spoons? While I initially enjoyed some of these shows or games or movies, the sheer volume of marketed brands pushing a product with the characters printed on it quickly pushed me away from anything other than mild curiosity.
You get banned, you get banned!
My husband received the phone call from an unfamiliar number. He answered, hung up, and grew quiet.
“They said I’ve been banned from GameStop…”
I shook my head in confusion. “For what?”
He had tried to pre-order a game from another store but sent it closer to our home for pick-up. We had gone into the store earlier to make sure everything was set up for the pre-order of Control.
Worth getting banned over
He had pre-ordered Control in another city while visiting family. He attempted to transfer to another store an hour away closer to his workplace for pickup. After some debating, he switched it back to the original store.
In the store an hour away, a female employee was on the line with the GameStop employee in front of us who was inquiring about the transfer. The employee hung up and politely informed us that the girl on the other end had banned him from pre-ordering anything else at that store. My husband had “clogged up the phone lines for other customers and had cost them business”.
Over the phone, she nosily inquired why my husband hadn’t returned to her store and acknowledged that she had memorized his name and his order. And seeing how the store was empty most of the time, it was a surprise that we had caused any business to be lost, especially with a fully-stocked Walmart across the street.
The flirtatious, green-haired teenager who had shamelessly giggled at my husband while she rang up our past order had banned him. To say we were upset was an understatement but after researching the management issues at GameStops across the U.S., I can’t say I’m surprised.
No offense…BUT
As mentioned before, I’m not anti-social but I am socially wary. Crowds scare me, people who get to close to you when you’re shopping are scary, but the thing that horrifies me the most is body odor.
We all know the plague–I mean, coronovirus is going around–but the scariest thing about it so far is the amount of people who weren’t washing their hands (at all or correctly) PRIOR to the breakout of COVID-19.
You don’t need a pandemic to know you need to wash your hands after the bathroom, right? Right?
Personal hygiene is difficult for someone people. It could be a cultural thing as well. But I have not met anyone who said that they enjoyed smelling someone’s body-odor while shopping. In the south, it’s hot most of the year and everyone is sweating almost constantly. However, the only place I seem to notice atrocious B.O. is inside GameStop. The stores are so small that all it takes is one person to quick fill up the space with noxious fumes of odor.
It’s not just sweat though. While body odor is pretty rough, the second most powerful scent that sweeps through is the powerful odor of skunk weed or pot. A man walked in with a gaseous cloak of weed fumes that quickly had most of the store coughing. I watched the man walk over to the Nintendo Switch display where a man and his child were searching for a game. I looked around. There was a lot of children in there, having to inhale that skunk weed marijuana. Many began to leave. The man was undisturbed.
Call me old-fashioned. I don’t care. GameStop is a place for nerds, gamers, consumers, really anyone who is interested in what the store has to offer. But seeing how historically nerds or gamers are seen as filthy or couch-potatoes, it’s really uncomfortable for the store’s consumers (not all but back to the space thing. It only takes one person’s B.O. to trash a store.) to adhere to these prehistoric stereotypes.
“Sorry, son. We have to go to GameStop for the midnight release of Animal Crossing.”
In summary, my beef is as follows:
Too many bored salespeople, make me uncomfortable
Way too much merch, most of it unsold and taking up room for more games
Got banned
THE SMELL
Will I still shop at GameStop? Probably. At least to take some of my trade-ins to die in peace. But the experience has rapidly changed in the past decade. Walking into GameStop went from a favorite store experience to something to dread. With the changes proposed by the company, maybe the future has more to offer consumers instead of over-priced used games, terrible buy-back policies, and questionable sales strategies. I am cautiously optimistic for the future but the store will have to change drastically for me to actually enjoy shopping there again.
Story Quest Decoded 
