How Gaming Alone Changed Everything (For Me)

Summary

The speaker reflects on their journey as 'Player Two,' often relegated to a secondary role in multiplayer games due to their older brother and cousins owning gaming consoles. They recount their evolution from playing on a family laptop to building their own computer and embracing competitive gaming. The script highlights the speaker's transition to single-player experiences, particularly with 'Elden Ring,' which offered a new perspective on gaming and life, emphasizing the importance of living in the present and appreciating the journey, not just the competitive victories.

Takeaways

• 🎮 The narrator often found themselves as 'Player Two', usually playing on the right or bottom half of the screen due to sharing gaming opportunities with an older sibling.
• 🕹️ Growing up without owning a gaming console, the narrator's first gaming experiences were on a family laptop with limited capabilities, primarily playing Roblox.
• 👾 The narrator's gaming preferences leaned towards multiplayer games, starting with Minecraft servers and later expanding to include various online and local multiplayer games.
• 🏆 A significant shift in the narrator's gaming habits occurred after building their first computer, transitioning from a controller to keyboard and mouse, and delving into competitive gaming with titles like Overwatch and CS:GO.
• 🔥 The thrill of competitive gaming and the climb for higher ranks became increasingly appealing to the narrator, with a particular highlight being reaching the Diamond rank in Valorant.
• 🎲 Burnout from the intense nature of competitive gaming led the narrator to explore single-player games, which was a new and initially intimidating experience.
• 🌅 Elden Ring was a pivotal game for the narrator, marking the first time they fully engaged with a single-player game and appreciated the immersive world and its quiet, reflective moments.
• 📚 The narrator draws a parallel between the importance of 'moments of nothing' in storytelling and gaming, suggesting they provide a necessary respite and enhance the overall experience.
• 🤔 The script reflects on life lessons learned from gaming, particularly the realization that living in the present and appreciating the calm moments is essential amidst the constant motion of life.
• 🔄 The narrator encourages gamers to try different gaming experiences, as stepping out of their comfort zone can provide new perspectives and a healthier approach to gaming.
• 💭 The closing thoughts suggest that embracing both the highs of competitive gaming and the introspective moments of single-player games can lead to a more balanced and fulfilling gaming life.

Q & A

What does the term 'Player Two' typically refer to in multiplayer gaming?

In multiplayer gaming, 'Player Two' refers to the second person joining the game from a separate input device, often used when one person is already playing as 'Player One'.

Why was the narrator always 'Player Two' growing up?

The narrator was always 'Player Two' because they were the youngest among their siblings and cousins, and they never owned a gaming console themselves, which meant they always played on a shared TV with another person.

What were some of the games the narrator remembers playing as a child?

The narrator remembers playing games like Halo, Call of Duty, and Minecraft, often in split-screen or multiplayer modes with friends and family.

How did the narrator's gaming experience change when they got their own PS3?

With their own PS3, the narrator continued to play multiplayer games but also started to explore different genres, including online games like Dungeon Defenders and Little Big Planet.

What was the narrator's first experience with competitive gaming?

The narrator's first experience with competitive gaming was playing CS:GO, where they reached Gold Nova rank, which was a significant achievement for them as they were used to being a casual gamer.

How did the release of 'Valorant' affect the narrator's gaming habits?

The release of 'Valorant' introduced the narrator to a new type of competitive game that combined elements of Overwatch and CS:GO, which they enjoyed. It led them to take gaming more seriously, striving for improvement and higher ranks.

What was the narrator's experience with 'Elden Ring' and how did it differ from their previous gaming experiences?

Elden Ring was the first Souls game the narrator played and it marked a turning point in their gaming timeline. It introduced them to single-player games with a rich world and immersive experience, which was different from the multiplayer and competitive games they usually played.

What are some of the key differences between multiplayer games like 'Valorant' and single-player games like 'Breath of the Wild'?

Multiplayer games like 'Valorant' require teamwork and interaction with other players, while single-player games like 'Breath of the Wild' focus on individual exploration and self-reliance, providing a more solitary and immersive experience.

How did the narrator's perspective on gaming change after playing single-player games?

After playing single-player games, the narrator realized the value of experiencing games alone and the different emotions and perspectives they offer compared to multiplayer games. It also made them appreciate the moments of calm and reflection within the intense action.

What life lesson did the narrator take away from their gaming experiences, particularly from single-player games?

The narrator learned the importance of living in the present and appreciating the moment, as single-player games often provide moments of calm and reflection amidst the action. This realization helped them to step back and appreciate their life experiences, rather than constantly stressing about the future.

Outlines

00:00

🕹️ Gaming Journey from Player Two to Player One

The narrator reflects on their gaming history, starting as 'Player Two' due to their older brother and cousins owning gaming consoles. They recount their early experiences with split-screen multiplayer games like Halo and Call of Duty, and later transitioning to online gaming on a family laptop with games like Roblox and Minecraft. The narrator's first console, a PS3, continued the trend of multiplayer gaming with titles such as Plants vs. Zombies, Dungeon Defenders, and Little Big Planet. The evolution of their gaming skills is highlighted by their move to PC gaming, playing competitive games like CS:GO and Overwatch, and dabbling in the battle royale genre with PUBG and Fortnite. This paragraph encapsulates the narrator's growth from a casual multiplayer gamer to a competitive player seeking higher ranks in various games.

05:01

🏆 The Competitive Spirit and the Impact of Valorant

The narrator delves into their competitive gaming mindset, which was significantly influenced by playing Overwatch and CS:GO. They describe their initial fear of ranked play but eventually found satisfaction in climbing the ranks. The introduction of Valorant is highlighted as a pivotal moment, offering a fresh and exciting change to the gaming landscape. The narrator's dedication to improving in Valorant led them to achieve the rank of 'Radiant,' marking their highest achievement in gaming. However, this competitive drive also led to burnout, prompting a shift in gaming habits and an exploration of single-player games, starting with the highly anticipated release of Elden Ring.

10:01

🌟 The Power of Immersion in Single-Player Games

This paragraph discusses the narrator's newfound appreciation for single-player games, beginning with the release of Elden Ring. They describe the immersive experience of exploring open worlds and the emotional impact of reaching new points of interest. The narrator contrasts the team-based nature of games like Valorant and Counter-Strike with the solitary experience of games like Breath of the Wild and God of War, where the player is the sole protagonist. They reflect on the unique moments in these games that pause the action and allow for introspection and awe, such as the first encounter with the World Serpent in God of War or the serene moments in Elden Ring. The paragraph concludes with the narrator's realization of the importance of player choice in gaming and the personal growth that can come from experiencing different genres.

15:03

🎮 Balancing Life's Stress with Gaming Perspectives

The final paragraph ties the narrator's gaming experiences to life lessons. They draw parallels between the tension and climax in games and the stress of real-life situations, such as exams and work. The narrator emphasizes the importance of recognizing and appreciating moments of calm amidst the chaos, both in gaming and in life. They encourage living in the present and embracing the 'moments of nothing,' which can provide clarity and peace. The paragraph concludes with a reflection on the value of trying new gaming experiences and the broader message that change can offer new perspectives and insights into one's own life.

Keywords

💡Player Two

Player Two refers to the second person in a multiplayer game, typically joining from a separate input device. In the video, the narrator identifies with being 'Player Two' due to their background of playing games with others, especially their older brother, and not having their own gaming console. This concept is central to the theme of multiplayer experiences and the evolution of the narrator's gaming journey.

💡Multiplayer Games

Multiplayer games are video games that allow multiple players to interact and play together. The narrator discusses their history with multiplayer games like Halo, Call of Duty, and Minecraft, highlighting the social aspect of gaming. These games are significant as they shaped the narrator's early gaming experiences and preference for cooperative and competitive play.

💡Gaming Console

A gaming console is a device used for playing video games, typically connected to a television. The narrator mentions not owning a gaming console, which influenced their gaming habits and the types of games they played. This detail underscores the importance of access to technology in shaping one's gaming experiences and preferences.

💡Split Screen

Split screen is a feature in video games that allows multiple players to play on the same screen, with the display divided into sections. The narrator recalls playing split screen games with their brother, which was a common way to enjoy multiplayer games before online gaming became prevalent. This term is relevant as it illustrates the evolution of gaming technology and its impact on gameplay.

💡Competitive Play

Competitive play refers to playing games with a focus on winning, often involving ranking systems or skill-based matchmaking. The narrator discusses their transition from casual gaming to competitive play in games like CS:GO and Overwatch, which is a significant shift in their gaming mindset and approach. This concept is key to understanding the narrator's growing interest in skill development and the thrill of competition.

💡Ranking System

A ranking system in video games is a method of categorizing players based on their skill level, often achieved through competitive play. The narrator mentions their progression through various ranking systems, such as reaching Gold Nova in CS:GO, which is a measure of their skill and dedication. This system is crucial in competitive games as it provides a framework for players to improve and compare their abilities.

💡Single Player Games

Single player games are video games designed for one player, offering a narrative or gameplay experience without the need for multiple players. The narrator describes their initial reluctance to play single player games, but their experience with Elden Ring and Breath of the Wild changed their perspective. This shift highlights the personal growth and broadening of the narrator's gaming horizons.

💡Elden Ring

Elden Ring is a popular action role-playing game known for its challenging gameplay and expansive world. The narrator's experience with Elden Ring is pivotal as it introduced them to the world of single player games and the immersive storytelling they offer. This game serves as a turning point in the narrator's gaming journey, leading to a newfound appreciation for solo gaming experiences.

💡Breath of the Wild

Breath of the Wild is an action-adventure game that emphasizes exploration and puzzle-solving in a vast open world. The narrator mentions playing as Link, exploring Hyrule alone, which contrasts with their previous multiplayer experiences. This game is significant as it further solidifies the narrator's interest in single player games and the unique experiences they provide.

💡God of War

God of War is a series of action-adventure games known for its engaging narratives and epic battles. The narrator specifically mentions the 2018 game, which follows Kratos and his son Atreus, highlighting the game's scale and the impact of its world-building. This game is an example of how single player games can offer rich, immersive experiences that differ from multiplayer games.

💡Present Moment

The present moment is the current time or situation one is experiencing, as opposed to the past or future. The narrator reflects on the importance of living in the present, drawing parallels between their gaming experiences and life in general. This concept is central to the video's message about appreciating the current moment and the experiences it brings, whether in gaming or life.

Highlights

The speaker reflects on their history as 'Player Two', often playing second to others in multiplayer games due to their family circumstances.

Mentions the transition from playing on a shared TV to gaming on a family laptop with limited capabilities.

Discovery of multiplayer games like Minecraft through friends and the preference for playing with others.

The speaker's first gaming console, a PS3, and the continuation of a multiplayer gaming trend.

Building their first computer and the shift from using a controller to keyboard and mouse, playing games like Overwatch and CS:GO.

Dabbling in the Battle Royale trend with games like PUBG and Fortnite, finding surprising skill in the latter's building mechanic.

The initial fear of ranked and competitive play, stemming from a casual gaming background with Minecraft.

The rush of climbing ranks in CS:GO and the satisfaction of reaching Gold Nova.

The emotional intensity of competitive games like Overwatch and the highs and lows of victory and defeat.

The introduction of Valorant and its impact on the speaker's gaming habits, leading to a more serious approach to competitive play.

Achieving the rank of 'Mortal' in Valorant, representing the highest rank attained in any game.

The struggle with burnout in competitive gaming and the subsequent exploration of single-player games.

The release of Elden Ring and its role as a turning point in the speaker's gaming experience, introducing them to single-player games.

The contrast between the stress of multiplayer games and the calming moments of single-player experiences.

The importance of 'moments of nothing' in storytelling and gaming for providing a breather and enhancing immersion.

The speaker's realization of the value of living in the present and the parallels drawn between gaming experiences and life.

Encouragement to try single-player games for a different perspective on gaming and life.

The conclusion that both competitive and single-player games offer unique experiences and insights.

Transcripts

player two a term used for another

person in a multiplayer game joining

from a separate input device there are

many ways to connect to player 2 an

extra controller another person online

and many more options however I always

found myself being player to growing up

with an older brother and being the

youngest out of my cousins meant I never

owned a gaming console myself which also

meant I was never player one the only

opportunity I had to play video games

was playing on a TV with half of the

screen from my side it's not a bad thing

but it's just where my background from

video games comes from Halo and cod are

the big ones that come to mind I vividly

remember the split screens games used to

have for local multiplayer and always

being on the right or on the bottom half

of the screen and [ __ ] on my brother

every time just kidding however this

didn't sustain for very long as split

screen isn't the nicest thing for both

my brother and I to experience so as my

brother would play called online on his

PS3 I started gaming on a shitty little

family laptop that could run Roblox at

like Max 30 FPS maybe less that's a bit

generous but one thing still didn't

change for me and that was playing

multiplayer

games I found out about Minecraft

through my friends and mostly played

Minecraft servers throughout Elementary

School of course knew about the survival

aspect of Minecraft but never really

played it as it didn't interest me that

much compar compared to playing with my

friends at the time this was a constant

theme in my choice of games I played no

matter what another person was there

Co-op Online PVP PVE I did eventually

get my own PS3 and the trend pretty much

continued I mostly played games like

plants vers zombies Garden Warfare MW2

online Dungeon Defenders one Skate 3 the

[ __ ] was it back then Little Big Planet

and Playstation All Stars I still have

some videos of me recording me playing

this game on my [ __ ] big ass TV all

of these games were multiplayer with an

exclusion of Modern Warfare 2 campaign

but I never really played that because

that [ __ ] scared me something about

being in a world with no one else was

pretty daing after I built my first

computer I installed Le and OverWatch

and this is pretty much where I fully

transitioned from being a controller

player to a keyboard and mouse and I

picked up other games like csgo along

with it besides that I did dabble in the

Battle Royale Trend I played a lot of

pubg wasn't really good at it but hey

that was fun and fortnite fortnite was

something I was surprisingly good at I

don't know the building mechanic kind of

just clicked with me but it never really

got anywhere because fortnite didn't

really have a ranking system at the time

and the only thing you could Flex was

posting your dub to your Snapchat damn

what a time after the battle royale

scene I didn't really play any other

games besides riot

games oh I hit him on

on two on side two on side last player

stand

dude one enemy remaining you have

a to right above

[Applause]

you at first I was very scared of ranked

and competitive play in these games

growing up with Minecraft I was a very

Casual Gamer even though I started off

with Halo and cod it's difficult to

pinpoint where I got into the grind of

rank games but my best guess would be

around the time I played CS goo I never

really got far in CS Rings maybe gold

Nova one which isn't that good but

hitting that gold and getting out of

silver felt really satisfying a climb

for a higher rank became so much more

appealing and I started to feel the rush

of close games and the relief of closing

one

out I got Mercy heal me I'm done where

is The

Shield one one

one kill me keep me up keep me up I'm

coming rip both healers are dead I don't

know about y got

got this yane with no

bre yeah I was a kid during that so you

know sh [ __ ] happens soon it got to the

point where if it wasn't competitive or

if it didn't have a ranking system then

I didn't want to play it of course

course as with anything competitive you

also feel the overwhelming weights of

defeat and sometimes it can overpower

the feeling of a win I think I felt this

the most when I played OverWatch because

the game was so fastpaced and it can

really get your emotions riled up I

never really got far in any ranking

system highest I got in League was like

silver gold Nova and CSG go I think the

lowest or second division like Rainbow

Six Siege and like PL and OverWatch but

they all kind of changed when valerin

came

out

at first valent was just a breath of

fresh air something different to the

pace of csgo to combin my favorite

competitive games at the time OverWatch

and CS which got me excited deep down I

knew I was competitive just because my

mentality when I played OverWatch I got

pretty far in the vient ranks during

beta hitting low Diamond this is a

pretty big deal for me because as a low

ELO player in most competitive games

Diamond seems like the threshold to

separate the low ELO bad players to good

High ELO players when the game

officially came out I started to take it

more seriously getting a warm-up routine

and constantly striving to improve

something about my gaml whether it was

aim movement or game sense and I saw

results I climbed and climbed and

eventually hit a mortal which at the

time was like top 2% of total players in

valer and that was truly something

special to me as this was the highest

rank I've ever been in any game and was

considered good I became addicted to

this grind putting in more hours

striving for better better and better

results until I hit my

Peak burnout was a huge issue for me in

these games because it would be the only

game I would play at a time nothing new

and exciting was coming out and I never

really felt like going back to OverWatch

or League fully so I kind of just had

this extra time to myself this is when I

started to watch YouTubers play these

big AAA games I've always wanted to try

playing these games out myself but it

was such a foreign concept to play games

alone as I've grown up my whole life

Shar in games with someone else going

through everything alone was scary I

never played cod zombies alone and the

same with campaign even boss fights were

so intimidating to me that it would be

reason enough for me to never touch

these games but then February 25th of

2022 came around the release of Elden

ring

Elden ring was a turning point in my

gaming timeline I've known about these

single player games but I've never

experienced them fully myself always

through another set of eyes and never

fully immersed Alder ring was the first

Souls games I got my attention I've

heard about them being super difficult

and never really found that appealing

but something about the open world and

the vibe the game gave drew me in the

first time you open that door and see

the world envelop around you or just

getting to a new point of interest and

looking at the scenery

Lendale is one of my favorites for

moments like these and being in that

moment just felt so surreal following

the Grace's guy since the beginning of

the games standing there looking at the

Towering Earth tree looming over you

remembering how far away it was and yet

here you are close enough to its base

finally being able to see the minute

details in the goal you've been seeking

for these moments felt slow and calming

the complete opposite of what you would

actually feel in combat when you're

fighting tiny enemies that can kill you

in an instant now it would make sense

for me to play other Souls games but I

didn't it's still the only Souls game

I've been to this day but hey I'm still

working on it don't worry however it did

introduce me to more single player

games what separates games like valerant

and Counterstrike to games like breath

of the wild there are a multitude of

things you can say but for me it's the

players valer is a team game one where

you need five friends or strangers while

in breath of the Wild you only need

yourself bre of the wild is a great

example of this you play as link who

wakes up to a wasted Hy roll with no one

around no companion by your side to

speak to you as you explored the barren

lands of Hyrule by

yourself another game that I enjoyed was

God of War 2018 a North sequel to the

original God of War that follows our

protagonist father Kratos and his son

atraeus there are many things about this

game that bring out Norse mythology into

its world but I think one of the key

factors into the W aspect in its

presentation is it sheer scale of

creatures that inhabit the Norse world

the first time meeting the world serpent

or the dead giant are special moments in

the game that really help Define its

World these moments although short

completely freeze your world as you

react to the

scene I've already glazed Elden already

in this video and other games like near

throughout my previous videos on my

channel but a little quick rundown of

just one special moment from near aomata

was the opening sequence into the

amusement park as everything coats

together the music visuals the gameplay

all together to create this

Indescribable feeling and vibe that

really locks you into the zone of the

game this is very specific to my

experience of gaming as I do tend to

gravitate towards the action adventure

games but everyone has a different style

for other games like this can still

evoke an immense amount of stress so

they would rather play comfy games like

Minecraft stard Valley or Animal

Crossing everyone is different and you

can only really tell what games you like

by playing more and

experimenting let's go back to action

games they may seem to be filled with

stress terrifying locations action

elements with almost everything trying

to kill you difficult bosses and even

the story of the game is stressful there

are many challenges that people will

face when playing these games and yes it

will be stressful it purposefully is

it's to build tension for the player or

else the game would be a snooze Fest

like any competitive game a close game

will always be more exciting than

completely Bing the enemy team this is

all for a reason if you gone through

Middle School English you should know

about the basic principles about writing

a plot you have your exposition to

rising action and into a climax it's a

pretty simple concept with other writing

devices to deviate from this but the

main takeaway I want to get from this is

falling action a story filled with

tension is exciting but it can only last

for so long you can't always have

constant Rising tension because it

becomes overloaded which can lead to

exhaustion or boredom for a viewers

a story needs a moment of

nothing now what do I mean by nothing

obviously I don't mean there's nothing

happening at all but rather there is

much less stress in the scene compared

to what usually happens in stories like

the mini games I mentioned before there

is constant action where it's the norm

and a moment of nothing is peculiar it's

different and it's a nice change of pace

for the viewer an extremely good example

of this is in

berserk you may know berserk because of

its artwork or because of the thousands

of people that glaze over this manga

it's all deserve by the way but that's

not what I'm here to discuss berserk is

an action field manga tons of fights and

amazing Direction Through the artwork

and an intense plot to back it up with

story arcs like the Black Swordsman and

the Golden Age there are many incredible

moments of insane climatic twists and

turns that many can point out in this

manga but something that I see many

people forget are the panels of guts

just sitting there staring off into the

sky if you've been re berserk you know

the constant scroll to read more and

click the next chapter to see what

unfolds in the story but for me moments

like these make me completely stop and

really appreciate the panel fully it's

easy to get caught in the motion of it

all as the action and storytelling are

one of the best of its kind but slow

moments like these are so crucial to let

the reader stop and take a breather to

digest all the information given to them

it's like finishing a movie and going

out to the theater to process what

happened you're not going to get

everything in the middle of watching but

analyzing these moments with full

context for your

understanding this is not something

exclusive to storytelling but can be

applied to games like I mentioned in all

of the action it's easy to be engulfed

into its world but a step back and

you'll feel it the overwhelming mood of

your surroundings the visuals and music

combining together the world you take

for granted as it allows you to be fully

immersed in its characters in the story

it tells letting one of the hardest

bosses in the game can be very thrilling

in the moment but after the boss is done

you kind of just sit there and let it

all sink in that you've done it finally

and to me this is what truly brings

games to life player two a term I've

known since the start of my gaming

Lifetime and whether it be that extra

controller connected or another Cog in

the system of a team I've never been put

in a situation to call myself player one

until now it is through the lens of this

single player that I am able to put in

perspective the differences in the ways

people experience different geners of

games and how this has affected my

Outlook on my own

life I've learned plenty of things

through experiences like this that

affect my outlook on life with

everything going on my life time moves

extremely fast as many say the world

doesn't stop for you and they are right

we're always in this constant state of

motion School working or

studying I remember hearing that we were

getting a twoe break from school and

here I am in my second year of uni

nearing my 20s thinking about

internships and my future career always

looking looking ahead and then I

realized something I took a step back

and it was

calming we're always so caught up in

life will I pass this exam am I going to

be successful what if I fail what will

become of me questions I've asked myself

about the impeding future to come to

many the future is exciting filled with

opportunities to no end but for me it's

filled with

uncertainty uncertain of a future I'll

be happy about however you're not living

your life in the future but in the

present when I look back on the things

that I've done that were so stressful

like a big class project an exam I

wasn't ready for or a big event at work

and here I am doing fine as ever I

realized that I've been through my most

stressful moments in life and almost

never think about them now because in my

head I'm at a constant state of

stressing about what's next it wasn't

until I took the step back that I

realized I lived through a lot of

experiences and I'm still okay and so

will you you're living in a present so

enjoy it while you're in it like the

popular saying goes you don't know you

were in the good days until you're out

of it so capture it now as best as you

can even down the line you reminisce on

these good times and remember you're

living in the moment and that moment can

be a moment of nothing and that's

perfectly

fine now I'm not telling you to drop

your competitive games like CS or league

and pick up controllers to play Dark

Souls hell I still even play CS2 and

OverWatch still it's just that maybe a

change can do something for you as it

did for me when I play these games it

can give you a new perspective than just

the angry tilting nature of these

competitive games the stressful yet

chill nature of a single player game

with just you and your thoughts is

something I think every gamer should try

to experience once in their

lifetime stories of

danger

Fearless

back spect the

FL and

P all of these GS of our own

delusions are

back

we fighting

in