Why do you think people like video games?

I'm just doing some research.

also was wondering if you thought peripherals aided the sense of immersion and why?

Because they allow us to do things we can't do IRL, from being a fantasy hero to killing ninjas with shurikens and lightning.

Yes, peripherals helped. For example, using the mouse in a shooter feels much *better*and natural; in the keyboard-only days, looking around for items and doors was a pain in the ass, because Page Up/Page Down sucks.

It give freedom and ability to be in place and situation that you never will be in real life HavenlyHunter

For some games, its like playing a really good book. _Area51

exactly...or a really good movie.

For some games, its like playing a really good book. _Area51

I agree with this. Maybe not quite as good as a book, but some games at least try. I prefer playing games over watching television.

[QUOTE="_Area51"]For some games, its like playing a really good book. cryfreedom66

exactly...or a really good movie.

Both good points. However, I personally play different games for different reasons. Yes, some games I play because it feels like playing and interacting with a really good and sometimes very realistic looking book or movie. Other times, its the strategy involved in defeating fake and real life human opponents that hooks you. Other times, its the story and not the graphics in a RPG. Lastly, at times its the consequences of the realistic world revolving around this deep story that can only be overcome with strategic, logical, and precise thinking (and sometimes action) that really takes me to a far away place... if that makes sense.

games today are coming to a point where the player can create his/her very own character and make decisions in the game and that's what makes it fun to play these ganes because we enjoy doing things in the game that are based on our choices but which aren't real.

As a PC gamer for a long time, yes, games are an escape from reality, just like watching a movie or reading a book. Example, when I play Call Of Duty 4, I feel like I'm an actual Marine fighting my way in the streets, taking cover behind objects because I don't wanna get shot. And games like World Of Warcraft and Elder Scrolls IV : Oblivion allow the player to shape his/her own path into becoming a powerfu mage / warrior / knight / warlock etc.

A book or a movie can end fast and you may not want to watch or read it again unless it's really good. Same as games but games are more lengthy, you can't just finish a game in 2 hours and say its good. As I said before, just like books and movies, how good the game is depends on replayability. If people like to replay the game it's because they enjoyed it alot.

I hope I didn't go off topic :S

I prefer playing games over watching television.

StrawberryHill

AMEN to that! TV today is complete and utter crap.Sometimes I wish we could go back to the days of having like 10 channels, that way there would be an actual incentive to make good shows again.