Online Gaming, is Winning Possibly a Sin

[Conquistador]

Gaming online brings a skill-set that many who do not game understand.

When a person first starts he creates a username. This username is for all other gamers to see and used to login to the games.

For many it just seems like a game they are spending time on but they are getting better the longer they play.

In this world your not limited by genes, the better you get the emotion of winning happens more often and the game is fun. The username is being seen many times by hundreds of other players, this username after awhile gains a reputation of great skill. Many of the games have teams and you are known by hundreds for delivering the emotion of victory.

But after awhile winning is not the emotion that fuels, winning by great margins and this is called “Owning”, and many others names. Being able to deliver these wins is seen as great value and many times thousands of others look forward to playing with you.

At this skill level, this is no longer simply a game, the emotion is very high for winning and losing. At this level on the other side of the computer is another player feeling agony this is called getting “Owned” and some do not handle it well. In some games the loss could mean many hours of time and they will be cursing at you on their side of the computer.

Is online gaming possibly a sin or should it be ignored like athletes?

 

[Isca]

Should it be ignored like athletes? Whatever does that mean??

 

[smichhertz]

Why would the winner be responsible for the loser’s actions? If the loser chooses to curse and get angry, that’s him being a sore loser.

 

[Spencerian]

You bring up two points:

• An excess of *anything *leads you away from the charity and contemplation of God.
• The anonymity of the internet, be it gaming or forums, can lead to behavior unfitting to a Christian.

There’s no inherent problem with winning. But some games allow you to behave with evil or indifferent intent. Should your gameplay reflect your morality or ethics? Maybe. If you gain a satisfaction in harming others (even virtual beings), what stops you from seeking out and enjoying that sensation in the real world? Some people can’t separate these things and it can become a problem. It depends on your maturity and what you play.