Forgotten, collecting dust, that’s the state I found my grandparent’s Atari in. I was young, as in kindergarten/first grade young, when I had my first tastes of the digital world. The game was Combat, which was released in 1977, on the Atari 2600. Combat featured a tank game that forced players to go head-to-head. Navigating barriers, boxing in your opponent, and shooting for the kill. The game was fantastic!
Beyond the 8-bit thrills of the Atari, my second taste of the gaming world came from the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). Super Mario Bros., Duck Hunt, Little Nemo: The Dream Master, and DuckTales ruled the days (along with many other games). I have fond memories of pausing which ever game, leaving the system on, and then coming back and playing more; I also have fond memories of playing games together with my sister.
I write the above to say that video games are in my DNA. At 41 years of age, I still enjoy a good game.
“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”
John 3:16 (NLT)
Since 2003, I have been part of the discussion and writing in the faith, life, and gaming space of the internet. Basically, I’ve been around since the dawn of time. All along I have been championing the phrase, “There is more to life than just video games”. In other words, saying that I believe that there is life, in this world, beyond just sitting in front of a screen. A life where we:
- Have hobbies
- Grab a cup of coffee/tea/soda and talk about faith
- Surround ourselves in community
- Build relationships
With the base foundation that God loves you.
That it.
It’s simple.
God loves you.
He desires a relationship with you.
“If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Romans 10:9 (NIV)
The Good News of Jesus Christ, the Gospel, is at the very heart from which I write. That Jesus Christ was a real person. That He came, died, and was resurrected on the 3rd day. Why did He do this? For you. Because He loves you.
So I write with the purpose of sharing my life, wrestling with matters of faith, and diving into the latest boardgame/video game I’m playing.
I want to renew my pledge that the virtual door is always open. That there is indeed more to life than just games. Gaming shouldn’t define who you are, dear reader. It is an aspect of who you are but it should never define you. That’s another post for another time though.
Bottom Line: The front door is open, there are drinks in the fridge, and I encourage you to kick off your shoes and sit down. It is 2022, and I’m just getting started.
Until next time,
– Bryan
JohnnyBGamer 