Why Am I Bad at Video Games?

Video games have been a staple of my life since childhood, but despite my long-standing relationship with them, I still consider myself to be one of the worst players ever. Why am I so bad at video games?

1. Lack of Engagement and Boredom

One of the primary reasons for my lack of skill is boredom. The less invested you are in a game, the less effort you put into developing and refining your skills. When you're not engaged, your skills stagnate, and you might even regress.

2. Self-Assessment in Competitive Settings

If you're not a professional or looking to compete at a high level, evaluating yourself in this manner serves little purpose. Even in professional settings, you can find successful streamers who are mediocre or even bad at games but still have successful careers. This is because gaming skills aren't the only factor for success.

3. Enjoyment and Self-Esteem

If you're feeling inferior in multiplayer sessions, consider practicing and refining your skills. However, if you're caring too much about it, it can negatively impact your self-esteem and enjoyment of the game itself. Enjoy games for the pleasure they bring you and not just for the rankings or competition.

4. Online Resources and Guides

To improve your skills, start by checking out online guides, YouTube walkthroughs, and other resources. Apply what you can from these materials to enhance your gameplay. Remember that the primary goal is to have fun and improve yourself—not to become the best player on the planet.

5. Common Reasons for Poor Performance

There are several reasons why you might be struggling in video games. Here are a few common ones:

Limited Cognition or Motor Skills: If you lack the cognitive abilities or motor skills necessary to excel, it can significantly hinder your progress. This includes not being able to understand the game's objective or having difficulty in controlling your hands to click buttons quickly. Low-End Hardware: Sometimes, your abilities are limited by the hardware you are using. High input lag, jitters, and slower processing can make you a bad player. Upgrading your computer or console might help improve your performance. Lack of Practice: Just because you've been playing for years doesn't mean you've honed your skills. Identify your weaknesses, and work on improving them specifically. For example, if you're not good at First Person Shooters, focus on improving your aim.

Conclusion

In conclusion, whether you're an amateur or a professional, remember that enjoyment and growth are the key to playing games. Use the resources available, practice consistently, and don't be too hard on yourself. Gaming is about having fun, and sometimes, that means accepting that you're not the best, but that's okay.