Evolution of a Gamer

Evolution of a Gamer 10: Kids Ask the Darndest Things-Gamer Edition

Written by Ryan Johnson (RyanDJ) Monday, 30 July 2012 20:48

Mario Questions You know those questions kids are supposed to ask, just because they are kids? "Why is the sky blue?" "Where do babies come from?" The wonderful generic questions that are simple in our minds, yet very difficult to explain to someone so young, or at least with such a short attention span? In this lighthearted episode of Evolution of a Gamer, I'm going to give you the game-related questions that come spouting out of my child while playing some of the modern iterations of Mario, as well as the musings I have had in trying to answer them. Some of them are silly, some make us sit back and think about why we actually do what we do in gaming, and others just flat out make no sense. So click in, and be entertained. Maybe you can help me figure out better answers.

Evolution of a Gamer 9: Bravery

Written by Ryan Johnson (RyanDJ) Friday, 13 July 2012 06:00

Mario Cape

"Dad, can I play Super Mario Brothers on the Wii? Dad, can you play Super Mario Brothers on the Wii with me? I want to be Player 1, please. Let's go here!"

I have heard these words on a daily basis from my son lately. As much as I like playing games with him, I've got to say that at times I've dreaded these words. Perhaps it's because my home life has been busy lately and I've had a lack of personal gaming time. My ONLY gaming has been with my son. And when he does, it's Super Mario Brothers Wii. Worlds 1-1 through 1-4. Usually in the exact same pattern. Followed by a 20 minute stint in Princess Peach's castle, where you watch ProTip "how-to" movies.

Over.

And over.

Honestly, I've got the first four levels of Mario down in muscle memory, and could probably play it with my eyes closed now. I know I have learned in previous entries in this series that "you play what you like" for a reason, and as long as you are enjoying it you are enjoying video games, but this was getting ridiculous. I didn't want to force proceeding and frustrate him from gaming, but I also didn't want to play these same exact levels even one more time.

Evolution of a Gamer 8: Unity

Written by Ryan Johnson (RyanDJ) Wednesday, 14 March 2012 15:00

EoGFam

I am wondering if I need to change the name of this series? I have my son, who is learning games. My wife, who is dipping in for the first time. My baby, who I wonder whether he'll join the crew. And me, who is getting a lot of life lessons out of this. It has really become a family affair.

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Evolution of a Gamer 7: Independence

Written by Ryan Johnson (RyanDJ) Monday, 23 January 2012 06:00

Kirby WiiNMW

Ryan continues his education, both for him and his children, through the medium of video games. Click in to follow along!

GoozerNation has really grown since I wrote one of these articles, so I'm going to take the time to explain. I'm a gamer. Why else would I be here writing? A newer addition to my life, however, is the role of father. A big lesson I have learned in life is that you go with what you know, so quite a few lessons have been gamer related. I deal with everything from a gamer's perspective: I train my body through Fit to Game, I make friends through social gaming, I have deeply rooted memories involving video games, and I also parent through gaming. This is Episode 7 in my ongoing series. You can find a page linking back to my others here. I'd like to say that regardless of hits, these articles are my absolute favorite articles I have ever written. So go back, enjoy the ride up to here, and then read on!

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Evolution of a Gamer Episode 6: School Daze

Written by Ryan Johnson (RyanDJ) Saturday, 24 September 2011 11:00

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Ryan Johnson of GoozerNation continues his series on the lessons both he and his son are learning as he grows up gaming.

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Evolution of a Gamer Episode 5: Extra Life

Written by Ryan Johnson (RyanDJ) Tuesday, 31 May 2011 11:00

Regular followers of my articles may have noticed a lull lately; this particular column hasn't seen an update for a while, there's been a few weeks without a Fit to Game, and my little "Games worth Finding" series has been slow as well. Well, I've been busy. We have been expecting our second child for a while now, and well...he's here. :)

Heads up: this article is not for the queasy or faint of heart.

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