HowTo:Explain to your parents that Online Games can't be paused
The Teen Gamer's Guide to Explaining the Unpausable Universe of Online Gaming
Dear Parents,
Please fasten your seatbelts and extinguish all smoking devices. Turbulence is expected as we journey into the complex and uncharted realm of – gasp! – online games and why, much to your frustration, they operate on an entirely different dimension than traditional family dinner.
Scenario 1: The Mid-Battle Dinner Call
You're deep in a heated MOBA match. Your team fights tooth and nail on the virtual battleground. Victory hangs in the balance, and with one well-timed ultimate, you could secure a glorious win. Suddenly, from the real world, a voice booms: "Steve! Dinner's ready!"
Panic sets in. Here's the thing; Mom, Dads:
- It's Not Just a Game: Online games, especially MOBAs, are team efforts. Your sudden disappearance is like a soldier abandoning their post. It's a betrayal.
- The MMR Grind: There's this invisible number called MMR (Matchmaking Rating). It dictates your skill level and who you get matched with. Losing a match plummets your MMR, and trust me, you don't want to see what horrors await in the low MMR depths.
- No "Save and Quit": Unlike single-player games, there's no pausing in a live, multiplayer match. Your team needs you, and the enemy team is drooling at the chance to crush you while you're AFK (away from keyboard).
How to Handle the Situation
- The Preemptive Strike: Before diving into battle, announce your gaming plans. A simple "Hey, starting a match, might be a while" establishes expectations and decreases the risk of a mid-game dinner summons.
- The Quick Negotiator: If the call of dinner interrupts, explain the situation: "Can't pause now, match is crucial! I'll come ASAP when it's over."
- The "Microwave Savant": Reassure them that dinner won't go cold. Master the art of the microwave – that magical box makes leftovers just as tasty.
- The Last Resort: This is for dire emergencies only. Sacrifice a little MMR and inform your team you must leave abruptly. Apologize profusely, then make a swift exit.
Additional Survival Tips
- Bribery Works Wonders: A perfectly timed snack or drink offering before a match can buy you precious uninterrupted gaming time.
- Schedule Your Battles: Coordinating game time around mealtimes demonstrates respect and might prevent future collisions between the virtual and real worlds.
- Share the Passion: Invite your parents to watch a match (with a beginner-friendly explanation). They might realize online games are more than just mindless button-mashing.
Remember, open communication is key. Help your parents understand that online gaming is a hobby requiring focus and dedication. With a bit of understanding, you can achieve a peaceful coexistence between MMR grinds and family dinners (even if they involve reheated food).
Good luck, fellow gamer!
