A common talent of most college students is the ability to find ways to put off homework and studying. Several students choose video games as a way to avoid schoolwork.
Josh Martin, a senior at Ball State, spends hours of his time playing various game systems including Nintendo, Super Nintendo, Nintendo 64, Playstation, Playstation 2 and XBox. He said some of the games are addictive, and he'll often spend hours in front of the television.
"With some games you'll say you're going to sit down and play for half an hour, and three hours later you're still playing," he said.
Despite the popularity of newer game systems such as Playstation 2 and X-Box, many students still prefer the old game systems. Martin feels that the newer games have a lower quality than the classics on systems like Nintendo and Super Nintendo.
"With the older systems, the publishers couldn't rely on graphics to sell a game. They actually had to put out a good game," he said. "Now they focus on how good the games look. You play them for awhile, but there's nothing that keeps
you coming back."
Other students kill time with computer games. Among traditional-age college students, addictive puzzle games like Tetris and Snood have become very popular. Amanda Foster, a junior, said she plays computer games to take a break from homework.
"I can't just sit down and write a whole paper all at once," she said. "I need breaks every now and then, and since I'm already at the computer, I can take a break without leaving my work area."
Several Internet sites offer free games to play online. Foster's favorite sites include www.pogo.com, www.boxerjam.com and www.popcap.com.
Although video games and computer games can be an enjoyable pastime, some students still prefer to entertain themselves in other ways. Sophomore Krystal Vermillion said she prefers to spend her free time interacting with friends.
"Video games are fun, but I'd rather do something more active," she said.
Although the games can be an excuse for putting things off, students must force themselves to put down the controller and hit the books.
"I certainly play games when I should be doing homework, but it hasn't really affected my grades yet," Martin said. "I know when it's time to stop."
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