It’s been a number of years since I’ve posted on any forums for a video game, as life’s matters are more weightier than weighing in on your disapproval(s) of why an element of a virtual world does not suit some particular desired expectation that upholds MY fun (for many of us, escape).
I believe it appropriate to point out a lesson I’m sure others may have already, over the years, realized. This translates into our daily lives, so let’s see it as an object lesson into how many of us might might improve in areas outside the game from what we learn here.
Why there’s "loot drama"
Earlier I tried inviting someone into a party to take out mobs. Not that I needed the help, or that i particularly think they did either, but because it would translate to a faster execution of the current quest. The person declined. Fair enough; however, it made me realize (re-realize, really) why there is at least 1 reason why bitter fighting over loot exists through out game play and at end game. Individuals have this ‘me, myself and I’ mentality as they play the game. Once a bottle neck in the form of content that rewards co-operation with other members of the community is encountered, there is also a road block in the mind that says, “well, if I’m here and I did something, I need to be rewarded.” And if this expectation is not met, then there is a problem.
Seeing someone else succeed, or getting ahead, whilst I am the same or not as prominently progressed, feeds thoughts of envy and therefore, breeds discontent. I am aware that the live servers of this game may facilitate this kind of exception of being rewarded personally, and having very little need of others’ help. However, me thinks the Power that is, may have allowed lessons like this to help us realize that selfishness is the root of every evils in, and out , of game.
What can be done?
Practice does not make perfect; it does however make permanent. Practicing selflessness, even though it is in a virtual world, where its practice(s) appear innocuously void of a real world connection, you’ll come to find that the benefits will over flow when they aren’t expected.
The chief joy of those benefits may just one day be the consciousness—and enjoyment— that you made someone else’s life’s burden a little lighter. It may look like a “Ty,” “thnx,” “Nice,” or even a “GG” Who can say when it’ll be your turn next?~
=)