Another point about video games is the convenience of it all. Why spend hundreds of thousands of dollars and man hours learning to fly a plane in the real world when all it takes is 50 bucks and a flight simulator on your computer?

In years there will be video games that are not limited by controllers, but rather your imagination. I’m sure that some sort of apparatus will be stuck to your head as you cruise through tunnels in a racing game or swing a sword in a mythical world. Until then, we have this thing called reality; maybe you’ve heard of it?

With games like “World of Warcraft” slowly taking over the world, it’s easy to see how kids (and adults) can lose touch with reality. Both have advantages and disadvantages, but which one is really good for the long haul?

Face the facts: Video games are fun, plain and simple. You can do anything in video games, from fly a plane to go fishing. Who needs real fishing when you’re guaranteed to catch something in the game?

Of course, there are games where you can kill people and steal cars, but no one in their sensible, honest and able-to-tell-reality-from-fiction mind would actually do anything like that.

Another point about video games is the convenience of it all. Why spend hundreds of thousands of dollars and man hours learning to fly a plane in the real world when all it takes is 50 bucks and a flight simulator on your computer?

Mistakes can be erased, lives done over and you can even save your progress. Many people forget things in the real world on a day-to-day basis. Video games never forget.

But convenience is a double-edged sword. You can easily miss out on so much in the real world by sitting at home playing “Halo,” like fresh air and sunlight.

Playing a real game of football is not only healthy for you, but also keeps you in contact with real people. And becoming a space marine is a much more rewarding experience in reality. Well, when we get that far into the future, anyway.

Granted, you can’t actually cast a fireball spell in the real world, though some would very much like to. That is why video games are there, so you can live out those fantasies. Some just take it farther than others (like every level 70 something or other on “World of Warcraft.”)

Actually visiting exotic places and meeting real people is something that may get lost soon. It’s even started already. You can go nearly anywhere in video games for quite cheap. It takes time and money to travel and not a lot of people have that.

In the end, however, reality is just much more rewarding. The work you put into it and the benefits in the end are what drive people to do the crazy things they do (like become a real pilot).

Who really cares if your level 68 warlock has the most uber armor in the game? Do you think your future boss cares? Is it something you can put on your resume? Does your significant other really care? Most likely, no.

So why not go unlock some real life achievements and level up in things like fitness, intelligence and a social life? Reality wins.

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