Consume Product

>Yeah, the sum total of my ‘media consumption’ for over a decade has just been video games, and it always seems I play the same ones from years ago which are certain not to include any propaganda.

>precisely what i'm still doing to this day

Same, and I bring the kids along for the ride.

I don't think there's anything inherently wrong with fiction, or even escapism to an extent, especially considering the world we live in. It's good to be able to play out the role of a selfless hero, brave adventurer, or skilled operator in scenarios where those are considered positive, even if you're not actually doing those things.

Kids, in particular, need something to aspire to and they're so lacking in real world role models that even adults are unable to chose a good direction. At least if they're playing a character who helps every village they come across, or boldly steps into the unknown, or constantly masters new ideas and abilites, they've got a template for what they should strive for in the real world.

The problem with newer games, almost entirely, is they're evil. Morally gray, at best. You're no longer playing a pillar of society, you're a thief, a thug, an assassin, or "just surviving" a world with no moral standards. No different from living your regular life except the risk is removed; true escapism.

On top of that, the adventuring has been replaced with quest markers and competence replaced with ease of use and "skill based" matchmaking. Outside a few gems, there's nothing even to get good at.