I think you are touching the iceburg's tip. The economy is indeed an important factor, but so is the feeling of having some control, this is why drinking becomes much more prevalent in statistic nations: getting drunk is one of the only things they can control.
Another factor is the demeaning of maleness, this is so prevalent in our society that it's become unconscious. Just look at guys in commercials: incompetent, dumber than any woman or child, and otherwise a buffoon.
Consider how many boys get drugged because they act like... boys. Consider what happens if you bring up something that is constitutionally-illegal that the government is doing, usually under statute, and how easily dismissed your arguments are. (Obama's eligibility, Fast & Furious, lots of state courts, lots of state governments.)
Games are one of the few places where a guy can be unapologetically competitive; where what he does matters ("I just saved the world!").
“I think you are touching the iceburg’s tip. The economy is indeed an important factor, but so is the feeling of having some control, this is why drinking becomes much more prevalent in statistic nations: getting drunk is one of the only things they can control.
Another factor is the demeaning of maleness, this is so prevalent in our society that it’s become unconscious. Just look at guys in commercials: incompetent, dumber than any woman or child, and otherwise a buffoon.
Consider how many boys get drugged because they act like... boys. Consider what happens if you bring up something that is constitutionally-illegal that the government is doing, usually under statute, and how easily dismissed your arguments are. (Obama’s eligibility, Fast & Furious, lots of state courts, lots of state governments.)
Games are one of the few places where a guy can be unapologetically competitive; where what he does matters (”I just saved the world!”).”
Your analysis is a great insight. Thanks.