This thread is purely educational, and a quest to grasp the psychology behind the phrase. Take the phrase as a cognitive response or an expression of a deeper truth. This is with regards to mapping/modding only.
So, what does it really mean when someone says something like, "I'm stopping this project because [words] real life [words]"?
Does a hobby get completely shut down by "real life"? What really is mapping/modding to you? Is it more than a hobby? Are not hobbies an essential part of a man's life for recreation and self-expression?
Why would someone say that "real life" puts an end to mapping/modding? How does "real life" put an end to mapping/modding?
What is "real life"? What do you see in your mind when you say, "real life" and having that in a sentence where the subject is about the future or present of your map/mod?
well, when you say something like G2G, real life calls, you really mean "something 10X more important just came up and it is way more pertinant than me playing this game." At least, that's how I hear it. I think it can be a bit misused but on the other hand, real life is what happens all around you and people tend to seperate that from what goes on inside a screen. Computer generated images, characteras for example, are not real, you can't reach into the screen and feel o let's say here, Nova's hair (it looks so very soft, lol).
ha, it does come up a lot. I'm guessing 'real life' in general is referring to everything else in a persons life that has a higher priority and not mapping/modding will have no significant impact on that persons life. In a deeper sense, mapping/ modding is part of 'life' but not real life. In a way, it's the same way we use, 'the real world'
Real Life means something that really matters, like your bills, job, and education. I'm pretty sure that if your car broke down, you wouldn't be all that concerned about how much you get to fiddle with the editor but would be very concerned about how you are going to get to work.
But why does it end a project/map/mod? Does this mean that in order for one to make map/mod, that parts of one's "real life" is sacrificed or set aside, and that mapping/modding and this "real life" (still have no idea what it is really) are mutually exclusive?
Can't one just go about one's "real life" and still come to spend and hour or so modding/mapping?
Like say, Fix the car, get to work, dinner, sex, watch movie, mapping, drink beer, sleep?
I say this because it is strange that a person values mapping/modding as if it competes with other things that are ever present in one's existence. Therefore, I ask again, what is "real life" really?
And most importantly, when you say, "real life" what does it really mean in regards to mapping/modding and the future/present condition/state of your modding/mapping?
because they do not manage their time wisely and it affects their friends or family. so in turn their friends or family tell them to get their priorities straight and this ultimately leads to them to the point of rationalizing why mapping/modding is irrelevant to their lives. something like that?
People say "Real life" because this is the internet and people tend to not like sharing personal non-internet-identity-based details about themselves. When "Real Life" gets in the way, it means there's something unavoidable or more important that requires time to be taken off from other aspects of one's day, like hobbies, which include the editor. If an internet related issue comes in the way, people will most likely say what it is. "I'm part of my guilds core raid group", "I've need to make regular content for my channel", or in other cases "I really need to work on this mod", which is why the phrase is "Real Life" - It's not connected to their internet identity but their real physical selves that goes to school/work and the likes.
"Real life" issues that pop up could be exams, getting a different shift at work, getting an extra shift, family related stuff (marriage, children, divorce), more "emberassing" issues (having to visit a shrink, court, doctor), or other things that people aren't keen on sharing with the interwebs, which is why the "Real life" phrase is used instead
At least that's what I think.
If you're asking specifically how "Real Life" stops a mod, meaning i misunderstood you're question, well, I guess it's either what Dalemil said, or there was a change in a person's life that changes the amount of time that person has for his hobbies. Maybe he needs more money for X and has to get a second job, maybe there's exams coming, maybe he finished studying and has to get a job, whatever.
I am (and maybe you are too) in the fortunate position to never have had enough work to do that It'd kill my gaming hobby.
Not everyone is that fortunate. Or maybe real-life things stress them out too much to actually enjoy mapping. Or maybe they just found a different hobby that they want to spend as much time on as possible.
One deadly, frightening word: Exams (Otherwise known as GCSEs). Personally, I won't have enough time for gaming in the next month or so, but after that I'll have 8 full weeks of concentrated boredom to work on my map during :D.
Nice one there Almighty. Yeah, the specifics wasn't what I'm after but more like the nature of the modding/mapping and how it relates to whom would give out a statement pertaining to one's modding/mapping endeavors with the idea "real life" as the prime factor for whatever decision was made.
I can understand financial difficulties. And to tell you it is presently one of my concerns, but to escape that dreadful reality (having absolutely no other alternative to gain more wealth; second jobs and jobs in particular are not only difficult to get here but also give out just a bowl of rice) and have some sense of actual inner freedom, self-actualization by expression and using of skill/talent/interest (dare I say, real interest or passion), I do mapping/modding.
I find it difficult to understand simply because to me personally, a man's passion and his involvement with it is what is "real life". I could do and be called a prostitute, a drug dealer, an assassin, a guy who picks up trash, the gardener, whatever, but what I do in that "realm of existence" is not genuine. Ergo, not "real life".
I still don't want to assume but I'm getting a general thought that maybe, just maybe, modding/mapping is not their passion? By passion I mean your hearts desire, the beating of your heart and soul?
So you guys understand where I'm coming from, and so gain some ground as to why I find it difficult to understand the intensity of modding/mapping interests:
When I was only 8 or maybe 7 years old, I was already making other versions of Mario Bro., Contra, Metal Gear, and cutting boxes to make models of dinosaurs, space ships, the x-wing, millenium falcon, fighters, etc. (they have moving parts :D ) Those games are of the Nintendo Family Home Entertainment System. When I was 14, I glared at the first PC and dreamed of making a game of my own. (I hope this is not revealing too much)
So, again, is it possible that the prime reason(substance) of the statement is their lack of interest in the matter? It's hard to assume that a man can have internet, a pc, starcraft 2, and be hard pressed financially. Family isn't an issue since they should be wise enough to let a person be happy and live a balanced life.
The highest priority is surviving. The second highest is living comfortably. For both, one generally needs money.
Mapping doesn't make people money, thus it is of lesser importance. The only reason it would take high priority is if they were doing an important project for their portfolio and that representation might grant them a job, which in turn earns them money.
Mapping also takes hours upon hours if one is to complete something and for it to be of high quality. Someone must weigh this as opposed to building relationships, and other hobbies and / or forms of entertainment.
To devote one's self entirely to mapping would, in most cases, be foolish; because this investment would earn them nothing, besides maybe a pat on the back by the mapping community and the possible appreciation of players who play it.
That's a good thought there Sephiex. That is actually real for some people. Yes, money can be a real motivator, but not everyone does everything for the sakes of it of course. Yes, such and the acquisition of such wealth is a passion for some.
So, say we reverse things. Money is modding, and modding is money. We are all here people of money. We make money. Someone says, "well, guys, here's my [source of money], real life beacons. I hope someone can make use of this and make their own [money making thing] prosper."
Then I'd say, "what is money making to you really?" What is "real life"?
The other motivation to create maps is to share an idea to others. To show others what one sees in their mind, and in this case it would be through the use of a Starcraft 2 map.
However, there are many limitations and hindrances, some or many of them being unseen at the beginning of a project. These hindrances are usually what discourage a once passionate mapmaker from finishing what they started.
In the case of Starcraft 2, the main hindrances have been caused by Blizzard, or at least appear that way.
Someone makes a map, but it is never even seen because it is not given an equal chance as other maps due to the popularity system. Someone makes a map, but it is banned for some unknown or vague reason. Someone makes a map, but a "patch" by Blizzard completely breaks a necessary function that previously worked.
Other hindrances are caused by limitations on the editor and its assets. From what I've seen, the mainly limited assets are in the sound department. All the music is one-sided; there is little variety. Often one needs other sounds for their idea / vision. Since music and sounds are fairly hard to create by the average mapmaker, they usually have to resort to taking copyrighted material, which can in turn lead to their map being banned.
While all this may not seem relevant to the "real life" excuse, it all adds up to a simply demoralized mapmaker...who now believes their time is better spent elsewhere, and their dreams will have to wait for a better opportunity and platform.
There are some who just make maps for their own enjoyment. I do this all the time. I let others play it if they like, but that's it. With the net and publishing, why not throw it in there. But yes you make a good point some:
1. Desire to have to share something they think good for themselves to others.
2. Desire to be appreciated or (insert other cognitive affects here) for giving others what they want/need.
3. Desire to create a change or revolution by example.
I understand completely what you speak of about limitations. Especially if the limited aspect is what the person actually have as the most crucial part of his/her work. But I've also seen modders that did what they could in a certain platform, not throwing all things away for one thing. Total War mods have had immense limitations, but wasn't really that of an issue since there was no flaunting by CA.
With regards to Blizzard and the current reaction of modders/mappers, IMO, this is mostly due to failed expectations. The system and all these has been discussed, or should I say, flamed to death ever since.
And to the main part, you say "real life" is a mere excuse, and that in actuality, they have either lost motivation, or have met an impasse so great they see themselves incapable of moving forward. That's interesting. In this case, it seems "real life" takes a whole new meaning, and could possibly point to a whole set of different things.
For the lol, "real life" could mean, "the reality of this that the popularity system is crap!" :D
Or as you stated above, "the reality of this that there isn't going to be a market place, and I'm not gonna sell because the popularity system is crap!" :D
heh, you just reminded me of me with your "makign other versions of mario"... I've always been making games. In 7th and 8th grade I had a game running that based on pieces of paper with stats of your character on em, and most of my class played it all the time and I was really happy with the game, especially how balance turned out (i had to nerf and buff stuff here and there, and I really enjoyed to see how everything evolved by itself - I actually didn't expect the balance to be what it was, and I really enjoyed seeing it evolve into what it was :) ). There was an even better game after that, but by that time everyone was "to cool" to play anything and it wasn't as popular (but it was really good)... I really miss those days :) I think its actually the only memory that can actually make me feel happy (And this is coming from a guy who's 16 and never expected to say those words)
The thing is, even though modding might be a sort of passions, there are things that come into the way of other people, and some don't set their priorities the same way as you and give up mapping. People have different priorities for it I guess, just as with everything else.
And financial and family issues aren't the only things that are counted as "Real Life" - People have school or jobs or other responsibilities, and some of those may change and disrupt their previous free time schedule and therefore cut into modding (if before you had all your responsibilities in the morning and therefore the afternoon off, and you get promoted or something and now you have the mornings free and afternoons you're busy, you'll sleep longer and stay up longer and other things will be a bit messy compared to your previous time schedule)
4 posts while i was writing/getting distracted... no time to read em at the moment... Hope im still on topic... Sleepy, good night guys
Awesome! Yeah, we use to fold paper on the sides to make a semi spring and when you press on either corner, the paper unit would move. :D
Yeah, I guess that's the broadest and most obvious reason/cause. And by what you say, taking this thought and place it on a person, I guess we could say, that guy/girl just "came by" to "Try" modding/mapping? It's like, "I have free time let's see what I can do." Some people say, "Let me set aside some time so I can try and see what I can do." Big difference, IMO.
Real Life is School for me. To somebody who is not in school, real Life is work and making money to live off of. Until we can sell our maps, "Real Life" > Sc2.... No matter how amazing the editor is :*(
You kind of answered the question in your opening post. Whenever someone tells me that he has to stop whatever game/online activity he liked because of 'real life' I'm assuming he's either lost interest in said activity or has been lost in that "this game ruined my life, I need to quit and 'be strong' so I can go to school and get a job" train of thought.
Real life is what ussualy non-gammers use to provoke gammers beacuse of spending too much time in front of a pc thinking that they do nothing in their life to feel supperior (psychology)... which all started in WoW...
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This thread is purely educational, and a quest to grasp the psychology behind the phrase. Take the phrase as a cognitive response or an expression of a deeper truth. This is with regards to mapping/modding only.
So, what does it really mean when someone says something like, "I'm stopping this project because [words] real life [words]"?
Does a hobby get completely shut down by "real life"? What really is mapping/modding to you? Is it more than a hobby? Are not hobbies an essential part of a man's life for recreation and self-expression?
Why would someone say that "real life" puts an end to mapping/modding? How does "real life" put an end to mapping/modding?
What is "real life"? What do you see in your mind when you say, "real life" and having that in a sentence where the subject is about the future or present of your map/mod?
Whatever you do, wholeheartedly, moment by heartfelt moment, becomes a tool for the expression of your very soul.
well, when you say something like G2G, real life calls, you really mean "something 10X more important just came up and it is way more pertinant than me playing this game." At least, that's how I hear it. I think it can be a bit misused but on the other hand, real life is what happens all around you and people tend to seperate that from what goes on inside a screen. Computer generated images, characteras for example, are not real, you can't reach into the screen and feel o let's say here, Nova's hair (it looks so very soft, lol).
ha, it does come up a lot. I'm guessing 'real life' in general is referring to everything else in a persons life that has a higher priority and not mapping/modding will have no significant impact on that persons life. In a deeper sense, mapping/ modding is part of 'life' but not real life. In a way, it's the same way we use, 'the real world'
Real Life means something that really matters, like your bills, job, and education. I'm pretty sure that if your car broke down, you wouldn't be all that concerned about how much you get to fiddle with the editor but would be very concerned about how you are going to get to work.
But why does it end a project/map/mod? Does this mean that in order for one to make map/mod, that parts of one's "real life" is sacrificed or set aside, and that mapping/modding and this "real life" (still have no idea what it is really) are mutually exclusive?
Can't one just go about one's "real life" and still come to spend and hour or so modding/mapping?
Like say, Fix the car, get to work, dinner, sex, watch movie, mapping, drink beer, sleep?
I say this because it is strange that a person values mapping/modding as if it competes with other things that are ever present in one's existence. Therefore, I ask again, what is "real life" really?
And most importantly, when you say, "real life" what does it really mean in regards to mapping/modding and the future/present condition/state of your modding/mapping?
Whatever you do, wholeheartedly, moment by heartfelt moment, becomes a tool for the expression of your very soul.
@GnaReffotsirk: Go
because they do not manage their time wisely and it affects their friends or family. so in turn their friends or family tell them to get their priorities straight and this ultimately leads to them to the point of rationalizing why mapping/modding is irrelevant to their lives. something like that?
Yeah, that's a good way of addressing the question. More of a digging the roots, yes.
Maybe there are other truths though. That could be one, yes. Possibly, but not all.
Whatever you do, wholeheartedly, moment by heartfelt moment, becomes a tool for the expression of your very soul.
People say "Real life" because this is the internet and people tend to not like sharing personal non-internet-identity-based details about themselves. When "Real Life" gets in the way, it means there's something unavoidable or more important that requires time to be taken off from other aspects of one's day, like hobbies, which include the editor. If an internet related issue comes in the way, people will most likely say what it is. "I'm part of my guilds core raid group", "I've need to make regular content for my channel", or in other cases "I really need to work on this mod", which is why the phrase is "Real Life" - It's not connected to their internet identity but their real physical selves that goes to school/work and the likes.
"Real life" issues that pop up could be exams, getting a different shift at work, getting an extra shift, family related stuff (marriage, children, divorce), more "emberassing" issues (having to visit a shrink, court, doctor), or other things that people aren't keen on sharing with the interwebs, which is why the "Real life" phrase is used instead
At least that's what I think.
If you're asking specifically how "Real Life" stops a mod, meaning i misunderstood you're question, well, I guess it's either what Dalemil said, or there was a change in a person's life that changes the amount of time that person has for his hobbies. Maybe he needs more money for X and has to get a second job, maybe there's exams coming, maybe he finished studying and has to get a job, whatever.
@GnaReffotsirk: Go
I am (and maybe you are too) in the fortunate position to never have had enough work to do that It'd kill my gaming hobby.
Not everyone is that fortunate. Or maybe real-life things stress them out too much to actually enjoy mapping. Or maybe they just found a different hobby that they want to spend as much time on as possible.
One deadly, frightening word: Exams (Otherwise known as GCSEs). Personally, I won't have enough time for gaming in the next month or so, but after that I'll have 8 full weeks of concentrated boredom to work on my map during :D.
Nice one there Almighty. Yeah, the specifics wasn't what I'm after but more like the nature of the modding/mapping and how it relates to whom would give out a statement pertaining to one's modding/mapping endeavors with the idea "real life" as the prime factor for whatever decision was made.
I can understand financial difficulties. And to tell you it is presently one of my concerns, but to escape that dreadful reality (having absolutely no other alternative to gain more wealth; second jobs and jobs in particular are not only difficult to get here but also give out just a bowl of rice) and have some sense of actual inner freedom, self-actualization by expression and using of skill/talent/interest (dare I say, real interest or passion), I do mapping/modding.
I find it difficult to understand simply because to me personally, a man's passion and his involvement with it is what is "real life". I could do and be called a prostitute, a drug dealer, an assassin, a guy who picks up trash, the gardener, whatever, but what I do in that "realm of existence" is not genuine. Ergo, not "real life".
I still don't want to assume but I'm getting a general thought that maybe, just maybe, modding/mapping is not their passion? By passion I mean your hearts desire, the beating of your heart and soul?
So you guys understand where I'm coming from, and so gain some ground as to why I find it difficult to understand the intensity of modding/mapping interests:
When I was only 8 or maybe 7 years old, I was already making other versions of Mario Bro., Contra, Metal Gear, and cutting boxes to make models of dinosaurs, space ships, the x-wing, millenium falcon, fighters, etc. (they have moving parts :D ) Those games are of the Nintendo Family Home Entertainment System. When I was 14, I glared at the first PC and dreamed of making a game of my own. (I hope this is not revealing too much)
So, again, is it possible that the prime reason(substance) of the statement is their lack of interest in the matter? It's hard to assume that a man can have internet, a pc, starcraft 2, and be hard pressed financially. Family isn't an issue since they should be wise enough to let a person be happy and live a balanced life.
Whatever you do, wholeheartedly, moment by heartfelt moment, becomes a tool for the expression of your very soul.
The highest priority is surviving. The second highest is living comfortably. For both, one generally needs money.
Mapping doesn't make people money, thus it is of lesser importance. The only reason it would take high priority is if they were doing an important project for their portfolio and that representation might grant them a job, which in turn earns them money.
Mapping also takes hours upon hours if one is to complete something and for it to be of high quality. Someone must weigh this as opposed to building relationships, and other hobbies and / or forms of entertainment.
To devote one's self entirely to mapping would, in most cases, be foolish; because this investment would earn them nothing, besides maybe a pat on the back by the mapping community and the possible appreciation of players who play it.
That's a good thought there Sephiex. That is actually real for some people. Yes, money can be a real motivator, but not everyone does everything for the sakes of it of course. Yes, such and the acquisition of such wealth is a passion for some.
So, say we reverse things. Money is modding, and modding is money. We are all here people of money. We make money. Someone says, "well, guys, here's my [source of money], real life beacons. I hope someone can make use of this and make their own [money making thing] prosper."
Then I'd say, "what is money making to you really?" What is "real life"?
Whatever you do, wholeheartedly, moment by heartfelt moment, becomes a tool for the expression of your very soul.
The other motivation to create maps is to share an idea to others. To show others what one sees in their mind, and in this case it would be through the use of a Starcraft 2 map.
However, there are many limitations and hindrances, some or many of them being unseen at the beginning of a project. These hindrances are usually what discourage a once passionate mapmaker from finishing what they started.
In the case of Starcraft 2, the main hindrances have been caused by Blizzard, or at least appear that way.
Someone makes a map, but it is never even seen because it is not given an equal chance as other maps due to the popularity system. Someone makes a map, but it is banned for some unknown or vague reason. Someone makes a map, but a "patch" by Blizzard completely breaks a necessary function that previously worked.
Other hindrances are caused by limitations on the editor and its assets. From what I've seen, the mainly limited assets are in the sound department. All the music is one-sided; there is little variety. Often one needs other sounds for their idea / vision. Since music and sounds are fairly hard to create by the average mapmaker, they usually have to resort to taking copyrighted material, which can in turn lead to their map being banned.
While all this may not seem relevant to the "real life" excuse, it all adds up to a simply demoralized mapmaker...who now believes their time is better spent elsewhere, and their dreams will have to wait for a better opportunity and platform.
Again another good thought.
There are some who just make maps for their own enjoyment. I do this all the time. I let others play it if they like, but that's it. With the net and publishing, why not throw it in there. But yes you make a good point some:
1. Desire to have to share something they think good for themselves to others.
2. Desire to be appreciated or (insert other cognitive affects here) for giving others what they want/need.
3. Desire to create a change or revolution by example.
I understand completely what you speak of about limitations. Especially if the limited aspect is what the person actually have as the most crucial part of his/her work. But I've also seen modders that did what they could in a certain platform, not throwing all things away for one thing. Total War mods have had immense limitations, but wasn't really that of an issue since there was no flaunting by CA.
With regards to Blizzard and the current reaction of modders/mappers, IMO, this is mostly due to failed expectations. The system and all these has been discussed, or should I say, flamed to death ever since.
And to the main part, you say "real life" is a mere excuse, and that in actuality, they have either lost motivation, or have met an impasse so great they see themselves incapable of moving forward. That's interesting. In this case, it seems "real life" takes a whole new meaning, and could possibly point to a whole set of different things.
For the lol, "real life" could mean, "the reality of this that the popularity system is crap!" :D
Or as you stated above, "the reality of this that there isn't going to be a market place, and I'm not gonna sell because the popularity system is crap!" :D
Whatever you do, wholeheartedly, moment by heartfelt moment, becomes a tool for the expression of your very soul.
I see what you mean...
heh, you just reminded me of me with your "makign other versions of mario"... I've always been making games. In 7th and 8th grade I had a game running that based on pieces of paper with stats of your character on em, and most of my class played it all the time and I was really happy with the game, especially how balance turned out (i had to nerf and buff stuff here and there, and I really enjoyed to see how everything evolved by itself - I actually didn't expect the balance to be what it was, and I really enjoyed seeing it evolve into what it was :) ). There was an even better game after that, but by that time everyone was "to cool" to play anything and it wasn't as popular (but it was really good)... I really miss those days :) I think its actually the only memory that can actually make me feel happy (And this is coming from a guy who's 16 and never expected to say those words)
The thing is, even though modding might be a sort of passions, there are things that come into the way of other people, and some don't set their priorities the same way as you and give up mapping. People have different priorities for it I guess, just as with everything else.
And financial and family issues aren't the only things that are counted as "Real Life" - People have school or jobs or other responsibilities, and some of those may change and disrupt their previous free time schedule and therefore cut into modding (if before you had all your responsibilities in the morning and therefore the afternoon off, and you get promoted or something and now you have the mornings free and afternoons you're busy, you'll sleep longer and stay up longer and other things will be a bit messy compared to your previous time schedule)
4 posts while i was writing/getting distracted... no time to read em at the moment... Hope im still on topic... Sleepy, good night guys
Awesome! Yeah, we use to fold paper on the sides to make a semi spring and when you press on either corner, the paper unit would move. :D
Yeah, I guess that's the broadest and most obvious reason/cause. And by what you say, taking this thought and place it on a person, I guess we could say, that guy/girl just "came by" to "Try" modding/mapping? It's like, "I have free time let's see what I can do." Some people say, "Let me set aside some time so I can try and see what I can do." Big difference, IMO.
Grats on a successful game there, btw. :)
Whatever you do, wholeheartedly, moment by heartfelt moment, becomes a tool for the expression of your very soul.
Real Life is School for me. To somebody who is not in school, real Life is work and making money to live off of. Until we can sell our maps, "Real Life" > Sc2.... No matter how amazing the editor is :*(
@GnaReffotsirk: Go
You kind of answered the question in your opening post. Whenever someone tells me that he has to stop whatever game/online activity he liked because of 'real life' I'm assuming he's either lost interest in said activity or has been lost in that "this game ruined my life, I need to quit and 'be strong' so I can go to school and get a job" train of thought.
Real life is what ussualy non-gammers use to provoke gammers beacuse of spending too much time in front of a pc thinking that they do nothing in their life to feel supperior (psychology)... which all started in WoW...