Author Spotlight: David Locke and My Love for Games
From the nostalgia-infused nights of 8-bit adventures to the vast, interconnected worlds of MMORPGs, video gaming has played a critical role in my journey through life.
A Pixelated Dawn
The year was 1989, a cornerstone in my gaming saga when my father brought home a Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). The console was not just a box of wires and cartridges; it was a treasure chest that unlocked endless worlds of wonder for my sister and me. The first gems we unearthed from this trove were the iconic 'Mario 1' and 'Duckhunt'. The simple yet captivating gameplay became our nightly ritual, our own version of a digital campfire around which we gathered.
My father loved watching us play but anytime we tried to hand him the controller he was not interested. My sister and I would play for hours on weekends and our game library expanded. The reality was I had a problem. I was addicted to video games. I'm not ashamed to admit it. I would wake up in the middle of the night and secretly play while my family slept. My covert operation of playing at the ungodly hour of 4 AM did not go unnoticed. One night my mother woke to get some water and I was caught! My parents decided to disconnect the NES, hoping to instill some time management skills in their young game enthusiast. They set some rules up like for every hour I played I had to play an hour outside.
Genesis of a New Era
Time passed, but my passion for video games didn't wane. I soon became the proud owner of a Sega Genesis. The console choice was crucial for me; it wasn't just about having the latest gadget - it was about the experience. I wanted the real blood in 'Mortal Combat', a desire that, admittedly, was not universally shared in my household. My dad found the fatalities amusing, a stark contrast to my mom’s disapproval.
The World of Warcraft and Beyond
Fast forward to the release of 'World of Warcraft' in 2004, and I was hooked once more. The game wasn't just a pastime; it became a second life. I joined a guild, partaking in raids and the incessant quest for better gear. It was in this virtual world that I not only honed my strategic and team-building skills but also fostered a deep appreciation for immersive storytelling and world-building.
The Digital Renaissance
The following years were marked by exploring various MMORPGs and FPS games. Each title brought with it a fresh set of challenges and experiences, shaping my understanding of what makes games compelling and enjoyable.
Crafting Sidecade
This brings us to today and the inception of Sidecade. My history with video games isn't just a series of fond memories; it's the bedrock upon which Sidecade is built. Sidecade is the culmination of my lifelong passion, a tool that embodies the joy and accessibility I believe games should provide. It's my homage to the industry and an invitation to gamers everywhere to never stop playing, no matter where they are on the web.