Popular podcast host and UFC commentator Joe Rogan recently discussed his gaming history on his Spotify podcast and why he can't go back to a hobby he used to be firmly entrenched in. According to Rogan, he simply can't play video games anymore.
Joe Rogan was recently hosting episode 1666 of the "Joe Rogan Experience" Podcast on Spotify with comedian guest Duncan Trussell. Rogan and Trussell have a long history with each other and the comedian has joined the JRE multiple times. While discussing mental health and addiction with Trussell, Rogan opened up about his old video game addiction that made him walk away from the hobby entirely.
Among the countless guests Joe Rogan has had on the JRE was Counter-Strike professional Jordan "n0thing" Gilbert. Rogan still understands why video gaming is a huge industry despite his biases. Rogan often speaks fondly about his time gaming, most notably discussing his obsession with Quake several years ago. According to Rogan himself, video games are too exciting and fun to play casually. According to the family man, protecting his kids from his video game addiction problems is like protecting them from feral predators such as wolves.
Since the advent of video games, some are made more addicting than others, but Joe Rogan may not be able to play even the simpler titles. Rogan's comments suggest that he can't pick up and play any game for an hour based on his fear of getting stuck obsessing over it. Rogan specifically mentions that he laments the fact that he's such a simpleton as there are plenty of gamers who are capable of picking up a game for an hour or two then going about their lives. Rogan suggests that although this is possible with many gamers around the world, he can't be a casual gamer.
There are games that have a rewarding feedback loop that keeps players engaged for prolonged periods of time. Based on Joe Rogan's comments, even the simpler games that aren't designed with playing longevity in mind still entrance him. Almost all games have a common theme of improvement. Whether players are improving at puzzle-solving or slaying their enemies, most games will become easier as people play them. This is the aspect of gaming that Joe Rogan particularly struggles with. As he feels himself improving at and understanding games more, Rogan feels more stuck in the game.
"I get a better understanding of strafe jumping and where to aim with my rail gun, can’t do it. I’m too dumb. I get too excited. I get too locked in,” said Joe Rogan on episode 1666 of the Joe Rogan Experience on Spotify.
Like many parents, Joe Rogan wants to protect his children. This includes protecting them from Rogan's gaming addiction problems that he says were once as bad as alcohol abuse. On the other hand, plenty of parents are gamers. Countless parents will even introduce their children to video games and play them together. Just like gaming, there are many different ways to approach parenting and Joe Rogan hasn't claimed that his methods are superior to those of others.
Source: The Joe Rogan Experience - Spotify (via Dexerto)