As Jake contemplated his response to Editor Evan’s “What are you grateful for?” post, he thought up of his favorite quarantine pastime, Call of Duty.

By Jake Sonderman

Saying that a shooter game is how I relax might be a shock to some, but, I am sure many people can relate to why I think so. Playing these games is, in a way, thoughtless. Many look to TV, fitness, listening to music, and art to let their mind relax. I also do these things, but since quarantine started, I’ve been playing more video games. I get to talk to Evan and take my mind off college work, work-work, school work, and the many other kinds of work that burden all of us. 

“Correlation does not equal causation.”

While the first connotations that shooter games like Call of Duty bring to mind involve blood, gore, and violence, I have not at all found that to be the case, most of the time. I would equate games like Call of Duty to dodgeball more than actual violence; players spawn into a small map and try to beat the other team by knocking out the other players or capturing a point. When a player “dies,” they either respawn instantly or wait for the next round (much like dodgeball). I am very critical of the claim that shooter games have made society more violent, as shooter games were introduced at the same time period as things like the internet and social media, which without a doubt have affected how violent we are as a society. But, as Ms. Mckee would say: “Correlation does NOT equal causation.” 

Zombies

If you didn’t know, a new Call of Duty came out recently set in the Cold War era, and I have to say I’m a fan. It has the much awaited arrival of the next zombies gamemode. If there is one thing more thoughtless and relaxing than normal Call of Duty, it is Call of Duty Zombies. It is a very cooperative game, and I have fun playing it with my aforementioned comrade, Evan Spry. Though I have to revive him many times a game, I couldn’t ask for a better partner. Sometimes Andrew, Co-Yearbook Editor, will join us (until his game crashes).

If it weren’t for this game, quarantine would have been much longer, I wouldn’t have stayed in touch with my friends, and the stress of senior year would have driven me pretty much insane. Sometimes, the small things like a game or a show can make a huge difference in your mood and well being. I am grateful for this small thing that has helped me stay calm, and I hope you all have something that has helped you through quarantine and will continue to keep you stay sane. 

What Are You Grateful for? Editor: Evan Spry