I like to let the game take over, whilst sitting on the sofa I stare wide eyed at the screen anticipating each lurking zombie and hidden soldier. I work myself into a state of intense awareness, focused in a unique way.

If I was to be offered a cup of tea during this time I would probably just grunt at the offerer and maybe wave them off in the way that really irritating people do. If someone came round and buzzed the doorbell I would be most annoyed that I had to press the pause button while I went to tell them that ‘I am about to go out and can’t possibly let them come up for a chat’. And if my home was to be attacked by a mob of crazy burglars, I would probably just ignore them until they started trying to steal the TV.

I know many people who game purely for this focused escapism state, however it is not the reason why I game. The thing I really love is the way it lets me see the world. Everyday things become wonderful when you are a gamer; a mere stroll to the shops can contain a wealth of imaginary fun.

That dark alleyway is filled with ninjas waiting in the gloom.  They hide behind the trash cans and hang off the drain pipes. The old lady walking along the street towards them is in fact about to throw off her disguise, rip out of her skin, and unfurl huge clawed wings and shimmering silvery dreadlocks. The ninjas will spring into action and the battle will begin. Unfortunately I will not see it as I have by this point gone into Tesco to buy some milk, and by the time I get out the world will have been quietly saved from the forces of evil.

That flag pole, below the open window, is the perfect escape route. If only I could reach it, but alas it is too high. Then I see it - the arched doorway that protrudes slightly from the wall that will make the perfect grip from which to leap to the opposite building and perch on the window sill. From there I can climb the ivy to a comfortable height and execute an exquisite back flip to the flagpole. Unfortunately I have to get this milk home and put it in the fridge before the freak heat wave curdles it to cheese, so the demons will just have to chase me another time.

That big warehouse with all the oil drums outside is where the enemy are camping. I get on my radio and tell the troops to move into the area. They swarm around the buildings and hide in windows and around corners. On my command the first shot is fired into an oil drum and the fantastic explosion sends waves of panic through the enemy.  They scatter. My men begin to pick them off one by one until the area is clear. They then move cautiously towards the perimeter hoping that some of the hostages inside will be safe. Unfortunately I have to move on as I really do want to have this cup of tea which required me to go and get milk in the first place.

Once back home again I can dampen out the outside world by switching on the Playstation and wondering just how to defeat this boss who is five times my size and seemingly on fire.

So I put forward the question: why do you game?? What do you really get out of your many hours, sitting, controller in hand?? Is it the wonder of an imaginary world or just satisfying a lust for conquest?? Maybe it is the hunger to achieve, to win. Or possibly a perfect way to melt off that stressful day at the office??

So many questions, so little time.