By Chaz Hamilton
ID: 22349
Last article, I spoke about the players. This time I want to talk about another recent development reflecting an important aspect of the game.
#3: The Heroes
At its essence, this game is about heroes. I'm not saying this to infer any one type of hero is right or wrong. There are the cape wearing good guys, the dark and brooding vigilanties, the anti-heroes, the ones who do right to earn redemption, and so many others. Each one has their purpose and defining characteristics. The variety of powers is vast, but what they do with them is even more so.
If you haven't already, you can look at a character's profile page to find some creative origin stories. Many dating back for longer than the game has existed. Some heroes changed by Morphon exposure, some by supernatural or paranormal means, and others alien to our world with powers of their own.
Heroes break the mold, going beyond to do what is right, just, or, for some, retributive. They have purposes, weaknesses, connections, and everything other quality we as humans have. And I think that comic books were the first truly unique American art form, introducing the young and old readers to stories of bigger than life heroes in a new 4-color way.
Like I mentioned earlier, recent developments in game have shown that ordinary people in an online game can be extraordinary as well. A player made a mistake that in the long run could have been very hard to recover from. But instead of players coveting their gains, many freely offered to return the items.
That is heroism to me. Doing what is right even if it means a personal sacrifice and leaves them without reward. That is a good example of many of the players of this game.
That describes some of the heroism within the game, but there are also examples of it outside the game as well. Players and developers have both supported one another in real life events. For example, Norman Kzaz has participated in fundraisers for helping fight childhood cancer. People involved in this game have supported and donated to his efforts. I am sure there are other examples of this, but this is the most recent one I have seen to comment on.
Stepping out and helping a friend to support something they care for, especially if it is one you only know online, is heroism in my opinion.
To all our first responders, teachers, and other essential workers who play this game. Thank you, you are a hero to me. I may never know you in person, but I am grateful for what you do for those who need you.
So, to the heroes in game, fighting villains and masterminds in game. I salute what you stand for. To those who are heroes in real life by doing what is just and helping others, I give you my thanks. You make the world a better place for your efforts. Thank you!
Remember, this isn't a Letterman's Top 10 list, although those are pretty awesome, but topics I am grateful for. If you would like to add some different thoughts, feel free to message me or post them and tag Chaz Hamilton on Facebook. I will make sure to share them with our Sentinel readers.
See you tomorrow.
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