The modern era is considered to be the most advanced as far as entertainment based material in the field of games is concerned. Computer games are very popular among the new generation. Initially, it was Nintendo which ruled for a short period of time and gained immense success. SEGA, a modern version of Nintendo, with improved graphics and games won the hearts of millions. Then came a big twist in technology and games started being made on 3-D engines, which gave them a dramatic look. Now the advancement of technology has made these games even more interactive for the people.

The advent of the Internet has opened a gateway to an innovative style of gaming known as multi-player gaming. Just when you thought that the Internet could only be employed for chatting and surfing, the gaming industry introduced multi-player facilities for the users so that games could be played on another level against other people.

Pakistan has been very unfortunate in this regard; due to slow connection speed of the Internet Service Providers (ISPs), even chatting and surfing was difficult, so playing games online was considered to be a shaggy-dog story. This was a big hindrance for the gamers who did not have the opportunity to express their talent in the gaming world. Then someone came up with a brilliant idea and tons of gaming zones started to open in every city. In these gaming zones, several computers were connected through LAN (local area networking) and interesting games were installed on all the systems. The introduction of gaming zones was a big risk, as it was a totally new concept in Pakistan. But the lack of other sources of amusement gave the young generation a glimmer of hope in the form of gaming zones. The idea was brilliant and it worked like 'ecstasy’ for our entertainment deprived teenagers, as they found a new way to kill time and socialise with friends.

When you enter a gaming zone your friends welcome you; there are a bunch of guys mostly teenagers hanging out in groups, some smoking away, others bragging about their girlfriends and others engrossed in an exciting game, leaving their worries and tensions behind and trying to spend quality time with their friends. In bigger gaming zones there are smoking as well as non-smoking areas, so you can sit in the atmosphere of your choice and enjoy loud music which seems very annoying initially but you get used to it if you are a regular visitor.

Unfortunately, we don’t have good picnic spots. Most parents either don’t take interest in hanging out with their kids or don’t have time for it. Teens love to go to gaming zones, as there they can scream, shout or even dance sometimes. Once inside, they forget the outside world. There are also gaming tournaments in which different companies sponsor tournaments in the cities. In these tournaments you team up with your friends and play and the winners get a solid amount of money which is divided among the teammates.

Just in case you are thinking only boys go to gaming zones, you are absolutely wrong. Though very few in numbers, girls can also be seen playing games in the gaming zones. There are separate timing for girls and boys. I don’t know why but it makes me laugh when I see a girl playing games. But, hey, it’s the 21st Century and anything can happen.

As far as charges are concerned, the fare for an hour can range from Rs.40 to Rs.50. Some gaming zones also offer attractive packages for the gamers. Packages are set depending upon the location. Games like Medal of Honor: Allied Assault (MoHAA), Counter Strike (CS) and Defense of the Ancients (DotA) are some of the 'in’ games in the gaming world.

But like every other thing, gaming zones have their adverse effects as well. Many boys nowadays skip schools and tuitions to go to such places. Too much time spent in gaming zones can lead to low grades and lack of efficiency, not to forget the damage done to your eyes. So don’t waste your precious time by going overboard. After all, moderation is the key to success in life.

Besides wastage of time, money is also a big factor. When you start playing a game you get addicted to it and want to play it more and more until you realize that there is no more fuel left in the car, or pocket money in this case. This way a person spends more than he anticipates and ends up burning a big hole in his pocket. Nowadays, in families where both the parents are working, kids are left free to roam around the city with chauffeurs who take them wherever they want and do not even report it to the parents for fear of losing their jobs. In order to satisfy their desire for entertainment, many children end up stealing money only to spend it on gaming zones. Just when you thought that cyber cafes were destroying our youngsters the initiation of gaming zones have produced a similar outcome. But they are still better than cyber cafes as teenagers are safe from viewing indecent material on the Internet.

It’s not harmful to play games but when you become addicted to them, your studies start getting affected. I have seen many people lose their grades because of spending too much time in gaming zones.

It is the parents’ responsibility to ensure that their children do not deviate from the right path. But no matter how much you stop a child from going to such gaming arenas, he will resent you and will still go there. Therefore, if you can afford, you can set up the same system at your home by buying a few PCs and cables.

I am a gamer myself and I go to matches and tournaments, but I always tell my parents that I am going to the gaming club. I urge all you gamers out there not to hide anything from your parents. After all, they are the closest to you.

It’s true that playing games is a great source of entertainment for you, but give time to your family as well. And do not ignore your studies. It’s your education that will be beneficial for you - not the expertise you achieve in gaming.