Why FPS Games Are So Addicting

FPS games are addicting, but just HOW addicting are they? and why? It has to do with a little chemical in your brain you may have heard of, but may not understand in relation to virtual game playing. It helped your ancestors survive, but too much of anything isn't good, as any addict can attest to. We'll take a close look at the mind-body connection in a way not a lot of gaming channels have, and invite you to learn about the fascinating interplays. You may be surprised to find hunting a great beast and getting a high ladder rank share more in common than you may think
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[@pestofan3]

I just realized i had never heard Jeff Bezos speak before and it is not what i expected

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

That episode of the Lex Fridman pod is very very interesting

[@phleetofph0gg]

same lol

[@Maximus0451]

In high school, I was a high functioning Siege and XCOM 2 addict. I graduated with a 3.7 GPA. Now, I’m finishing up my electrical engineering degree at my university. I’ve gotten a lot better with managing priorities after languishing my first few years of uni. I still try to find time to play Siege or other games with my friends, but it’s not to the level it was in high school. Though, I’ve gotten way more into cars these past few years and it makes my wallet cry. On the flip side, I go out a lot more to meets and such. I guess you win some, you lose some.

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

Hey, I'm about to contract car addiction too! Let's go.

[@Maximus0451]

@@TheCouch-Co-Op What car would a couch drive?

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

A Chevy

[@Maximus0451]

@@TheCouch-Co-Op Fair enough

[@macromage]

ah man i was a cod addict thru covid, finished year 10 in the middle of covid, flunking english and geography, and smashing maths, woodtech, and engineering and became an apprentice, about to finish up this year as a fitter and machinist, and ive contracted the love for cars to, been modding my 1998 sf forester, lowered it, wired in subwoofers, next is sway bars.

[@klemintime1452]

More people need to watch this channel; 60 seconds in and I'm straight up in a PBS documentary about our favorite topic. Don't stop cooking G!

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

Gouch chef-op

[@minecraftman54213]

oh so this channel is ONLY BANGERS; ok, notifs are on

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

Heck yeah

[@nolainacorolla2556]

Operation Notifs is a go I repeat Notifs is a go 🪖🔔

[@MarwinO3]

When you hit the Modern Warfare 2 2009 nostalgia I knew you meant business.

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

We're cooking

[@Anonymous25491]

As I get older the cheap dopamine games actually turn me off, I am enjoying Siege on weekends only after all my work is complete for the week.

[@awrsish]

thing is that if you’re balls deep into the competitive shooters, moving to a more sustainable way of playing them means you’re gonna get cooked by players who’ve been playing non stop for 10 hours if you’re already in a good rank

[@MiseryDuke69]

This voice definitely sounds familiar. Big G is that you? I love the nonR6 content man

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

Who that

[@landrychamberlain5037]

Yeah who that

[@Bolden585]

I thought it was AI ?

[@Shadow-sg1ws]

I knew I wasn’t the only one who thought he sounded like Gregor😂

[@Bolden585]

@@TheCouch-Co-Op Big G ?... the plot thickens

[@UltimateArts13]

This was so good on the topic of addiction it made me poor my drink down the drain while watching

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

[@Doc41295]

I like the conclusion. I met several friends through siege that I've been playing with for years. One visited me for the eclipse and I'm going to another's wedding this fall. The social aspect is huge.

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

That's awesome! I've made lifelong friends through Siege.

[@Doc41295]

@@TheCouch-Co-Op My friends are the biggest reason that I keep coming back to video games. I don't get to play as much as I used to but even with a new career, 9 month old baby, and a multitude of other interests I still make some time for a few rounds with the boys.

[@roadrider720]

Thanks for uploading. I have been bored all day and this video is just what I needed.

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

When the video about dealing with boredom alleviates boredom

[@coldfries8976]

Crazy production quality.... keep it up man!

[@cMarshallGo_]

That was super interesting, Thanks for another great video Couch!

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

We love couch

[@oodam]

What an amazing video covering such a broad range of topics. The effort you put into your content doesn’t go unnoticed. Loved every moment of it and keep up the great work!

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

Thanks a ton!

[@w1ndt]

This video is really good. I used yo be really addicted to fps games. Nowadays I still play them but maybe at most few hours a day.

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

Glad to hear you made a positive adjustment!

[@Krahe73]

I've been enjoying your content for the last couple of nights while reminiscing on the 'good old days' of modern warfare 2007. As a 30+ FPS enjoyer I've grown disappointed on how the genre has skewed to appeal to a new demographic (i.e. hero shooters, celebrities as playable characters, in-game ad campaign for the latest series, etc.). I find myself getting fond of games that appeal to what shooters used to be, and in consequence I also find myself spending more and more time playing them. This sentiment can be even a greater hook than the competitive aspect of an FPS or the stimuli. That is how I now got back into R6 after years of not playing, and I'm enjoying my time on it. Maybe it's just me, but at this time in my life, I'd stick with any shooter that isn't willing to sell its soul to the highest bidder and respects the experience that it offered since the beginning to its players. There's no feeling like the feeling of belonging, and with all the different FPS games out there, it's easier (sometimes) to find the right place for one-self. And once you find it, win or lose... you enjoy taking part on it because you vibe with the world/gameplay they game offers you for your time. Great video, great topic, will be on the lookout for the next one :D

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

[@lokiwanderz]

There are two parts to the idea of addiction. Firstly the activity needs to be very dopaminergic. Secondly it needs to get rid of pain in some way. Almost every successful product in the world that people have or desire encapsulate those attributes. (At the very least the taking pain away part) As for: Smoking, alcohol, gaming, internet, shopping, eating addictions… Feel shitty about your looks and wanna get more fit? Buy this supplement and exercise program. Feel shitty about the way you treat people, or things you’ve done in the past? Drink until you forget all about it. Hate the way people treat you in real life and have a lack of intimate relationships in real life? Well you can have those in the sphere of online gaming my friend! The main idea here is that being addicted to gambling and games is always a matter of ‘why’ you do something. For people that have ample personal connections and meaningful things for them in their lives, I doubt gaming addiction would be a factor for those people in their lives. As soon as you do something to cope with negative emotions - that’s when it becomes a problematic / addictive behavior.

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

Ding ding

[@aresgodofwar7401]

My story is simple im a recovering Destiny 2 addict. I havent touched the game in a full year and boy does it feel great to not be weighed down by fomo. I still play fps games however I made it my life goal to never purchase micro transactions again. Still working on that last part lol 🤣

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

Believe

[@wapiti89]

Bro your new channel is so good ! Omg keep it up

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

Thanks!!

[@hatetheclouds190]

I needed this, thank you.

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

[@Mattznick]

this channel has easily become one of my new favorites and you only have like 7 videos lol

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

Thanks!

[@ten-dimension9390]

Despite of playing many games, I myself never felt addicted to something. Maybe because I am constantly changing game genres. And I am so Thankful that I never experienced it. So I couldn't understand everything completely but I can Imagine what it would look like. But It was a really engaging video. I like your style.

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

Thank you!

[@BAC-ElGuapo222]

What a great short doc!!! I feel seen. 😂

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

[@YaGirlGumption]

G BUDDY SINCE FUCKING WHEN DID YOU DO THIS??? WHY AM I JUST LEARNING ABOUT THIS CHANNEL??

[@ReinMixTape]

When I actively played FPS games, I would refuse to stop playing until I ended on a win (W.) Even though I don't play FPS games anymore, I still like things I do or am involved in to end on a win (W.)

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

Same

[@user-mm4wk3sr9m]

now im a burnt out 30 year old on fps games

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

Real 😭

[@spleebing]

Awesome video!!

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

Thanks!

[@Soar_Lean]

Just found ur channel love the vids really well done and edited. Keep it up if these were posted on like ACTMAN’s channel u would get way more views and subs. Keep it up sure those will come in volumes soon

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

That's the plan!

[@GstarWez]

Keep up the good work man! Your doing ah great job 💯 this is the type of channel where I look at the subscribers & have to double take! The content is definitely up to par W/ that of 500,000+ sub count KZbinrs

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

I appreciate that!

[@James_Apk]

Wow. Informative yet so entertaining. Easy Subscribe!

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

That's the idea! Thanks!

[@dav786]

Urban planning and city design affects every part of our lives. People dont realize how important it is to have third places, walkable space, public transport etc

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

I am team train

[@TheFuri0uswc]

I was playing lego batman in 2009. I've never heard cod back then.

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

Smart

[@ThunderHOWL16]

chad

[@BenHussGaming]

What a great video, this is top tier! I learned a lot and it opened so many mind doors I know I'm going to explore. I hope I'll create content as good someday.

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

[@ThunderHOWL16]

definitely feel like i waste too much time on FPS games. usually i end up bored of them after a bit a need a couple weeks break. having other hobbies, like exercising or creative pursuits help me keep my gaming habits healthy.

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

100%! Glad to see it.

[@sges]

ts deserves way more views great video

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

Glad you think so!

[@Bolden585]

Where's the couch co-op content ? im confused ?

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

This is the couch co-op content

[@Bolden585]

@@TheCouch-Co-Op 🤣🤣 Really ! Did you write that or did 'In the black' Me thinks the actual Couch Coop needs to see this,

[@ShingoKirishima1997]

Another banger video documentary. Sadly, I've fallen into this trap. I blame Black Ops II, that game was so much fun it started an addiction. Even to this day I wanna play COD even if it's just Free Weekends or Betas, and the COD addiction led me down the road of other series. As of now I've hopped into more varied genres but some day I still get that urge to play an FPS again

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

Got bit by the Valorant bug recently

[@alexchaput5146]

Nice work amigo

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

Coucho

[@josephmason6372]

I was finally able to kick my fps addiction after having to solo queue Rainbow 6 Siege after my friends stopped playing.

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

Solo queue Siege is rough, sorry you did that to yourself.

[@krisztheenderslime7671]

The only thing i know for real is that i have more fun coding a minecraft datapack than playing minecraft..... anyway. What keeps me addicted to a game in its most simple form is how the gameplay feels and how the gameplay, balancing, visual design and sound design comes together perfectly, fitting like puzzle pieces. (big plus if i can make my character feel like that game's version of me). I can litarally keep replaying Sonic generations and Spark 3 or i can just keep fighting enemies in DMC5 or i can go through the same heist over and over in Payday 2 or just keep playing Titanfall 2 without getting bored of them. There is a reason i cant bring myself to play games like apex, fortnite, the newer call of dutyes and some other games, is cause i have fun with some of the elements of them but they just doesnt fit together for me.

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

Sometimes you just outgrow some design elements too.

[@Beppylisa]

That war thunder drop was not expected

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

Nobody expects operant conditioning

[@goldeneyegaming5439]

Welcome back!

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

many more to come

[@ThatGuyWierd]

This is mainly a damning summary of the psychology and and effects and inner design of games. I fit right into that catagory of functional addict. Im a pro kick boxer at Europeean level wth a record of 12-1, i earn decent money in my day job ad purses from fights help so im a productive member of society....but i love me some warzone. Ive played it near enough every day for about 2 hoirs since 2020. If i grt spare time when not with the missus working or training, ill play as much warzone as i can. Ive had breaks over he years but only to play other games untill im ready to be bsck. I know its a waste of time and takes away reom oher areas of life and ill grt behind on housework or other tasks but i have loved games ever since i was a kid playing cod 4. Now im 28 and still looking forward to a dose of cod when all my tasks for tje say are completed. Part of me says i hey plenty of people sit watching Netflix all night so what if you like to game i your spare time? Other part of me knows it goes beyond enjoying some gamig and that i kind of have a problem.

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

Competition is a helluva drug.

[@sammyjay5027]

Another couch co-op banger 🔥🔥🔥

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

Common Couch Co-Op W

[@-ev1l562]

Shit, in 2009, I was queueing up for Halo 3 lobbies and trying to master the sniper rifle, but I feel you with the cod thing.

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

That golden age of Halo was awesome to be a part of

[@kobus9795]

This one hit me hard, it's so relatable it's almost scary.

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

We're all gonna make it.

[@Rexxxed]

As dramatic as this comment may seem, I do feel as though as I get older, the need to game diminishes. Not because games are less fun, or less engaging; rather, it’s that they’re getting incredibly engaging and entertaining. When I was 16 getting lost in a game with no responsibilities, I thought “this is awesome! What a great game!” Where as now it’s more like “This game is awesome, but I feel like I could be doing more with my life”. I love gaming, and have been playing games longer than I can remember. But I feel as though I’m reaching an age where my real life really intrudes on my gaming life in a way that says that these flashy new games aren’t good for me. I could be doing more than grinding overwatch ranked or something. Maybe it’s just me and I’m getting old, but I would love to hear another’s opinion!

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

100%

[@CubesAndPortals]

Love the vid. Please compress your mic audio so it always hangs around the same volume level instead of alternating between inaudibly quiet and painfully loud between syllables. I spent way too much of this video micromanaging my volume meter & left with a headache.

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

Will do

[@wendeezy456]

3 to 1 threshold with a fast attack. Then up it little by little until it sounds perfect

[@jimmyz2102]

bro already has 13k subs with only 7 vids bro has potential

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

we are an industry plant (dont tell anyone)

[@MegaClogger]

Sound quality is impeccable

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

Thank you!

[@proggz39]

You see, I did stop playing fps games a long time ago. (Halo Reach)

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

Dang

[@iwantagoodnameplease]

Audio levels are constantly fluctuating, even mid word. It's maddening to listen to, especially one 2x speed

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

Sorry

[@0ptic0p22]

Ok gregor But why not post it on main channel?

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

Who is that

[@Outpostbeta]

Incredible video, here since 13k

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

Thank you so much!

[@itzvexahbackup9826]

Wait.. science, gaming, and someone without an annoying voice explaining it. This a W

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

As a couch, is there a voice?

[@wendeezy456]

I stopped playing fps games because of young children. Now i work in the field at night and sometimes if there's no work we can "standby." I bought a rog ally and now i play 3 to 4 hours a day while on "standby." I get paid $52 an hour and that means i make about $200 while playing call of duty lol

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

Hey nothing wrong with that

[@fijiman3627]

just found the channel to watch while i eat thank you

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

We're cheffing it up

[@theyuca-clan4239]

Couch co-op: 3:24-3:31: Me: psst speak for yourself dude I’ve played live service games before and I never got hooked into them hell the last time I played one was literally all the way back on early 2021

[@Flare180]

ANOTHER BANGER THIS GUY IS HIM

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

Couches are genderless

[@kazkayy]

another banger G 💥💥💥

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

Gouch

[@cruxlamar9681]

Marvelous watch😊

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

Thanks so much

[@vance2379]

Totally agree. I only binge when matchmaking trolls me...wait our brains are complex? Idk about everyone XD

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

My brain is not nearly as complex as I think it is sometimes

[@hend0wski]

Video is great but take a look at your compression ratios for your commentary track. It's "pumping" a lot which can be grating on listeners over longer time frames, and makes it tough to listen to at worst. Other than that this shit slaps keep it up. Also you sound like a younger @Gregor You even speak like him it's wild

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

Haha that's crazy

[@hend0wski]

@@TheCouch-Co-Op you're just him with a voice changer I'm sure of it tbh.

[@RafaPai84]

Every livin thing in this planet is addicted to something. In case of humans, there are the workaholics, thy became sucssefull and full of money, so their addiction is a pass through the eyes of society. We have the gym and sports people, who addiction is another pass. Even old man in rural area who passes hours a day, relaxing in his chair, looking at the horizon and the birds (so poetic and beatiful) is addicted to been on that chair doing nothing all day.

[@couchcoopuncut1898]

Where are the couch co-op FPS games?

[@rodrigos7070]

10:48 hits hard. ;(

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

✊️

[@null-hi6dt]

I swear I've seen that thumbnail change like 4 times wtf 😂

[@RH777]

i think he is cycling between thumbnails at this point

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

Lies

[@albertwesker2k24]

MW3 cured my CoD addiction

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

Wait a minute

[@343RuinedHalo]

Why doesn't this have Millions of views??? Share it ppl, educate the younglings before it's too late.

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

We're getting there!

[@Qbert2030]

But I could quit anytime I want (satire)

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

hmm

[@Harry-cx8on]

This video was very good and interesting. Would you also make one about gacha games as it is an interesting topic, and I’d like to listen to what you would say?

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

Maybe!

[@sketchysketchu]

22:27 blue devils represent!!

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

😈

[@vadnegru]

I didn't play CS2 for more than 2 months. That's it folks. You could do it too

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

Proud of you

[@meman24]

This is why I try to focus on the gameplay and theme and completely ignore all the rewards and stuff :D I just utterly ignore it all, like it's 2001 all over again

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

Jus like me

[@eatoke]

4:30 Couch Co-Op joi when?

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

huh

[@Persephone_]

Have you been watching urbanist content (eg not just bikes)? 😛 I feel like a lot of my addiction is caused by the lack of these third places you mention. I’d be a lot more willing to touch grass if there was grass to touch! I know it’s really bad in the US, but here in the UK, the government of the day has completely neglected town centres and high streets - social places and libraries are struggling to stay open. And while we do have public transport which can take us to cities that have these third places (mainly London…), being privatised it’s expensive as fuck to travel

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

Used to binge urbanism content yeah

[@flatheaddan]

SPOT ON! TMDAN😅🤠

[@LmaoJaime]

videogame shows becoming a trend on the list for next vids? wanna hear u on diversifying media and shit

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

We would have liked to do a Fallout video but we missed the window unfortunately. And the Halo show was... well... We are definitely keeping a close eye on the release schedules of popular media tie-ins and would love to do cover anything that comes out like the Mass Effect show that's rumored.

[@LmaoJaime]

@@TheCouch-Co-Op great to hear. ur shit is very solid and thought provoking, loving the channel

[@pastiShin]

La Bombonera! 😮

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

It is!

[@simulateandtrade]

How do you only have 12.7k followers?

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

Good question.

[@user-sl4hx8vs9w]

Psychology can be dangerous

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

hmm

[@BradOn144]

Rust addiction was a very dark time 😂

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

Oh God not Rust

[@chrissaucedo2269]

The one wrong statement is saying it's midnight. Its 5 am by this point.

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

Real!

[@M_O.O_N]

I just want a job and a purpose and something to work toward... I have nothing. Not from a lack of searching, after endless failure, I found something I was good at... And a community of losers like me, and people I could encourage to be not like me. All I want is anything my own, I don't have that.... So I play video games.

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

[@Ace01010]

TLDR; Hit Markers

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

Yeah

[@Ace01010]

@@TheCouch-Co-Op I didn't even watch the video yet 😭, was that really it?

[@blackops7psn]

Yo cool story bro. You wanna hop on cod?

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

Yeah dude at the gym rn give me a sec

[@carkmagus6219]

Damn came for a video on FPS games and got a masterpiece of sociology & psychology and how far centered infrastructure is ruining a whole generation

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

I dabble

[@agendaured]

Ego take the wheel

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

Take it from my hands 🎶

[@zun-viik]

I've learned I'm but a casual user

[@zun-viik]

Rpgs on the other hand 😅

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

Nothing wrong with that

[@MossyWeb]

Hell yes

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

yeah buddy

[@animationmann6612]

You cooked fr this time.

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

[@Prodbytango12]

Is this Gregor???

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

no

[@joea7590]

Is this gregor?

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

No it isn't

[@figonkus4223]

I am soooo sure that you are gregor XD

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

Who is that

[@alkafps]

I am this guys roomate, and ive never seen them in the same room

[@figonkus4223]

@@TheCouch-Co-Op a guy who is playing rainbow six siege. You and him share the same voice

[@figonkus4223]

@@alkafps well that`s good to know XD

[@figonkus4223]

​@@TheCouch-Co-Op i just saw, that your name on cod is notgregor XD i am way too confused

[@britishuranium7692]

is it just me or did anyone else get a add every 5 seconds

[@KarlKognition]

an ad

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

@@KarlKognition an ad? where?

[@KarlKognition]

@@TheCouch-Co-Op I don't know but it's an ad, not a add as the guy wrote.

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

The search continues

[@britishuranium7692]

@@KarlKognition to lazy fR

[@saturationstation1446]

overanalyzing entertainment addiction lol. fps games require the least amount of effort. thats why they are played by so many. you dont have to think AT ALL. just move the little mark in the center of the screen onto the target and press a button. its like monkey level activity. its not the gaming their addicted to. otherwise they would actually play games. not just "move the screen to the target and press button"

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

Don't know if that's a fair assessment.

[@levi22es]

I’m proud to be one of those downvoters on the battlefront Reddit comment.

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

A true patriot

[@aoooso6000]

so competitive and esports are a mistake

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

No

[@aoooso6000]

@@TheCouch-Co-Op Yes

[@RotaryPoweredRX]

aim assist and using controllers for Call of Duty was and is still a mistake

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

@@aoooso6000 Valid

[@saturationstation1446]

"esports" the only thing that remotely comes close to being as demanding as a sport is starcraft. nothing else will physically exhaust a person and come with the possibility of injury from participating like all real sports have.

[@captainfalcon.]

W

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

W

[@DodeIsHere]

This guy sounds so familiar, there's defo another channel I can't think what it's called tho.

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

Only couch remains

[@user-pc4ez5ym5v]

this too long. any tldr?

[@ElJuk3B0X]

TLDR; Increase your attention span

[@petert.4426]

Tldr, you accidentally clicked off your shorts feed

[@TheCouch-Co-Op]

tl;dr watch the video and find out

[@rohannayak282]

Tldr; be better

[@saturationstation1446]

over analysis of lazy well off eurocentric fps addicts