I grew up on video games. Yes, I was a “hardcore gamer.”
From old-school platformers through MMORPG’s, I was simply addicted. I loved ‘em all. In fact, the first true wave of social media was unleashed through Everquest, which to this day, I believe to play more of an impact on the net then World of Warcarft.
In college, though, I stopped.
There was just too much to do. My life revolved around a triple major, consulting, parties, girlfriend and travel. It was like riding a bike, if I stopped moving–even for a moment–I would fall. And I loved it. It’s how I live life–through action.
But being busy wasn’t the only factor. After a while, I found games to be dry, dull and non-engaging. Each game started feeling the same. You take a story (and yes, they change, but not by much) and you then apply it to some game-play. Hopefully, it will last you a month or two before you get bored.
So why are individuals spending $50/game and feeding this cycle?
Each game has to top the previous one. Better graphics, deeper story, more interactive gameplay, more engagement. Will technology ever reach its maximum point? And if so, what then? Will the gaming industry implode?
I doubt it. Yet, it’s important to take a step back and think. How much is too much? And, is too much enough? 
I think it is. I feel that life is already complex and deep. What I really desire when I have some down-time is a simple, but profound game. One that stretches my brain cells, but doesn’t feel like it.
The last thing I want to do when I come home from a complex, long day of work, is to dive into a complex, drawn-out video game.
So what am I getting at?
Simply that iPhone’s lineup of basic, but profound games have revitalized the gaming world.
They’ve brought end-users like myself back into the world of gaming. Granted, I don’t feel like that’s the correct word. It’s not really “gaming” as you’d imagine, but more of a “Hey, I’ve got some down-time, why not pull out my iPhone and play [fill in the blank]?”
“Yeah, but I feel inneficient playing games.”
Okay, first off, what I’m arguing is coming from an out of the closet work-a-holic. I have a hard time doing stuff unless it contributes to growth (not just in my profession, but the mind).
So why am I suggesting that you pick up some iPhone games?
Because it stretches the mind. You can find games for the left or right side of the brain.
Here’s my favorite example of a simple, yet profound game: Trace
Up until this point, video games revolved around the premise that developers make levels, and the player completes them.
Trace throws this premise on its head.
Instead of trying to ‘beat’ the level, you create it. You draw your route to the goal. And best part, there’s no wrong way. It’s all about results.
From a forest level point of view, trace appears to represent life. You start at a certain position and it’s 100% on you to draw your way to the end result.
It’s the perfect example of a game that stretches brain cells (right-half), but doesn’t feel like it.
It’s profound, but simple 
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