"All your base are belong to us" Published Dec. 9, 2009 By Airman 1st Class Jarad A. Denton 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- Over the years, the culture of video games has evolved from games such as "Zero Wing" with poorly translated phrases like "all your base are belong to us," into massive multi-player online worlds that serve as a recreational outlet for military servicemembers all over the world. A study done in 2008 by the NPD group, a New York based market research firm, revealed that more than 70 percent of Americans play video games. The outlet of video games provides Airmen at Ellsworth with a safe and inexpensive way to relax during their off-duty hours. "I'll gladly pay $300 for a console and $15 a month for whatever game I want to play," said Airman 1st Class Allen Harper II, 28th Communications Squadron network services technician. "It sure beats spending $100 at the bar every night." The nights Airmen spend at the bar can impact more than just their finances. "That actual cost of a night at the bar versus a night of gaming with friends can be much higher when you factor in the potential of a driving under the influence charge, serious injury or even death," said Chief Master Sergeant Clifton G. Cole, 28th Bomb Wing command chief. "While I'm not a fan of video games, I can certainly appreciate the impact they have on keeping Airmen safe." In addition to providing Airmen virtual recreation, video games also allow Airmen to remove themselves from the stresses of daily life and immerse themselves in the fictional worlds produced by video games. In fact, one Ellsworth NCO often finds himself caught between the light and the dark, the struggle between good and evil which threatens to destroy the world. Throughout his travels he is both burdened and empowered by the fact that every action he performs will shape the destiny of the entire world. He is a level 80 blood elf paladin, wandering war-torn lands by night. By day, he is Tech. Sgt. Steven Bradley, 28th Force Support Squadron First Term Airman center NCO in charge. "I enjoy playing (massive multiplayer online role playing games) the most," said Sergeant Bradley. "It's the quests, capabilities, options, non-linear game play and the fact that I can communicate with my friends from other bases which really appeals to me." Sergeant Bradley has played one type of video game or another for the past 27 years. He began his fascination with video games by playing games on the original Atari 2600 and Commodore 64 systems. "I originally got started playing because I enjoyed the challenge and liked the fact there were different types of video games developed for varied interests," he said. Sergeant Bradley said a favorite moment during his gaming history was the transition between the text-based role playing games into graphic-based role playing games. Gaming has evolved greatly over the years, said Sergeant Bradley. It's taken on a unique identity that can appeal to people all over the world. "I play video games with multiple people across our base, and even other bases," he said. "With the online community offered by various consoles, I can log on and game at any time with a wide range of people." Sergeant Bradley is not the only Airman stationed at Ellsworth to enjoy video games. Airman Harper said he has been gaming for 20 years. "I was originally drawn to it because at the time the Commodore 64 my father had was the coolest piece of technology in the house," Airman Harper said. "I keep playing because of the teamwork aspect associated with gaming. There's nothing like hunkering down with some soda, pizza and friends for an all-nighter of epic proportions." He has also competed in on base tournaments at the Black Hills Community Center. "I played in the (first-person shooter video game) tournament and ended up not doing so well," he said. "Afterwards, I bought a system to see if I could improve my console skills, since I was mostly a computer gamer." Airmen looking to test their video game skills and find a safe practice during off-duty hours can participate in the upcoming video game tournament at the community center, Jan. 23. For more information, contact the Black Hills Community Center at (605) 385-1609.