If you're like me you spend quite a lot of time and energy playing TES/Fallout games, as well as producing content related to these games to share with the Vault. So how do people around you react to all that? For me, my wife wonders how I can invest so much time into a 4 year old game. I also had an interesting time explaining the concept of the Lusty Argonian Maid to her when she caught a glimps of what i was drawing one day. I'll never forget the simultaneous awkwardness and hilarity of the moment when she asked, "Why does that crocodile have panties?"
Some friends I play with used to make fun of me for having +500 hours in Skyrim and still playing like the very first time. I tried to explain them the rewardly feeling of roleplaying but many think I'm sick taking the game to such levels.
I'm also well-know for introducing Elder Scrolls games (especially Skyrim) to many of my friends who haven't played yet.
I've only truly devoted to Skyrim so far and most of my friends and cousins have either played the game and enjoyed it greatly, or they just don't know the game as they are more casual gamers. So, I never get something like ''Dude, Skyrim freakin suxx!!!111!!'' from anyone. However, if the Skyrim topic ever comes out I try to keep my dedication and devotion hidden. My 14 year old cousin especially has played the game a lot, having around 4-5 playthroughs, so I've tried explaining builds and roleplaying to him, however he doesn't seem to quite dig or even understand the idea, thus being very awkward and me dropping the conversaton most of the times. But like I said most of the times people don't know about it... it's kinda like my fondness of professional wrestling, I try not to talk too much about it.
Committed yes, addicted? Not quite yet, but Mr C (hubby) is still trying to work out why I am on character number 3 (and contemplating a 4th), and I'm now producing artwork (though he's enjoying seeing what I turn out). I try to manage my playing hours against creating more artwork and r/l jobs that have to be done. Sharing a TV helps me do this, as Mr C has now moved over to his PS4 (and works from home sometimes), which means that although I now have sole custody of the PS3 for Skyrim, I'm limited on access.
For most people I avoid talking about it, my family certainly doesn't get why I'm still playing any video games since I left school (35+ now!), either "should have grown out of it" or "you should be out doing this or that". Only a few friends are fellow gamers, or are understanding girlfriends of guys who are 20 something's and still enjoy it.
It's actually a great stress reliever, wander through the sunlit paths of The Rift, fallen leaves crunching underfoot, watch the lakes sparkling as the sun goes down...
And the occasional bear or sabre cat helps as well on particularly bad days in the office
Too many people become adults and stop doing the things they loved as children, I think the world would be slightly more chilled if that wasn't so.
My wife is very patient with my obsession with all things related to TES. As long as I don't neglect (too much) household stuff and time with her, she's usually good with it. Occaisionally, I get the "a new character already?" question. She laughs when I try to explain that I already hit level 40 on my previous build and I don't think I have the motivation to continue with him/her.
My brother, on the other hand, always give me a hard time when he comes over and sees me play. "How can you play this game so much? You know it's been out for 4 years, right?" Despite me playing D&D and other RPGs as a kid, he's never played a single RPG in his life!!! He doesn't get the concept of character building and playing the same quests but in different ways. I just tell him that he should stick to chucking bananas on Mario Kart. lol