I’m eyeing the man at the other side of the hallway suspiciously. He’s been standing there for close to an hour and hasn’t said a word. He hasn’t moved from his spot and he’s wearing a ridiculous trucker’s hat that says: “Meatball.” I feel the urge to run, as he’s obviously out to get me. The hour is getting late, midnight is almost here, and I know something is supposed to happen at that time. Something…. something…
I snap out of my half-asleep/half-awake state and realize I am standing in line at the mall, awaiting the clock to strike 12:01 Tuesday morning, so I can pick up my copy of Grand Theft Auto V. I think maybe I’ve read too much about this game, or watched too many videos, or maybe even played too much GTA IV in anticipation of this day. I look back to the guy I was concerned about in my stupor, and realize he really is wearing a hat that says “Meatball”, but is probably the least likely person to try anything crazy like steal my place in line.
They’re All Out to Get Me
This is the experience I am fully expecting to have tonight while waiting in line for GTA V. I am not a young man anymore, and thanks to a baby that seems to enjoy being awake at night, I haven’t slept much lately, either. So, I am a little nervous I might actually slip into this slightly catatonic state tonight. I am frequently up until midnight in the evenings, but I usually manage to stay awake by mindlessly clicking keys or buttons and watching a digital avatar do something on a screen. Tonight, I’ll just be standing there… watching people… wondering why they all seem to want me dead…
But still, the whole process of being there for a midnight release is exciting. I haven’t been to too many of these, and in fact, the last one I did go to was for The Hobbit. While I had a good time sharing the experience with a bunch of random people late at night, I had to fight to keep my eyes open and not spend $20 on a nap.
Stay Awake… Have to Stay Awake!
Fortunately, a video game release is a little different from a movie premiere. I won’t be sitting down in a comfy chair in the dark at midnight, but picking up a game and driving home, full of adrenaline and excitement for what I’m about to experience. It is there, at home, where I run the risk of falling asleep sooner than I’d like. What’s the point of waiting in line for a midnight release if I don’t at least play the game a little bit at midnight? So with any luck I’ll play for an hour or so, then try to get some sleep (let’s all hope the baby sleeps!).
I already scheduled to take the day off of work, so I’ll be able to play all day tomorrow, but I really want to experience with the rest of the world at the same time the incredible experience that is likely to be Grand Theft Auto V. Even if I can only make it an hour or so, at least I’ll be able to say I was there. I’ll be able to talk with my friends about how great it was to be playing this game the minute it was released. It should be a great night.
I just hope that suspicious looking guy over there doesn’t come after me…
