In 1986 the Legend of Zelda was released on the Nintendo Entertainment System.
It was the first video game to allow you to save your progress, which was important because there was also a huge map to explore.
Early on in the game you come across a dungeon where you encounter your first “boss” or big bad guy.
You also quickly find out that you are not equipped to win this confrontation and are killed.
When you start the game again, you now know to avoid that dungeon until you have what you need to win that battle.
Recently I came across a term that’s used by the video gamer world, and I thought you might find it helpful.
Skill Issue
In video games your character often dies…
A lot…
Usually that’s because you’re learning the game;
- the rules of the world
- the patterns of the program
- and the skills needed to level up
So the fact that you lose isn’t a reason to give up.
You just have a skill issue.
More practice is necessary to make progress.
More training is needed to gain experience points.
More exploring is required to find the secret sword and defeat the dungeon.
If you’re struggling with learning to knit brioche, or master cables, or make socks two-at-time with magic loop, it’s not your fault.
You just have a skill issue.
Keep knitting and eventually you’ll level up.
And if you want an overview of the history of knitting in video games check out this article at Boing Boing.