If you've ever played poker for play money, you know there's always a temptation to go all-in Unfortunately, there always seem to be someone who just can't resist going all-in all the time. It spoils the game, taking the excitement out of it. That's because there's no risk involved.

This "all-in" mentality is not exclusive to poker. It permeates video games in subtle and not-so-subtle ways. By not having any real or perceived risk, there is nothing to lose and little to gain. What's the point if you can just start over with a push of the button?

But there is something to lose. It's something you may have already lost: your ultimate enjoyment of gaming. If gaming does not seem as much fun as it used to, you need to understand and address what I'm about to lay on you. You can recapture that digital, virtual love affair.

Read on. Thank me later, preferably financially.

Plugging a quarter into an arcade game for three lives generated a lot more excitement than you probably realize. There was risk involved: the risk of emptying your pockets to sustain your gaming enjoyment. Having unlimited lives, whether via a cheat code or just a game design choice, is akin to using play money in poker. It takes the game out of the game.

Risk causes the body to produce adrenaline. And adrenaline is addicting. It's why people get hooked on gambling and thrilling or dangerous activities. There's a certain feeling that comes with playing an arcade game, especially when you're down to your last man and last quarter. You know that when you lose, you're going home. That's pressure. That kind of pressure generates excitement which releases adrenaline. It's an exhilarating process—one you're undoubtedly lacking, and in serious need of.

Here's some advice. Follow these suggestions to enrich your gaming experience:

Pay to play. Hit an arcade. Being surrounded by the players that hang out there will assist you in identifying them after a break-in at your home.

Play with or against others. Regardless of what people say, it's not how you play the game, it's whether you win. Shame is a great motivator if you don't want to be perceived as a loser.

Put a quarter in a piggy bank every time you lose a life, and when full, donate it to charity. And by charity, I mean me. But use PayPal, as the post office doesn't encourage mailing cash, especially coins.

Have a friend smack you in the face, hard, whenever you lose a life.

Have all the necessities of life, such as food, water, and medication, withheld until you successfully complete a game.

Gamble. And when you run out of money, gamble away your possessions. When you run out of stuff, get more stuff on credit, including more money. When you've ruined your credit rating, go see the loan shark, preferably one with mob connections. This way you're either going to win or die trying.

Whatever encourages, inspires, or terrifies you to play like your life depends on it, do it.

By Cole Smith SeniorContributing Writer Date: March 9, 2012

*The views expressed within this article are solely the opinion of the author and do not express the views held by Cheat Code Central.*