Disclaimer: I am guilty of spending hours on video games that could be used to produce more books or anything else that could benefit myself or others long-term. It's my method of unwinding and sometimes a way to get my mind going when I engage in competitions online. Not much more justification beyond those two reasons...
The story is more of a commentary on how we fail to find our purpose. Some of us, like myself, indulge in video games or other entertainment online. Some of us find other vices, such as drugs, that bring us down the wrong path and cost us more than our time. In fact, in the digital age, people seem to find comfort in damaging other people online, whether on social media or other communication channels, especially under the cover of anonymity. But in the future, what if punishments for such negative activities were designed to hurt the perpetrators for long-term? What if irreparable damage was rewarded with eternal torture? How terrible would it be to live your life in an artificial world where you don't have your God-given power of choice? What would you do if you could only live remembering your worst accomplishments, only living in the moment with nothing positive left behind?
Side Note: I wrote this story about a year ago, but the newest Jumanji film and the episode of Black Mirror titled "Black Museum" both explore similar ideas to my story as far as life in a video game and digitization of consciousness. So, if you've seen them and liked them, you would definitely enjoy "Gamer's Life". Pick up Freaky and Fantastical 500 (Words or Less) today! I've got 91 more days/stories to go, so there will be more to come!