Video games can be a fun way to enjoy time with family or friends, but problems occur when they start to eat into study time. With the fall semester over halfway done, students need to focus on passing classes instead of the new game consoles being released this holiday season.

For those who do not know, Microsoft and Sony are releasing their new platforms, the Xbox One and the Playstation 4 this month.

As of right now, both systems will be sold out until 2014 and stores have stopped accepting pre-orders.

The excitement for these systems has been high and people are already preparing to get their shiny new consoles on the first day of release.

However, students need to remember that they have more important things to do such as passing their classes.

Students do not have an unlimited amount of do-overs like in a video game.

They only get so many chances to pass a class and a failing grade can have a massive impact on school transcripts and grade point averages.

Games need to take a backseat to attending classes and completing assignments on time.

That’s not to say that students should avoid buying an Xbox or Playstation or wait until the semester is over to play.

They just need to remember that the game will be there whenever they want to play it.

The game is not in charge, the player is. Make the game fit into a schedule that suits you, without sacrificing the things you want.

Games should be an award or a way to decompress after a hard day at school or work.

The best way to find time to play games to figure out your schedule.

Taking the time to plan out class time and time at work, with family and in study can help students know how much time they actually have.

At this point, students can find time between these steps to find time for games.

It can even help students enjoy the game more knowing that they have one less thing to worry about instead of thinking, “One more hour and I’ll start that project.”

Everyone needs time to relax and forget about the world for a little while, and “Madden NFL” or “Call of Duty” can be great ways to do this.

But, it is not worth it if it means failing your classes and being put on academic probation for the next semester.

Like many things, it comes down to priorities and sacrifice.

Be mindful of what is important today compared to what is achievable in the future.

It is possible to spend a lot of time playing games and still pass your classes, but don’t try it.