The same reason that a lot of other games appeal;
instant gratification. You can pick up a plastic controller and within five minutes "pretend" to be a rock star in a band without hours of practice and finding people to play with. You could say the same for just about any game that simulates a real-world activity (football, driving, fighting etc).
( benryves Now I'm radioactive! That can't be good!, Tue 20 Oct 2009, 11:07, 2 replies)

Yeah
but what's wrong with the old tennis racquet?
(Juan Quar is clinging to her front teeth on, Tue 20 Oct 2009, 11:21, closed)

i dont think
the majority of people who play games actually 'pretend' to be anything...they are just playing a game ffs. do i 'pretend' to be a footballer when i played sensible soccer?, nope. do i 'pretend' to be a rogue scientist when playing half life?, nope

so, if i see some cockwatcher 'pretending' to be in a rock band whilst playing these glorified 'press the button NOW' games, then i will kick them in the kidneys and 'pretend' to be a violent thug.

the concept itself is not lame, it is after only only a computer game, but the gay posturing and ridiculous froth that is generated by the marketeers and swallowed wholesale by the fanbois, is.
(Cancer Joy was short lived, Tue 20 Oct 2009, 11:39, closed)