What Do You Say To, "That's In A Video Game?"
In the past, I've written about how the mainstream public sees the video game industry and those who partake of the hobby. I've often spoken about encounters I've had with the confused, the surprised, the skeptical, and of course, the ignorant. I've also been quick to defend some of the ignorant; they're often only dazed and confused because the media never helps, and the advancement of this industry has been more than a little rapid. I don't get mad at everyone who still thinks it's 1995; hell, as far as I'm concerned, it's still 2005.
But I would be very interested to know how you guys answer the question, "wait, that's in a video game?" You know, when a discussion concerning the latest greatest game falls on unknowing ears and the person in question still thinks all video games include Mario. As we get older, we relate to people differently and above all else, we become used to people who are entirely clueless about our favorite hobby. Obviously, this scenario can include absolutely anyone; I'm certain all of you have run into the aforementioned "dazed and confused" before, and I'm wondering how you responded. What did you say? Were you offended and angry? Were you sympathetic and understanding? Were you sarcastic and all like, "jesus, welcome to 2009?" Have you adapted; i.e., have you changed how you reply?
For my part, I always believed the most intelligent and mature response is to be sympathetic and understanding. Most of the time, it's just not that person's fault. They were never exposed to it so how could they remain up to speed? On the other hand, I absolutely cannot abide those who believe they're experts on a subject they know nothing about and I despise them even more if they choose to accept every last stereotype as irrefutable fact. ...sometimes, it just seems illogical when I'm standing directly in front of them and don't fit a single solitary stereotype normally associated with gamers. So I freely admit to becoming a little irritated when there's talk about sexual content in a game and someone goes, "who cares about drawings or blocks having sex?" If they say it with a certain level of know-it-all scorn, I have difficulty being polite.
Thankfully, I have noticed that younger people are a little more open-minded about this kind of thing. The middle-aged are about as close-minded as they can possibly be; if they don't know something, it doesn't exist. Not sure how this superiority complex came out of the goddamn drug-riddled '60s generation, but whatever. Cute chicks can be bitchy at first but they're often quite malleable - in a variety of ways - and I'm easily swayed by a nice smile...so maybe I'm all talk about standing up for one's beliefs and being polite and all that. Maybe all I need is a specific "something" in front of me and I'll crumble...ah, but I don't think so. I'd like to think that by the age of 31, I have other things going for me these days.
So, let's hear it. How about you? How do you deal with this whole thing? It'll be interesting to read the responses; I bet all of you have had very unique experiences, especially if you're a little older like me.
10/30/2009 Ben Dutka
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Comments (68 posts)
huskerfan_101
Saturday, October 31, 2009 @ 11:33:37 AM
JMO_INDY
Saturday, October 31, 2009 @ 12:07:31 PM
Last edited by JMO_INDY on 10/31/2009 12:08:55 PM
Naztycuts
Friday, October 30, 2009 @ 10:11:34 PM
Reply
JMO_INDY
Friday, October 30, 2009 @ 10:15:30 PM
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Friday, October 30, 2009 @ 11:43:26 PM
fatelementality
Friday, October 30, 2009 @ 10:12:27 PM
Reply
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Friday, October 30, 2009 @ 11:46:05 PM
Andy I know exactly what you mean. I HATED the Xbots who only knew ONE word - "Halo" - and if the game didn't have that word in the title, it sucked. It was right about then I knew the casuals were going to take over and make life hell for me. ;)
Qubex
Saturday, October 31, 2009 @ 7:06:01 AM
WorldEndsWithMe
Friday, October 30, 2009 @ 10:32:10 PM
Reply
On the other hand I hang out with my Dad and we go to sci fi movies and he's always interested in the games, he asks me and bro about our systems all the time. He says he wishes he could play but he doesn't have the reaction time (he's 62) so ya never really know what you are going to run into out there.
These days I encourage anyone I know to check out games, but if it isn't their thing that's fine, and if they are just plain ignorant on the matter I tend to ignore it because I know that with every year that goes by they are missing out on great times and gaming is becoming more popular.
Ahem but to answer you: Whats in a game? I'll just be brief and say it is the best way I know of to tell a story, entertain, and keep you sharp.
Last edited by WorldEndsWithMe on 10/30/2009 10:32:39 PM
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Friday, October 30, 2009 @ 11:47:42 PM
I want to take a LOT of people home, plant them on the couch and just say, "LOOK."
Qubex
Saturday, October 31, 2009 @ 7:08:04 AM
tes37
Saturday, October 31, 2009 @ 9:24:37 AM
fatelementality
Saturday, October 31, 2009 @ 10:38:51 AM
Last edited by fatelementality on 10/31/2009 10:40:01 AM
tes37
Saturday, October 31, 2009 @ 11:28:47 AM
bxshotboi
Friday, October 30, 2009 @ 10:41:06 PM
Reply
tes37
Friday, October 30, 2009 @ 10:53:43 PM
Gone
Friday, October 30, 2009 @ 10:47:40 PM
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TGG
Friday, October 30, 2009 @ 11:01:29 PM
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Fu**in' straight, that's what I always thought! I have no idea how. It's a complete mystery.
I hear people and they're like "I just wish gaming was like the old days, with Pak Man". And it's like , they still make those games. Nintendo will probably never go away, they'll still be making the billionth Zelda and Mario game. Bloody games like God of War , and more cartoony "happier" games aren't mutually exclusive. Arcade-like gaming and tried-and-true console gaming can co-exist.
Nobody would ever say to themselves "Oh, I could buy flower for $15 or Metal Gear Solid for $60" . They aren't competing against each other.
I just mention my most favorite games. Maybe even show 'em a couple if I have my PS2 around.
Last edited by Ben Dutka PSXE on 10/30/2009 11:44:03 PM
tes37
Friday, October 30, 2009 @ 11:19:05 PM
Last edited by tes37 on 10/30/2009 11:23:17 PM
bxshotboi
Saturday, October 31, 2009 @ 4:51:36 AM
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, October 31, 2009 @ 10:28:51 AM
Nostalgia is dangerous for us gamers. For instance, I will always say - and argue to the death - that Super Mario Bros. is the greatest game of all time when in my heart of hearts, I know it was surpassed a very, very long time ago. The "golden age" of gaming was indeed something special but a lot of that luster comes from rose-tinged "look-to-the-past" glasses.
fatelementality
Saturday, October 31, 2009 @ 10:48:28 AM
fluffer nutter
Sunday, November 01, 2009 @ 11:33:07 AM
I still run into people that are ignorant about gaming but I just ignore it. You've got to pick your battles and when you meet as many ignorant people as I do, you know that you'll never be associating with them again. Quality of life includes with whom you surround yourself, right? ;)
Last edited by fluffer nutter on 11/1/2009 11:33:30 AM
N a S a H
Friday, October 30, 2009 @ 11:11:21 PM
Reply
bxshotboi
Saturday, October 31, 2009 @ 4:53:31 AM
Qubex
Saturday, October 31, 2009 @ 7:11:54 AM
fatelementality
Saturday, October 31, 2009 @ 10:56:39 AM
fluffer nutter
Sunday, November 01, 2009 @ 11:35:09 AM
BigBoss4ever
Friday, October 30, 2009 @ 11:13:32 PM
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the worst is when i encounter people that still thinks video gaming is just a kids thing, i will tell them they are totally biased and they do not know a thing and then will just ignore them.
Last edited by BigBoss4ever on 10/30/2009 11:14:25 PM
bxshotboi
Saturday, October 31, 2009 @ 4:55:19 AM
___________
Saturday, October 31, 2009 @ 12:07:12 AM
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im really surprised how much the stereotype of video games has changed, sure theres still the old typical thought of games but thats very rare.
just like the girls dont like violent games stereotype.
im watching a show on fox 8 called ultimate gamer, and theres 4 girls in there, all 4 are hardcore FPS fans.
hell 3 of my local EB stores are dominated buy girls, its kinda weird going in and them always giving you advice on the game your buying.
half the time i go in there i get stuck for bloody half a hour talking about the game im buying.
like today i took back borderlands and got GTA liberty city stories, and she asked me why i was taking back borderlands.
than she laughed, and said you should of got it on the 360, theres no problems with that version.
than went on for another 20 minutes about the ballad of gay tony.
shes really hot too, shame shes 27 :(
bxshotboi
Saturday, October 31, 2009 @ 4:58:41 AM
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, October 31, 2009 @ 10:26:40 AM
fatelementality
Saturday, October 31, 2009 @ 11:02:19 AM
___________
Sunday, November 01, 2009 @ 6:49:32 AM
Banky A
Saturday, October 31, 2009 @ 5:31:27 AM
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With the same old groups of stereotypes. People who never play games and 'nerds' that play.
I always hang with the people that never play. These people have absolutely no idea what I'm talking about if I bring up video games. So I have to go out of my way to go to the 'library' to find people to talk about Final Fantasy and RPGs LOL.
And I'm pretty much a lone gamer. Some fairly avid gamers I talk to that aren't 'nerdy' only own an Xbox 360 haha. I've only found one PS3 owner around my town in my whole life.
Disclaimer: Nerds/geeks are awesome and I would love to be as smart as them :)
I am a nerd but I'm not smart LOL. Damn so I'll end up working for them in the future.
*Yeah I know the past the middle is a bit off-topic.
Qubex
Saturday, October 31, 2009 @ 7:14:26 AM
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, October 31, 2009 @ 10:25:43 AM
WorldEndsWithMe
Saturday, October 31, 2009 @ 4:17:10 PM
Qubex
Sunday, November 01, 2009 @ 12:13:59 AM
www
Saturday, October 31, 2009 @ 5:41:45 AM
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So with me its not about 'That's in a game?' its rather pure silence cause they don't see the big deal or they say 'wow the game is so realistic' and that is all.
JackC8
Saturday, October 31, 2009 @ 8:47:59 AM
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NoSmokingBandit
Saturday, October 31, 2009 @ 9:54:09 AM
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jaybiv
Saturday, October 31, 2009 @ 9:57:04 AM
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I don't put down the folks who feel the need to go out and overspend on drinks, get hammered and act a complete a-hole every weekend.
I will say that some women that I have dated were a little put off at first. But I always make sure that I have a simple game that they can easily pick up like HVB, Flow and Buzz! Then as they get comfortable with the controller, I can get them to play a little COD or whatever and they dig it.
Whatever gets you through the day and night is fine by me as long as it doesn't infringe on my rights.
fatelementality
Saturday, October 31, 2009 @ 11:03:29 AM
Robochic
Saturday, October 31, 2009 @ 10:37:52 AM
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Most of my friends who own a Xbox are all about gears and halo i just feel like I need to shoot myself... the arguments are like talking to someone who only knows one word my iq drops everytime i hear them talk about those games, I have better gaming conversations with my 5 year old who will tell you LBP is the best !
fatelementality
Saturday, October 31, 2009 @ 11:10:05 AM
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clowangel
Saturday, October 31, 2009 @ 2:01:47 PM
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But what pisses me off isn't ignorant non-gamers but actual gamers! Whenever I go into a gaming store (ie: GameStop), all the male gamers will talk to me like I'm stupid and know nothing about my purchase. It's why I resort to buying online now because I don't want to have to deal with people like that.
Last edited by clowangel on 10/31/2009 2:03:31 PM
Ricochet
Saturday, October 31, 2009 @ 2:18:50 PM
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After that statement I immediately cancelled the game in disgust and inserted Uncharted 2 (and started a new game).
This is when she said, "What movie is that? I didn't know your computer can play movies". "Wow, so nice action" (this is the part where the train falls)."
I just responded "This is the 'garbage' video games you've been complaining about."
And she just stared at me in complete silence without saying a word.
And I NEVER heard her talk sh*t about video games. AGAIN.
fluffer nutter
Sunday, November 01, 2009 @ 11:40:55 AM
WorldEndsWithMe
Saturday, October 31, 2009 @ 4:19:40 PM
Reply
fluffer nutter
Sunday, November 01, 2009 @ 11:42:41 AM
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Sunday, November 01, 2009 @ 8:45:28 PM
realmadpuppy
Sunday, November 01, 2009 @ 1:11:35 AM
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As a 40 year old Truck driver ( hey, I love driving a truck!!)I am still in love with games and could care less what people think about it. Fortunately, my family and the people around me are very much the same.
fluffer nutter
Sunday, November 01, 2009 @ 11:45:28 AM
Deleted User
Sunday, November 01, 2009 @ 7:18:12 AM
Reply
They still love to game every now and then but just dont have or will make the time. In other words, gaming is not thier main hobby. You have others (In which I hate) that just thinks games are for kids and treat those adults who play video games like lessar contributing peeps in the world who never grew up. Snobs if you will.
I remember one time this guy at EB games told me, "Drithe, arent you a little old to be playing games?". I just said,, "Probably" and walked out the door.
Eh. What can you do? Not going to stop me from gaming. I have raised a starting QB and shortstop. Worked 10 hour days, train for 1.5 hours to 2 with the boy, and still managed to get an hour or so in gaming. I havent done so bad. :)
End of Line.
furbiesmustdie
Sunday, November 01, 2009 @ 6:29:23 PM
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BikerSaint
Wednesday, November 11, 2009 @ 3:26:31 AM
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Well, not this 57 year old games geezer!
Most people are surprised when I tell them I'm a gamer & collector who owns 13 gaming systems........
SNes
Genesis
Atari Jaguar w/ 64 bit adapter
Panasonic 3DO
Saturn
Dreamcast
Gamecube w/ GameBoy Advance adapter
Original Xbox
PS1
PS2(pfatty)
PS3 (60GB plump style)
and now, I've just added a new 250GB limited edition C.O.D. Modern Warfare Xbox360 bundle to my collection today.
Anyways, I've never had anyone give me a hard time over my hobby of choice or look down at me for it(at least not dumb enough to do it in front of my face anyways).
Yeah, this middle aged greyhair games.....
& damn sure proud of it too, LOL!!!!!!
Last edited by BikerSaint on 11/11/2009 3:30:57 AM

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JMO_INDY
Reply
Friday, October 30, 2009 @ 10:01:34 PM
Last edited by JMO_INDY on 10/30/2009 10:08:06 PM