Defining Gamers: A Theory

[L4Y Duke]

I have this theory.

My theory goes that, although gaming as a whole is comprised of blockbuster titles that sell in the millions and garner worldwide praise from critics and players alike, it is defined, in the eyes of those that can truly call themselves "gamers" by the cult titles that do not sell as well, but are just as enjoyable for those who get to play them.

Think about it. For any genre, what is the first title you can think of? Is it a mainstream title, or a cult-classic? Streets of Rage, or God Hand? Guitar Hero or Gitaroo Man? Crash Bandicoot, or Psychonauts?

The thing is, you can't claim to be a gamer until you've enjoyed the pure essence of gaming, which in my opinion, can be found in those hard to find cult-classic titles.

 

[headshotcatcher]

You can claim to be a 'gamer' when you play computer games, simple as that. Whether or not you think you're one of the 'hardcore crowd' or one of the 'indie hippies' is an entirely different matter though.

I think you should stray away from the labels and just say 'I play blockbuster and indie titles alike and just play what I damnwell please to'

 

[megapenguinx]

I played God Hand but my preferable beat em up is The Bouncer.
As for music games I will always think of Beatmania and how it made me cry for being crazy fast.
Oh ps: I define a gamer by one who enjoys video games of all shapes and sizes.

 

[ghalkhsdkssakgh]

Psychonauts! *runs off to play Psychonauts*

 

[Labyrinth]

The same is true for people who really like film, or for art critics. It's a way to separate oneself from the Great Unwashed Masses as someone who is a cut above in admiring their medium. In short, it's either an access point to a particular demographic and all the tasty social perks that has or it's pretentiousness. Or both.

For particular cult classics in games look to the ones that live on such as Deus Ex, Vampires! The Masquerade: Bloodlines, Jetset Radio Future, etc. They fly under the radar for a while and get critical applause but other people just don't see them.

 

[Inco]

You are a gamer when you play games as a past time and believe you are 'one of us'.
For example, some Wii players play Wii sports sometimes and don't regard themselves as gamers. Are they? No.

But if they do regard themselves as one of us, are they? Yes. We see it as their main pastime and not just a random occurrence, unlike the other.

 

[fenrizz]

You are a gamer when you play games as a past time and believe you are 'one of us'.
For example, some Wii players play Wii sports sometimes and don't regard themselves as gamers. Are they? No.

But if they do regard themselves as one of us, are they? Yes. We see it as their main pastime and not just a random occurrence, unlike the other.

I'm gonna have to agree in this one.
I don't think you nessesarily have to play obscure cult titles to be considered a gamer.

 

[Uncompetative]

Casual Gamers seek Accessibility.

Hardcore Gamers seek Expressivity.

 

[Emilie Diabolica]

i just play the damn games. hell, i'm one big noobcake when it comes to multiplayer halo but at least its fun.
labels are stupid.

 

[Catchy Slogan]

I consider myself a gamer, and I just play any game that catches my fancy. I don't care whether it's 'hardcore' or 'casual'. Even the terms hardcore and casual can change slightly, depending on who you talk to.

 

[TheDuckbunny]

i just play the damn games. hell, i'm one big noobcake when it comes to multiplayer halo but at least its fun.
labels are stupid.

Agreed, labels are lame.