Whether you are into video games because you use them as an escape from a mundane reality, a fun diversion to use at social outings or you view them as one of the finest art forms in modern culture, there is one thing that unites us all- we are gamers.
As corny and cliche as it does sound, too often, I feel like we let rifts divide us into sub categories.
You play WiiU? You play kid games. You beat Demon Souls? You're truly elite. You only play Call of Duty online? You must be a teenager.
But why do we feel the need to attach labels to everyone who enjoys the SAME hobby? I minored in sociology in college, and the way that people within subcultures interact never ceases to fascinate me.
When it comes down to it, we should be accepting of anyone who has ever bought a video game. Why? Because they are all part of the wheels that keep the gaming ecosystem moving. Sure, we might not enjoy playing Nintendogs, but the people who do put money in Nintendo's pockets, and Nintendo delivers things like Ocarina of Time and Skyward Sword.
It truly does make me angry to hear any form of elitism in our hobby. Is someone who beats Bloodborne any "more" of a gamer than someone who plays, say, Goat Simulator? Not really. Not in the purest sense, anyway. Sure, you could argue one has more dexterity than the other, perhaps more patience. But correct me if I'm wrong, they are both playing VIDEO GAMES, right?
The great thing about gaming is that we are free, as consumers, to play whatever we want. See a game you think you would enjoy? Pick it up and put as much time into as you wish. It isn't vastly different than appreciating music. Are One Direction fans to be put into question because of what resonates to THEM? Are they inferior to those who strictly listen to Bach? Certainly, there are likely those who would laugh and answer yes to the previous question, but I would argue that answer is close minded and incorrect.
What does a gamer stand to gain out of putting another person down for what they choose to play? We all have our strengths, our weaknesses, our limits and our aspirations. Why, then, would anyone's choice of games ever be called into question?
Is it simply a case of validating one's achievements? "I logged five million kills in Advanced Warfare and you didn't, so I'm a better gamer." Is that true, though? One of my favorite personal gaming achievements was my completion of The Last of Us on grounded mode on the PS4. It was punishing. It sucked ass. I hated it and loved it at the same time.
Have many people done the same thing? Not really. But I don't consider myself elite because of it. Patient? Maybe. Elite? Not quite.
Not quite because I didn't have the patience for Dark Souls. Not quite because I'm not a 1337 Call of Duty online player.
Those games just aren't for me, but The Last of Us was. For those who enjoyed the last of us as a casual story telling experience, I don't brag about it. I don't rub it in their faces. They enjoyed the game and the hobby at their own pace and got what they wanted out of it.
Elitism has the inherent power of making people feel really shitty about themselves. It creates rifts within subcultures that lead to a sense of self worthlessness and an ultimate loss of passion for the hobby. As gamers, we can't afford to let that happen.
We have, as a subculture, come under fire in the past for violence and sexual themes in video games. The way that clueless bystanders rallied AGAINST us was frighteningly rapid and swift. If we are fighting with the public to protect our medium as an art form, we can't afford to wage internal conflict that effectively works to turn us against each other.
Kids who play Mario Maker may one day grow up to be level designers for a badass 2.5D throwback platformer that you love. Guys who enjoy Call of Duty and Madden may one day decided to try out JRPGs, or pick up a Witcher game.
You never know how taste will evolve. Thankfully, our hobby is full of variety. That is, after all, the spice of life.
I cringe when I hear or see people online being judgmental of others for their skill levels, or even more insidious, their taste in games.
Would you slap a 3DS out of the hands of a 12-year-old playing Animal Crossing because you think it's too casual? Does it threaten the enjoyment of your games? If you wouldn't treat that kid like that, why would you go out of your way to put down another gamer for their choice in games.
Play what you want, enjoy what you play and get the most of your experience. But I implore you to think before you drag another gamer through the mud because you don't see eye to eye with their choices.
-C
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