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I’m Just Not A Very Good Video Game Fan

You know, I just realized something: I'm not a very good fan at all.

I've been gaming since the Atari days and I think I'll always be playing games in some capacity, even when I'm old and gray. I will defend certain titles and franchises until I'm blue in the face. But when it comes to doing quintessential "fan" things, I just so fail the litmus test.

I've never gone to a midnight launch in my entire life, nor do I have any desire to, even if it was for Final Fantasy VII-2 . Not that I have anything against them at all, but people who dress up as their favorite video game (or movie) characters just sort of make me…uncomfortable. I'm sorry, but it creeps me out, and I think I'll run into them at midnight launches. At the same time, I look at them and go, "See now, those are fans!" I just can't conceive of any reason to do it, though, so I think that sort of disqualifies me for the upper level of "fandom."

I don't shell out big bucks for any Collectors or Limited Editions or whatever. Again, only Final Fantasy might still prompt me to do this, but I'd have to be pretty damn excited (and I might not be for something like FFXIII-3). I have a cool game collection but it's not gigantic because I'm extremely selective and picky about which titles make it in. So I don't have like an entire room or basement full of shelves and racks of games, although I do admit to keeping what I do have in alphabetical order.

I don't have any little collectible doodads or other quirky little items associated with video games, like figurines, stuffed animals, art books, etc. Anything I have I got from publishers or as gifts; I never seek them out. I don't get every piece of downloadable content available for games I like; in fact, I think I've downloaded a grand total of two pieces of DLC this entire generation. I don't play online hardly ever; I find the experience annoying and depressing (the maturity level is…disgusting).

I don't read books based on video games. I don't follow absolutely everything in the industry that doesn't involve work for this site, so no, I'm not familiar with the OnLive snafu. Sometimes, I'll go back and play some old-school games on my SNES or PS1 but it's rare, and I never play them longer than an hour or two. Speaking of length of time, my game sessions never surpass the three-hour mark anymore, which may be a good thing, but it doesn't sound like a "fan," does it? I'm just a terrible, terrible fan.

Lastly, I have to say I'm not overly enthusiastic about the next generation. I really just have a "meh" attitude about the whole thing. This all being said, I can't wait for certain games, and I feel like I wasted a week if I didn't at least play something . Games aren't going to disappear from my life and a part of me still thinks I'm a "fan," but I have a feeling the hardcore out there wouldn't agree, would they?

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WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
12 years ago

I'm about the same, I'd like to say it's because I'm 31 but I can't. Hardcore fan stuff of any kind is something I can both make fun of and admire. Dressing up, going to "cons" or even playing until I've found 100% of the items and secrets are things I just can't do. Still you have to admire the balls and "f*ck it" attitude of folks that can get all up in character and not care what people think. I'm going to the Renaissance Festival tomorrow and I'm sure the people in-character will make me very uncomfortable but in a way I envy them.

The only midnight launch I ever went to was for FFXIII and you can all imagine why that will be my first and last.

Nope, my greatest fan moments are when I can truly enjoy a game all alone in the here and now like I did back in the day and step outside of my day-day self (who can admittedly be critical and combative when it comes to games).

fatelementality
fatelementality
12 years ago

We all gotta grow up sometime World. It's hard I'll admit though. The less I game, the sadder of a life I lead as I watch so many great games pass me by. I'm so behind on my gaming that I will never catch up as long as I live. Tell me the story of Lords of Shadow Grandpa. Maybe the one of Ninja Gaiden 2 or 3. Deus Ex would be perfect! Dreaming about playing that one always gives me a good nights sleep. Not sure how any gamer, no matter how hardcore, can keep up with every game released. It's just impossible. I've even missed Lost Odyssey!!! Ooooh, put me to sleep with that story! Don't worry, I'll tuck myself in though.

Ben Dutka PSXE
Ben Dutka PSXE
12 years ago

Yeah, I think it has just become all about enjoying the game for me. All the extra stuff just doesn't do it for me.

I'd love to go to a Renaissance Festival, by the way. I keep thinking I would've done very well in those times. 🙂

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
12 years ago

I think I would have too Ben, except for the state of hygiene and bathroom facilities.

They do 3 Jousts per day; love the joust.

Ben Dutka PSXE
Ben Dutka PSXE
12 years ago

Well, yeah, the hygiene would be an issue for me. I'd have to be some high-ranking aristocrat or something to do well in those times. 😉

The joust freaks me out. Totally insane.

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
12 years ago

I am back now, the joust seemed rather toned down. Somebody probably got hurt since I last went. A shame. The knight show at the Excalibur in Vegas is the still the best.

Jawknee
Jawknee
12 years ago

I'd say I'm a hardcore gaming fan but I too have trouble identifying with some of those who REALLY consider themselves hardcore. I went to one midnight launch and I felt ashamed. Lol like I would have been embarrassed if someone I knew saw me there. I'll never go again. Many of those guys were hard to talk too. They wanted to argue about consoles like it was national policy. I just can't do it.

I do like collectors editions but only if they're really sweet like the Uncharted 3 and inFamous 2 ones were. I got a nice gig bag to carry my cables and peddles around in when I tour and neat belt buckle incase I ever need to replace my current one.


Last edited by Jawknee on 8/31/2012 10:16:20 PM

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
12 years ago

I love that bag, but I think I would have liked the inFamous 1 bag more. That is, to date, the only Collector's Edition I've bought.

I was scared to talk to the people at that one midnight launch I went to and probably would have died if someone I knew passed by on the street while I was outside waiting for the joint to open. Especially if it was a chick who wasn't a gamer.

Jawknee
Jawknee
12 years ago

My wife rolled her eyes when I told her where I was going. Lol

THEVERDIN
THEVERDIN
12 years ago

I went to the midnight launch for L.A. Noire, why because I'm retired and was up any way.

Lawless SXE
Lawless SXE
12 years ago

Largely in the same boat. Don't get me wrong, I get excited about new entries in my favourite series, but I don't see the point in making a fool out of yourself just because you love something. I don't have any video game paraphernalia outside of the GT5 Signature Edition contents. I don't think they have midnight launches around here, but I wouldn't see the interest in going to one anyway. I don't typically get games on Day 1, though distance is a large part of the issue with that.

I just like to play and enjoy. Simple.

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
12 years ago

I get special games on day 1, but it's sort of hard to resist when Amazon often has first day shipping and occasional $10 credits for pre-orders. Oh yeah, and I'm a retail tax dodger so that works out too 🙂

BikerSaint
BikerSaint
12 years ago

I'm the same as you, Ben, except that I've bought a couple DLC's so far, and my collection's a tad bigger than yours, LMAO.

I've never been to a midnight launch either, but that's because I'm usually way too busy playing a game to waste my time just to "stop, drop, & roll" out(my ex-firefighter's still showing) for only 1 open store.


Last edited by BikerSaint on 8/31/2012 10:45:46 PM

Ben Dutka PSXE
Ben Dutka PSXE
12 years ago

Your collection is a "tad" bigger than most anyone's. 😉

Jed
Jed
12 years ago

"…I can't wait for certain games, and I feel like I wasted a week if I didn't at least play something." -That sounds like a good fan to me.

It's been a while since I've gone to a midnight launch. But that's because I haven't been too excited about a game for a while, or didn't have the money at the time. I would have been there at midnight for my Vita at if I could have, and I probably will for ACIII. I don't show up early to wait in line and "mingle", and the biggest reason I go to them is that I'm usually up that late. I camped out in front of Best Buy for two days to claim my PS3, but I'm not the least bit embarrassed about that.

But I don't think that makes me a better fan than anyone else. You don't have to go to midnight releases or keep up on every aspect of all news that involves gaming, and for God's sakes don't make a Helghast costume to show everyone your love of gaming. We all know you do your job for more than just money. Hell, most people that consider themselves good fans would love to do what you do. However, I doubt they could 😉

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
12 years ago

I admit to having some rather large bleach blond hair spikes in highschool, but that's about it 🙂

Rogueagent01
Rogueagent01
12 years ago

If I was good at arts and crafts I wouldn't mind dressing up as some characters, however I can barely put together a stick figure, so that will probably never happen.

When I worked second shift I went to midnight releases all the time, since the store is about a 5 minute walk from my house and I was also up. Yet when I work any other shift you will never see me at one. I also have several collectors editions, BUT they are real collectors editions not the ones that just call themselves that, the ones I get have maps, statues, special boxes, shirts, something that is actually worth it.

I am different then most of use in the sense that I don't care if someone sees me there(midnight release or just a gaming shop in general), I play games and if you don't like it then **** off. I am proud of who I am and the hobbies that interest me, and I will never let someones opinion make me think otherwise.

I am not familiar with all gaming news, but if it is a game or franchise I am interested in then I probably know most of the current buzz surrounding it.

And for me I am definitely interested in the next generation, I just don't need it to release tomorrow is all.

Vivi_Gamer
Vivi_Gamer
12 years ago

I consider myself a fan of some games, Final Fantasy & Metal Gear Solid being the two series which are key too me, I'll be first in line on the release of a new title. I play games frequently and enjoy talking to others about games.

However when I look at modern gaming as a culture, I then struggle to relate to it. Like people raving about chiptune or promoting gaming as a fashion sense. But it seems gaming and internet culture seem to go hand in hand nowadays and to me the majority of the internet culture is just absurd equaling to toilet humour. I have no interest in that. I enjoy for a game for what it is rather than the fanbase. The only time I have ever considered a fanbase for a product is Mass Effect 3, with the down right appalling behavior towards the conclusion of the game.

As for collectables, I will get special editions of game if they offer a making of feature or an artbook. I am always interested to see the production aspects of my favourite games. Just as I enjoy the work of some artistic who form the visionary like Amano and Nomura for Final Fantasy. But I hate how companies resort to flogging of pre-order DLC or when they put a toy inside and then double the price.

tlpn99
tlpn99
12 years ago

I've gone to a few midnight launches Black Ops MW3 Fifa 12 maybe MW2 as well only because I wanted the game.not sure if I'll go to another I might I live like 5 mins from the shops so its only a quick walk there and back again.

Teddie9
Teddie9
12 years ago

Oh I hear you Ben I'm not interested in the paraphernalia or the events. Though I do believe I'm still very passionate about playing games themselves and the quality of those titles.

The members here may not be particularly hardcore in the traditional immature sense – but I do consider the users here take the condition of the industry as a whole more seriously. Especially when we talk about single player and multiplayer experiences, the need for more innovative, thought provoking, and emotionally engaging titles than just fun, or the effect casual gamers (more to do with what they play not how often) have on the industry.

Sort of an adult version hardcore fan that cares more for substance.


Last edited by Teddie9 on 9/1/2012 12:03:45 PM

amonte64
amonte64
12 years ago

I'm as hardcore as they come, I too have been gaming for many years and plan to do so for as long as I can but I'm like the type of gamer that gaming is their entire life and I'm a smart consumer.

I don't pay overpriced tags on games so no getting games at $60, I can wait, I don't have to get a game day one, I don't support dirty, greedy, anti consumer practices so no paying overpriced tags on DLC or purchase DLC that should be free (like skins for example), I only get special editions if I really like what's included and the price doesn't seem overpriced, I don't have to get a console day one, I have never dressed up as a character but I would wear video game clothing and I'm actually to purchase some, I would get some game accessories like key chains, action figures, etc. not in an excessive manner but some of my favorites, I would do a midnight launch with no shame, video games aren't my whole life, I prefer and like more spending time with friends, family, going out, dating, doing more proactive activities, things that give life more meaning and are more important. I still love video games though and play them as much as I can.

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
12 years ago

I'm all about being a good and responsible consumer. Yeah I know that in the grand scheme of things my purchases or lack thereof mean precisely nothing to these companies but it's a matter of principle related to something I thoroughly enjoy.

TheCanadianGuy
TheCanadianGuy
12 years ago

yup i'm pretty much the same way. i barley ever play online for 2 reasons really. i'm just not very good online i just can't compete with those people. And whenever i get into a match with people who have headsets… it just an absolute embarrassment.

Never been to a midnight launch. but i think i might go to one eventually just for the hell of it maybe for GTAV.

as far as figures go i have three. 2 solid snake And 1 of ezio from the limited edition ACII. they've been the centre pieces of my dresser the last few year. their cool but i'm not getting anymore.

dressing up like my favorite character ? No thank you. so guess i'm a terrible fan myself

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