Ben-DutkaWe've often used this term to define certain games, but I'm starting to wonder if it actually has a concrete definition.
I think the majority of people just assume that a "guilty pleasure" game is one that the critics basically hated and you really like. But then there's a very large group of people who say it's not based on critical acclaim (or lack thereof), but on the nature of the game itself. So, if a game is exceedingly stupid and juvenile and you just can't stop playing, you might feel a little guilty; hence, the "guilty pleasure" label. Still others take it even more personally and say that it relates to their friends and family; if they all think a game is stupid but you love it.
Thing is, I'm not sure anybody should be feeling "guilty" for enjoying themselves when participating in their favorite hobby. What the hell difference does it make what anyone else thinks or says? Dead or Alive: Xtreme Beach Volleyball wasn't a great game. It didn't serve much purpose besides the obvious. But for whatever reason, after the developer called it the world's first "leisure game," I realized that I always relaxed when playing it. Could've been the setting (sandy beaches and quiet coves) or the fact that I never felt rushed or pressured, or the swimsuits. Who the heck knows? I just know I liked it.
But I never felt guilty for liking it. Have there been games where you've actually felt guilty because you had fun with them? And if so, why?
A game that is otherwise crap but you enjoy it for the fake that it's crap or despite the fact that it's crap.
It's the same as like eating donuts when you're on a low calorie diet or masturbating or something to porn. (I'm not trying to support porn here)
Sometimes I feel a little guilty when I know that if people I know saw me playing something they would deny knowing me, try to lock me up in a mental institution, or hang me from a tree.
But I don't feel that way because I think playing it is wrong, more because I know society would rather kick me out if they knew about it. I've been a little better about not giving a sh*t as I get older though.
Lol, that's what I get for getting disracted on the net, you beat me to it. Lol, I should'a refreshed the page. 😛
I guess a real guilty pleasure game would be one you bought for reasons even you might find suspect or betray the reputation you've built for yourself as a gamer. Guys with Hannah Montana, Barbie games, jiggling fanservice games, etcetera etcetera. The biggest badass you know, playing games that betray his badassery. That's pretty much it. If you're afraid of what people think about what you play then it is a guilty pleasure game… but ini all honesty, not many people are that worried about what other people think about what they play…
yakuza dead souls, goes against every direction I want the industry to go yet I love it
I think the only time I've felt "guilty" is when I fire up Noby Noby Boy when my 5 year old niece is visiting. I never would feel guilty playing it as she can't stop laughing while we play. However, I realize that everyone on my friends list can see what I'm playing.
Saints Row and Grand Theft Auto series. Love the in-game mayhem but it's the opposite in real life.
DDR, Dance Central, Audition.. any dancing-based games, basically. They're fun to play through, but most of my guy friends cringe seeing it in my collection.
haha, good for you!
Something you wouldn't want your friends knowing you play. Like having the temptation to play Animal Crossing New Leaf. HA
you pritty much hit the nail on the head i think ben generally speaking. but idk never really felt like that generally i've never played a game that my bros or friends didn't like cos we like most of the same games.
happy gaming =)
I think games fall into the hobby category, and aren't hobbies a guilty pleasure? Sure, some hobbies can earn you money, but for the most part you participate in them for pleasure.
"Guilty pleasure" doesn't mean you feel guilt while doing it. It's something you admit is at least sub-standard, but are guilty of enjoying it anyway…like fast food/frozen pizzas, or a Twinkie, or any of many B-movies, or an Android smartphone (just kidding on that one!).
Oh no! It seems I offended some over-sensitive, insecure Android fan. 😉
You always comment on your downvotes. :p Just an observation. lol
My "guilty pleasure" game would be a game called Eve of Extinction. I knew the game was just awful,repetitive and had a sub-par story at best but for some reason every few months I'd have to go and play through again cause I had so much fun. I knew a few people who've played it and thought of it as the worst game ever so I never brought up the fact that I actually liked it.
Naughty Bear!
Guilty pleases, to me, are stuff that I don't *want* to enjoy as much as I actually do.
Stuff that are so obviously not meant for me can also ignite a guilty pleasure.
Yeah, guilty pleasures are those you won't admit to others that you play because you fear you will be judged for it.
Frederick Resurrection of Music. Chopin music rhythm game which sounds cheezy but one of the best time sinks around and plays and sounds brilliant on the Vita.