In so many ways, it's a relief. Bear with me here.
The News:
NBC's Today Show welcomed TV personality Donny Deutsch in a segment entitled, "The Other View: Getting A Guy's Perspective On Love." If you didn't know, Deutsch is the host of the relationship show, "The Big Idea," where various advice is given on topics that relate to the social lives of men and women. At one point, Deutsch was asked the quesetion: "Is it normal for men to play games in their 40s?"
He replied- "When you're 30, there should be something more on your mind than video games, that's it." The hosts had a laugh at that and simply called any gamer over a certain age "weird."
The Opinion:
I could say the average age of a gamer in this country is 37 years of age and rising. I could say that according to those "in the know," video games are just as mainstream as any other entertainment industry. I could say that in my experience, gamers are by far the most intelligent of all fan groups based around entertainment (with the exception of readers).
But in truth, I'm happy to hear that the media hasn't caught up and in fact, hasn't grown up, either. I'm happy to hear it because as far as I can tell, none of these people are qualified to do anything but smile pretty for the cameras. They're perfectly willing to speak about any topic, regardless of their knowledge on the matter. All this being the case, why should we care what these talking heads say? Why does it even matter?
Over the years, I've found that it's vastly preferable to be in the minority; to be "weird." All the "weird" kids got As. All the "weird" people created some of the finest pieces of art the world has ever known. All the "weird" people went to MIT and Harvard. …all the "weird" people are running the world. And they know that the masses who call them "weird" are…well, not very bright.
I applaud this article
*Starts slow clap*
(I love doing this)
Hahaha
clap clap clap…
Clapping, but still in sync with others…
It's because everybody in the media is pretty darn old, when they think of gaming they still think of pac-man and space invaders. It's the same with most politicians, they don't get it and Ben's right maybe it's best that they don't. All we need is Matt Lauer's top CoD kills of the week right?
While I think the gaming industry still has a lot of growing up to do, I'd rather be a gamer weirdo than any other kind. Plenty of people think I'm pretty out there and I'm okay with breaking the mold, being non conformist and everything. Yeah I play games, I'm also an avid reader, writer, and am heavy into politics.
Some day gamers will be running the media and the government so the ignorant better watch out.
I can't wait for that day.
Yea I'm fine with them not getting it. The last thing we need is another one of our favorite entertainment mediums being tainted by the main stream.
World, you just described me. Minus the "reader" part. Got to much to read for school to indulge in reading for enjoyment.
Heavy into politics ehh? World for presid……I'm not ready for that.
Hi World, I'm just wondering. I've heard you say that you are a writer before. What type of writing do you do?
Any type really, fiction is my specialty (short stories and working on a novel now) but I can do technical writing, editing, resumes, ghost writing and now I'm writing for VelocityGamer 🙂
That's cool World. Sounds like you're a busy guy. Congrats on the VelocityGamer job. 🙂
Ben you're weird for writing this article…jk
you're weird for commenting… 😉
You both are weird. End of story! 🙂 Just kidding of course, or am I? O_O Dundundunnn
you're weird for humming!!!
You are weird for saying I'm weird because I'm humming, weirdo! :p
All of you are weird for calling each other weird for trivial reasons. Oh, that makes me weird too. 😉
Last edited by iwillbetheone on 7/13/2011 3:08:04 AM
LOL
My brain hurts now lol
I read about this the other day & they also said if you're over the age of 30 & still play games you're one of these weird people who spend too much time in the basement.
I've got five years until i'm weird then & by then i will be looking for a new apartment with a good basement to be weird in to go along with my pleasure dungeon.
There's plenty of women in gaming, but as it is, gaming is very male oriented. And let's face it, we like our man caves which tend to be in the basement.
I envy you who have basements; I miss having one. Stupid Florida being below sea level.
I dont think they even know what basements are here in texas, or at least west texas.
Haha the Today Show. That still airs?
I honestly don't know. I don't actually ever watch broadcast or cable TV. Serious. I don't.
But if I did, I wouldn't go to the TV to get my news. That's seriously an out of date and slow way to get it. If some bone heads are on there making fun of gamers then they're basically just catering to the audience they know who's watching.
Reality and their bubble are two different realms of existence. ah, Plato would be proud =p
I wouldn't consider myself weird. I wouldn't even consider myself eccentric. I think I am pretty much outside the "gamer" stereotypes. If you didn't know I played video games, you probably would never guess.
Same here man. I know about video games as much as I know about soccer, music, Hip-Hop culture, martial arts, fitness, photography and deviant art.
And that makes me weird in that a lot of people usually only like and know about a certain type of thing that kinda defines who they are.
Sorta like… if you're into terrible rap, you're also going to like football, crappy shows on MTV and Vh1, you're also going to dress like everyone on those shows and you're not gonna know the first thing about what video games really are.
But it can also go bad the other way. I know a few people who ONLY know and care about video games, movies and anime. And aren't necessarily making good art, good music, or inventing cool stuff that's gonna make them money. They all have crappy jobs, no social life and no women due to their gaming habits. And well, that's as bad or worse than the MTV brain dead zombie with a huge chain around his neck.
Last edited by Fabi on 7/12/2011 10:17:01 PM
What's the gamer stereotype? I don't even know. A young kid with a mario t-shirt? 😛
Yunno, over weight, lack of friends or social skills, little interest in anything that isn't video games, World of Warcraft, Magic the Gathering and Anime conventions. Bad taste in music movies and clothing, etc.
I mean I know some nerds that fit the stereotype perfectly. Most just happen to be Xbots. XD
I don't know anyone like that, but I know lots of gamers.
I play Magic The Gathering but not in person just the game, it's actually very fun to play, everyone that I met says I have good taste in music of course some might not, but taste in music is different for everyone so that's subjective.
I wear clothing that I like, I don't care about clothing trends never have.
But a lot of people I first meet don't even know I play games, I go to friends houses to watch football games (USA football of course) and support the team, go to restaurants normal stuff, you really wouldn't know until I told you. :p
But most of all I don't really care what others think of me around my circle, if you do. It'll eventually make you go insane trying to make everything perfect and constantly being worried about what others think. My golden rule, respect me I respect you and we have nothing to worry about.
What you mean USA football of course?!
🙂
I don't know but it seems the "stereotypical" gamer you describe is becoming the gamer minority. That could be anecdotal evidence though, but everyone I know that games (personally know) is at least semi-fit, has other hobbies outside of gaming, are well educated, have many friends and acquaintances, carry on full time jobs, and tend to their real life responsibilities.
When I think of the "typical gaming nerd" I still envision what you described, but for the life of me I can't think of one gamer I know that fits the description.
I think any gamer "over a certain age" that hasn't made Playstation their console of choice is pretty weird.
any gamer in general that hasnt made playstation their console of choice is pretty weird haha
Indeed.
It blows my mind how anyone could call themselves a gamer and not experience MGS4, Killzone, Uncharted, Infamous and LBP.
I know there are more titles, but I would say to really say you experienced this generation, you would have to play those titles. There is nothing like them on the X-Box.
@Fabi, Alan Wake is really worth experiencing. I know that makes only one must-play, but it's a very good one.
I can count the number of great 360 titles on 1 hand. Alan Wake, Gears of War 2, Halo Reach, Fable 2 and Forza 3.
I'll need to write out a long list on paper if I want to list all the great titles on PS3, AND that's not including sequels, eg. LBP 2, Killzone 3, Uncharted 3, etc.
Ahhhh, what the hell, I got time to kill:
– MGS4
– Uncharted 2
– God of War 3
– Heavy Rain
– Gran Turismo 5
– Littlebig Planet
– Motorstorm Pacific Rift
– Ratchet and Clank: A Crack In Time
– Sly Racoon: Thieves In Time
– Heavenly Sword
– Killzone 2
– Resistance 2
– MLB The Show
– Modnation Racers
– Infamous
– SOCOM 4: US Navy Seals
– White Knight Chronicles
– Valkyria Chronicles
– Demon's Souls
– ICO / Shadow of the Colossus Collection
– The Last Guardian
– Twisted Metal
– Dust 514
– Starhawk
– Yakuza 3
– Singstar
– Buzz
Okay, 360 has Dance Central, Banjo Kazooie, Crackdown, DOA 4, Lips, Lost Odyssey, Too Human and Viva Pinata, on top of the big 5 I mentioned above. Considering how generous I am with that list, it still pales in comparison to PS3's exclusives.
Last edited by Dancemachine55 on 7/13/2011 4:12:45 AM
@Dancemachine55, it is unfair to add party games like SingStar, Buzz on your list, since there are many party games on the 360 as well. While I agree that the 360 lacks(immensely) in hardcore titles, the few good ones that it does have should not be missed. Gears 3 and Forza 4 will probably be my last XBox exclusives, but no one can deny how good they will be. Not that I'm saying they will be better than everything Sony puts out, they will certainly be better than some of them. Thus one should try to have both systems if they want to have a complete gaming experience.
I hear ya.
I got both systems, and the Wii, and a pretty kickass PC too.
Mostly use the 360 for Kinect games with family and friends gatherings, or for fitness games when I don't feel like going to the gym that night. Dance Central and Your Shape Fitness Evolved are my 2 favourites.
Also use the 360 to play online with friends, games like Halo Reach, Red Dead Redemption (had to swap my PS3 version for 360 just to play with friends), Gears 2 and Fable 2 which is one of my favourites. Since I got GT5, I skipped on Forza 3.
Am very much looking forward to Gears 3 and Halo Anniversary, since I never actually played the first Halo when it released. Never got caught in the Halo craze.
Dance Central 2 is my most anticipated game next to Gears 3 though. As my name implies, love the dancing stuff, and Dance Central is the real deal. If it did come to PS3, I'd probably prefer the Kinect version anyway since it actually measures your body position and movement and doesn't require you to hold anything to play. Only example I can think of where the Kinect excels compared to Move. Move is still better for shooters and hardcore stuff though. 🙂
Last edited by Dancemachine55 on 7/13/2011 8:01:01 AM
I think it's pretty weird that anyone would care what the Today show says about anything….
Tell you what though, when I was 18, video games were not top of the list, and to be honest they still aren't. But I do know that when I was younger, and um….lets say pursuing the objects of my intent…video games came a distant third, fourth or even fifth place. Now I'm a bit more settled and the child is in his teens, I actually find gaming has a slightly greater priority than it did all those years ago. So perhaps, people in their 40's have more, not less time to game, and more, not less reason to do it? Which would make it, let me see now, oh, yes – *less* weird than people in their youthful prime wasting their hours tickling a controller when they could be tickling a member of their chosen gender.
Same here. I played games once in a while when I was between 18 and 25 or so. I was just too busy with other things like music and school. My gaming habits dissipated soon after Final Fantasy X came out and I played catch up with DragonQuest VIII, Final Fantasy XII and The Legend of Zelda Twilight Princess after buying my PS3 while I waited for the games to start coming out. I didn't really start gaming heavily until Metal Gear Solid 4 came out. Ever since then it seems like PS3 exclusive flood gates opened up.
Last edited by Jawknee on 7/12/2011 10:40:52 PM
Interesting, I'm gaming a lot more now than I ever have as well. I had more time on my hands with the NES and SNES, but as a kid you wanna be outside and there really werent tons of great games then. With the PS1 and PS2 I stuck to JRPGs for days when there was no action with friends. Now I'm about to turn 30 and to be honest I'm f*ckin tired of horsing around and am pretty happy at home with my hobbies.
Yah, I started with PS1 and was off and on with gaming for a long time. And then I got back into it pretty hard towards the end of the PS2 and original xbox generation. I bought a Wii, also played Twilight Princess, bought maybe two other games for it, became bored with the system and decided to try the 360 cause the PS3 didn't really have games that interested me and was also a tad too expensive, and then finally after 2 RRoDs I packed that one up and invested in Sony. And now here I am.
The last console I owned before my PS3 was my NES, though I may have rented a N64 or PS2 for a weekend or two each year.
Oi, I hear ya World. (And hello from the town of my family members wedding in Sioux Centre, IOWA. Yup, this Canadian is in the USA for the next week)
I've always been a gamer, but now that I'm older, married, a kid on the way, and own a house, I'm through dicking around my weekends and evenings. I work now, and like enjoying my own hard-earned property. And I'm not even 30 yet.
Oh, and last year, in my unfinished basement, I built a man cave with surround sound and HDTV with my own two bare hands (and tools, of course. :p) My uncle also has a man-cave. His is sound proof and has a full HD projector! He also has theatre seating with huge recliners… each with it's own arm-rest refridgerator and cup holder. And he's a wealthy cardiologist in his 40's. He usually just watches movies, but he also has a PS3.
If that makes us weird, then so be it. lol. We're the ones with the best lives. Whatever these people want to say to make them feel better about themselves… fine by me. I don't need the world to recognize their wrong. Take it with a grain of salt, and it's quite humorous!
Underdog,
The funny thing about the perception of gamers as weird and the way that the industry acts is that in my experience if is the very gamers being called weird that play the most spend the most on hardware and spend the most on games. we're the ones that can afford the HDTVs and 3DTVs and all the rest because as we get older our disposable income get's better and we settle down into our lives, no longer running around like headless chickens trying to climb the career ladder over the shoulders of others. And as our children age, we have more, not less time because – quite simply – our kids want to do their own thing more, leaving our time to ourselves.
So the average age of gamers is 37, I'd love to see how that changes if you weight the average by the amount of time spent gaming, or the money spent on the hardware/software. I bet it would be an even higher average age of gamer then. The bit I don't understand though is that the gaming industry is not catering to the people who are in reality their core audience. Judging by their output and attitude, they still imagine that the core audience is 18-30. When in fact the average age of a gamer is already 37, and increasing. Seems to me that they are effectively failing to properly serve their core audience.
The morning show is for women, so it stroke's womens' feelings. I'm sure my wife at home would have loved to hear gaming is for weirdos as she sits at home drinking coffee watching go-feel-happy morning shows with yesterweek's news.
At the same time, compare my brother would wants to ask his wife to let him spend an ENTIRE day on a boat fishing. The general public has NO idea how time-consuming hobbies like hunting and fishing are, although I think both those get made fun of too, but maybe not as much.
I think the "weird" sentiment gets attached to anything that seems addictive. But even though immersion can be addicting, one can actually stop, put down the controller and tend to something…sure can't say the same when you're out on a fishing boat 40 miles out with your hand in the guts of a grouper.
Shows like this one & the ultra-lame View are exactly why I got rid of my cable TV….57 channels & nothing on!
At least with my Netflix, I can watch up to 90 movies a month if I so do desire for $8.
I'm 58 and as for weird, I don't think I am, but just being a biker I guess the mainstream sheep might call me that(behind my back of course.
But I doubt anyone of them would also think that I'm a huge gaming collector too, with 36 systems & handheld's in my collection so far (just picked up a mint metallic white PSP Go today for $50) plus 2,112 games, and counting.
Anyway, who cares what anyone thinks.
Like my grandma used to say…"Eff em all if they can't handle it"
Last edited by BikerSaint on 7/12/2011 10:56:32 PM