You are NOT a real gamer

#48: Do you meet the requirements?

January 20, 2023

"No, you're NOT a real gamer.

"I'm so sick of all these people that think they're gamers. No, you're not. Most of you are not even close to being gamers. I see these people saying "I put well over 100 hours in this game, it's great!" that's nothing, most of us can easily put 300+ hours in all our games. I see people who only have a Nintendo Switch and claim to be gamers. Come talk to me when you pick up a PS4 controller then we be friends.

"Also DEAR ALL WOMEN: Pokémon is not a real game. Animal Crossing is not a real game. The Sims is not a real game. Mario is not a real game. Stardew Valley is not a real game. Mobile games are NOT. REAL. GAMES.

"Put down the baby games and play something that requires challenge and skill for once.

"Sincerely, all of the ACTUAL gamers."

Ok then.

Well, there’s a lot to unpack there. But let’s start by saying what an absolute load of nonsense. Even without the sexism that has to be one of the most ridiculous combinations of words I’ve seen in a long time.

Admittedly, this is merely the opinion of an anonymous nobody on Twitter, but it’s been wafting around the internet like a bad smell this past week and turning quite a few heads as it goes. Troll-baiting bad-takes aren’t exactly new on the internet, but as far as troll-baiting bad-takes go, this is a particularly bad one. Thankfully, the responses to it were mostly a combination of disagreement, disapproval and – understandably – anger, but there are certainly people out there who feel this way, or at least agree with it to some extent. And that’s a problem.

The problem for me lies with the term gamer itself, and the perception of what it means to be one. I’ve played games for as long as I can remember being alive. I’ve played on nearly every system that’s existed since 1990 (and a couple before then) and continue to do so to this day. I love games as an adult just as much as I did as a kid, but I never refer to myself as a gamer. And certainly never claim to be a "real" one. I don’t define myself as a gamer in the same way I don’t define myself as a film-watcher or a music-listener. Though I love them all dearly.

I think the ‘real gamer’ tag originated during the rise of mobile gaming and with the introduction of Nintendo’s Wii. Back when the argument over casual and hardcore gamers first reared its ugly head. For years video game fans had lamented the fact that much of the general public didn’t care about or understand their hobby. But as soon as Nan & Grandad got in on the act a lot of people didn’t like it. Oh you play Angry Birds on the bus and Wii Sports at Christmas? That’s cool. But you’re a casual gamer. You’re not a real gamer. Not like me.

The vast majority of people play video games in some form these days. Why does it matter how often and on what platform? Video games are a medium to be enjoyed and consumed in whichever way you see fit. Elitism exists in every medium, of course, but I’m not aware of people gatekeeping so aggressively when it comes to films or music. In fact I’m not sure there’s even an equivalent word for it. Oh you watch Hollywood blockbusters on Saturdays and romantic comedies during the week? That’s cool. But you’re a casual filmster. You’re not a real filmster. Not like me.

The allure of fitting in with a certain community is powerful, and it’s good to feel part of a group with a similar interest and passion. But the term gamer and the arbitrary requirements some think it takes to be one only serves to divide the community and encourages the exclusion of those deemed not into games enough.

Some people seem to see it as a badge of honour that has to be earned through gameplay hours and platinum trophies. But the beauty of video games is that they’re not really about either of those things unless you specifically want them to be. The whole point is that they can be anything; they can appeal to any taste, age, gender or ability level. Video games are for anyone and everyone. Yep, even Nan & Grandad.

So no, you’re not a real gamer.

None of us are. There’s no such thing.

-

I hope you enjoy the rest of the newsletter and have a great weekend.

Thanks for reading,

Jeff

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