[General Discussion] What is a gamer, anyway?

Originally Posted by Skexis

1. What did gamer mean 10 or 15 years ago?
2. What does it mean for you and/or your friends now?
3. Has the next-gen done anything to change that?

1. Well, as for people in my age range, from what i can remember, gamers didn't really exist. Gamers were just about everyone (just boys actually) who would play video games because they were new, and exciting. Gaming was more or less a novelty, not something you deticated yourself to. Almost like a trial period to see if you would be into this gaming thing. More and more of my friends are dropping out of playing video games. The last time i actually played a serious game of something with a person i call a close friend was at least a year ago. Ever since then, it's all been with friends who think video games are just there for kitch value, and not something that actually means anything. To me at least, gaming was something you did because everyone else was doing it.

2. Well, i guess i started this one in number 1. Today, i'm the only person who plays games with any seriousness anymore. I do have select friends who game as well, but we all cover such a wide range of tastes, that we can't share any experiences together. I can think of maybe one person i'd want to be with who would be willing to join me if i were to camp out for a next gen console.

3. Many of my friends still have no idea what the Wii is, have come off of Wii prejudice and are completley on the fence as to whether or, still think it's a bad idea and are staying away from it. I seem to be the only one of the people i know who actually wants one. I think that some education among my former/non gaming friends might sway them, but it's not likley.

Jam it back in, in the dark.