We all know the common cliche of gamers huddled around their flickering televisions in the basements of their mother's homes, conjuring wizards to do their bidding in banishing the evil foes from whatever imaginary land they're currently inhabiting. I imagine this is based on the years of gamers being out of touch with the rest of the gamers in the world while they're gaming. With WoW and Xbox Live and the internet allowing connections with other gamers, has this stereotype changed?
Personally I think that it has. But I guess before I say that, I should say while the stereotype may not necessarily have changed, the reality of how gamers interact has changed.
The vast majority of games, by their very nature, are meant to be played socially. Without a computer controlled AI, when was the last time you played cards without other people? Or think back to all of the Milton Bradly board games we played as kids. We played them with other people.
Computerized gaming may have started as a way for kids or adults to "go to another land" where perhaps they weren't overweight, under-popular and where they could be the hero. But deep down everyone needs the social interaction - or at least some social interaction. I see the connection of gamers now as bringing gaming back full circle.
Gaming is a social affair. When gamers couldn't game with others, they were missing something. That missing link was provided with Xbox Live and games like Diablo, Starcraft, WoW, etc. In my opinion, that's why games that permit gamers to play together do so well.
So ultimately without further blabbing, I believe that gaming is a social experience. That doesn't mean that I don't care for a great storyline and an incredibly well done single player experience, because I love a great story. I guess it means that deep down we all want the social aspect of gaming. I mean, look at PreGameLobby for example.
Ya right Litch,I like Social more
Linear Mode
