Self conscious gaming and the double standard

WhyMe6 said:
I've always played handhelds in public for as long as I've had them. Public transport, waiting in lines, waiting for food, while eating food (the DS has helped immensely with the last one - stylus only gaming means no greasy buttons).

I'll still be doing it when I'm 60, bald, with bionic body parts.
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If you have bionic body parts, why cant ya have hair?!
 
I used to play Tekken on the PSP with coworkers. shit got competitive. There was yelling and swearing and everything; it was great!

haven't done that in a couple of years but I still play stuff like Scrabble on my phone during breaks at work all the time, if that counts

gotta admit... couldn't do that with my DS. I know people who have, and I respect that, but... lol no thanks.
 
Playing my Vita in public gets some weird looks. I assume that's mostly due to people not knowing what it is, though ("that's not an... iPad?" etc.)

I don't really care, though.
 
I don't care about gaming in public. What would prevent me from doing so are other concerns.

Take the OP's scenario - I get wrapped up in video games, so unless I'm playing a Layton game or something similar (so: not an action game or Mario Kart 7 that requires constant attention) I wouldn't play while waiting in line at a restaurant, and I might be hesitant to play if I can't play long enough to get anywhere in the game. I've played on train rides and bus rides though, and on a park bench, and in a box with a fox etc.
 
What is going on with GAF today? This is like the fifth self-hating gamer post I've read today. What's with this sudden preoccupation with being ashamed of our hobby? The fact that I love games is one of the first things I'll tell you about myself.

Hell, I look down on the guy next to me on the train for not playing a handheld.
 
true story:

i've made people buy a DS or 3DS just by playing a game in front of them. like a blonde girlfriend from LA, a f.o.b. from overseas that couldn't speak english, my best friend who only likes madden & call of duty, and tons of relatives.

i guess it's about your attitude or energy or chi or whatever.
 
I've played my handhelds in public since the gameboy colour. Like hell am I quitting now. I don't really care what people think about me anymore.
 
Pommy Dragon said:
I don't care about gaming in public. What would prevent me from doing so are other concerns.

Take the OP's scenario - I get wrapped up in video games, so unless I'm playing a Layton game or something similar (so: not an action game or Mario Kart 7 that requires constant attention) I wouldn't play while waiting in line at a restaurant, and I might be hesitant to play if I can't play long enough to get anywhere in the game. I've played on train rides and bus rides though, and on a park bench, and in a box with a fox etc.
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That's a minor reason why I don't as well, most good handheld games are actually not all that well adjusted for portability, they're more like awesome tiny consoles nowadays. Easier to slam 90 seconds into something like Dungelot.
 
I don't have a handheld console but I have played the likes of Angry Bird in the past whilst waiting for food in a pizza hut.
 
Probably wouldn't bust out the ipad on the bus. But sometimes plays games on android (phone). Don't currently have a handheld console to play. (PSP-1000 died do to fried power board last year and haven't replaced it. Also my itouch screen cracked and I tried replacing it but it just shows a white screen..) Might play one in public if I get a 3DS or PSV on sale...
 
I don't do it, but not because of self-consciousness, I couldn't care less about that. I dick around on my iphone when I'm idle in public so I don't carry portables around.
 
I'll admit that I probably am a little embarrassed to play in public. I was sitting on the train today, and watched in fascination as this older gentleman (probably mid-40's) heartily enjoyed some gaming on his 3DS. I kept wondering, "why don't I ever do that?"

I think it is for many reasons- I should care less about how people perceive me. But it's more about managing traveling and getting the time to really dedicate/enjoy some gaming on the go. I need to be relaxed, and the stress of trying to get somewhere, carrying my handheld without scratching it, saving battery, etc. all wear on me.
 
I play when I get a chance, which is unfortunately not that often.

I think this guy here would have issues with it though.
thiswasavailable said:
IBut my real issue with Nintendo is simply that their brand is a kid's brand. Nintendo is what you give your kids until they are old enough to earn their own Xbox or PlayStation. As a grown man, I can't expect people to take me seriously if I play Nintendo. A man plays Xbox or PlayStation or PC or he doesn't play at all. My perception is that the only grown men that play Nintendo are mama boys who never grew up. They probably also play pokemon games and fall into all manner of nasty stereo types that I as a gamer don't want to be associated with.

Thus I keep Nintendo at arms length. I don't think Nintendo is socially acceptable for an adult.
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I take my Vita when I'm going to be in situations where I can actually play it in public, which isn't often since I don't normally hang around after doing what I have to do. But the point being I don't give a shit. If anyone actually did come up and say something I would probably just shoot an equally snooty remark back to them like "what, you actually play games on your phone?? pfft". Answer douche with douche.
 
people bring up the train/subway/bus setting. you know for some reason thats like the one haven where it doesnt seem to matter maybe because subconsciously you feel like the passengers have a lower worth therefore you care less about their opinion. I dunno.

i think japan is far different handhelds have a far different public perception.
 
Playing Pokémon on the bus was a great conversation starter with the cute chick beside me also playing Pokémon.

Besides, more people probably judge me for being fat than playing video games.
 
Sometimes on the train, but i really don't like playing handled outside. It's often a pain (light, position, etc) and i prefer to use that time to read books.
 
I feel SORTA self-conscious, but I know it's dumb. I dunno. I usually end up staying at work late, so on the bus/train ride home, yeah, I'll play my 3DS. But if it's like a Friday night, and a bunch of people going out to party or to a club are on the train while I'm heading home, I'll be more inclined to just maybe keep the system in my bag. I don't even know why. It's not like "Yeah man, NOW they think I'm cool," or "Now these chicks are going to be into me..." Like... what? It's dumb, but it still kinda nibbles at the back of my mind.
 
Do Handhelds really have a bad public perception?
If so, it's certainly never bothered me. I play my 3DS wherever. (Streetpasses FTW!)
 
I'm pretty damn self-conscious. Extremely. But fortunately, I'm proud of my gaming hobbies. I bought BF3 hoodie from the DICE store 2 years ago and keep wearing it to college.

Now if these handhelds only got good games, I'd play them in public too. Hopefully Shield is fucking good. Would love to play this thing in public.
 
Shaanyboi said:
I feel SORTA self-conscious, but I know it's dumb. I dunno. I usually end up staying at work late, so on the bus/train ride home, yeah, I'll play my 3DS. But if it's like a Friday night, and a bunch of people going out to party or to a club are on the train while I'm heading home, I'll be more inclined to just maybe keep the system in my bag. I don't even know why. It's not like "Yeah man, NOW they think I'm cool," or "Now these chicks are going to be into me..." Like... what? It's dumb, but it still kinda nibbles at the back of my mind.
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yes this sorta nails it for me.
 
I don't really care, I mean I have to not care about stuff like that since I am a fan of hobby grade rc vehicles too.
 
I used to be like this, but then I got a girlfriend with similar tastes and also realized there are plenty of people out there who play stuff other than whatever generic "mature" game is popular at the moment.

Unfortunately, I live in a small town, so there aren't many. I just kind of asked myself one day, "Why the hell do I care what some people say about my gaming preferences behind my back? Aren't THEY rather self-conscious?"
 
Used to do it a bunch as a kid, now a lot less than before. Partially because I don't go outside as much (lol) and partially because when I do go places, I just don't have as much time just in one spot when I do go somewhere.
 
What the fuck is wrong with society? I mean come on. I'm 35, I have a wife and a kid. I personally don't bring my 3DS or Vita anywhere (I barely even use my phone when out), but if I see someone using one I generally think "Wonder what they're playing", not "What a loser neckbeard"...even if those people have neckbeards.
 
Electivirus said:
Nope. Life's too short to be embarrassed about playing video games in public. I can understand the embarrassment, though.
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This. However, it's not nearly as bad as you think. Today a guy was sitting next to me playing his 3DS on the subway and I didn't even notice until 10 minutes in. It looked too much like a smartphone.
 
No. I play my handhelds wherever I want to.

And if you're in desperate need of real life "2P action" and are struggling to get it - I have bad news, It's probably not your PSP what is unappealing about you.
 
I rarely have time to play handhelds in public, only when in waiting rooms or before a movie, but yeah, I bust them out*. I don't care.

*My 3DS is in my pocket at all times for those sweet, sweet Street Passes.
 
I'm relatively young (still under thirty) but no, it's never bothered me. If somebody can whip out their phone and play games, I can whip out my handheld and play games...

But speaking of experiences, I'm reminded of this one time the fiancé and I were at Red Robin, waiting for our meal. So I whipped out my DSL and started playing. Think it was DQIV. He'd forgotten to bring a book to read so he was just staring off into space/people-watching. One of the little old biddies sitting next to my fiance nudged his shoulder, leaned in real close and whispered something to him. I was super curious, but he wouldn't tell me what she said.

After we walked out, he told me she'd whispered, "You deserve better. You deserve somebody who'll look at you and talk to you over the dinner table." And then we laughed our heads off. See, we not only live together but work together. I have every chance in the world to look him in the eye and talk his ear off—and I do that plenty enough! One of the few times I don't and some nosy old bat has to put in her two cents. Damn funny. Healthy couples don't spend every minute that they're together actively interacting with one another, you know!

Anyway, I hope you can get over your self-consciousness, OP. Don't let the bastards get you down. They don't know shit 'bout you.
 
Chief_Falcon said:
In an age where every John, Dick and Harry play games on their iPhones, this really shouldn't be a concern.
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Yeah, considering people mess around on their iPhones/iPads/Androids/etc. all the time in public now, I don't see why a Vita or a 3DS or whatever should be different.

That being said, often times I treat my handheld like a regular console and just play it at home. Not out of embarrassment or anything, but it's just what I do. If I'm going somewhere and may have to wait for a while (doctor's office, etc.) my reflex is to grab a book instead of a game system.
 
I actually do feel their is a double standard when it comes to handhelds. I do wish everywhere was like japan and handheld gaming in public was the norm but that's hardly the case. The vita is a pretty slick and sexy looking machine so i see no reason why anyone would have problems with it. The DS and 3ds on the other hand seem to be released in bright colors that many may not feel comfortable with playing in front of people. Does it really matter though what these people think of you anyway in the end? I don't own a vita or 3ds, but i would love to see someone bust it out to and from work. I always get a kick out of gaming talk with people who know their stuff and it would be a great conversation starter. Playing videogames shouldn't be something to be ashamed about.
 
I don't give a fuck if someone sees me playing my DS in public. Fuck 'em if they disapprove. I think the idea that someone should feel ashamed of gaming in public is totally backwards.
 
I don't really find myself in enough situations where I have time to bust out a handheld in public. When I'm out, it's because I'm doing something.
 
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