Self conscious gaming and the double standard
- Thread starter HoodWinked
- Start date
What's wrong with playing games on the bus in your country? Are you worried about getting mugged?
partyphone
Banned
the people judging you for playing video games in public probably watch Honey Boo Boo or some shit.
dream
Member
I always carry my laptop bag with me whenever I go out. Putting them all in + my laptop is not a big deal for me, hahaha.
4 handhelds + a laptop very rarely unable to satisfy my portable gaming needs whenever I am going outAnd when I get back home, when those five getting charged well it's time to play my xbox360 or Ps3! Hahaha.
I mean, I don't know you at all, and I hope I'm wrong, but this doesn't sound like a very balanced life.
Fahrenheit
Banned
I play my 3DS XL and Vita in public all the time. It's why I bought a handheld in the first place. It's not that I don't care about what people think about me (I mean we all do a little, no one wants to me thought of as a slob or something) it's just gaming doesn't carry the stigma that it did years ago. I get more people asking me what the vita is and how much it costs then I do people giving me dirty looks.
shaowebb
Member
I was in public today playing an import game on my PSP. An import KAMEN RIDER game. You know...the live action show aimed to sell toys to kids. I was even singing along when the japanese show themes would kick in on TAJADOR. I don't even know japanese and only know a few lines of that shit too.
Haters gonna hate. I like what I like. Suck it up and deal with it world that everyone has different interest and the popular things aren't necessarily what everyone is gonna be into.
Life's too short to pretend to be who I'm not.
Haters gonna hate. I like what I like. Suck it up and deal with it world that everyone has different interest and the popular things aren't necessarily what everyone is gonna be into.
Life's too short to pretend to be who I'm not.
i can't say I play any of my handhelds in public often but I have no problem with doing so. I learnt a long time ago that it doesn't matter what the idiots on the side lines say about what I love.
In high school I bought my vanilla WoW Strategy guide (was just starting the game and wanted to be well informed on basics - Very Stupid Idea and Waste of Money). Had every douche from around the school bitching on me about it to which I replied with a hearty "Fuck you!"
In high school I bought my vanilla WoW Strategy guide (was just starting the game and wanted to be well informed on basics - Very Stupid Idea and Waste of Money). Had every douche from around the school bitching on me about it to which I replied with a hearty "Fuck you!"
It's usually too much hassle for me to take my 3DS onto the train each morning, I have enough crap to carry around and my podcasts usually keep me fairly entertained.
I must say, (and this might just be my view as a gamer who personally prefers 3DS to Vita) a Vita screams "manchild" much more than a 3DS when I see somebody playing one in public.
I must say, (and this might just be my view as a gamer who personally prefers 3DS to Vita) a Vita screams "manchild" much more than a 3DS when I see somebody playing one in public.
The only thing that bothers me is when some kid finds it fascinating and they... don't respect personal space. My GF is mortified by that as well, as she likes kids even less than I do.
I have an amusing story about this. When Max Payne came out on iOS I was so excited to play it and relive my early 2000s memories. I couldn't wait to get home, so I whipped out my iPad while sitting in the metro and started playing. Along comes a 5 year old kid who got completely fascinated by the large colorful screen. I was playing a pretty violent level, with blood and bodies flying in slow motion all over the place, and I started thinking maybe I shouldn't be playing this in front of the kid. But then I thought fuck no, I wanna play Max Payne, and his parents are supposed to supervise him (they stood chatting on the side oblivious to their kid.)
I don't take any handhelds out in public, but that's because when I'm out I'm usually too busy to play. Even if I had to go on a long coach journey though for example (I actually did last week) I don't think I'd be able to focus on the games too well.
If I did though I doubt I'd mind being seen playing them.
If I did though I doubt I'd mind being seen playing them.
The only thing that bothers me is when some kid finds it fascinating and they... don't respect personal space. My GF is mortified by that as well, as she likes kids even less than I do.
Apparently some kid in a coffee stood behind me and watched me play Hotel Dusk for like ten minutes. I didn't even know he was there until my husband told me.
Night_Trekker
Member
I generally don't care if people know I'm a gamer, but I won't volunteer the info. But I've almost never had the opportunity to play a handheld in public.
I feel the outlook on playing handhelds in public, here, is rather immature. You're self conscious of playing these product out in public because of your concern of what those around you may think of you. Meaning, you're insecure with yourself and who you are as a person. And if that is a problem, there's likely a deeper issue within you than needs addressing.
Further than that, for some to say that they would not feel out of place playing a Vita, but would a 3DS is also evident of their level of maturity. This thought process that a Nintendo product is frowned on in public, yet a Sony product is not is, like, a direct result of taking 90's marketing to heart and never developing your own opinions. Conceptually, the 3DS design (I'm speaking of it's exterior design, not anything technical like specs) is sound. Pretty sleek and it sports the oh so happy fingerprint prone smooth finish that most handheld products (if not all modern products) are made of.
You folks need to grow up and not be concerned about what others think of you.
Further than that, for some to say that they would not feel out of place playing a Vita, but would a 3DS is also evident of their level of maturity. This thought process that a Nintendo product is frowned on in public, yet a Sony product is not is, like, a direct result of taking 90's marketing to heart and never developing your own opinions. Conceptually, the 3DS design (I'm speaking of it's exterior design, not anything technical like specs) is sound. Pretty sleek and it sports the oh so happy fingerprint prone smooth finish that most handheld products (if not all modern products) are made of.
You folks need to grow up and not be concerned about what others think of you.
Crash Station
Member
Rarely play outside anymore, but when I was commuting to college, I played in the commuter lounge all the time. I can't imagine anyone that passed by me thought "oh man, that dude with the handheld is a total nerd and probably has no friends!". No, I'm sure they didn't give a shit and/or didn't even acknowledge it.
I have a shitton of other things to be self-conscious about, but public gaming isn't one of them. If there are really people that judgmental to care, chances are I wasn't going to get along with them anyway.
I have a shitton of other things to be self-conscious about, but public gaming isn't one of them. If there are really people that judgmental to care, chances are I wasn't going to get along with them anyway.
abstract alien
Member
You should see the stares I get when I break out my 3DS in public from time to time. I'm not the smallest guy, so I guess it's a contrast from what someone would imagine or expect.
I'm usually inside when I game though.
I'm usually inside when I game though.
FrostuTheNinja
Member
Whether it be plane, train or automobile, I love busting out a handheld during a trip.
I don't get self conscious when playing in public due to the activity itself, but I do get self conscious using an expensive looking device in public. I feel like I am a prick showing off, even though technically, the ordinary smartphone the person next to me i using is more expensive than my device.
I also sometimes get tired of the 101 questions you get from somebody sitting next to you out of pure curiosity. Though the last point is happening less and less (thanks to the popularity of mobile devices with large shiny screens).
I also sometimes get tired of the 101 questions you get from somebody sitting next to you out of pure curiosity. Though the last point is happening less and less (thanks to the popularity of mobile devices with large shiny screens).
Coffee Dog
Banned
I won't think twice about playing a handheld if it's on the train or bus or something, but I have a phone for anywhere else.
If someone asks i tell them, but i try my best not to make it public knowledge haha.
If its SotN on Vita i tout that crap for the world to see
shaowebb
Member
Laughing Banana
Weeping Pickle
It's not like I dedicate my life 24x7 for gaming, don't worry, hahaha.
Boss Doggie
all my loli wolf companions are so moe
Yeah I don't really see anything wrong using handhelds for passing time, especially if you know you won't be mugged in the area. If anything this just adds more stereotypes to video game players that they lack confidence and need assurance.
specialguy
Banned
It just occurred to me how I would be embarrassed to pay a gaming handheld in public, but modern combat 4 on my Galaxy S 3 is no problem.
I guess it's just, with a phone it's like "I'm bored, so I need something to waste time, and I already carry this device with me for other reasons". Somehow, it's ok, nobody will judge.
Dusk Golem
A 21st Century Rockefeller
There was a trend in my high school during senior year where many of the 'popular' children would play Gameboy Colors and one of the old Pokemon games during free-time in class, and we'd even have class-wide discussions about games. One of my oddest but found memories was in History class around when Doom 3 came out, and everyone, from the nerds, to the jocks and cheerleaders, to even the teacher, got in on the discussion and most actually knew what we were talking about.
I lived in a weird city maybe, but I am happy as such since there is no shame around here for playing games in public. Gaming is a bigger industry here, and there are weirder things done here that are generally accepted here.
I lived in a weird city maybe, but I am happy as such since there is no shame around here for playing games in public. Gaming is a bigger industry here, and there are weirder things done here that are generally accepted here.
I live in Tokyo where anyone and everyone is tapping on some kind of electronic device on the subway and even while walking in crowds.
So I don't have the least compunction about joining them (on the train, that is; people who look down at their games and phones while walking deserve to get bodychecked).
So I don't have the least compunction about joining them (on the train, that is; people who look down at their games and phones while walking deserve to get bodychecked).
ranmafan
Member
I dont get bugged by playing my handhelds in public here in Japan. Most of the time its normal for anyone to do that, or be on some sort of electronic device, especially in the big cities. Since I live in a smaller town though, I have noticed one thing thats annoying. When I do have to take a train, which is very rare since my city only has two lines and its useless for travel unless you want to go to Tokyo or Nagano, and there are lots of high schoolers on the train, they tend to look at me funny when I play my 3ds or vita or whatnot. Of course they then look down the rest of their trip typing into their smartphones as if thats more normal or whatnot. Thankfully thats the rare occasion I see any issue with it. Other than that Ill play in public with no worries. I really dont care what others think about it either to be honest.
Kageshinzo
Member
I'm usually too handsome and cool to care about people staring at me while playing handhelds.
Weltall Zero
Member
Yeah, living in Spain (and currently in one of the "worst" neighbourhoods in Madrid), this is one of the reasons I'm not entirely committed to buying a Vita and such. I don't really want to bring with me anything that costs 200€ or more.
To be fair, I've had zero problems in more than a decade of constant portable gaming... at some point I decided that the entire point of a portable is to be able to use it during commutes, and if you're not going to do so because of any reason, what's the point?
Reading all those opinions of people that are truly embarrased of gaming in public is somewhat surprising and discouraging, in GAF of all places. I wonder if it's a thing that varies depending on location? Here in Madrid you see people gaming left and right on their portable devices; sure, phones are ubiquitous, especially now, but it's very common to see people on their DSs and PSPs too.
GameCenterXDS
Member
Yeah man, get over it. Everyone needs to. The sooner more people start playing their handhelds out in public, the more random fun could be had! Especially once we get the really good co-op games, Monster Hunter and Lost Planet EX Troopers.
It feels sort of odd to bust out my GB Pocket on a busride these days since it's so old, but I don't really care because who doesn't like the Game Boy?? But really, I guess it's the same with my 3DS. I do feel like I get looks of disgust (or something) from other people when I take out a gaming handheld in public. Especially from women. Like it's some dirty thing only scumbags do. I'm sure it's mostly in my head, but I do get looks from people, and I don't get any looks if I don't have a handheld.
Because if you do you'll be ostracised from society?
EvilKatarn
Member
Considering the crowd that we have in buses I'm too spooked to even take my phone out in fear of it getting jacked or some old lady whacking me with their cane or something for using the devil's device.
I mostly don't take my DS or PSP out with me because my pockets are already full. I mostly play games that need atmosphere though so playing during breaks in uni or on the bus would just ruin that for me.
Or maybe the problem is rooted further back. It all happened in eighth grade when me and a buddy were playing some Metroid Prime Hunters during recess and everyone gathered around us in curiosity. I felt one particular person getting too close though and I said: "Dude, back off!"
However, said dude was our maths teacher, a huge ripped imposing man.
Actually yeah, after that I've never played a handheld in public.
I mostly don't take my DS or PSP out with me because my pockets are already full. I mostly play games that need atmosphere though so playing during breaks in uni or on the bus would just ruin that for me.
Or maybe the problem is rooted further back. It all happened in eighth grade when me and a buddy were playing some Metroid Prime Hunters during recess and everyone gathered around us in curiosity. I felt one particular person getting too close though and I said: "Dude, back off!"
However, said dude was our maths teacher, a huge ripped imposing man.
Actually yeah, after that I've never played a handheld in public.
Rollo Lawson
Banned
I'd imagine the 3DS gets that sort of stigma because people buy them for, thus associate them with, their kids.
In my personal experience the Vita draws a lot of curiosity. You'd be surprised at how many people ask me what kind of phone/tablet is it. I'm talking old folks
In my personal experience the Vita draws a lot of curiosity. You'd be surprised at how many people ask me what kind of phone/tablet is it. I'm talking old folks
hypostasis
Banned
1. You may be establishing a self-fulfilling prophecy by stipulating in advance that you will "never" be able to avoid caring what others think of you. People can change a lot, whether it's over a short span of time (usually in response to some event) or over longer durations.
2. What's silly about the advice?
3. Just because the prescription may be difficult to achieve doesn't mean it isn't worthwhile or can simply be discarded out of hand. If anything, its difficulty may indicate it is worth pursuing, as many worthwhile things are achieved only with effort.
4. Taco Bell is awesome.
hypostasis
Banned
I for one am not self-conscious at all: I love to whip it out of my trousers and play with it for extended periods in public settings, getting everyone's attention in the process.
My 3DS, that is.
P.S. In British usage, 'Trousers' means 'pants' rather than 'underwear.'
ShockingAlberto
Member
Honestly the only time it concerns me when I pull out a video game in public (barring obvious social maladjustment like just pulling out a DS while socializing with people, I wouldn't do that) is the fact that removing my handheld system from my backpack or my pocket makes it seem like I am going through too much effort to do something for the two or three minutes I am waiting somewhere.
yes =/