I watched a very simple, but thought provoking mini-documentary a while ago about online gamers made by a British art student in which he shows us a brief view into the life of gamers. I thought about the dynamics he chose to portray and based on what I have experienced about LAN parties, gaming friends, and the gaming culture in general—the people in the clip embody us all.
It is safe to say that gamers make up a very large (and steadily growing) subculture but yet very little is known about them. It is also true that gamers are one of the most misunderstood groups in society today and as such it is conceivable that those who don’t game would dismiss the gamer’s (“gamer” isn’t even in the dictionary!) perspective or what drives them. Why do gamers choose to immerse themselves in what seems to be a one-dimensional and media-deemed antisocial environment? To know this answer is to be one—albeit an even scarcer, female one. But we are a homogeneous bunch and I have a few theories…
Your Whole World Travels with You…
LAN parties—take your persona on the road. Everything you need is on your computer, your connection to people, to the outside word and into a world that’s imaginary—where you control all. It’s funny watching people set up their own “little space” at warehouse-sized LAN parties or even in someone’s cramped house—everyone finds their spot, painstakingly sets up the cables, boots up and eagerly tweak settings. Some bring artifacts to enhance their space, including stuffed animals, good luck charms and anything else that makes them feel more “at home”. This new space becomes their shrine and it is a do not touch zone—you can check out the gear, but no touchy touchy. Everyone has his or her own way of doing things and their own way of setting up shop. It is true poetry to experience the feverish concentration of tweaking, clicking, and adjusting.
You can go everywhere and anywhere with your computer…
It *is* a Social Activity…
Socializing has taken on completely new meaning in this techno-age. We can be social, talk, get to know people and have fun playing a game without being in the same room (and without hearing or seeing anyone). It is amazing really; who would have thought that one day you would be playing cards with someone in another country? It is hard enough going to a coffee shop and striking up a conversation with someone at another table – let alone asking them for a game of cribbage! Because of the ambiguity, people are more willing to chat, share stories, laughter, resources and opinions. There is a certain freedom in getting to know someone by communicating in text only—without all the baggage associated with body language, looks and social acceptabilities. The initial awkwardness at getting to know someone does not exist here.
As for LAN parties, people come together from all over the country to participate in a group tournaments that are exhaustive, intensive and very satisfying. It is rewarding to finally put a face to a name and already have a connection with that person that defies ‘normal’ encounters. It is like an immediate kinship and bond between people that is unlike no other. I remember at a large warehouse LAN party playing against one fellow who I consistently challenged. He finally jumps up out of his seat and aggravatingly asks “WHO is Gemstone?!” I stood up, smiled and waved and we had this immediate and shared respect for one another.
Text communication can be rewarding and provide friendship connections around the world. Gamers are a community… a subculture… diverse group of individuals who share a common ground. We understand the concepts of the games and experience socialization unlike any other. Roles and rules change and social stigmas are non-existent here. Young and old alike can get together and come away feeling like they’ve been through something unique where stereotyping does not occur.
Misconceptions…
We are not all junk-eating, neo-geeks, with prehistoric social skills. Well okay some are, but that is true for a lot of non-gamers too. Many gamers have successful careers and families outside of online activities and we are quite capable of *gasp* talking in public. It is about balance. To become immersed in a project is to be passionate. However, if it detracts from other aspects, that passion can become compulsion and wreak havoc on family relations.
Another misconception is that women don’t (or shouldn’t) game. Let’s face it, we do and we should. Many websites devote their attention to gaming “girlz” and their presence in the gaming community. What is most bothersome is that many males believe women are either playing to hook up with some guy, or they are needy, hideous-looking women who have no choice but to find solace in online relationships. The truth is, the majority of women who game, are there for the same reasons men are—to play.
Problems…
Text communication has obvious weaknesses, whether it is with gaming acquaintances, group interactions, or that special someone. Most online relationships carry certain elements of assumption and skepticism. The same assumption made by non-gamers is that only the lonely and socially inept are online and this holds true for those online too. Many general conversations lead to a question and answer trials more nerve-wracking than most interviews. It can be important to “prove” to someone that you are not a man masquerading as a woman or that you are simply… normal. Then there are those that always remain elusive and do not disclose anything remotely personal about their lives. It is up to the individual to determine their own boundaries and choose what they wish to disclose or not. If the extent of the relationship is to game with someone, then personal details do not matter. It is easy enough to game alongside someone who shares your passion and is enjoyable to play with.
It’s all about balance…