Honestly. Do you tell people you meet in real life that you are a gamer?

[Alt-Nintega]

I don't know about everyone else but I think that is the worst possible way to break the ice with someone. You see tons of people still have the stereotypical mindset that gamers are losers who live in their parent's basement or garage. Especially females who for the most part don't play video games. Some hobbies are just better off being kept secret. That is just my opinion.

[nectarsis]

Why do you feel the need to keep starting topics that multiple people have already given opinions on?    Most people (if they have any real self respect) don'y give half a shit what others think.  We are all past high school, and most live their lives how they want regardless of what others think.  IMO if you hide things you like/do..you aren't mature enough to do them.  If you get embarresed about something...you probably shouldn't be doing it.

[Tatsujin]

it really depends on the people

[nat]

I don't know about everyone else but I think that is the worst possible way to break the ice with someone. You see tons of people still have the stereotypical mindset that gamers are losers who live in their parent's basement or garage. Especially females who for the most part don't play video games. Some hobbies are just better off being kept secret. That is just my opinion.

I don't always "break the ice" that way. If anything, I tell people I'm into electronics, which is the truth. I repair PCBs, have for a long time, even before working on game systems. Beyond my fascination with electronics I'm a pretty normal guy and you probably wouldn't be able to pick me out of a crowd generic late 20's/early 30's guys.

On the other hand, I don't have anything to hide, if someone asks what I'm interested in-- I tell them. I already have a hot wife so worrying about whether or not working on electronics impresses chicks isn't on my agenda.

[nectarsis]

But I've heard being a gamer, having certain tats are SURE chick repellent 

[MissaFX]

Not only do I eventually tell everyone I meet that I am specifically a console gamer, but I do make it pretty clear to people that I don't really play newer games and that I do not play FPS games.  This way they know, I am not just some wackjob in a dorm room, I am a well refined retro eccentric.  The reason I am soooo open about gaming is it is often the only way to find out from another female if she also games...well from the offset at least.  Gaming does seem for many to be a guilty pleasure, not as guilty as their porn collection...but in some cases just as hidden from the public observer. 

Sometimes I don't say I am a gamer, I broadcast it.  Occasionally I go to the mall in one of my 90's shirts like my Dino Crisis one and I will hang out in the food court with my PSP playing Sewer Shark or some other blantantly retro game like maybe Star Control over DOS-Box.

In my personal opinion, and I am sure this is part of my bias, but the type of gamer which is sure repellent would be the type who hangs out on xbox live all day smacking strangers, who considers this behaviour to be a good use of their time.  This stereotype of gamer just screams, "Don't date me in a million years!"...at least to me and a few people I have asked over time.

[Sinistron]

Nin this is 2008- wake up man.  Practically everyone's a gamer in one form or another- there's always been gateway games to draw in those who otherwise wouldn't play videogames- from Tetris to Guitar Hero.  You really need to get out of this one dimensional mindset and narrow view of the world.

[Nazi NecroPhile]

Why would anyone be ashamed of the largest portion of the entertainment industry (yup, even bigger than movies)?  Initial conversations often revolve around jobs and/or family - the two things that most people can relate to and that consume the largest chunk of most lives.  If the conversation rolls around to hobbies, I'll list video games among my other activities, though I don't always go into detail, as some people could care less.  The only time that a gamer is a absolute turn off, is when it's the only thing that they bring to the table.  Of course, the same can be said of any one dimensional bore.

[MissaFX]

The only time that a gamer is a absolute turn off, is when it's the only thing that they bring to the table.  Of course, the same can be said of any one dimensional bore.

So true.  Although I wouldn't say the only time.  I get kinda tired of people to keep making endless running Wii jokes too.

[Nazi NecroPhile]

Especially when you have to keep reminding them that your eyes are about a foot to the north, no doubt.  Welcome back, by the way. 

[guyjin]

Some people I tell, some people I don't. But that's how I am anyway - I don't tell anybody all my business.

[rolins]

Not really, mainly because my gaming interests are sometimes too retro and obscure. I love talking about the MSX, FM-Towns, PC-8801, Saturn, Nes, Toaplan, T&E Soft, Compile. But I'm terrible when the topics are about newer games & consoles which most guys on my block are into. I often feel like clueless one of the group. It's not like I can afford a xbox360, I probably could but I'm too stubborn to try something new.

[Alt-Nintega]

Not really, mainly because my gaming interests are sometimes too retro and obscure. I love talking about the MSX, FM-Towns, PC-8801, Saturn, Nes, Toaplan, T&E Soft, Compile. But I'm terrible when the topics are about newer games & consoles which most guys on my block are into. I often feel like clueless one of the group. It's not like I can afford a xbox360, I probably could but I'm too stubborn to try something new.

I am the same as you. I am more into obscure retro stuff too. Nice Rude Breaker pic you got there

[Joe Redifer]

It's not something I bring up unless the conversation turns to games.  I also don't talk about video editing or movie theater projection equipment around most people, either.

[TurboXray]

 Yeaaahh... being a gamer is not a repellent. A lot of women who aren't gamers will just look at it like something silly you do from your childhood (and they will *attempt* to correct or curb it at some point). Depends on the girl. If she loves your absolute attention and the game is currently getting 95% percent of it at the moment, then you're in for some drama sooner or later.
 
 But seriously, if a girl can't be bothered to memorize a few opcodes of assembly, why should I even bother?  Just imagine her breathing hot breath into your ear and whisper "transfer x to the stack".... (sigh) yeah.

[CrackTiger]

I've never had someone introduce themselves as "Hello my name is Susan, I am a golfer".

If retro "gaming" somehow comes up in a conversation with someone I've recently met, then I don't try to hide anything. But just like anything about myself, I don't suddenly go off on a rant about how its my whole life, because its not.

Most people think its cool when it does come up, just like how most men and women my age think that other "kid's stuff" from the 80's is cool. Usually they ask the best way to track down an NES or Atari.

The retro angle does seem to carry the mystique of a genuine hobby though, as opposed to "All I do is play PS3 games all day long!!!"

[nectarsis]

Well said BT 

[OceanBlueKirby]

I do, actually. I have no problems telling anyone that I'm a gamer whenever I get the chance to. People are typically all right with it (though there was a peer or two that thought of it as awkward for me to be interested in them), as it's asked as something I like to do for fun or one of my interests. I've even made a few acquaintances and friends through exposing this fondness myself, YouTube or otherwise, also. However, the only real time I would keep my video game business private is if a family member were to walk in or ask what I was doing, and I was planning to play or playing them. I normally would stop or tell them that I'm hanging out/doing nothing special (which is, in part, true, since the activity is normal for me to do). I halt my doings in case they want to talk to me, and since I'm considered to be the only true gamer among it, I don't say much pertaining them due to the lack of proper understanding.

There are a few questions that I would like to ask you, too, Nintega: Since you fear exposing your interests for video games to new people you meet in real life, has the idea ever occurred to you that you could meet a YouTuber that you've had a great deal of contacting with in real life and they wanted to talk about games with you? Perhaps, even, were you scared of exposing your hobby when you've first became a member there (or anywhere else on the Internet, for that matter)? Lastly, have you tried to tell anyone (a good number of folks and the opposite gender, referringly) that you like to play them before? If not, when you have the opportunity to, tell someone that might be interested to hear that you do have a likeness for them, and see what happens. It may turn out better than what you think.

[MurderDate]

I don't say shit about myself to anybody until they ask.

[Ceti Alpha]

Say it loud, and say it proud: "I LOVE TEH TURBO!!!"
 
A friend of mine called me the other day after work asking what I was up to. I was completely honest. I said I was trying to beat the last two levels of Dragon Spirit. He then asked, "What's that?". I replied, "It's a game for the TG-16." He then said, "Dork." My retort was, "Indeed. But isn't that like the pot calling the kettle black?".

You can't take yourself too seriously. If anyone really tried to make fun of me for being into retro gaming, or gaming in general, I would have a field day. Because the chances are that these people are watching American Idol or Big Brother while we're trying to find out how the hell to get the necklace that gives you 99 continues in Parasol Stars.

[termis]

I don't generally talk about it because no one really cares, nor do I expect them to.  And even when the topic comes up, it revolves around the shit that everyone knows about, i.e. Super Mario Bros, Zeldas, Tetris, etc.  Other than that, I've yet to come across anyone outside of my old-time friends where I can have a conversation for more than 30 seconds about the consoles I usually play.

Why the hell does it matter, anyway?  I don't go and tell people straight off the bat of the "cooler" shit I do either.

[Sinistron]

Why the hell does it matter, anyway?  I don't go and tell people straight off the bat of the "cooler" shit I do either.

Eggs Act Lee. 

[Lochlan]

I tell everyone what a huge nerd I am, and mostly I am loved for it.  Not that I introduce myself as such, but after a couple "what do you do"-type questions it becomes immediately obvious.

I'm double majoring in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (with a minor in math!), I love cartoons, I love comic books, I love Godzilla and Ultraman, and I have over 700 video games (including 3 arcade cabs).

Only somebody really lame wouldn't want to associate themselves with me based on the above.  My girlfriend is so understanding of my nerdiness that she allows me to overtake a whole room in our two bedroom apartment for my games -- that's love, right there.

[nectarsis]

MARRY HER 

[Keranu]

The biggest nerds are the ones in denial.

[Alt-Nintega]

I tell everyone what a huge nerd I am, and mostly I am loved for it.  Not that I introduce myself as such, but after a couple "what do you do"-type questions it becomes immediately obvious.

I'm double majoring in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (with a minor in math!), I love cartoons, I love comic books, I love Godzilla and Ultraman, and I have over 700 video games (including 3 arcade cabs).

Only somebody really lame wouldn't want to associate themselves with me based on the above.  My girlfriend is so understanding of my nerdiness that she allows me to overtake a whole room in our two bedroom apartment for my games -- that's love, right there.

Holy shit lucky you. 

[Alt-Nintega]

Well people based on what you folks posted, I am coming to the conclusion that I'd probably fit in where ever you all live at because in my neck of the woods almost everyone, if not everyone period,  is judgemental, ignorant, and high strung. You'd lose some brain cells trying to makes friends with those spawns of Satan. 

[Zeon]

Holy crap! I didn't realize telling others about your interests and hobbies (in this case retro games) was such a big deal! Maybe I live in bizzaro world or something, but one of the first things that comes up in a conversation with people I meet in person or other wise is my hobbies. In my case it's my passion for retro games. Not once has anyone called e a dork, nerd, or whatever and act like I was insane. Although I am sure a few could care less, most think that my passion for games is awesome. In fact many are always having me remember a game they saw or played as a kid. When people come over for the first time, they typically spaz at my collection (though I personally don't think it's THAT great). Often we end up playing old games for hours.

Seriously why would anyone who's social hesitate to tell people about what interests them? Things like sports and cars bore the hell out of me, but I'm not going to ignore you/look like you are crazy just because our interests aren't the same. Sure I won't be able to keep up in a conversation in sports, but I'll listen.

[MissaFX]

Well people based on what you folks posted, I am coming to the conclusion that I'd probably fit in where ever you all live at because in my neck of the woods almost everyone, if not everyone period,  is judgemental, ignorant, and high strung. You'd lose some brain cells trying to makes friends with those spawns of Satan. 

You just described all the people who live in the town near where I live now.

[geepee16]

it's even harder for japanese to admit it sometimes because the perception is a little harsher for gamers here.  i have never avoided saying it though.  it's an easy way to screen people too.  people will either accept it as a fact of who you are, try to change you or just be turned off.  the latter don't like you and likely won't.  the middle probably do you like but don't respect you.

just be who and what you are and don't hide it.  you'll ultimately hate yourself or resent the person you changed for if you try to keep it secret.

[WoodyXP]

I never hide my passion for games.  Some people understand it, others don't.. like anything else in life.

[guyjin]

Well people based on what you folks posted, I am coming to the conclusion that I'd probably fit in where ever you all live at because in my neck of the woods almost everyone, if not everyone period,  is judgemental, ignorant, and high strung. You'd lose some brain cells trying to makes friends with those spawns of Satan. 

People are like that everywhere.

Fuck 'em. Do what you wanna do, and don't worry about what people think.

[natethegreat82]

I don't tell people that I'm a gamer unless they ask. And in that case I wouldn't have any problem admitting it since its nothing to be ashamed of.

[Alt-Nintega]

Holy flying monkey shit! I found this hilarious article in my brother's new Gamepro mag today 





This is the article:

How To: Date a Gamer Girl


Girls that game seem rarer than a Killtacular in Halo (Uh no shit?), but maybe you just aren't looking hard enough. More women are gaming every day (not the kind of gaming all of us are into keep in mind), so the time is ripe to impress. (You got to be fucking kidding me) GameGirl.com's Raychul Moore tips us off to finding the gamer girl of your dreams. (Where did that looney tunes bitch get all this info from now?)

Now to the best parts.

1. Know your stuff...

Impress her with your knowledge of games, especially the ones she is interested in.

(So this Raychul thinks talking about the history of video games to a certain girl is going to have her think that I am not some basement dweller with no life? Riiight.)

5. Include her in your geeky obsessions

Chances are she has the same geeky interest as you The local comic store is re-opening> Invite her? An indy theater is showing Star Wars? Bring her! A friend is having a LAN party! Yep, you guessed it.

(Oh man, that woman must have took mad fucking heroin when she wrote her article to Gamepro. I have never in real life met anyone of the opposite sex that enjoys my hobbies, let alone except me as the unique person I am. Sorry folks but you'll have to prove to me that more women are really playing video games because where I am at it is still the 80s and 90s.)

[bust3dstr8]

I thought #6 said beat her like a girl. 

[ParanoiaDragon]

If it comes up in conversation, then I have no problem.  I honestly get more wierd looks from people, when they find out I'm not into sports, or anything, supposedly manly(dirt biking, motorcycles, wrestling, Nascar, getting high, getting drunk, etc.).  I guess some think it's wierd that I collect Transformers & watch anime, but even that stuff is more common these days.

[Joe Redifer]

Paranoia, sounds like you're from the south.  I'm sorry man.  I'm so, so sorry.

[termis]

How could anyone not be into NASCAR, wrasslin' and football? 

[Ceti Alpha]

How could anyone not be into NASCAR, wrasslin' and football? 

Haha. You said "wrasslin'".

Anyway, gamergirls are out there. I know a couple. It's funny, one of them actually invites me to go shopping with her at one of the local comic stores time to time. She's a SNES girl though. I told her I will change her misguided ways.

[Sinistron]

If you can deal with cockroaches maybe you should move to the hipster part of Brooklyn Nintega.  There you'll find chicks who are into manga, retro video games, art, slasher films, tofu and pierced labias.  5 out of six ain't bad eh?  I hate tofu  .  Roaches aren't my bag either.  Was in Brooklyn friday for a Daniel Johnston show- and at a bar before the show- while drinking 4 dollar margaritas (they were very good) a baby counter crawler tried to reach my drink.  Sue would never kill a roach sober without crying and screaming- thank god she was tipsy and smashed the vile fucker under a swatch of napkins.    Killing cockroaches for the win! 

[Ceti Alpha]

lol nice. Yeah, I'll kill anything that makes a move toward my drink.

[Nazi NecroPhile]

not the kind of gaming all of us are into keep in mind

So what?  Adults in adult relationships sometimes do things that they don't really want to do, such as him watching Sex and the City or her doing anal.

Where did that looney tunes bitch get all this info from now?

Broad life experiences, I suspect; something you are lacking.

So this Raychul thinks talking about the history of video games to a certain girl is going to have her think that I am not some basement dweller with no life? Riiight.

Can you read?  The article is about dating a gal already interested in games, not some random girl.  She also said to keep her interested by talking about the games she enjoys.  Imagine that, people enjoy talking to other people with shared interests.  Crazy talk, I tells ya!

I have never in real life met anyone of the opposite sex that enjoys my hobbies, let alone except me as the unique person I am. Sorry folks but you'll have to prove to me that more women are really playing video games because where I am at it is still the 80s and 90s.

I am convinced that we'll never be able to convince you that those of the fairer sex play games.  Many members have already stated that they play video games with their significant others, yet your head remains firmly entrenched in the sand.  If you'd actually listen to others, then you'd be able to expand your narrow mind; and if you'd pick up a newspaper, then you'd see that sexy ladies like these are indeed playing video games. 

[Alt-Nintega]

NecroPhile, Mr. Ostrich? WTF 

And what do you mean I lack board life experiences?

Also Sinitron, I honestly never seen that part of Brooklyn you speak of. The Brooklyn I've been to long ago was just like Harlem (hobos everywhere, street thugs, $2 hoes, you name it)

[Sinistron]

I'm talking about the Williamsburg part of Brooklyn.
from Wikipedia-

Williamsburg is home to a thriving art community and is largely associated with one of its main thoroughfares: Metropolitan and Bedford Avenue. Many ethnic groups have enclaves within Williamsburg, including Germans, Hasidic Jews, Italians, Puerto Ricans, and Dominicans. The neighborhood is also a magnet for young people moving to New York City.

Some residents view Williamsburg as a haven for established immigrant families, while other residents see it as an area of exclusive artists and hipsters. Still other residents see Williamsburg as a lively neighborhood with easy access to Manhattan. The sometimes-clashing definitions have been highlighted by a growing population and rapid development of housing and retail that is changing the look and feel of the neighborhood. Williamsburg is regarded by some music critics as an influential hub for indie rock.

As for Harlem- things have changed drastically.

also from Wiki-

After years of false starts, Harlem began to see rapid gentrification in the late 1990s. This was driven by changing federal and city policies, including fierce crime-fighting and a concerted effort to develop the retail corridor on 125th Street. Starting in 1994, the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone funneled money into new developments.[28] Finally, wealthier New Yorkers, having gentrified every other part of Manhattan and much of Brooklyn, had nowhere else to go. The number of housing units in Harlem increased 14% between 1990 and 2000[28] and the rate of increase has been much more rapid in recent years. Property values in Central Harlem increased nearly 300% during the 1990s, while the rest of the City saw only a 12% increase.[28] Even empty shells of buildings in the neighborhood were, as of 2007, routinely selling for nearly $1,000,000 each.[29] Former U.S. President Bill Clinton has rented office space at 55 West 125th Street since completing his second term in the White House in 2001.

So neither Brooklyn nor Harlem are as you think.  Things have changed man- you need to get out of your house a little bit more.

[Ceti Alpha]

Yeah, I've heard that those areas have really seen a great deal of change. I wish I could've explored NYC more when I was there, but it's a big town and there's onlyso much time. Next time I go I'll take the Sinistron Tour. 

[Nazi NecroPhile]

NecroPhile, Mr. Ostrich? WTF 

It's a well known term for people who keep sticking their heads in the sand.

And what do you mean I lack board life experiences?

The word was broad, as in varied and extensive (or maybe whores, 'cause they're more fun).  If you'd get out more often and maybe do some traveling, you'd find that there's more out there than gamer hating gangster thugs.

[Sinistron]

Yeah, I've heard that those areas have really seen a great deal of change. I wi  
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sh I could've explored NYC more when I was there, but it's a big town and there's onlyso much time. Next time I go I'll take the Sinistron Tour. 

Haha Sinistron actually doesn't care much for Brooklyn.  There are a lot of hot and crazy chicks there that are into all of the shit I said they're into (among other things) but the guys are just doofuses with tight pants who try to turn you onto everything they learned in film school and whatever generic bands are currently poisoning their iPods.  If I was single I'd have a greater reason to frequent Brooklyn- but I'm not so I stay local  .  The Sinistron tour would consist mostly of lovely Queens- where I grew up and where I am now- with a little bit of Manhattan thrown in for good measure  .

[OldRover]

I could care less if someone knows I'm a gamer or not. If they have interest, great. If not, great. I'm not losing sleep over what others think of me. If someone asks me if I'm a gamer, I'll say "yes" and leave it at that. If they press for details, I give details...I'm into TurboGrafx, SNES, Genesis, Saturn, Playstation 1 & 2, and the PC. Sometimes I'll even get into my tirades about how all FPS games after Quake II suck major bitch tits and how Mario needed to retire 20 years ago. If you think I'm a loon, I don't give a shit. If you totally agree with me, I still don't give a shit.

[nat]

The Old Rover: He just doesn't give a shit.

[esteban]

I do not tell folks (outside of close friends/family) that I play video games. In fact, one test to see how "close" I am with someone is to see if I'll bother explaining my video game hobby to them. When I do mention it, it is always with the disclaimer that I like the older stuff (I'll name a few arcade / NES games) so they don't think that I'm a FPS or WOW goofball. Sorry for offending anyone