Is it publicly and socially acceptable to be a gamer now?

[wraggster]

via joystiq

Video games aren't a success because of record-setting sales in 2006 ($13.5 billion). They're a hit because it's cool to be a gamer now says ABC News:

"Perhaps the biggest factor in the industry's success during 2006 wasn't the glossy hardware or the cutting-edge games but instead a subtle shift in the once-geeky public perception of the gamer persona. Consumers just don't feel so strange about buying or playing video games anymore."

Sure, gaming has made plenty of in-roads in the hip sector. But I doubt most gamers readily admit to being rabid fans as easily as they would admit to being a music or movie enthusiast. At least not yet.

[toymin80r]

Everyone knows that everybody who has played the wii wants to play along, and the people who have played it has changed their perception about video games. Nintendo just brought the enjoyment of video games back to the industry for anyone who likes to have a good time.

[eatnooM]

I've never given a monkey's whether people know I'm an avid gamer or not

[GobboFett]

I've never given a monkey's whether people know I'm an avid gamer or not

Exactly. I will tell all the people that I work with that I whittle away most if not all of my free time playing WoW: TBC. They can either like it or go straight to hell and do not pass go (or collect $200 for that matter).

Gaming is definitely not "geeky" anymore and that can be good and also bad, bad of course meaning a more crappy games flooded mainstream market. But those that care will see past all that and that is what I believe makes gaming a great hobby/lifestyle. I also don't think that movies or music are too much to boast avidly about, I see them as more of a side dish to enjoy with friends or while gaming. It's not to say I don't enjoy movies or music, I just don't see them as a top-priority social topic.

[gdf]

i don't see any shame in being a gamer. it's not "Cool" but it is definitely acceoted that that is what i do. some of my friends go out or watch tv, but i play instaed, so it's no issue.

[gunntims0103]

Im a Gamer and i don't care who knows it. In fact gaming has been going on strong since the 80's. Since Nes and colecovision people have been hard strong gamers. Its only gotten better from there!

Snes and Sega Genesis put out great games and made a bigger gaming scene than ever before. Thus they laid the foundation for future gamers worldwide.

[Zion]

to be honest i think this has gotten ridiculous now.

who cares if you are or arent a gamer, wow you play games big deal, games dont influence anyone in anyway.

its just a easy way of blaming violence and other things on games.

its ludicrous

[wolfpack]

id have to agree with zion on this one, no one should really give a damn, were all gamers, we dont judge each other based on that... lets all just have fun!

[SSaxdude]

Seeing as many, many non-gamers like the Nintendo Wii after trying it, I'd say that gaming is on the rise.

[gdf]

i dno, loads of people at my school think the wii is a piece of $#@! for babies. that's not to say i agree, but i think the wii is noot as widely hailed as everyone says. maybe it's something to do with age groups etc etc.