I figured some of you would appreciate a link to
this article - I recommend reading
the three other articles of that miniseries beforehand, though. If you have the time, make sure to read the comments too, they all tackle the issue from different sides.
Personally, I also want you to read
this, because a) it is related, b) it deals with Pokemon, and how that is perceived, and since I'm a big Pokemon-fan, you should read it.
So, the issue of "Game Shame" (amazing term) - do you tell other people that you are playing games, widely regarded as something for children? Or do you only play in secret, quickly putting your handheld-system of choice away when someone you know (and sometimes even someone you don't know) approaches? Do you introduce yourself by saying, "Hi, I'm the upcoming Pokemon-master", or do you never tell anyone what you are doing?
Plus, since we're actually here to
make games, how is it with that? Do you tell people that you are making games, and if so, how do they react? Do you need to justify that, or are the people around you always amazed by that hobby?
Certainly, I will admit that I am hesitant of mentioning my hobby. But maybe not so much because of the "child's-play"-stigma, but more so due to the "doesnt-it-make-you-an-antisocial-loser"-expectation some people have. I'm simply too tired to deal with that stereotype -- and given first impressions, sometimes thats not even an option. So usually when I meet new people, I first don't tell them outright that I play games, but gradually make sure to let them know, while also finding out what they think about games. At least, thats what I do when those people are around my age. Otherwise, I don`t discuss those topic -
and I'm not even sure why. Am I ashamed of my hobby? Well, I must admit, I probably
could have spent all those hours better (apart from those playing Pokemon, of course), but hey, it's my hobby, it's a recreational thing, right?
What is your take on this?
Are you ashamed of playing games and/or making them?.
Maybe we can make out certain tendencies in the answers? Is it an age-thing, a culture-thing (if you don't have anything set as your location, now would be a good idea to give us a
rough idea, since I believe how the value of games is perceived and how "mainstream" they are depends alot on the place!), and how will it change for those doing it only as a hobby compared to those earning money with it?