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Don’t be Ashamed to Game

Don’t be Ashamed to Game

I have a friend, in his 30’s, who bought a 3DS at my encouragement about six months ago. Only last week, he learned what a StreetPass was, and how he was missing out on a major part of the 3DS ownership experience. Why did it take him so long to enter the wonderful world of puzzle pieces and hats? Because he’s in his mid-30’s and felt self conscious about carrying his 3DS with him on the bus or train, or pulling one out in a Nintendo Zone like Best Buy or McDonalds.

Which brings me to my point: as gamers, we need to be proud of our hobby. We’ve reached a period in time where being a gamer isn’t stigmatized anymore. Video games are acknowledged as a major entertainment option, with a portion of many household’s budgets devoted to keeping up with consoles and games. Grand Theft Auto V made $1 billion dollars in the first three days it was released. Call of Duty titles are anticipated and celebrated, year after year. Activision has acrued over $2 billion thanks to Skylanders , as of this year.

Yet, despite this universal acceptance, seeing someone playing a 3DS or Vita in public is a rather rare site. Sure, we’ll see people on their smartphones and tablets, gaming away, but it seems like the official handhelds just aren’t getting the same kind of love. From most people, at least. Sure, there are exceptions to every rule. I often see people at conventions breaking out their 3DS to clear out their Mii Plazas, and if I stop by Mitsuwa Plaza’s food court in Arlington Heights, there’s bound to a few people of all ages with some kind of dedicated handheld device. But the general gaming population hasn’t seemed to have gotten on board with gaming in public.

I suppose I can understand why. I’ve stopped by McDonalds for various Nintendo Zone promotions for Animal Crossing: New Leaf and Disney Magical World . A 30 year old woman pulling out a 3DS probably gets some attention. Though, it’s the grabby children, who think such behavior is an invitation to share my Pikachu 3DS XL with them that bothers me more than possible stares from adults (seriously, hands off!).

Not to mention, it can invite unexpected interactions that don’t involve strange children demanding a turn. Popping open a GBA SP just after high school lead to one creep stalking me, attempting to buy my love with GBA cartridges he would just “happen” to find lying around. Though even more memorable was the time one associate in college said, “You like video games like boys!” when she saw my friend and I enjoying a Mario Kart DS match at an Illinois College Press Association outing.

Don’t be Ashamed to Game

But, even with the possible glares and negative reactions, it’s worth it. After all, you’re getting the chance to enjoy something you love. You shouldn’t feel like you can’t do that in public because there’s a chance it would reflect poorly on you, because it won’t. More people than ever are gaming today and I’ve found that just enjoying a game I love in public can often result in more positive interactions. It’s led to conversations with people I never would have thought would also be playing and enjoying the same game, and even friendships.

We need to be more proud of our past-time. Gaming is a wonderful thing, and 3DS and Vita owners should feel free to enjoy a console game on the go, and maybe even strike up a conversation with someone else curious about the system.

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