The Gaming Mindset: Part 1

The Introduction: Changes

The “gaming mindset” is something that has been quite the enigma for years. As time goes on, the changes are pretty significant. From how we used to view things back in the 80s and 90s to how things changed now. Our definitions of “cheap” and “skilled”, what we have available to us, and what’s considered a “casual” or “hardcore” gamer.

I’ll be the first to admit that certain terms are a bit too broad and don’t fit a lot of people. I also feel that many people tend to come up with their own rules to make themselves feel better about their situation. It seems like pride is far more on the line now that hard evidence of game play is more and more present. People were more willing to admit, and follow through on their boasting and bragging 20-some odd years ago. Before competitive gaming was what it is now, we would hope to mark our legacy on the arcade machines using 3 letters. Being the best on your block was enough, and defending your title your title was always your pleasure. Sure, you could defend your turf, or take over another area’s, but win or lose, you were still the best in your area, and that meant something.

Nowadays, being the best in an area nobody’s heard of means nothing. If you aren’t placing high in a highly competitive area, then your accomplishments mean nothing in the eyes of others. They mean even less as a whole if you aren’t tearing it up online. (Depending on your side of gaming.) Visual evidence is needed to solidify your legend, and unless you do something out of the ordinary, you haven’t earned anyone’s respect or adoration.

Even back then everyone wanted to be the best, but respect was still shown to those who wouldn’t lose to just any old player. Being the best among your friends, and maybe your town and city spurned others to take your throne, but they also wanted to show their stuff against out-of-towners. They worked towards the “top”, and no matter how slow the progress, they schemed. Everyone knew who the best was, and until proven otherwise, it stayed that way.

Now, people are constantly disrespecting the one(s) with the most success. Constantly stating they’re better, but never stepping up to prove it. They scheme, but don’t appreciate when the results aren’t immediate. They still don’t respect the win. Holding that “L” is harder than Ninja Gaiden on the NES for most, it seems.

Why the changes? What caused this shift in thought process? Is anything still the same? Well, we’re going to take a look at the “gaming mindset” over a series of articles. We’ll discuss:

1. Winning and Losing
2. Practicing
3. “Honor” and “Fair Play”
4. Knowledge and Opinion

I look forward to seeing and hearing the opinions of everyone as we progress through this series. Feel free to let me know anything that you may have as far as input is concerned. I may just use you in a future article.

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