Why Online Gaming Isn't As Fun As It Should Be

Thanks to GameSpot for their 'GameSpotting' editorial discussing why online gaming can often be more frustrating than fun. The columnist finds two main reasons for frustration - firstly: "I don't like getting trounced by someone who is either flat-out, hands-down better at a game than I am or has simply invested many more hours in getting good at the game than I have." He also has issues with impolite players: "I think online gaming brings out some really despicable behavior in people, which I don't particularly mind but that I certainly don't like." Some possible solutions are mentioned, such as "effective player-matching services", but what can and should be done to make playing online a delight?

Comments

For those who don't want to read the article...

[Draigon]

...allow me to summarize:
"Waaaaah. Name calling. Waaaah. Too hard. Waaaah. but I'm not a sore loser, honest!"

The personal restraint people have in reality comes from a fear of getting beat up? What the hell is he talking about? If you've ever, like the author, allowed another player to beat you because he was bigger than you in real life, guess what? You're a coward and a wimp. Sorry, I'm not just another anonymous ghost flaunting the vocal freedoms of the internet. It's just real simple. You're a wuss.

Personal restraint comes from respect not fear. When you have a face to the player your up against it recieves an instant amount of respect. Maybe not much for some, but enough for most to only make a few simple cracks and leave it at that if anything. The abusive behaviour by the cyber athletes is no different than that trash talking on the football field. If you're not an athlete, get off the field or petition for these game developers to setup a heirarchy for amateurs like yourself.