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Time To Stop Calling Them Games?

Posted by Zonk on from the what-do-we-call-them dept.

GamePolitics wonders aloud about our use of the term game to describe electronic entertainment. In the author's view, referring to videogames as 'games' is inhibiting their adoption by mainstream society (who relates gaming to children's activities). From the article: "Things have changed, of course. Video game content now runs the gamut from kid-friendly titles like Curious George and LEGO Star Wars to adult-themed offerings such as GTA San Andreas and Black to the highly socialized online communities of World of Warcraft and Second Life or the largely adult-populated casual game scene of Pogo. Over the years, gamers and game designers have recognized the artistic and expressive potential of videogames, along with their power to enlighten and entertain players from four to ninety-four. But there are also millions who missed that particular cultural bus."

9 of 220 comments (clear)

  1. So what's better? by Peregr1n · · Score: 2, Funny

    Question is, what would you call them? As long as it's not something like 'Infotainment', I don't mind...

    1. Re:So what's better? by Schitzoflink · · Score: 2, Funny

      We should call them Virtual Interaction with Distinctly Eleet (misspelling intentional)Overall Graphicly Amorphous Majestic Entertainment Systems...or for short..V.I.D.E.O.G.A.M.E.S.

      --
      Mr. T carries a postage stamp in his wallet at all times on the back is a list of all the fools he doesn't pity
    2. Re:So what's better? by ShortSpecialBus · · Score: 2, Funny

      Obviously, many of them are killer training programs, or murder simulators. Video "games" my ass!! We are training our children to become hardened murders who have no sense of human rights.

      If you disagree with this statement, I'll fucking kill you.

      Sincerely,

      -Jack Thompson

      --
      //FIXME: Bad .sig
  2. Good idea! by AKAImBatman · · Score: 5, Funny

    We can separate "games" into two categories. The fun stuff that people actually like playing can continue to be called "games". The adult oriented, artistic works of sound and video that are supposed to be admired for the sake of it can then be called "garbage". Sound like a plan? :-P

    (Tongue firmly stapled to my cheek.)

    --
    Javascript + Nintendo DSi = DSiCade
  3. New name!! by chrnb · · Score: 5, Funny

    how about calling them adult entertainment ..oh wait

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    MikMik Baby Organics Mikkaworks
  4. Dominate Media Type by cpearson · · Score: 3, Funny
    It is not hard to see that many if not most media types will converge. Games are the current media type that are developing and perfecting the virtual world interface. I predict a convergence of all media and communications into Sims-like game that simulates (optimizes) your day to day life. - yada yada - Games will dominate.

    Interactive Billings Wireless Map

    --
    Windows Vista Help Forum
  5. Great Idea! by jettoki · · Score: 2, Funny

    Let's call them "sex" from now on. It's a term with popular appeal, and very few gamers are going to confuse it with any of their other regular activities.

  6. I couldn't agree more by uberjoe · · Score: 2, Funny

    We should also consider remaming Olympic Games. Maybe something like The Totally Grown Up Althletic Competition of Olymipa, so no one will confuse them with childsplay or wasted time.

    --

    The days of the digital watch are numbered.

  7. Re:Games still carry the stigma.... by miskatonic+alumnus · · Score: 4, Funny

    So you are whining about semantics because your parents don't approve of the way you waste your time?

    I'm reminded of a time when I was about 10 years old, riding from a gas station/bait & tackle shop with my grandfather. I had just purchased a comic book. He asked, "Why are you wasting your money? Don't you have enough of those comic books?" To which I replied, "You just bought a fishing lure, and you already have a box full of them. Don't you have enough of them?" He didn't say another word to me for several hours.