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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."

6 of 220 comments (clear)

  1. 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.)

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  2. Games still carry the stigma.... by LeeItson · · Score: 5, Insightful

    I think it is time to change the fact we call them games. I personally still deal with the fact that gaming is a waste of time to so many. My parents sit and watch the tv all night after dinner but they can't see that doing that is no different from me playing my games for the same amount of time. Why doing something on a console or computer is so different than sitting in front of a television I will never know.

    1. Re:Games still carry the stigma.... by miskatonic+alumnus · · Score: 5, Insightful

      What stigma?

      Bridge, poker, chess, pool are all games played by adults.

      And if the adults aren't playing the games of football, basketball, hockey, baseball, etc. then they are watching other people play those games.

      Games don't carry a stigma. They are at least as old as mankind.

  3. New name!! by chrnb · · Score: 5, Funny

    how about calling them adult entertainment ..oh wait

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  4. Slow news day????? by Stavr0 · · Score: 5, Insightful
    "Card Games"
    A "game of chess"
    "Gaming"
    "Wargames"

    Oh yes, the word "game" has way too much of a childish connotation. :-/

  5. Re:MOD PARENT UP by generic-man · · Score: 5, Insightful

    And while 5,000,000 people were buffing their paladins to make the run into Molten Core, I was watching informative TV programs like "Nova." Save your stereotypes for someone else.

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