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Thank you!

I think there’s a difference between poking light-hearted fun at friends and family for the games they play – I’m certainly not suggesting people take this hobby so seriously that you can’t do that! – and legitimately insulting (or being condescending) to people who play the more ‘casual’ titles. And what you said is exactly what I mean – being a jerk to someone because of different tastes and likes isn’t exactly something that should be encouraged in polite society.

Now, granted, I’m also shouting into a void here, somewhat – not only will some people be jerks, but I doubt that many of them are reading these (or others) articles about this kind of thing. Still, I like to hold onto the illusion – grasping as tightly as I can! – that people will turn themselves around and just be polite to one another. It’s nice to dream.

Allow me to play devil’s advocate for a moment. It’s interesting that you mentioned the CoD fanboys as an example of people who may be guilty of this behaviour. While I don’t necessarily disagree (and it should be obvious that I don’t mean *every* CoD player, of course), I’d also argue that it’s not just them. The hipster, “high art” gamers are guilty of this. The Nintendo fanboys are guilty of this. The indie gamers are guilty of this. A lot of us are guilty of this behavior to some extent. If I were to deny that I ever partook in this, I’d be lying, full disclosure. It’s just as frustrating to hear a CoD player say “Mario is for babies” as a hipster retro gamer say “CoD is for lowbrow mainstreamers”. It’s all petty behavior, really.

And as far as what could be done to change this? I wouldn’t recommend policing behavior or anything of that sort. If anything, I’d say to just take the time to really question why you (general you) feel how you feel about gaming. You don’t need to spoil someone’s enjoyment of a game because you dislike that title, or genre. But adversely, it’s good to have discussions that allow for genuine critique and debate about the merits of a game. I guess I’m just asking for people to be civil.

Wow, this reply is almost as long as the article itself! Thanks again for your comment. Hope to read more from you soon!

I am not sure about anyone else here, but I do NOT try to make fun of anyone for what they play….to a serious extent of being a bully at least. Personally, what they play I may scoff at, laugh at, or poke fun.
BUT
It is also easy to see the enjoyment factor that they are having. What right do we have to make fun of those that play WHAT THEY ENJOY using their time for, to just escape from the real world whether for a couple of minutes or a couple of hours? Why are gamers the new bullies to gamers (i.e. CoD fanboys that take it way too far)?

And what can we do to change?