Do you remember when people liked talking about games instead of hating it

[Shaibana]

i dont mind some critique on a game.. but the way they do it.
some people are all negative in what they write.

atleast be honest and also tell what is positive about a game

[Niale]

This is a topic I think about a lot, as it is very noticeable how gamers at large have become more skeptical and pessimistic than ever. You don't have to go far to find a "Top 10 disappointments of the year" list, even on the first page here we have a thread about the worst games we've played.

I think internet discussions, comments sections and forums brought this out because now we're all in a position to write and one of the lowest yet seductive forms of writing is that of a smug, snarky critique. It's fun to read and fun to write (Ratatooie) and with the web giving a column to the masses I feel that's the kind of attitude its generated.

I think its dangerous because I've seen many ambitious games this generation get panned and shunned, as if they're being punished for their idealism by journalists and gamers who can't experience the same joy. They blast said games for arbitrary reasons such as the gameplay not being accessible enough or not having enough of the author's ever-changing definition of "innovation." I'm afraid this will only lead to game makers fearing to dream big or take risks.

You have to enjoy your hobby. One of my new year's resolutions is to spend less time reading and arguing about games and spend more time enjoying them. I've made an effort not to post as much or spend too much time foraging for gaming discussion. And overall, I am optimistic about where gaming is at and having a hell of a time with the current consoles and handhelds.

You literally took the words right out of my mouth

i dont mind some critique on a game.. but the way they do it.
some people are all negative in what they write.

atleast be honest and also tell what is positive about a game

Well it seems its more popular to tell people not to like games and to gain followers to think so too. Atleast if i understand the internet correctly :P

[Pumpkin]

I don't know, I see alot from both sides. There is a lot of discussion about the positives of a game and what there is to like about them. That's why fan forums like this one exist. We like a series of games so we discuss them. I hate the DOA series with a passion and that's why you don't see me on forums dedicated to those games .

I will discuss negatives about games I like (Final Fantasy X, for example) but I'll also discuss the positives. And if I go out of my way to discuss the negatives without being asked, chances are I like the game or I wouldn't be bothered to say anything.

There's a good number of positive disucssions too, is my point. There's tons just on this forum. And sure people discuss the negatives but it's not like that's all they do.

[Mercen-X]

My ex used to talk about games sometimes. She and I had very few genres in common. And series... she liked Kingdom Hearts but not Final Fantasy (only liked the Disney aspect). She like the Dead or Alive and Fable series but not general fighting games or other RPGs. She did enjoy playing Brawl though. Aside from that, I've had very few friends with whom to talk gaming. My cousins talk about games, but mostly on my dad's side and mostly about Wrestling games. WTF? They also happen to like games like Soulcalibur and Mortal Kombat and Grand Theft Auto, but they constantly talk to me about the latest Wrestling game. What the hell is the matter with these people?
These days though I generally don't like to bring gaming discussion with me IRL. It an online thing only. If I talk about it IRL, then I feel like I should be gaming more and I really just don't think I have the strength to curb that addiction if I get back into it... of course... I already am back into it. I went four months without playing a game at the start of last year. Then I started playing games online and on my cel phone. Then I dropped those and went back to my consoles but only to play Final Fantasy VII, Ephemeral Fantasia, and Crystalis and only so I could study the stories for various reasons (for VII, I was writing fanfiction, for EF, a wiki, and for Crystalis... a proposition for a sequel)

[Jiro]

Don't pass judgement on a YouTuber if you haven't watched any of their content. A lot of the problems you attribute to reviewers, critics, and content creators actually belong to the fans who are ignorant and aggressive and forgive me but you don't paint yourself very differently with your staunch and unwavering view and refusal to participate in a discussion.

Negativity is cool. It is. But this is not a new phenomenon. Disagreeing with opinions is just a thing. I remember some time in high school where we started discussing something like, I dunno, the Wiggles, and how it was ridiculous and for kids and some of us instantly retaliated with "what? no, smurf you man, the Wiggles are awesome" when none of us legitimately held that believe (even though the Wiggles are awesome (original Wiggles 4 life tho)). It's not even being devil's advocate, some people just like to smurfing argue (hi) and cause a scene. Look at YouTube comments for evidence: everyone is just an asshole.

But that doesn't mean everybody is just bitching. If they are, then they're idiots: video games are becoming increasingly popular and widespread and an ever important part of our (pop) cultural identity. And I love games. I love talking about them. I love, much to your chagrin Niale, dissecting them. I love celebrating the pros and highlighting the cons and whatever. I write about games, I like to discuss them. I joined a smurfing Final Fantasy forum for Christ's sake.

I don't know what else to say. There is a big emphasis on negativity, but criticism is an integral part of the discourse. I would love to see a lot more positive discussion but I think there's a lot about the industry to be jaded about. I'm still hopeful and engaged though.

[Pike]

Do you remember when people liked talking about games instead of hating it

I dunno man. I love talking about games. LOVE it, as anyone who follows me on Twitter or has talked to me for more than a couple of seconds can attest.

Most of my friends and family love talking about games too!

[Fynn]

I like talking about games. I love analyzing them. I enjoy discussing them with other people and disagreeing with them. It's a part of life.

As you get older, your tastes get refined and you get more jaded, that's a given. Disliking a game and knowing the reasons for it are no sin. He'll, even complaining about it in a snarky manner is OK. Sometimes you are disappointed with a game and really feel it was a waste of your time.

I've really learned over the years that I truly, genuinely dislike Final Fantasy X. Do you think I have no right to talk about it then, to just shut up and enjoy it? Even if it's the opposite of anything I like in games? Even if dissecting it to highlight it's flaws gives me a sort of satisfaction? That is my way of enjoying that game now, so how am I doing it wrong? Enlighten me, since you seem to hold all the secrets to being a good person.