How is the average gamer viewed? (Opinion)

When a mom or dad not familiar with video games sees their child playing games with graphic violence, they always have a nagging suspicion in the back of their minds that it might not good for their kids. That is the exact opposite from a gamer’s perspective: they think that games are helping form relationships and teaching skills such as how to deal with difficult people. On the other hand, non-gamers will hate games more because of minute details about them, forgetting the overarching ideas. For example, they may say gamers will become unhealthy, which is completely untrue if they balance playing games with exercise.

When people don’t acknowledge both views of a situation, stereotyping can occur. The average first-person shooter player is thought to be violent, and the average massively multiplayer online player is stereotyped to be reclusive and fat; these are just a few examples of what gamers are though to look and be like.

This image may be iconic, but it is completely wrong. On the contrary, most gamers are fit and lead lives outside of gaming. A few excellent individuals are making their income off of playing video games. This is where the eSports community exemplifies that gamers are not always what they are interpreted to be. Even if they play games for a living, this does not imply a single thing about their health; some pro gamers work out and keep a steady routine every day.

Sometimes, this stereotype of a gamer can ruin relationships or a possible friendship. News outlets cast a shadow on gamers, especially since often the only gamers seen in the media live up to the long-held stereotype. Also, having terrible companies that want only your money does not make the gaming community any better. EA is a prime example, going so far with a loot box system that Disney had to intervene. All these factors make games unappetizing to the older community, giving it a negative outlook. Gamers may be one of the most stereotyped groups. Why keep thinking of them in that light?