The Gamer Lifestyle.
D&D: It’s not a game, it’s a way of life.
If you don’t believe me, go to Gencon. A strong plurality, perhaps even a majority, of the attendees at Gencon are, in many ways, very much alike. Some of the most common characteristics:
- Hairy. Mostly goateed. (Is goateed a word?)
- Loud.
- A bit socially awkward.
- Fat.
Now, I’m not insulting gamers, mind you. In fact, I exemplify the characteristics above. I realize that. I also realize there are some things I can help, and some things I can’t.
For example, I’m hairy. I’m always going to be. But I don’t know if I need the goatee forever. Right now, being a fat man, it helps to define my face. So, I think I’ll keep that one.
Can I be less loud? Doubtful. I mean, I’ve mellowed some since I was younger, but the fact remains that I get animated when I’m talking about something that I’m passionate about, like D&D. Don’t think that one’s going to change too much.
On the social side of things, it is a bit ironic. See, when we gamers want to tell people about how cool D&D is, and how kids should play it and all of that, we talk about it being a “social” game, and talk about how it helps with social skills. The fact is that the football player probably has a lot more social skills that any of us. Still, I’d rather hang out with gamers than the football players. Even if we’re a bit rough around the edges, I think we’re more interesting. I’ll never be anything but socially awkward, but I can certainly try. I can try to listen more and talk less; I can learn to watch for social cues, such as when I’m boring the hell out of someone. But, at the end of the day, I’m guessing this isn’t going to change too much. (I must not be too bad, I’m married to a hot gamer babe, after all!)
As far as being fat, I’m working on it. I’ve lost 45 pounds since December 1, and I’ve decided that, no matter what it takes, I’m going to get down to a reasonable weight and stay there for the rest of my life. I want to be able to play D&D with my grandkids, after all. (I wonder what edition it will be by then? 10th? 30th?) Is it a challenge? Heck yeah. But it’s a new lifestyle for me.
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One Response to “The Gamer Lifestyle.”
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Awesome Deals!
I think the game attracts people who are a little socially awkward because it provides a situation to be social and dramatic within a series of rules. It’s a lot like doing drama classes, but with dice.