thanks Michael Gowin for the idea...

VIDEO GAMES CHRONICLES(part I) - gamers and non-gamers

It is no secret that I am a big fan of video games. Now, I am no expert on this subject, but b/c it is one of my hobbies, and because i probably spend more time than many others in the vast world of gaming, i think i have some insights that the average gamer might not. Something that I have observed by watching others play video games is there are many different classifications that one might fall under as they reach for a controller to engage in entertainment that sharpens the mind, body, and spirit. My first official video game blog installment is about the differences between a gamer and a non-gamer.

Here is a quick-list of qualities attributed to either classification.

GAMER:

1. Probably has more than one gaming system if funds are sufficient.
2. Probably has gotten in trouble with friends and/or girlfriends b/c he chooses games over them from time to time.
3. Enjoys the community of multiplayer games as well as the depth and story of good single player games.
4. Hates games that suck (even if they are a fan of the series).
5. Can be quoted saying things like, "wow, this game has really good level design." or, "the character animation isn't very good."
6. Knows where to get all the latest information and is always informed on the latest and greatest games.
7. Spends more time playing video games than watching movies.
8. Doesn't loosely say, "I've mastered _________!" He knows that mastering a game rarely ever happens.
9. Enjoys watching video games almost as much as playing them.
10. Has respect for the old titles he grew up on (and still plays from time to time), but is progressive always saving to get the next best thing.
11. Probably upset with himself for getting rid of his original Nintendo (NES).
12. Knows the greatest secrets for getting games to work in an original Nintendo (NES) - and i'm not talking about just blowing into the cartridge.
13. When facing troubles in life always remembers: up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right, B, A, start. (or select start for 2 players).
14. Will reduce the name of the current popular game down to a simple acrostic that only other gamers understand.

NON-GAMER:

1. Is loyal until death to one system and ridicules other systems and the people who own/play them.
2. Has no clue what the new systems cost until they go to buy one.
3. If the gamer only owns sports games, then this person is more than likely a non-gamer.
4. Only likes multiplayer games and has never played through the (awesome) first player game mode in Halo.
5. Might buy a sucky game like Dragon Ball Z: Budokai because they like DBZ more than good games (and then gets mad that others don't like it).
6. Thinks that good graphics is the way to tell if a game is going to be good.
7. Is completely clueless about when game releases are and if it weren't for television commercials would be oblivious to most games that are available.
8. Can't be satisfied in the same room with a video game unless he is the one playing it.
9. Glad he got rid of his old crappy systems b/c the graphics suck on those.
10. Thinks that buying third party controllers for game systems is a good deal.
11. Has no idea what "third party" means.
12. Never knew the "blood code" for the origional mortal combat on Sega Genesis. (a,b,a,c,a,b,b) "Toasty!"
13. Owns/Owned and defended his Sega Dreamcast.
14. Thinks that the Gameboy Advance is for kids.
15. Basically ignorant of video game vernacular.

I guess I could go on and on. Anyways, i would like to make a self acknoledgement about my lists. I realize that i have made some generalizations and assumptions that aren't always true or fair. But that's the point. I am not looking to lay down harsh categories, because many of you probably slip in and out of the gamer/non-gamer classifications. And many of us have attributes from both classifications. Understand that there are different "intensity" levels regarding the classifications (which I will go into some other time). Also, there are classifications inside the classifications. These, I believe, are the two major ones and most other divisions can be categorized beneath the classification of either gamer, or non-gamer. Also, neither classification is better than or worse than the other, just different. So, i have begun the Video Game Chronicles, and this will be a recurring installment on my blog. Check back often because i will be going over different topics as I am compelled to comment on my many observations. Peace out and keep playing.