Converting the Non-Gamer
It must be difficult for the average person to get into videogames. The hardcore gamer culture probably seems daunting and inaccessible (and possibly unappealing) to a non-gamer. This very page declares, "Here, we post our thoughts on all things videogaming. If you are not hardcore, turn back now."
Well, perhaps we should revise that, considering the efforts we've made to bring the goodness of gaming to those who would otherwise miss out. As you all know, Asano currently resides in the great nation of Japan. Japan is notorious for periodic xenophobia, and as a reflection of that, it is very difficult for foreign companies to succeed there. Enter Microsoft. Microsoft's Xbox and Xbox 360 consoles have had a difficult time finding a market in Japan. For a more detailed analysis, please read Asano's post on The 360 in Japan.
But there is one thing working in Microsoft's favor in Japan. That thing is Asano. Asano is actively spreading the 360 love, and has already won several converts among the indifferent masses. Bravo, my man.
Asano's own brother, Mei You, has guided his girlfriend on her gaming path. She even beat me in our challenge to finish FFVII first (although she had a big head start). Recently, he was on a quest to find the perfect game to introduce his father to gaming. After a long period of soul and game library searching, he decided on Kingdom Hearts.
I as well have used the Kingdom Hearts. I bought Kingdom Hearts for Laura, who is only down with gaming provided that the controller has two buttons or less. The first time she popped it in, she played it for six hours. That was all she played of it for a long while, until she told me that she had secretly been trying to beat it and was about 30 hours in. That was probably the happiest moment of my life. Well, I guess it might be tied for when she bought a DS. Or when she said she would marry me. I can't decide which.
Another of my proud achievements came about a month ago, when I got voomped with some of my friends who are way into sports and very little into games. They asked for something ridiculous, and I could think of nothing more ridiculous than Katamari Damacy. I thought it might be a little too Japanese for them, but they ate it up. One of them recently asked me if he could 'keep Guitar Hero safe' for me while I'm in Japan.
While Nintendo is creating consoles designed to expand the industry and bring gaming back to non-gamers, it's a good thing that there are people like us, working towards this goal at a grassroots level. It's interesting to note that there are quite a few games out there that are accessible and fun for just about anyone. Or at least everyone is sure to enjoy a game that is right for them. It's just a matter of educating the public as to what those games are.
I believe that it is the duty of all good hardcore gamers to educate and spread the love of great games. Here are some simple, common-sense guidelines to help non-gamers find the way:
1) Pick a good game. Duh.
2) Pick a game that is easy to pick up and understand. There's no better way to alienate someone than to introduce them to a game they can't control. In general, you should avoid FPS's. Music games, on the other hand, are great. The controls are usually simple, and everyone loves music.
3) Pick something that would interest them. Kingdom Hearts, for example, was a no-brainer for Laura (who has just about every Disney film ever).
By following these simple steps and using some good taste, you should be able to convert all but the staunchest anti-gamer to our side. Good luck and God bless.
-Joule
Well, perhaps we should revise that, considering the efforts we've made to bring the goodness of gaming to those who would otherwise miss out. As you all know, Asano currently resides in the great nation of Japan. Japan is notorious for periodic xenophobia, and as a reflection of that, it is very difficult for foreign companies to succeed there. Enter Microsoft. Microsoft's Xbox and Xbox 360 consoles have had a difficult time finding a market in Japan. For a more detailed analysis, please read Asano's post on The 360 in Japan.
But there is one thing working in Microsoft's favor in Japan. That thing is Asano. Asano is actively spreading the 360 love, and has already won several converts among the indifferent masses. Bravo, my man.
Asano's own brother, Mei You, has guided his girlfriend on her gaming path. She even beat me in our challenge to finish FFVII first (although she had a big head start). Recently, he was on a quest to find the perfect game to introduce his father to gaming. After a long period of soul and game library searching, he decided on Kingdom Hearts.
I as well have used the Kingdom Hearts. I bought Kingdom Hearts for Laura, who is only down with gaming provided that the controller has two buttons or less. The first time she popped it in, she played it for six hours. That was all she played of it for a long while, until she told me that she had secretly been trying to beat it and was about 30 hours in. That was probably the happiest moment of my life. Well, I guess it might be tied for when she bought a DS. Or when she said she would marry me. I can't decide which.
Another of my proud achievements came about a month ago, when I got voomped with some of my friends who are way into sports and very little into games. They asked for something ridiculous, and I could think of nothing more ridiculous than Katamari Damacy. I thought it might be a little too Japanese for them, but they ate it up. One of them recently asked me if he could 'keep Guitar Hero safe' for me while I'm in Japan.
While Nintendo is creating consoles designed to expand the industry and bring gaming back to non-gamers, it's a good thing that there are people like us, working towards this goal at a grassroots level. It's interesting to note that there are quite a few games out there that are accessible and fun for just about anyone. Or at least everyone is sure to enjoy a game that is right for them. It's just a matter of educating the public as to what those games are.
I believe that it is the duty of all good hardcore gamers to educate and spread the love of great games. Here are some simple, common-sense guidelines to help non-gamers find the way:
1) Pick a good game. Duh.
2) Pick a game that is easy to pick up and understand. There's no better way to alienate someone than to introduce them to a game they can't control. In general, you should avoid FPS's. Music games, on the other hand, are great. The controls are usually simple, and everyone loves music.
3) Pick something that would interest them. Kingdom Hearts, for example, was a no-brainer for Laura (who has just about every Disney film ever).
By following these simple steps and using some good taste, you should be able to convert all but the staunchest anti-gamer to our side. Good luck and God bless.
-Joule
posted by Voomp at
8:59 AM
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