Ever get criticized for collecting games?

[VG_Maniac]

I don't know about anyone else here, but I am frequently being given a hard time about being a game collector. Common negative comments I've heard from people -

"Get a life"
"I bet you don't have a girlfriend"
"What's the point of having so many games?"
"I feel sorry for you"
"You don't get out very much, do you?"
"You should sell all this nonsense and use the money to go towards your future"
"These games....this is just sad"
"Get a hobby" (I can't believe people have said this to me! What do they think I have??")

I just don't see why people can't seem to understand how much enjoyment I get out of videogames, and how I enjoy collecting them.

I get all these comments from people about me having to many games, and my collection isn't even half as big as most the collections I've seen here. So I'm wonder...how often do any of you get criticized for your hobby?

[keiblerfan69]

I get the "Why do you have so many games?" all the time.

[Bloodreign]

People know never to say these things to me, they know I'll turn a deaf ear towards them, the ones who usually say these kind of things aren't gamers anyway.

Just ignore them they'll eventually go away.

[davepesc]

I never really hear anything negative.

My wife, though not a "gamer" enjoys some Street Fighter 2, Guitar Hero and Eye Toy games from time to time, as well as Konkey Konga and anything on the Colecovision, her childhood system.

My kids love games, especially the N64, which I more or less gave to them with an assortment of "safe" games.

My parents love all the Atari 2600 games, the system they got for me as a child.

My friends often get together to play Madden, but we always end up with Mortal Kombat, Soul Calibur, SFII or some Genny platformer after the football is over.

[Biff_McFresh]

All my non-gamer friends who wouldn't understand the allure with my collection seem to think it's neat I have such a collection (and I'm only approaching the 150 mark). No real negative comments, though there is a lot of negativity towards videogames in general it seems. I just brush it off.

[Kid Ice]

"What do you do?"

That's my response.

Most people don't *do* anything.

And the ones that actually do something usually aren't busy trying to find a cure for cancer. Fantasy football? Fishing? Motorcycles? These are things that are better than gaming in some way, that make more sense?

Yeah.

[Pantechnicon]

The only derision I hear on semi-regular basis is from this one shop where I periodically get 2600 titles. It's not criticism per se, but the staffers can't seem to help but make comments like "Old school, huh?" or "You've still got an Atari? Does it actually work?"

Discourtesy is unspeakably ugly to me but in my head the retort goes something like this: You work in a store whose whole inventory is comprised of 30-year old comic books, 5-year-old sports cards and 10-year-old toys and you're gonna single out my interest in Atari games and laugh? Oh, is that a Malagai cart I see you're selling for $3.00*? I'll take it, thanks. And remind me to look you up in 15 years and laugh in your face while you try and convince your kids' generation how cool the games were on your creaky old X-Box, you stupid young ignorant f--k.

But it's not like I'm bitter or anything.

* - Really. They had an R10 for $3 (no PM's thank you). Maybe they should have paid more attention to this stuff.

[Pantechnicon]

"What do you do?"

That's my response.

Most people don't *do* anything.

And the ones that actually do something usually aren't busy trying to find a cure for cancer. Fantasy football? Fishing? Motorcycles? These are things that are better than gaming in some way, that make more sense?

Yeah.

Best retort I ever heard along these lines was in an interview with the guy who organized all the Star Wars fans to line up for 30 days or whatever before The Phantom Menace came out.

Reporter: What do you say to the people who think you need to get a life?

Star Wars geek: I would say that this is my life. And what does your life consist of...pushing papers around in some office?

Amen.

[dcescott]

I collect and sell on ebay when I get sick of the certain or find a game that is rare that plays horribly but can help fuel money for another great buy. My family frowned on the hobby, then smiled when I made 100% back off ebay or more. Generally they thought I was wasting money before I took care of Christmas with my winnings, still buying games to play...
I'm not a true hard core game collector but I enjoy a playing, trading and selling game stuff. That to me is my hobby! I did have 17 systems and over 700 games at one time, but had to sell a chunk of it for a new computer. After that, it seemed more enjoyable adding in the sell factor. I find Contra about two or three times a year for about 2-3 bucks. Contra is a cool game, but to some people on ebay, it's 20+ dollars a shot. I know I will find it again.

[christhegamer]

(oops, sorry x_x)

[christhegamer]

I get the girlfriend comment alot; sad thing is it's true :(

[evil_genius]

Basically all my friends think I'm crazy, but those that collect things of their own understand. I get 2 different reactions when people see my collection. Shock or awe. Some people think it's awesome and will ask me do you have this do you have that, can we play Contra? The others will not be as excited and I can kinda read their thoughts by their facial expression, usually looks kinda like they're thinking what the fuck. I think most adults see video games as childish. Maybe because they played games as kids and grew out of it? I don't know. One thing I find hilarious when online gaming, is the kid that mocks other people for playing games online. Says things like "That's why you're sitting at home on Friday night playing video games." or "You probably play this game everyday." etc. You can't help but laugh at this poor soul.

Some comments I have heard on about my collection:
"Have you actually played/beat all of these games?"
"You can never beat all of those games."
"How much is it worth?"

[boatofcar]

Most of the criticism I would probably get is deflected because of the way I display my collection. I don't have stacks and stacks of games laying around on shelves, instead I have boxes lined up of certain games that almost resemble art.

For example, when someone walks into a room and sees this:

http://homepage.mac.com/johnshawler/.Pictures/Photo%20Album%20Pictures/2006-01-01%2016.46.12%20-0800/Image-EB2BDE5A7B2811DA.jpg

their reaction is, wow, those are really cool! I used to play Freeway all the time!

Vs, if they walked into my game room and saw this (what I have in my closet), they would say:

http://homepage.mac.com/johnshawler/.Pictures/Photo%20Album%20Pictures/2006-01-01%2016.46.12%20-0800/Image-EB2D97E87B2811DA.jpg

Why do you have all this junk in here?


Which, incidentally, would be what I would say, which is why my game room is the way it is.

It's all about the presentation.

[Mr.FoodMonster]

Well, nobody has really seen my collection. I've told people about it (I've got over 200 atari 2600 games!) and the general responce is 'Thats so awesome', but I think that has to do with the fact that I'm in high school and that there is a retro revival in place right now.

Once I have my modest collection in a presentable fashion is when everyone will see it. Until then, it's pretty much hidden.

[Cryomancer]

I love the girlfriend comment, since I can go "yeah, she has a collection of her own".

Of course I don't go outside and talk to people usually so this sort of thing rarely comes up. Horray for being a hermit.

[roushimsx]

Most of the criticism I would probably get is deflected because of the way I display my collection. I don't have stacks and stacks of games laying around on shelves, instead I have boxes lined up of certain games that almost resemble art.

I have the same shelf that you use for your Genesis and Playstation stuff! I used to have two with a woodgrain look, but i gave them to my old roommate when I was moving out and ended up recently picking up 5 of them with a dark gray look.

Extremely nice little shelves (never had a problem with them tipping over, but I suspect most people with tip over problems neglected to put on the proper feet...), though I may wind up building some custom shelves at some point. Not really sure :(

I guess it depends on how my living room comes together in the next few months :)

[SEGA-SAMMY]

Yeppers all the time. I keep my bedroom locked at all times (where my games are stashed) and my mom somehow got in one time and she was freaked out. :angry: I only had about 300 games in there not much compared to most people here I dont think. Anyway she gave me some lecture like I was caught with drinking underage or something. x_x x_x

After I talked with her everything was better. :) She dosen't exactly like game collecting but she respects my decision to collect.

[Jibbajaba]

I can probably count on one hand the number of people, excluding family, that have been in my game room. So I don't get a lot of comments. I don't really advertise the fact that I collect games to people that I work with and whatnot. It isn't that I am ashamed, but rather that I prefer not to discuss my personal life with co-workers, and I try to keep them at arm's length. The friends that I have think the collection is cool because they either play games now, or did in their childhood and have fond memories. The only negative comment that I ever recieved was when someone told me that my game collection represented my not being able to let go of my childhood, which is probably true anyway.

Chris

[XYXZYZ]

Typically "normals" are taken aback and and look around in a stupor when they see my apartment- (It looks like a Japanese toystore circa 1990) but they rarely say anything negative. Usually "Golly damn!" or something. Of course, I'll go around blabbing little trivia about this old game console, that limited promotional poster, etc. They get the idea.

But I have little tolerance for that "Get a life" crap, and the arrogance it implies; what makes your life so much better than mine? You usually get this bullshit from people who's only "hobby" is "haning out". My life consists of surrounding myself with things that make me happy, artworks... (I think of videogames as art) surely that's not a hard concept to understand. It just brings me happiness.

So yeah, usually I just start explaining the idea that "people are different" and they realize pretty quickly how foolish they looked.

[Nesmaster]

If they have to ask in the first place, they'll never understand.

That said, I've been asked why, and basically just said because. End of story. :P

[XYXZYZ]

The only negative comment that I ever recieved was when someone told me that my game collection represented my not being able to let go of my childhood


To which I would ask "What's wrong with that?" Some people, like me, had a happy childhood, and if those elements still bring you happiness, why turn them away?

But you knew that already, eh? :D

[keiblerfan69]

I love the girlfriend comment, since I can go "yeah, she has a collection of her own".

Of course I don't go outside and talk to people usually so this sort of thing rarely comes up. Horray for being a hermit.

I also love being a Hermit. If it was for school and EBgames being so close I wouldn't leave the house. :)

[Rejinx]

The thing I notice that is strang is when people see my cpu game collection they are not amazed, but when they see my NES game there jaw drops. I have twice the Cpu games then NES, and over my life time has cost me a ton more. I've pay may be $120 for my NES games and maybe $2000 to $3000 on the CPU Games (bought most new or almost new). I guess people are used to seeing stacks of cds and old disks.

[Nirvana]

I don't have a very large collection, but when people see it, they're like "Nice collection you got there." My collection is of very moderate size, so it's nothing they can really say "Get a life loser" for. If it was bigger, I'm sure I'd get criticized for it.

People like to do different things and have different hobbies. Some people have the hobby of criticizing other people's hobbies, so just let them do their job. :) It's not like they have anything better to do anyway.

[Push Upstairs]

I don't think i have ever had a person make a negative comment on my collection...but then i dont advertise it much and i'm not really that much of a talker about my personal life anyway.

But if anyone did give me some shit about it i could always say "Yeah, but its cheaper than a cocaine addiction!"

[wrldstrman]

Lol My mother and wife are the only ones that have ever had something too say about my collecting everyone else although they may have something to say dont.spending 25 years in the weight room has its advantages :D

[Bloodreign]

I've gotta organize my collection, most of my PSX collection is in a box, but my Genesis,SNES,GBA,GB/GBC, and NES stuff are pretty much in a drawer, my rooms too small for shelves, but I know my collection is safely stashed in their respective spots.

Plus the fact I'm continuing my collection doesn't help.

[Fuyukaze]

The few times people have mentioned something, it's basicly been to ask me why I have so many, to which I respond because I want them. I've only encountered a few people who tried giving me the BS statment of me needing to get a life. I always tell em I do have a life. I colect games and anime, and as long as it's my money paying for it there isnt a problem. If they presure me beyond that I simply ask them what makes their life any better then my own? Is it because they spend their money drinking, gambling, or on kids? Does that somehow mean their happiness is better then my own? Each persons happiness is their own. If games brings me any pleasure in this cruel and hatefull world, what harm is there?

[Tron 2.0]

The few times people have mentioned something, it's basicly been to ask me why I have so many, to which I respond because I want them. I've only encountered a few people who tried giving me the BS statment of me needing to get a life. I always tell em I do have a life. I colect games and anime, and as long as it's my money paying for it there isnt a problem. If they presure me beyond that I simply ask them what makes their life any better then my own? Is it because they spend their money drinking, gambling, or on kids? Does that somehow mean their happiness is better then my own? Each persons happiness is their own. If games brings me any pleasure in this cruel and hatefull world, what harm is there?
Agreed ;)

[smokehouse]

Good lord Jon, you’re a nerd.

That’s what I normally get. I work with a bunch or backwoods dumb ass hicks. I’m an electrician and most of my co-workers spend their free time washing their ridiculously huge trucks (I’m not joking, they really do), riding their precious 4-wheelers (boy, this is a HUGE one, I have to hear about it all the time), or talking about, reading about, dreaming about, masturbating about or actually going out for some deer hunting.

Most people think it’s obsessive when they see my collection, which compared to many on this site is nothing.

The big one for me is my home theater. I’m pretty obsessive about it and although nothing compared to some mega buck theaters, it costs more than many people’s cars (around $17K). I get quite a few “Holy crap!” or “How much did all of this cost?” comments when they see that.

[Nez]

I dont get criticised to much mostly: "How many games do you have!?"

[Mr.Faxanadu]

Most of the criticism I would probably get is deflected because of the way I display my collection. I don't have stacks and stacks of games laying around on shelves, instead I have boxes lined up of certain games that almost resemble art.

For example, when someone walks into a room and sees this:

http://homepage.mac.com/johnshawler/.Pictures/Photo%20Album%20Pictures/2006-01-01%2016.46.12%20-0800/Image-EB2BDE5A7B2811DA.jpg

their reaction is, wow, those are really cool! I used to play Freeway all the time!

Vs, if they walked into my game room and saw this (what I have in my closet), they would say:

http://homepage.mac.com/johnshawler/.Pictures/Photo%20Album%20Pictures/2006-01-01%2016.46.12%20-0800/Image-EB2D97E87B2811DA.jpg

Why do you have all this junk in here?


Which, incidentally, would be what I would say, which is why my game room is the way it is.

It's all about the presentation.


Ya, that's what I was thinking! I;ve seen some photos of entire basements filled with towering book cases of games. I'm sure that would draw some remarks. My rule is that I only can keep whatever fits in my NES display case (see photo in sig) Friends who have seen this give me positive remarks only! it's just a small part of my office/computer room so it doesn't look like I'm redicoulsy obsessed with games (although I am :))

[Damion]

Most of the people I work with equate "Video Games" with Childrens toys. Much of them are of the older crowd if you know what I mean. So I get looked down on because of it. I here things like "So you play Video games with your Children?" and "Why do you bother? It's not like they mean anything".

Course when I try to explain that "Video Games" are a multi billion dollar industry and how games have grown up some From "Pac-Man Fever" and that my personal collection alone is worth thousands of dollars. they seem to glaze over.

[mills]

The few times people have mentioned something, it's basicly been to ask me why I have so many, to which I respond because I want them. I've only encountered a few people who tried giving me the BS statment of me needing to get a life. I always tell em I do have a life. I colect games and anime, and as long as it's my money paying for it there isnt a problem. If they presure me beyond that I simply ask them what makes their life any better then my own? Is it because they spend their money drinking, gambling, or on kids? Does that somehow mean their happiness is better then my own? Each persons happiness is their own. If games brings me any pleasure in this cruel and hatefull world, what harm is there?

AMEN.

[nintendork206]

It is interesting to see such mixed responses.

I have had mixed responses from people, my "room of doom" is basically media, and my bed, with little else to be said for save a bookshelf with some books, nintendo powers and other game rags,I'm a homebody so I like to have plenty of entertainment.
Usually when I have a conversation about video games and tell someone that I collect, the usually have a general interest and talk about what games they use to play alot, and alot of people see my collection and say "Man, I wish I never would have traded my _______'s in..." because I tell them alot of the collection grew from my original childhood collection.
I've had people say negative things, and then I just ask them if the collect anything, and if they say that they don't, then I just tell them it probably just isn't their kind of thing, because half of the fun I have is the hunt itself, going around finding consoles and games. I always figured 20 dollars to spend on video games is alot better than spending 20 bucks at the bar every night.
Most people who would give someone crap about having a collection must never really stop to enjoy something long enough to want to have a collection of anything, and I have alot more difficult time trying to understand that.

[Joker T]

My uncle did this the other day actually @_@

He stares at my console rack, He shakes his head and says "Now why do you need all these?"

[KingCobra]

Ever get criticized for collecting games?


Yeap! I don't say nothing to anybody in the general public anymore.

[tornadostormxl]

My sister calls me a stupid for wasting money so much money on games all the time

[Jumpman Jr.]

I get a lot of critisism for collecting games, but I don't really let it bother me. Most of the people that I tell think it is pretty cool, but then I get into how many games that I have and they usually think that I am some sort of freak or something.
I like it though, I like playing along with it, cause it makes the people laugh.
I usually say that whenever I bring a girl into my room, they have an orgasm instantly because I have so many games. It usually takes them a few seconds before they realize that I am joking.

[Phosphor Dot Fossils]

When someone first enters the room and sees 20 consoles and computers on shelves: "Whoa, why do you bother with this stuff?"

When they turn around and see the arcade machine against the back wall: "Whoa, does this work? Can I play it?"

They seem to get over their discomfort pretty quickly. LOL

[milhouseOFpain]

most of the people that make it into my room are dorks too so i get jealousy more than anything else.

my girlfriends have not really cared one way or another about my games or what i do with them.

[Fighter17]

"What do you do?"

That's my response.

Most people don't *do* anything.

And the ones that actually do something usually aren't busy trying to find a cure for cancer. Fantasy football? Fishing? Motorcycles? These are things that are better than gaming in some way, that make more sense?

Yeah.

Best retort I ever heard along these lines was in an interview with the guy who organized all the Star Wars fans to line up for 30 days or whatever before The Phantom Menace came out.

Reporter: What do you say to the people who think you need to get a life?

Star Wars geek: I would say that this is my life. And what does your life consist of...pushing papers around in some office?

Amen.

AMEN to that! :D


My goodness, I get this comment all the time: "Why do you collect old shit, come with the cool pimp 360, because IT'S THE SHIT!" From all the brainless, pervert kids in school!

My dad is not too fond of my collection, he always said: "The only thing you buy is OLD JUNK WHICH NO BODY CARES ABOUT. YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE WHO WILL BUY OTHER PEOPLE'S TRASH!"

Everytime my friends come over, they see my Genesis collection (over 20 games, some rare), they like to play some of them (Gunstar Heroes and Final Fight CD are always the favorites). :D

Also there are people who just don't understand why I play the old stuff. They think I'm crazy for playing something that is over 10 years old and has 2D graphics, but my friends understand why I still play them: Gameplay > Graphics

[rjohnson]

I really do not give a rat's ass what folks think of my collection.

What matters to me is that i like it, i enjoy it, and i live with it...

I have been bothered in the past by others comments or shock, thinking that i am ill or have OCD.... but i enjoy my hobbies (2 channel hifi/vinyl/old bikes (bicycle) and gaming.... 2600 up to 360...

if they don't "get it"...then SCREW 'EM!

I'm happy.... my wife finds me home, my kids and i play them.....and I can live with that.

You only get ONE shot on this planet folks...

enjoy it...

[nesgamer]

Sometimes some of my family tell me to sell that "crap". Or they ask me in a smart ass way if I have any good games to play. I just tell them that I have Tetris and some SMB. It's different with my friends though. When they see the games I have they start looking at all of 'em and ask me if I've played 'em all/beat 'em all. Then we usually end up playing some NES or something. I know a girl that collects Atari 2600 games. She goes to my school as well. She said that her and her dad collects 'em. She has them stored away with boxes upon boxes full of Atari 2600 games and the system itself.

[Steven]

Like many, I don't advertise my games much. When I meet people or hang out with people I don't blurt out "I'm a video game addict" or whatever, it's not til we get to really know each other that I show them, or whatever. My ex girlfriend was cool with it. She was a gamer, in fact, she has a PS2 and GBA. When she saw the 100s of Saturn games her mouth went like this "O" but bigger by 10x.

She didn't see why I bought old games for a dead system, but enjoyed the odd round here and there with me. Games like Puzzle Fighter and such.

Overall, I too can count on my hand the number of non-family members who have seen my collection in the flesh. And if people give me crap about it, I probably wouldn't care. Just do what you enjoy, as long as it doesn't hurt anybody.

[diskoboy]

The girlfriend gives me, "Put everything in the closet. Every damn bit of it." whenever visitors are going to come over. But no insults.

I'm lucky to have a gf who repects my hobby.

[McBacon]

My brother is also one of the "if you sell all this crap, you could buy an Xbox 360", but one of the fun things to ask people is:

"when you have an afternoon off, what do you do?" They most likely struggle for an answer, but I can think of loads of things, such as playing games, ornganising my collection, going on DP, and going to masses of shops!

I don't give a crap what others think.

[Steven]

The girlfriend gives me, "Put everything in the closet. Every damn bit of it." whenever visitors are going to come over. But no insults.

I'm lucky to have a gf who repects my hobby.

No offense but in my book I would actually consider that an insult. Not a full head-on insult, mind you, but the connotations are certainly there. I'm not sure I would say she "respects" your hobby if she talks to you like that about putting your games -- "every damn bit of it" -- in the closet whenever guests come over.

[segagamer4life]

I get the "Why do you have so many games?" all the time.


lmao... I get that from time to time... although being married, I don't have to deal with the "girlfriend thing" ... lol

[rjohnson]

The girlfriend gives me, "Put everything in the closet. Every damn bit of it." whenever visitors are going to come over. But no insults.

I'm lucky to have a gf who repects my hobby.

No offense but in my book I would actually consider that an insult. Not a full head-on insult, mind you, but the connotations are certainly there. I'm not sure I would say she "respects" your hobby if she talks to you like that about putting your games -- "every damn bit of it" -- in the closet whenever guests come over.

I agree, and insult, related to one's lack of respect of anothers personal harmless hobby.

I have my own game room... part of the deal when we upgraded in houses... I'd be all over moving,, but i get a room in th ehouse...my OWN room, what goes in is mine and i have total control over it... no additional comments from the other marital partner.

as my room is a component OF the house folks do minge there when we have parties... but many (most) of my friends are Non-gamers... and do not understand my hobby.... and most just ignore it...or blow it off... until DDR comes out.... especially when involving Vodka...

then watch out!

:)

[jajaja]

Well.. not for collecting, but for having the games all over the house hehe. I need to make a better system.

[diskoboy]

The girlfriend gives me, "Put everything in the closet. Every damn bit of it." whenever visitors are going to come over. But no insults.

I'm lucky to have a gf who repects my hobby.

No offense but in my book I would actually consider that an insult. Not a full head-on insult, mind you, but the connotations are certainly there. I'm not sure I would say she "respects" your hobby if she talks to you like that about putting your games -- "every damn bit of it" -- in the closet whenever guests come over.

Shes insulting my cleaning abilities, honestly.. :D

I do happen to leave all my games lying around everywhere when I'm through using them. You should see the stack of games and cases sitting next to my DC, right now!! Yikes!

After all, my gf was the one who convinced me to buy my Galaga machine. She loves it when I wanna buy an arcade game. Consoles, thats a different story. All the boxes and carts and discs just leaves a huge mess. But at least she lets me do it when most other girls would flatout say 'no!'.

[Mr.Faxanadu]

So I was talking to a female friend of mine on MSN yesterday. We got into talking about the old days when we would play the NES. I mentioned how I collect games and could send her an old NES system some time. I then sent her a photo of my display case (see bottom sig) and her response –

“What does your gf think about that? “

What’s all this girlfriend comments… either you don’t have one… or it will piss her off.
LOL

[Doonzmore]

I get bullshit from time to time from both the male and female crowd but most people understand that it's apart of who i am so they are cool with it. Whenever someone makes the comment of "You should get a real life" i usually retort with something along the lines of "um, i guess that means i have a fake life? what the hell is fake life?" or i remind them that those who bash in other peoples hobbies are usually the ones who have nothing to show for themselves. :P

[Steven]

The girlfriend gives me, "Put everything in the closet. Every damn bit of it." whenever visitors are going to come over. But no insults.

I'm lucky to have a gf who repects my hobby.

No offense but in my book I would actually consider that an insult. Not a full head-on insult, mind you, but the connotations are certainly there. I'm not sure I would say she "respects" your hobby if she talks to you like that about putting your games -- "every damn bit of it" -- in the closet whenever guests come over.

Shes insulting my cleaning abilities, honestly.. :D

I do happen to leave all my games lying around everywhere when I'm through using them. You should see the stack of games and cases sitting next to my DC, right now!! Yikes!

After all, my gf was the one who convinced me to buy my Galaga machine. She loves it when I wanna buy an arcade game. Consoles, thats a different story. All the boxes and carts and discs just leaves a huge mess. But at least she lets me do it when most other girls would flatout say 'no!'.

Gotcha. OK I got the full monty now, I understand better now. Yup, I'd say you're pretty lucky ;)

[RJ]

I've always enjoyed gaming but never really had a "collection" until after marriage (that's when I discovered DP) so I dont get asked the gf question either. Early on my wife used to poke a bit of fun toward it, especially when I converted the lower-level bedroom to the gaming/storage room. But the upstairs extra BR is full of her stuff (& messier too!) so she doesnt have much to say. I have at least one system on each "major" TV in the house & she griped about that awhile, but since eased off since the PS2s play DVDs. :)

All my friends/people I hang out w/ know &/or are aware of my gaming hobby. I'm easy to buy for around birthday/holiday time as I always can come up w/ a list, & usually buy for myself so my wife doesnt have to go looking, which saves her time & effort.

It even works to your advantage when people ask for advice on buying their own games/systems, or even giving me stuff they dont want, which has happened to me in both cases... :D 8-) ;) I seem to be the resident "gaming guru" at my workplace.

Of course, there's always the old argument that I could have more expensive interests- classic cars, drinking/drugs, strip clubs, etc. Gimme $20 to spend on games & I'm happy.

[izret101]

I have had maybe a dozen people out side of family actually see my room in person.

The response is pretty much always positive.
"Holy shit you have alot of games"
"You must be loaded" (far from it)
The best one was from a cousin who was trying to be round about in trying to sell my his old games
"So you still collect game stuff?"
I said "Nope."
The conversation pretty much ended there. He wanted way way to much for some SNES stuff.


A bunch of people i know have seen my collection online and the opinion varies between amazing and WTF is wrong with you.
Usually though i get some form of compliment. Even if it's a backhanded compliment
lol

[Streetball 21]

I get this crap from everyone. "Why so many?", "Why do you need so many games?"

Whatever, I know so many people that buy DVD movies and music CD's every single week, go to the movies, go hunting, blah blah blah. People don't realize just about everyone has an obsession or hobby. I honestly think playing and buying video games is the just like a regular hobby.

Oh, and about the quote, "It's for kids", Don't even get me started there.

[Truffle]

I just get the dreaded " blank look" when I say anything regarding my hobby, or when people see my room o' doom.

I havent shown off my stuff in years, people just dont give half a shit :( Where are all the classic gamers???
Occasionally out of the blue, one of my friend might want to play some Mario or To The Earth, but even then, only for a minute or 2.

People are more interested in my arcade cabs.

Its one of the primary reasons I visit DP often.

[chaoticjelly]

No negativity really..

My mates dont really comment much but a couple of them like old games in general, one gave me all his old stuff (NES, Megadrive 2 etc) and the other recently got into SNES again (I sold him a few bits!)

Its good to be able to have a friend round and play those classic Megadrive and SNES games like we used to all those years ago

Family dont disapprove, parents approve I suppose as I "deal" quite a lot in all sorts of games and consoles..

Girlfriend wise, not had one of those for quite sometime, so the female reaction to my collection I would have no idea of..

Most of its boxed away at the moment.. new house and ive got a smaller room.. hardly anywhere to display any of it..

I dont usually advertise the size and extensiveness of my collection.. fears of it getting stolen.. lol

I guess some people would consider it geeky/sad but they are probably the ones that spend all their money pissing it up a wall / on drugs / smoking / absolute crap.

:evil:

[RCM]

I'm not a collector but I understand why folks do it. THings have gotten much better through the years. I remember reading a videogame magazine at school 15-16 years ago and getting shit for it. I got so much shit b/c i was (and still am) a hardcore gamer.

Videogame shirts, hats, buttons, etc. forget about that shit a decade ago or more . That wasn't accepatable. Now it's a fad.

Being an expert on gaming was a waste of time way back when. Now you can actually get paid for knowing your shit cause gaming has gone so far. THings still aren't perfect, but they're better.

[ProgrammingAce]

I get the occasional question, but I'm in the games industry, so having a bunch of games makes sense. People ask why i have 9 PS2, but when i mention that 6 of them are Dev kits and most of my collection was free, they lay off. I don't let people see the stacks of Xbox consoles... I don't really have an answer for that one, last time i counted there were more than 2 dozen of 'em.

[crazyjackcsa]

I get some flack every now and again. My best friend is a gamer too so he understands. My fiance understands it and tollerates it however is less understanding of the money I spend on it. I wouldn't say I have a huge collection (160 games) but it is mainly caused by my never trading games in. (Well other than a few Enter the Matrix, I'm looking at you) I became a collecter over the past decade at the rate of a game a month+gifts. Right now it is safetly stored on a bookcase, the tangle of cords around our single TV is a little bit of an issue.