Why do people take gaming seriously?

[Reaper Pure]

I've noticed that whenever games have multiplayer or any other feature that would create what should be friendly competition among players, there is always at least a small group of people that prioritize winning above all else, usually making the game a horrible experience for anybody stuck playing with them, because the way they play is just plain unsporting (for lack of a better word) or because they start throwing a tantrum (amusing as it may be) because the game isn't going their way, and usually resulting in them rage quitting. And I'm talking about all age groups here, as I've seen small children and grown men alike playing online and taking the game so seriously that it's actually quite amusing, albeit kind of sad.
So, my question is, why do people take gaming seriously? I don't mean to offend anybody, but it just seems stupid to me to treat a virtual experience that has no impact on the real world whatsoever like a grand event where winning or losing will determine one's success in the future.

[xdannichanx]

I wonder the same thing from time to time and I agree with you. Some people do take the gaming far too serious and make it very uncomfortable to play with them. Most of the time they are very rude and tend to brag far too much about how high level they are, which is very irritating.

It's irritating to deal with but I think that some people use gaming to escape reality and become majorly involved in the gaming world. Maybe in hopes to get the praise and fame they don't get in the real world. And if they fail in the game or something goes wrong to them it's probably a more emotional situation then to causal gamers. It's just sad that people get nasty attitudes about it.

[Anytimelol]

Multi-player is about competition. I know alot of people go overboard with it but it's to be expected. Some people hate losing, no matter if its a video game or a real life sport or whatever else, its just their nature. You have people who are more laid back and play casually, than people who play aggressive and serious. While I find the majority of serious players usually to be dbags it's just the way they are like you and I are the way we are. You can't really argue with people especially over something so trivial, the easiest way to avoid it is to just mute them and play how you like.

[coldground93]

just like Anytimelol is saying, some players take games seriously, too seriously. I really hate people who blame their allies when they are losing. but really, you should just ignore them and play however you like it.

[Rasen Oh]

Because some people are like Kagami and Konata and not like Misao. Or people perceive they are amazing at it, so if they loose, it is someone else's fault.

Finally, honestly, who likes to lose? I lose all the time in multiplayer games, but it all depends on, how you handle it, not that I deal with it the best...

[L Lawliet]

cause they take it like a MMORPG game..


they wanna be strong and best from other players

[Snoozy19]

Well, one reason is already stated in some of the above posts "FAME"

Another reason would have to be the game's outcome in the end. As a gamer I know how it feels to play a game in hopes that the ending will be something great like a short video or so of the main characters. Also the feeling of winning the game is enough a reason for a gamer to have. If I were playing in multiplayer and end up dying because the players were inexperienced, of course I'll get mad since I'm like the only one wanting to win the game.

Bragging rights is another thing to take gaming seriously. I mean whenever I get into a fight with one of my friends, we'll sometimes settle our differences in a two player battle in Halo or Soul Calibur 3... whoever won would have to admit defeat and we'll make up... XD

[cloudychan]

I also agree with you. They tend to brag, be frustrated, quitting. I think, it's because they hate losing. They always want to win. And sometimes.. it's because of the ego. ^^

[Ragnarok]

Multi-player is about competition. I know alot of people go overboard with it but it's to be expected. Some people hate losing, no matter if its a video game or a real life sport or whatever else, its just their nature. You have people who are more laid back and play casually, than people who play aggressive and serious. While I find the majority of serious players usually to be dbags it's just the way they are like you and I are the way we are. You can't really argue with people especially over something so trivial, the easiest way to avoid it is to just mute them and play how you like.

Exactly, they can't admit defeat and all they do is make excuses, whine and even insult you. But you can't do anything in most situations, if you say anything you'll just get dragged into their mess and get yourself upset over nothing... all you can really do when you play online is to completely ignore them and treat them as if they are NPCs :P

[masterbait55]

agreed with cloudychan..!! haha^^
I dont know why people always aiming for to be the strongest character in a particular game..?? why they just dont want it to be a just for fun game..?? they even waste they whole time playing those stupid game... and in return they got NOTHING..!!! I know these games are built for competition but its for FUN and not to BRAG about it.. and waste your whole life (to be exaggerated) on it... people are always trap to the fantasy world...

they say people who are taking these games seriously is because this is where they are feeling confident and strong while in reality they are just bunch of low self-esteem people who can't face the fact.... FACE THE REALITY DUDE..!!!

well sorry for those people who will be get mad at my comment but I'm just stating my point... *peace* ^^

[kurai]

There can be tons of reasons why someone would take gaming seriously. Pride can play a very large role in this. I know from playing games with my friends, when we play we expect a certain level of skill to be put into the game. When that level of skill is not met, we get irritated. As for taking out our frustration, it usually ends up with us letting out a loud frustrating "Come on!". We still say good game in the lobbies.

I can understand why people get mad, but taking it out on the opposing team is uncalled for. When someone rages on the opposing team when i am playing. It usually means that they are loosing, so to show them that there will always be someone better then them (a lesson we all have to learn) I keep playing with them, and beating them. If they are raging on my team, I mute them, and loose like a champion.

Just don't feed the fire and talk s*** to them. It makes the game even more terrible then the person made it in the first place.

[Novus]

I don't really know why, but some people play MMORPG to make their characters stronger than others. Some also make it a business, selling in-game stuff to other players in real life.

[Provocate]

Ok, My entire life has literally been competition. Not to be mean, but I've seen more competition than any normal person should ever see. Now, I know I may go off in a tangent here, but gaming competition can be compared to a sporting event competition. I started football at the age of 5. No, a better way of saying that, I was forced into football at the age of 5. Then forced into basketball, baseball, cross-country, swimming, track, and finally volleyball. In a sport, if your not the best, its pretty much pointless and looked down on for you. Same goes for games. The way multi-player is setup, you either win or lose. Losing is never fun, now, you can play the game for the joy of it and not care to lose, but this only happens in cases where A.) your not very good at the game, or B.) you have a life ;). Now, seeing as MAJORITY of people who game do not have a life, which I'm not saying is a bad thing, this is the main reason people rage. I played xbox live for 3 years. I played on a competitive gaming site called "Gamebattles" for the game Gears of War 2. The competitiveness of it was absolutely rediculous. People would find out your IP, find your address, and send disgusting and dangerous things to you through the mail. I stopped playing xbox live because the environment was turning me into someone I didn't want to be. I began picking fights with random people on the game, I treated my family like I would treat people in game, it was not good. Keep in mind I was between the ages 12-15, I was easily influenced. Even then though, that's the reason I believe people get so angry and bitter. It's the environment, it changes you, no matter how good you are, it only takes time of being in this environment until you change. This is an undisputable fact, whether you choose to believe it or not. Me for example, spent those 3 years in that environment, I stopped playing last year, I like to think I'm a decent guy now. I get frustrated now and then but I never get loud like I did then. I respect and love my family now. Not playing that game made me a more outspoken, all-around nicer guy than I was. The cure to all of this raging? You can either stay humble and stay away from these so called "Pro's", or you can do what I did and take yourself out of that environment completely. Again, none of this was to insult anyone or anything of that matter, I was just shedding light on the reason I believe that people truly get angry and rage about on games.

[Near319]

All the rage may be traced back to a single word:

Noob.

Whenever this word appears, *BAM* ragerageragerageragerage.

[Anytimelol]

My brother plays in gamebattles for halo all the time. I play once in awhile too we are playing grifball in GGL atm our record is 13-0 and we're rank 1 seed, it can get pretty intense but for the most part everyone has been friendly during the tournaments which is surprising considering its xbox AND halo which are both known for bad communities. I only play console games for fun I use to be highly competitive in Starcraft I went to WCG 3 years in a row and I was one of the top ranked players in SC2 for the longest time with every bracket master league. No matter what tho I always play very respectful and keep my manners, if someone is being an ass I just mute them before they piss me off. Never give a troll the chance and he becomes useless.

[Provocate]

My brother plays in gamebattles for halo all the time. I play once in awhile too we are playing grifball in GGL atm our record is 13-0 and we're rank 1 seed, it can get pretty intense but for the most part everyone has been friendly during the tournaments which is surprising considering its xbox AND halo which are both known for bad communities. I only play console games for fun I use to be highly competitive in Starcraft I went to WCG 3 years in a row and I was one of the top ranked players in SC2 for the longest time with every bracket master league. No matter what tho I always play very respectful and keep my manners, if someone is being an ass I just mute them before they piss me off. Never give a troll the chance and he becomes useless.
I totally agree. Halo is pretty competitive, don't get me wrong, I've ran into plenty of trolls on there, but, GOW2 is the biggest game with trolls ever made. Every single I played someone was trolling or screaming at his teammates or opponents. Following that were troll messaging. Luckily I muted and blocked xD

[ahyie20]

wahhahaa i just laughed to those kind of people why don't they just relax enjoy the game not taking it seriously ..... >.<

[ZenNaari]

No offense to anybody since this also includes me.

All dedicated and pledged gamers are absolute losers in reality, or so we like to think we are. Therefore, why not let them win in the virtual realm. Unlike otakus who are mature about gaming, gamers give their life to gaming. They feel it up as the only thing that respects them. Yeah, it's called love. Once again, no offense.

But dedicated gamers never rage quit. Losers do that as well as fit-ins. It's absolutely fine for a gamer to throw a tantrum as long as he has a group of friends to calm him down. But rage quitting is different.

I take gaming seriously because I love games. From pong, tetris to Monster Hunter and Final Fantasy. It's the same as loving a girl/guy, you don't want the significant other to think that you're a loser. But the real losers in games are those who rage quit. Seriously, dude, gamers acknowledge games to be their life as well as just a game.

So that's it... I guess... No offense to anyone since I am already offended about my post.

[CythilVen]

The only game I take seriously is Ragnarok and Monsterhunter.
Every time you get killed youll be called a noob.
And I dont mind it. Lets just say.
"Okay Im a noob. Youre a pro here because you spend 16hours of your day playing a game. But piece of advice get a life"
People are so serious about online games because they can be whoever they want.

[LordKaname]

Because they want to be strong in that game and to achieve that they like! In online games you should be strong and achieve a high lvl weapons and richness and to become popular also! So many people are give their effort to make there characters feared by other player!

[TemplarWrath]

Don't get me wrong. Taking a game seriously is NOT BAD AT ALL because it fun in it's own way. Only when people behave in the way you mentioned that the game will suck FAST. Anyway, not all gamers are "serious gamers" or more appropriately hard-core/competitive gamers. Some are soft-core/family-friendly gamers (you know, the kinds that prioritize fun over winning). Actually, it's just a matter of attitude, mentality, or personality. :)

[Night blade]

Because they are over competitive is my simplest answer. Other than that myself when I get killed or lose i dont mind as long as it was in an interesting or hilarious way.

[kimono031]

I pretty much agree with what everyone is saying. Basically, that small group that ruins the fun for everyone hates losing, or loves winning - it's just their personality.

[Kobowo]

Actually its fine to take gaming seriously as long as that seriousness doesn't go to the extent of blaming others and trashtalking. Some people take a game seriously in a way like they reach a certain rank or get a certain achievement. For example, getting some achievements in starcraft 2. I'd try to get them in a serious way where I really would play and have fun but at the same time would have determination to get it.

To answer the question I guess people take it seriously because they want to win so much :/ I don't like people who love to trash talk...specially those who actually blame others even though its not their fault...plus they make it look like winning is the purpose of the game, which is not, the purpose is to have fun and the goal is to win. But who cares about winning when you are having fun right? ^^

[Biak911]

They take gaming seriously because it's like their second life. Usually they are more popular or more successful online than in real life that they turn their gaming life to their first life.

[shikamaru]

Bwahahahahahah!!! small group more like majority of any population of any online game lol...but yes your right i quite enjoy the rageing of other folks it amuses me when i beat the repeditavely, becuase the more swear words they through at you the better you know you are :P

[MCoftheD]

Why do people take anything seriously? Its because they enjoy it or its a big part of their lives.

[CythilVen]

Because they are over competitive is my simplest answer. Other than that myself when I get killed or lose i dont mind as long as it was in an interesting or hilarious way.

I agree. I don't care if I die I got a life outside this game /heh
But of course I would like to have my sweet revenge.
And thats the time when I would farm or hunt items to be stronger.

I can say that sometimes I take online gaming seriously :D

[venabre]

I don't know why, but I understand your point. I have a friend who has to be the best at playing everything, and when I mean everything its everything. He got mad at me when playing chocobo crystal towers on facebook first because I got a black chocobo and later beccause I had more points than him... and I had started playing first o.O

[Doctor Jaeger]

Y'know for a second i thought this was going to be someone mocking me for being heavily invested in the industry and doing my best to defend it from controversy and supporting the groups that improve gaming as a whole, but then i read the first post.
Multiplayer can be fun, but yes, one of the enormous pitfalls is people who take it far too seriously. This isn't exclusive to gaming mind, but people who are naturally over-competitive only get their condition aggravated when most online games do little to nothing to keep matches between people of similar skill levels, so they are prone to be pitted against people with more skill.

I even had this problem in Halo: Combat Evolved even though i gamed pre-troll invasion of 2006. There's not much you can do about them. In fact being sportsmanlike often made things much MUCH worse when i was accused of being arrogant and egotistical for saying "Good game" instead of "HAHA I PWND YOU N00B!!"

[88ayanami]

because it's like they play a game with pride like there's no tomorrow and they want to become famous but for me enjoy and have new friends ^^

[KhenLee202]

because for them its between life and death

[Rumic]

Online games are so addictive. It brings out the animal in you. All you could think of is kill the person in front of you. Since in real life they can't do that or a bunch of losers like me. But sometimes a passive person like me tends to learn how to be aggressive at times. I tend to learn who I really am and what role I want to play in a team or solo. So there are times I take my games seriously and don't want to be disturbed. I really hate that sometimes about me.

[ravenkai]

SOME people take gaming seriously cuz some of them have lives,people,experiences, that they dont like and take gaming as a source of freedom where they can be a whole another person like Loser guy in real life, yet Respected player in games

[katl91995]

OK SO FOR ME some pro gamers take games seriously cause of some major reasons like
1. they may hate losing
2.if its a competition they really must go serious
3.some playes are kinda easy to get irritate so they go serious cause they hate getting pwnded by other players
4.the 2 most valuable reasons why is the exp. and the money they either have no money so they go lunatic retarded wild players for there characters to level up fast and earn money
5. the motto of shooting games its either kill or be killed if you dont get what im saying go play CoD =))
WTH NO ........................=))

[Karthage]

some people rage at rage quitters :P i know i do >_<

[Enma Ai]

i think because if they don't take it seriously.. not too seriously.. then they will be called n00bs and stuffs for not being able to play a game properly..

[MioAkiyama]

cause for me i can rage in games , but in reality my mom will hit me if i rage in real life
so its like a world of freedom for me , i always rage , trashtalk at someone whose better, but i did want to change that part though >.>
and now im just having fun in games , cause it is my other reality[?] or somewhere there
and you cant do those things in real life which you can on games
, and now im just quiet raging nyahahhaha xD , also im changing my ways and attitude @___@
i am a good person =o , we all friends
and i take games seriously cause its another world for me :D

[sachiakina19]

i have a friend who's so obsessed with games. and since i'm not into it, i can't understand it.
anyways, i must say it's passion. we all are passionate about something.

[sachiakina19]

i have a friend who's so obsessed with games. and since i'm not into it, i can't understand it.
anyways, i must say it's passion. we all are passionate about something.

[erv210star]

well, when im playing i'd take my game seriously INGAME XD . . but no personal grudges, what happened in game stays in the game.

~takin it seriously doesnt mean addicted to it. :))

[jeffnat19]

hmm, yeah some people have good points. maybe because they could be good at games but not in real life.

well for me, because they want their money to be worth it. here in RP, PC cafe shops are always full of people. most of the population are the kind of people who take all game seriously. they go berserk if their character die and their team losing... but then again, who would want to wait a long time to respawn if you only had an hour to use a PC.

[renaru]

Perhaps the problem is with the people who play the game. They make the game a large part of themselves. Therefore winning or achieving is like adding something to their image. Although it is understandable for pro gamers because it is "really their life".

[Bishop]

some people includin me get conected to the story line nd the characters that they understand em

[Mitochondria]

Bishop, thats a poor excuse.

As for me, i play aggressively and am pretty laid back. I don't care if i lose, i'll have still have a score of 40 some kills and a few deaths on CoD4. Wether we win or lose, it doesn't matter. It's just a game, pure and simple. It was made for enjoyment or educational purpose (which isn't really the case)

Most people who even rage out when they don't win is kids. Or just immature little cocks. No point in dealing with them. Ignore and move on. Though, its fun if you taunt them and make them rage more. It's hilarious.

Only time i ever get annoyed or a bit pissed is when someone hacks the game ( like those buggers on Xbox live do with their modded consoles) But i don't rage out or anything. I just call them out on it, for not having any real skill whatsoever.

[erste21]

That's because of human nature. People love competion...in games, sports, school, politics, business etc. Even as simple as "Who is taller?", "Who watched the most anime series?" or 'Who's the best pokemon trainer?". By nature, people always aim for the best, so, there's nothing wrong in taking a game seriously...as long as you don't trouble others...and I'd rather play a game seriously than review for my test half-heartedly. And lastly, I think those who don't like competition are boring people.

[krishna123]

to all the students who plays or takes the gaming seriously please be advised that it will have a big effect on your grades!
no offense but i also done it during my COLLEGE years! :wahaha:
PEACE be upon to GOD!

[FTSK Michael]

I take my gaming pretty seriously, i mean i have been to halo 3 MLG competitions. It's just the love for the game, i mean if your experiencing the rage quitters and things like that, just dont play the game, and done whine about it.

[Naruhina101]

well its because they want to achieve something.. they want to win or to be more stronger... well i experience this once..^^ taking the game to seriously because i don' want to be offended...

[PedoBear]

ok......so playing mmorpg is retarded act if you dont keeps your manners......keep in mind that you can play Dating sims games.....the only thing i only played lol >,<

[DarthAce]

Alot has to do with the MLG and different large leauges that offer some serious prizes for placeing in the top 5 or so

[Legendz]

Well, Call of Duty kinda promotes people to become "better players" so that doesn't help... if a game is ticking you off, it's time to get off.

[Lightning11]

Maybe that game is so addicting and nobody can't afford to lose.
Nobody wants to be called a loser when they lose to a game.

[chimaera02]

hahaha! i guess im one of the player likes to win, so when i start playing a game. in first many player bully you. ofcourse nobody wants that. so you are going to play the game seriously. and soon to be strong. gratitude

[lemonrose]

some of them use the game for business, i have an acquaintance he plays ragnarok online, he makes his character reach level 99 with some good equipments then sell it for a high price, REAL money is say.. i know his highest earning for that is less than 50 thousand pesos

[tambulance]

I think some take it seriously because it has become a serious addiction for them. Others take it seriously because they start playing a game and find out that they have a natural superiority over most other players and want to stay on top (everyone likes to feel like they are the best). Some just want to play and achieve as much as possible to see what comes next. Some gamers are just competitive with others. I know I had a friend who I could never catch in stats in battlefield or call of duty. I was usually one of the best in most games but could never get past him. I was one of those people who got real serious. I would get mad at my teammates because they couldn't keep up with me or try to "help" them get better. I have given all that up and went back to just enjoying the game.

[jailmon123]

well the answer i can give is that, they're just enjoying the game and it's addictive in a way they think on how they will breed or how they will get their character on a high level..
i myself too played and been addict to some MMORPG...but in the end i lost my soul on playing those :)

[Nonchalant]

Most likely due to competitive nature - add that with addicting video games, and you get some serious folks! Even though games are designed to be fun, some games are only fun when it comes to competition - for example, leveling up in a MMORPG is a main goal; but with me and a few friends we like to race in levels - or we're serious to catch up to one another, etc.

[Tidus]

IMO I think ppl are serious probably because they're really into their choice of game. If not that, probably to impress their friends.

[Arathius]

Taking gaming seriously can be like a form of acomplishment to serious gamers. Not all people that take gaming really seriously will whine or tantrum about things. It may happen, and some people may have differing opinions on what whining or throwing a tantrum about something. For example in LoL its not uncommon for people to say things like "psh lucky zz" or "blah blah op champ" when something happens. Its kinda dumb when a player sucks and they get carried by a super strong champ. Thats not necesarily whining thats just voicing whats going through their head. Sometimes a hardcore player will have a fit about something thats really lame. Even online multiplayer games have things happen sometimes that are just dumb :\ People that arent as serious about games also need to chill a bit about it cuz in the end it doesnt really affect you what happens in a game. If your just playing a game for fun what does it matter if some1 on your team throws a fit and ragequits. Sure because of him you may loose the game but by getting all bent out of shape about it you also become a lot like the people you complain about :3

[Azmeth]

why treat any anime seriously? why treat any pass time that has no monetary value or skill value as having any worth? because they find it worth taking a vested interest and enjoy it. you take something seriously if it means something to you.

[trooper]

maybe The game only has one life and his thinking that its his own life that his risking :))

[hotshot75]

My guess is, they take it seriously because of their competitive side.