U MAD BRO?

Scott Pell
Writer

Why is it that anger is a main trait of the gamer stereotype? Gamer rage is real thing, and it affects every gamer. Whether because of some kind of glitch, a player that killed us online, or lag. We gamers get very angry. Some would describe it as a kind of passion. However, it can be very destructive. The nature of gamers playing video games is that they should be more.... playful. There is a reason that we play video games, and that is because we enjoy them. All too often there are Youtubers, Twitch Streamers, and many other gaming personalities that just get angry at video games. Heck, Angry Joe and The Angry Video Game Nerd are two of the most highest subscribed Youtube channels out there. Why is this? Is it because we, as consumers and viewers, enjoy other peoples pain? Is it because that we are not the ones involved?

I watch The Game Grumps on a regular basis, and I always find it so much more entertaining when they are having fun. It is absolute agony when Arin and Danny get frustrated or angry at the games. Sometimes games are designed to infuriate and get some kind of reaction from the players, other times they are not. Either way, it kind of reinforces a notion that we play video games to torture ourselves.

Video games used to be really hard. So hard in fact that even Dio used them as a fake torture device in the music video for "The Last in Line". Seriously. It's weird. But! Gamers do enjoy a challenge, and when that challenge is finally overcome, we are awash with a wave of satisfaction of being able to complete that which we knew we could do all along. That is why we play video games. Not to torture ourselves. Sometimes we have our off days, though.

Online multiplayer in video games is probably the greatest source of gamer rage, and for good reason. There are many variables that are uncertain when entering into this realm. Video games these days enforce upon the player that they are the best, and that they are the heroes of their stories. All of that changes when they enter an online arena.  The rules still apply, yet other players have found ways to take advantage of them and manipulate them to their advantage. Plus, poor matchmaking algorithms mess up and pair new players with veteran ones. It is surprising how often that happens. However, this is a primary source of frustration, because of that aforementioned contrast of the single player mode verses that of the multiplayer. Gamers get it in their mind that they are the best, or at the very least, half-way decent at the game. What once was a fun challenge is now a confusing and frustrating slaughter against players who are far superior to you. It doesn't sound like much fun, but with determination, you too can grow to compete and even score a few points for your team. Yet that process is a very long and trying one.

All of that being said, video games are kind of what you make of them. Some of them can be relaxing, others can be a story, others can be a challenge. It comes down to what the player wants from them. Their choice and taste dictate what kind of gamer they are, and that does not speak for the entirety of gamers.