Game boys? The World of Video Game Culture

The mothers of some teen gamers might think that LAN stands for "lots of addicted nuts." Such mothers are often convinced that their sons or daughters suffer from aVideo game addiction. Those mothers obviously do not understand the purpose of the popular LAN party.

A LAN party is actually a big meeting of gamers who are interested in playing and challenging with many other players. The LAN party is base on BYOC (bring your own computer). Those invited to the party gather for a collective use of the Local Area Network. Each guest connects his computer to the local area network, and then plays the games available on that network.

Its true that attending such parties allows helps you avoid video game stores. But that is not the primary purpose of the LAN party . The party serves as a center of celebration. Each time one of the party-goers scores a big success, while playing a game, he can celebrate with the other gamers.

Those occasional parties give gamers a chance to get out and meet other gamers. Were it not for such parties, many gamers would spend virtually their time inside playing video games. Their isolation from members of society would cause them to appear even closer to a state of video game addiction.

• Misconceptions? Prejudices? Stereotypes?
  A very popular misconception regarding gamers is that most of them are geeks and lonely people. But it is not true. They like to socialize and are talented in their own ways. Most of them are one of the most interesting and social people you may find. Also a popular misconception is that gamers are that they are lazy. IT has been found that 79 % of gamers exercise regularly and take part in sports.
• Is video game addiction real?
  Video game addiction is a harsh cold truth. Many addicts deny that they are addicted until they realize when their life goes topsy turvy due to the games.
• Are all game players addicts?
  Not all players are addicts. Some of them play usually for fun. Even many parents play with their children. Most of the gamers spend more time in sports and socializing and lesser time in gaming.

Profile of typical gamers.

It is generally considered that most of the gamers are school going boys. But statistics show an entirely different picture.

Gender, age, economic level, etc.

Most of the gamers are from different age groups. It has been noted that the average age of gamers is 27 years. Also 19 % of the gamers are reported to be over 50 years of age. The male gamers constitute 56% while the rest are females against the popular misconception that females do not play games.

How many hours do they tend to spend per week in game play?

Gamers usually spend 6.8 hours on gaming on an average. They usually spend more time on other activities like socializing, sports, exercises etc.

How much money do they spend per year on game equipment and software?

Usually gamers spend a lot on games and their accessories. The overall average cost of an average gamer is about 2000-4000$.

Where do gamers gather?

Gamers usually form strong communities and tend to gather for socializing and playing games. They form 'clans' sometimes and usually compete with other 'clans'.

Online

Gamers meet with each other on online discussion boards, online communities and various chat rooms specifically created for gamers.

Stores

Many gamers meet in gaming stores where they purchase their games and gaming accessories together.

Conventions

There are many conventions held by gamers and gaming organizations which provide the gamers with a chance to interact with each other.

Tournaments

Tournaments organized by gaming companies and organizations allow gamers to meet and compete with each other.

LAN parties

LAN parties are usually arranged by tiny groups. Very rarely it is done by a very big organization. Most of the LAN parties are for PC users.

Are there a typical niche gamers?

There are cases when the players are not exactly atypical ones. They are usually people playing casino games or people playing other hobby games like bridge.

• Retired people playing bridge online.
  There are a few gamers who are different from the rest. The retired people who like playing bridge tend to play it online if they are tech savvy.
• Poker players gambling in online tournaments.
  There are many tournaments in which poker players from around the world compete together to play for real cash or even for fun.

Continue to: Dealing With Video Game Addiction