PS3 Gamer? I’m Tired of Labels!
I’m not a PS3 gamer. I’m not an Xbox 360 gamer. I’m not a hardcore gamer. I’m not a casual gamer. I’m not even a female gamer. I’m just a gamer. I am passionate about what I love, and what I love are games. I am always open to new gaming experiences… Stop trying to sell me short. Stop trying to limit me.
Most of you already know that I’m part of a little website called Sarcastic Gamer where I occasionally write and podcast weekly with two other crazy ladies. Being part of the site has had a big impact on my life. I’ve met a lot of cool people, found myself an awesome boyfriend, I get to attend gaming conventions, and I’m more into a hobby than I ever have been. I don’t consider myself part of the gaming industry at all; I’m just a consumer who is able to voice their opinion to a broader audience. But apparently what I have to say matters, which brings about some judgment…
From the moment I was brought on SG Pink, I was labeled as the “PS3 Gamer.” The show rarely talked about the PS3 before so I helped ease some Sony talk in from time to time.
I didn’t see it as a big deal at first.
Let it be known I never labeled myself as a PS3 ambassador or anything, it was given to me by the other SG staff members (Harley, Jax, and even PacMan). This apparently brought a lot of responsibility with it.
When I was inducted into the show, there were some really nasty comments made about me on iTunes because I was not “representing well enough.” To quote one individual:
“My only console is the PS3 and I wish she was not my champion. I have read some of her articles on the site and it has lead me to a few hypothesis. She is passing off someone else’s writing off as her own or there is some serious editing off her written work.”
WHAT?! I was pissed. Then hurt. Then I found him on the forums and sent him an eloquent private message which he never responded to. Then I brushed it off. But statements like that do occasionally come up (nicely said or not), and the small times that they do, I want to ignore it, but I can’t.
I am not the PS3 goddess people make me out to be. I learn as much I can about the gaming world, but I won’t learn about things that don’t interest me. I’m not on the PlayStation podcast so I’m not required to know as much as rothbart or PacMan anyway (I won’t touch on Frawlz’s vast knowledge of male topics). And while I have been gaming my whole life, I was never “in the know.” I bought what my friends recommended and what I liked, that’s all. I wasn’t required to check out the newest hit title or read gaming news articles to share my opinion. I just played what I love. And still do. With a little extra since more things interest me now.
When I see iTunes reviews like, “When you need a real PS3 gamer call me to be on the show” or something to that nature, it really irks me. I do consider myself a real PS3 gamer. As well as a real Xbox 360 gamer. Even a real Wii gamer. Why? Because I love all consoles for what they bring and I am a gamer at heart. There is no label behind me.
Unless you do this, then you’re a true Sony fan.
I don’t understand the purpose of labels. We all love the bottom-line: games. If you love one console over the other, why does it have to signify you? It’s okay to prefer a specific console for the features it brings, but don’t flame the other one just because. How do you benefit from seeing the “competing” console fall? Do you have shares of stock at risk? I don’t know about you, but I like variety. Different consoles provide that.
The reason this truly annoys me is because I’m expected to know everything PlayStation, play only PlayStation games, and be a wiz at things I honestly don’t care about. If there’s a game I like on PlayStation, I’ll talk about it. If there’s XBLA games I enjoy, I’ll talk about those too. When I don’t know something, I’ll admit it. I’ve made mistakes on the show, but I correct myself thereafter.
We all have our preferences. I play things, learn things, form an opinion, and that’s it. I don’t cling to one console; I’m not Sony’s rep. Unless they’re paying me, I don’t owe them or you anything.
You want to hear my opinion? I will share it. Don’t criticize me for it not fitting your standards.