I used to consider myself a “gamer”.

A short thread of thoughts:

I’ve: been paid to play (tournament wins @ OG Halo), made businesses in games (buying / selling wow accounts, items, gold, and runs) etc. I have video game tattoos. I’ve played thousands of hours in single titles.

I’m a damn encyclopedia of video gaming history and knowledge.

Even more than just video games... I have embraced all other forms of “gaming” too, ie tabletop games, rpgs, ccgs, boardgames, etc.

I was introduced to gaming conventions as a very young child, and fell in love immediately, and wholly.

“Gaming” is a social activity- one where we spend our time with other people that share a similar, intense passion, for the hobby.

Some of those people have such an intense passion for the hobby that they decide to take action to share that love with future gaming generations.

Watching “gamers” online, in recent years, has ruined that association.

I’m watching as so called (self described) “gamers” go absolutely vile in their tirades and rampages -against- game developers.

People.

People spending all their time and giving their souls to the craft.

I never took a stand on either side of the politicization of video games (ie gamergate, etc) but what I can say for sure is there is a boat load of highly inappropriate communication from the group that self identifies as “gamers” (and subsequently acts as elitist gatekeepers).

“Games” come in all shapes and sizes—all forms and mediums.

The peek-a-boo I play with my infant son, or the hide-and-seek I play with my toddler daughter are games.

Roulette is a game.

Tetris is a game.

Call of Duty is a game.

The Last of Us is a game.

Fortnite is a game.

I’m going to set the bar
Set the rule
Close the gate

Make it SIMPLE

If you are elitist
If you spread hate
If you are an asshole
If you bring negativity to gaming
If you restrict others from gaming
If you shit talk others in the community

You are not a gamer.

You are a loser.