I do enjoy playing games with others, most importantly family. My little brother and I are separated by an ocean as he’s currently stationed in Aviano, Italy. That means when we get a chance to play games together I dive right in.
That being said, I’m definitely an anti-social gamer. I prefer to spend a majority of my time plowing through single player experiences. Don’t get me wrong, multiplayer can be a lot of fun under the right circumstances. The real problem isn’t everyone else, it’s me. I realize after playing with other gamers online that I just have odd priorities when it comes to playstyle. That may not make sense in the context I’ve shared it, but please bear with me.
Let’s take a look at Grand Theft Auto V for example. Grand Theft Auto games have always been the kind where you can fuck around for hours on end with no clear goal. Every time I play with friends all they want to do is drive around, shoot stuff and blow shit up. That’s great, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that playstyle if that’s the type of gamer you are. Personally, sometimes I’m just not in the mood. I know what you’re thinking: “why the fuck are you playing GTA then?”
What bothers me about these other gamers is the aimless sessions they are putting in. They enjoy it, so great! I’m happy for them, but that playstyle is just not for me.
I don’t get to play as often as I’d like, because sometimes life just gets in the way. This is not a boo hoo story at all. It merely explains why I like to accomplish things when I get a chance to pick up a gamepad. I’d rather be productive with my time, which is probably why I’m an RPG guy at heart. I love seeing my characters progress, and I love outfitting them with new gear. I digress…
Back on the subject of GTA, I like to complete the missions and burn through the story. I like to watch the cutscenes and unlock achievements. I like to earn money so I can buy that slick house in the Hamptons. I may not actually reach my goal every time I sit down, but the point is that I’m working towards something- a more personal achievement if you will.
That is one of the biggest reasons why I’m an anti-social gamer. Quite frankly, I’m okay with that. Also, I can’t fucking stand talking to people on those shitty headsets (I’m looking at you Xbox). Fuckers like to blare shitty music, converse with other people in the background you can’t even see, and assault your eardrums with all kinds of mysterious noises and war cries. I swear I’ve even heard some sick little fuckers fapping before.
Come to think of it, maybe I just hate people too much. What about you? Are you a social gamer, or an anti-social one like me?
I am totally antisocial about gaming but it’s fear and anxiety that is holding me back. I’m not very good at shooting games, I’m more of a melee gamer, and I will (and do, frequently) run headlong into incoming fire to get shot to death immediately. As such, I feel bad attempting to join “hard-core” gamers in any game online arena for fear of recriminations. I hear the online game in GTA 5 is really good and I’m a little disappointed in myself that I won’t ever play it because I don’t want to deal with other people and the negative comments and actions my gameplay abilities may incur.
Thanks for the comment Violet!
You shouldn’t let others hold you back like that, especially if you enjoy playing those types of games. I can definitely understand where you’re coming from though. In some ways multiplayer games make the experience more fun, yet they can also ruin it all the same.