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1Oct 07

The Great Uniter

So the last few times I've gone out to lunch I've been accosted by pre-teens and teenage kids. Not in a bad way, but I find it odd to be sitting at the table, playing on my DS Lite and then all of a sudden someone is talking to me. Don't these kids know that they aren't supposed to talk to strangers?

But the thing of it is, to them I'm not a stranger. I'm a kindred soul. I'm a grown up, sure, by I have my Nintendo DS Lite out. The first thing they all ask me, of course, is if I'm playing Pokemon. Now, I'm usually not because I'm madly trying to finish out Puzzle Quest and whenever I play Pokemon I get distracted by the berry trees. But I do own it and have it in my DS case most of the time. However, the kids will excitedly show of their DS and Pokemon will invariably be currently played. They quiz me on which Pokemon I've caught (I don't have Dialga or Palkia yet) and brag about how far along they are. One specifically was telling me about how he can catch all the previous pokemons from other games. I didn't have the heart to tell him I knew that one could, even if I wasn't personally far enough along to do so (nor do I own the carts). It was so neat to just see him so excited and wanting to be knowledgeable.

I think it is neat, because I love talking about gaming. But at the same time I do think it odd. I'm a complete stranger. And while I don't look 'mom' old I also am clearly not a teen or late teen (I'm 27 for the record). I don't understand why these kids (and their parents who are sometimes in range) are perfectly okay approaching me to strike up a conversation. I was always scared to talk to strangers and had been admonished to NEVER do so by my parents who feared kidnappers. But these kids don't, at least from me. And I attribute it completely to a shared interest.

Pokemon is a game that transcends age, gender and other boundaries. I once had a 2 hour lecture from a kid I was babysitting as to the different pokemon types and their battle stats. This was around the time of the GBA generation (Ruby & Sapphire) and he was very knowledgeable. He was also 5. While I didn't need to know exactly how Pikachu evolved at the time, I was still impressed by his through awareness of a series of complex interdependent triggers.

I have to hand it to Nintendo. For all that I want a more 'hardcore gamer' library of games for the Wii, they are specifically designing it for bringing people together. Families and friends can all gather around the Wii to play simple party games. There is some competitive angles, but not nearly to the same extent as say Gears of War. I think this goes a long way toward explaining their online choices. Super Smash Bros. Brawl is going to feature online play against random people, but no names nor identifying features will be shown unless they are already your friend. I presume this is due in large part to the proliferation of explict art used on cars in Mario Kart DS. Nintendo wants their ratings to change as little as possible due to online play. They want parents to be comfortable buying these games for their kids without worrying about their kids being called gay F-A-G-O-T' in Settlers of Catan (yes, this has happened to me). Pokemon is merely an example of the overall consistant plan of Nintendo to provide games that can be enjoyed by all ages and for years and years. When I think of childhood favorites, it is Nintendo that comes to mind.

I think Microsoft is trying to appeal to families (see: Viva Pinata & the forthcoming Scene It game) but still retain the traditional gamer demographic with a large library. I have yet to really see Sony make a play for the young age bracket and honestly the Sixaxis controller seems to be off putting to really young kids with its complex controls. On the other hand, young kids will pick up a control scheme faster than a non-gaming adult. But for now, Nintendo reigns supreme as the Uniter of the gaming world.

  • Posted Oct 1, 2007 11:09 am PT
  • Category: Editorial
  • 62 Comments

62 Comments

  • CreativePlug

    Posted Oct 1, 2007 11:12 am PT

    I know how this goes

    One day at Wal-Mart I was visually sifting through the GBA and DS titles to see if there was anything new I wanted to check out. (this was about 2 years ago or so). When I pulled myself from the games and started to walk back...I realized I couldn't really budge...becuase...all around me, were little people about half my size, and about a 1/4 of my age

    I would have had one of those candid "look into the camera to the audience and stare at them for a while with a stupid look on your face" kind of moments. I thought to myself..."what's creepier...a bunch of kids starring at a glass case full of video games...or a full grown adult surrounded by kids looking at video games through a glass case..."

    yeah...you're definitely not alone

  • Allerka

    Posted Oct 1, 2007 12:02 pm PT

    I've missed you, . But, I think Microsoft is trying to appeal to everyone. Be it with Halo, or Viva Pinata. Nintendo is still (traditionally) looked at as "the kid system", with it's family oriented games, and their not being many M-rated games (compared to MS or Sony). Sony is becoming increasingly looked at as more mature, with even their franchises like Ratchet and Clank moving onto more violent, and slightly more mature subject matter.

    There are certain games that tend to transcend ages (Mario, Tetris, Persona, to a degree, Zelda, Halo, etc.), but it's a matter of opinion.

  • DJKrayz_basic

    Posted Oct 1, 2007 12:02 pm PT

    well, some of us just don't want to completely grow up, and that's not a completely bad idea.. gaming is fun, or at least it should be, on any given system.. so, i 2nd the last comment, you are not alone...: )

  • EarthThatWas

    Posted Oct 1, 2007 12:05 pm PT

    A well written post, Dawn. You make some excellent points. Not to bash either of the other two companies in the Big Three, but it does seem that MS and Sony tend to appeal to the "angry side" of gaming.

  • Summercontest

    Posted Oct 1, 2007 12:08 pm PT

    Not to put a damper on your article, but you kinda just gave any potential kidnappers a replacement for candy. DS inspired disappearances will soon become an epidemic...

  • DawnBurn

    Posted Oct 1, 2007 12:18 pm PT

    @summercontest

    I was moderately aware of that, but I didn't want to pull it completely. I hope that kidnappers don't start using DSes as a means to pull kids in. At the same time I do think the fact that I'm female and pretty unimposing helps to have the kids come up to me. I'm sure there are lots that don't.

  • Ilija_True_Game

    Posted Oct 1, 2007 12:20 pm PT

    Maybe your good with kids? They might think your friendly because you might look like a friendly person and the perk is that you're playing a Nintendo DS. Kids would realise that this person can't be a bad one.

    I don't see it that way, I'm not a kid anymore, but I don't know how a kids mind works anymore =\ I forgot hahaha

  • M4ki

    Posted Oct 1, 2007 12:27 pm PT

    I think they like it when they can talk to someone older than they are about something that they do or chat about with their kid friends every single day.
    It's kinda like reaching out to them, only that you didn't, they did.

  • DawnBurn

    Posted Oct 1, 2007 12:34 pm PT

    @M4ki

    I have started up a conversation once with a kid. He was sitting out on my home street curled up in a small patch of shade so that he could play his phat DS. But he seemed skittish and so I ended the conversation quickly. Given how worried parents are about approaching strangers, I try not to reach out too much to kids, even if I want to for fear of the parents thinking I have ulterior motives.

  • vermouth81

    Posted Oct 1, 2007 12:47 pm PT

    I actually had a really similar experience about a year ago flying home from going to see the folks at Christmas. I got on a super crowded plane and in the first 2 rows on Southwest could have been a fricking Nintendo Ad. 5 of the six people in the first row of Southwest pull out DSs as soon as they let us use our electronics. Little Girl next to me has Nintendogs, I've got Phoenix Wright and Elite beat, dude next to me has madden, mom has Clubhouse games, kid next to her has Mario. At any rate the little girl next to me asked me about Elite beat and I was really excited by the game at that moment so I explained it to her. Turns out she was flying by herself and we had a conversation for a decent part of the trip home. Kind of bizzarre and disarming having this 12ish year old girl chatting with me about video games on this long flight. But on a plane I'll talk to anyone who will listen as I can't stand air travel.

  • Cry0Tek

    Posted Oct 1, 2007 12:50 pm PT

    I too have had this happen to me. Though, it was from some of my little sisters friends. It was strange however, because these children had never once said a word to me until they saw my DS. It was funny how I could relate to what they were talking about (pokemon) with such a big age gap (six to eighteen). Nintendo really does have a way with people. Just to state, pokemon can be a really shallow easy game, but also a very deep and engaging experience all the same. The same goes for zelda and mario; it's kinda neat.

  • mars188 posted Oct 1, 2007 12:53 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    mars188

    Posted Oct 1, 2007 12:53 pm PT (hide)

    Hello Dawn

  • stanhigareda

    Posted Oct 1, 2007 12:58 pm PT

    That's and interesting point. Nintendo with the Wii and some other games, has trascended family. And when family can comprehend healthy gaming, everything will be better for videogames. I liked your title "A big Uniter" I hope yuou can read my blog fro "Gamer Dad". It has this same perception

  • DawnBurn

    Posted Oct 1, 2007 1:06 pm PT

    @stanhigardea I did read Gamerdad and was very happy to read it. I had already been composing this entry in my head but your thoughts helped solidify some stuff. I really do think gaming as a family activity is a good thing.

  • Gamer_152

    Posted Oct 1, 2007 1:39 pm PT

    Yeah I agree with you. I believe that societies shoud be more open to people, people get all freaked out over media scares and children don't talk to anyone and so when they grow up it doesn't change much, but perhaps the reason people trust you is because you look like a friendly figure. Unfortunately round where I live most gamers are just ignorant, plain and simple but the hardcore gamers are less open about their gaming for fear of being bullied, it's kind of a shame but me and my friends play our DS consoles in college and we haven't got any hassle yet, in fact I was quite amused when a guy passed me today and shouted 'Super Mario' in an Italian accent..

  • eminem_trick_01

    Posted Oct 1, 2007 1:39 pm PT

    i don't think "gaming" are only for the kids in this era , everyone play games even the older persons above the 40's , our generation from now on to far away will keep playing games..u can say " games are in their blood " trust me

  • W_Claiborne

    Posted Oct 1, 2007 1:47 pm PT

    Great post. I think it's health that kids feel to approach adults. Though I agree with you comment above: that you're female doesn't hurt; I think kids feel safer approaching a female than they would a male. but this is makig a sweaping assumtion

  • fatzombiepigeon

    Posted Oct 1, 2007 1:58 pm PT

    I can't stand kids. Especially nosey ones. I'd probably tell em to bug off.

  • PolishPunisher

    Posted Oct 1, 2007 2:20 pm PT

    I still wonder how you can play Pokemon and not be under the age of 12

  • ruff_edgz

    Posted Oct 1, 2007 2:38 pm PT

    @Summercontest

    Its sad to know that this could happen but this article could save lives as well to inform parents about this up coming danger. With every good effect comes a negative effect.

    I really enjoyed this article and fully understand what your talking about. Even though I haven't been approached by kids, talking to people my age have been something of a occurrence where I live. I love your writing and take care!!

  • G_gglypuff

    Posted Oct 1, 2007 2:52 pm PT

    OMG DawnBurn!

    I think this is cutest blog entry ever!
    But yeah, kids always become friendly when we are playing Pokemon or Mario. Actually, even I would, and I'm eighteen.
    LoL!
    =)

  • Thraxen

    Posted Oct 1, 2007 3:00 pm PT

    What is wrong with parents these days?

    If I were a parent, I would fear that a random adult playing a video game in public, especially a child-friendly video game, were a child predator, and I certainly wouldn't let my (non-existent) child speak to that person.

    Not that I am implying anything about you, Dawn.

    As for Sony, it hasn't done much recently, but it has targeted children as a secondary market in the past. It used to publish games based on Disney properties, going back even before the original PlayStation, for example. (Anyone else remember David Jaffe's Mickey Mania?)

  • delcidanddarth

    Posted Oct 1, 2007 3:22 pm PT

    I think it depends on the person playing. If some 40 year old guy who looked like an ex-con were playing a DS, I don't think kids would approach him.

    Quick poll: Have any of the older people here (over 25) ever run into some kid (let's say less than 15) talk smack to you about whatever portable you're playing? It's sad when these little whippersnappers have already turned to the darkside called fanboyism, especially in the form of disrespect to your ELDERS.

  • delcidanddarth

    Posted Oct 1, 2007 3:25 pm PT

    Oh, and on a quick note... I think the difference between kids and adults playing Wii is how quickly the "family-oriented" games turn into malicious free-for-alls. Case in point, the tank game on Wii Play is supposed to be cooperative, but after about 5 minutes, we (the adults) decided that it was easier to win if you killed off your buddy first. Are there many games like this?

  • dannyodwyer

    Posted Oct 1, 2007 3:41 pm PT

    Yea i think Nintendo's bussiness plan its a testiment to the Asian mentality in relation to social interaction. Though without going into another parenting debate, i would hope that the world isnt full of kids walking around playing Pokemon all day.

  • DarkGord

    Posted Oct 1, 2007 4:25 pm PT

    Every society has its sickos, they are however a very small minority. Raising a child cloistered and removed from interaction with other humans, thus creating more and more socially challenged people lacking the most simple social skills is neither good for them as individuals nor for the society they one day would make the majority of.
    Children should be taught to be open in their interaction with others AND to be careful at the same time. It is basically like crossing a road, should a child be forbidden from doing that at all? Or instead learn that you can cross if you made sure no cars are coming?

    If the parents are in range so they can beat you senseless if you tried something funny i can't see the problem with them letting their kids talk to you

  • JusticeCovert GameSpot staff member

    Posted Oct 1, 2007 5:24 pm PT

    I can't say that I'm ever approached by kids while playing Pokemon, but I'm relieved to hear that I'm not the only one having trouble progressing simply because I have a berry obsession.

  • Mcrunfast

    Posted Oct 1, 2007 5:26 pm PT

    I've never had this happen, but often when I'm playing my DS I'm in an airport or some other super hectic place, and I usually have headphones on which might paint me as a little more aloof and a bit less approachable. That said, Nintendo has always, and continues to do a good job at targeting kids, and with this latest batch of products they seem to be targetting a wide variety of non-hardcore gamers to try to bring them into the fold. I'm with you in that I want some more games aimed at the hardcore on both systems, and I think the potential is definitely there for both. I think the big uniter is not only in the titles that are being pushed for the systems however, but the controls as well.

    When I started playing games, the controls were all pretty basic. I learned on a Commodre 64 which had an Atari style joystick. It had a stick, and one button. I moved on from that to the Nintendo, which had a D-pad, and four buttons, only two of which were used extensively in gameplay. The Xbox 360 controller has two analog-sticks, a D-pad, eight buttons, two analog triggers and the guide button. The 360 controller is intuitive to me, but then again I've played on a lot of earlier systems, and I evolved my play as the controllers evolved. I got used to going from two buttons to six, and from d-pads to analog sticks. I grew into them, I wasn't thrown into it cold turkey. However if I've never played a video game before, that 360 controller is going to look pretty intimidating to me. I've had a number of instances where I'm playing a game, and a friend of mine is over and they really enjoy watching it. They get into the game. I ask if they want to play, and they instantly turn me down. Why? The controller scares them away. The myriad of complex controls needed to play a modern game, as well as the sheer number of buttons sticks and triggers on a controller is a lot to take in if you've never played a game before in your life. The thing is though, these friends of mine were genuinely interested in the game, and were drawn to the idea of gaming.

    I think that controller might scare away people who want to try casual games, people looking to start gaming, or kids looking for, well, kid games. I agree that a kid will learn and pick it up quicker than an adult, but at the same time, I think those of us who grew up with gaming had an easier time with it. We had a lot simpler controllers to start with. The new Nintendo systems buck the trend of more buttons and sticks, and return to simpler times. However they've managed to do so in such a way that still leaves the potential to create games with complex environments and controls. Metroid Prime 3 is a brilliant example that the Wii can pump out a quality hardcore title when pushed right. However someone looking at a Wiimote will find it far more familiar. There aren't many buttons, the main buttons are in easy to use spots, and you hold it like a TV remote. It's a lot more friendly to new gamers, and this includes children.

  • NeonNinja

    Posted Oct 1, 2007 6:05 pm PT

    I only play games at home, so when I'm out and I see someone else playing a PSP or a DS I completely ignore them and just do as I've always done. On the other hand, when someone starts a conversation about Bouncing Betties in Vietnam and a classmate brings up F.E.A.R. and since I've played, I jump in and back up his statement.

    And while you say families and kids will dig Nintendo (and they do, my 3-year old cousin is absolutely enamored by my GameCube and won't even pay attention to my 360), college students seem to be of a different mindset. I guess most are trying to find a way of being accepted by the general crowd, but it comes off as fake, so when someone bashes gaming in a class discussion, I'm the first to defend it, and depending on the class I may be one of many (like in my Mass Communications class, more gamers than you'd imagine). However, I've seen people bash the Wii for reason they don't even know, only to be left stuttering a "S-s-so what?" after being hit with the facts (it pays off to be knowledgeable, doncha know?)

    It's cool that those kids are all looking up to you when they see you, but it also comes as this, those kids want to be US. My neighbor is like 8 or 9 years old, and if he sees me with my friends, this kid suddenly wants to be us. My younger cousin as well, he's 10, he looks up to me, and I'm 18, almost 19. But I can relate, because I grew up idolizing my aunt and my uncle (they're siblings), though my aunt moreso than my uncle (for some reason, people find it wierd that I looked up to a woman more than a man, but what the hell do they know?). They played SNES, and I wanted to play games. My uncle played Doom and the first game I ever played was Doom II. But if they went out with their friends or whatever, I started to want to do that. If my aunt talked on the phone, I suddenly wanted to start talking on the phone with my own friends.

    You're right, it is a kindred spirit, but it's much more than that. They see themselves as us, as the older generation. While they ultimately will end up different compared to us (isn't it always like that?), right now, they look at us as both equals, accepters, and superiors who will respect them. Suddenly, their hobby isn't a child's game, it's meant for everyone, and they can rest easy knowing that they can keep on playing.

    We're their reality check, and they love it. But like I said, I may never approach someone just because they're gaming, but it also has to do with personal preference. I hate portable gaming, so I'm not the right person to go and start a conversation about it. But like I said, in a gaming discussion in class, no matter how it's brought up or how insignificant it is, I have something to say. But it's more than that. When I unabashedly admit that I love games, others start to crawl out of their shells and speak up as well. And when I told my Geography professor that I was on a "Halo high", she laughed and said that most people in the room are (especially since many understood and laughed or passed me a happy glance), despite not admitting it out loud.

    I may not acknowledge those portable gamers with my presence, but I always glance, give them a look, a sort of look of approval, whether they're kids playing Pokemon next to their moms, or a grown man at McDonalds playing once he's finished eating. It's respect, it's acceptance, in the eyes of a gamer, to find someone openly showing their affection for their hobby, whether playing it outside on a DS, PSP, or GBA, or just flat-out defending it, in a room full of 130 students, against those people who don't understand it. But the greatest moment comes from one gamer acknowledging the truth behind another gamer's response. I've done that for a guy once. I gave him his props, and some others in the room, they knew too, because one was playing Mario Kart, and the other put down his DS, and that one chick just turned to look. And yeah, it rocks.

    I've written too much, and I don't know if I've gone off-topic or not, but it's too long for me to edit it. If I have, then feel free to let me know.

    Great post, though.

  • Hawkeye_P

    Posted Oct 1, 2007 6:45 pm PT

    I teach high school and I love games. I have connected with lots of my kids over games it's cool for them to find an adult that understands them. It's been especially obvious over the last week with Halo 3 coming out because everyone knew that I was going to go and get it right after school that day. It's been a cool uniting experience for my kids and I.

  • duckdodgers13

    Posted Oct 1, 2007 6:59 pm PT

    This is a great post and i totally agree i love how social Nintendo makes its games especially the DS. I've had times where it was actually the other way around and although i'm not as old as you it has bridged the gap between me and a stranger. Whenever i see anyone with a DS i always like to try to strike up a conversation or even challenge them to a game, it's a great way to get to know people easily and in a not so creepy manner.

  • arc_salvo

    Posted Oct 1, 2007 7:32 pm PT

    I think you have good points Dawnburn. Nintendo's definitely got a good strategy with its attempts to appeal to all people who might be interested in games, not just hardcore gamers. The low price points and the kid-friendly games on its systems (espcially the Wii and DS) in addition to the more intuitive control schemes really appeal to children and their parents.

    Anyhow, I have to say that I don't think you've really given out any real useful info to potential kidnappers out there. I agree that the fact that you're female and pretty unimposing and seem to have a friendly expression on your face (from what I can see from your picture at least) is what makes you so approachable to kids. Also, it seems that many of the kids who did approach you had their parents in sight, so it's not like they were approaching you alone.

    Personally, let me just say that despite what vehement fanboys of Microsoft and Sony and M-rated games say, the Wii's not just for kids and casual gamers. Just about all the guys in my Army Reserve unit either have a Wii, or love the damn thing, even if they have X-box 360's (which is the one next-gen console most of us have) and play stuff like Gears of War and Halo 3 most of the time.

  • luisen123

    Posted Oct 1, 2007 9:13 pm PT

    I hate to see your Soapbox's being the less answered when they are my personal favorites, now on topic:

    I do have a cousin around 5 years and he knew all the pokemon and their corresponding evolutions he amazed since I have to check on the internet fot that kind of stuff.

  • glitchgeeman

    Posted Oct 1, 2007 10:00 pm PT

    I totally agree. Not just pokemon though, a lot of Nintendo games can bring people together. About a year ago, I was playing Advance Wars DS, and this kid, about 9 or 10 comes up to me and tells me has it too and wants to battle me. Me, being quite a few years older didn't have the heart to beat him down with an unfair Sasha/Adder combo, so I let him win, and it was amusing to see how happy he was. He was a graceous winner too and shook my hand and everything, it was actually a bit strange.

    Still, Nintendo games like Pokemon definitely do have that great quality about them that makes them appealing to everyone.

  • MasterAsh42

    Posted Oct 1, 2007 11:23 pm PT

    It's actually not too surprising. . .I remember a little tidbit some experts of one field or another "stumbled" onto when studying the Pokemon phenomenon in the beginning:

    Kids love talk to adults or older people about things they enjoy that the adult or older person knows of, but not much about. To have more information on a topic of interest than an older person and to know this person recognizes the child's greater knowledge empowers the child in a sense.

    And from first-hand experiences working in a Wal-Mart Toy Department for 2 1/2 years, attending Pokemon CCG league events at Toys R Us, and even just recently having a preteen next to me at a Magic: The Gathering Lorwyn prerelease Saturday gush about all the card interactions and such he had discovered that day (while I'm in mid-game, bless his little heart), I must say it's entirely true.

    This is just one of many reasons why it's so important for parents to take an interest in their childrens' interests.

    Thanks for the interesting read, Dawn. Gives me a bit of hope for both our generation and the next.

  • Chien_Rouge

    Posted Oct 2, 2007 12:25 am PT

    Wow, I never thought that DS lites could be used for kidnapping and the such. Seems like a great reason to forbid talking to strangers even if they are playing Pokemon. Scary thought. Hopefully some parents are out there taking notes. Also I'm not sure you gave Sony a fair shake in regard to being family friendly. What about the Ratchet and Clank series or Sly Cooper, Little Big Planet, or Super Rub-a-dub (someone plays this right?)?

  • wedgeski

    Posted Oct 2, 2007 1:38 am PT

    Great post.

    There is, in my experience, a uniquely American terror of kids talking to people they don't know. I've had similar experiences to DawnBurn in that sprogs as young as 4 or 5 will attempt to spark up a conversation with me if I'm playing my GBA or DS in public, and you know what? I love chatting to them about it. I love hearing them talk about their achievements on the game. I even love hearing the nascent twang of trash-talk from them, because it shows they're engaged on the subject, and so-help me, I even encourage it a little bit. A tiny fraction of one-millionth of a percent of strangers actually mean harm to your kids. The odds are pretty good that the dude with the DS waiting for a bus is not going to do any damage... quite the opposite in fact.

    I think one day Nintendo will become a de-facto consumer electronics standard just like the iPod, and you'll be able to walk down the street with your wifi engaged and hear dozens of people strolling past with their own devices in their pockets. If you're standing in line for the bus, or train, or cinema, or Halo 7 launch, you'll be able to crack open some multiplayer with people standing six or seven feet from you and it'll feel like the most natural thing in the world. That's the kind of place to which the 'Great Uniter' is going to take us, and I can't wait.

  • DawnBurn

    Posted Oct 2, 2007 2:17 am PT

    @wedgeski

    My favorite part of PAX (last year, not this) was opening up my DS and ALWAYS finding several chat rooms, download play battles and everything available. I wish that were more common in real life, but I admit, I don't host those myself unless I know someone is around who will join.

    @Chien_rouge

    I haven't played Ratchet & Clank so I don't its kid friendliness. As for Little Big Planet, it seems to me that it is entirely too complex while cutesy, but I could be wrong (GIMME THAT GAME, btw). I think that Sony will target the kid market, and probably better than MS except for the price point problem.

  • futagoza

    Posted Oct 2, 2007 2:43 am PT

    This was a really nice blog post, made me feel happy somehow. I've never had this particular thing happen to me, maybe because I sold my DS very early in favor of a PSP. However, pretty much every time I go to the local EBgames or GAME stores (this is in Sweden btw) there are kids who start talking to me. Most of the time it just kind of annoys me because I'm in a rush, but at the same time it's cool to see them not shy away. Especially in those stores that have playable games there's pretty much always a group of kids watching, asking questions and such. Some how I think that the reason I see this happening to me more than others is because I always did that as a kid too (I'm 23 now btw). (I'm aware this turned out pretty incoherent, I had to leave the comp for about 20 minutes in the middle of writing it, hope you can still make some sense out of it).

  • Gaijen

    Posted Oct 2, 2007 6:34 am PT

    I think its wonderful that despite the cliché of gamers being in isolated corners, many younger kids are using games as a way to socialize. While the concerns of kidnappers using the DS as a way to get their prey (games have always been a target for that) are not empty handed, the benefit of teaching children at a young age to socialize with "complete strangers" will do wonders down the road. While I have never experienced the phenomenon with little kids that you have described (course it doesn't help I sometimes sport a 5 o'clock shadow, a messy head of curly hair, and my steel toe boots), I have witnessed it with older generations who have a common interest as me. When I visited NYC a few years back, I would wear my college's hat on the subway. Many people would randomly come up to me saying the college's motto (I'm avoiding identifying the college as I actually hated my time there, and left before obtaining a degree), and would start a conversation around that topic I don't know how many people talked with me because of it, but it was enthralling to hear other people's stories of life at the college, especially New Yorkers, who have that stigma of being self-interested jerks. Another similar phenomenon was when my friend and I would play chess at the local coffee shop (another cliché). While neither of us was good at chess, we used it as a way to meet others, as people would watch us play and ask about the rules of the game. After an hour, we had around 10 or so people socializing, all because of a game of chess.

    But anyways, it was wonderful to read your blog. You definitely have a wonderful pattern of writing that gives a warm sensation to the reader. I guess it could be your choice of words, or the fact that you act like a uniter; despite saying Nintendo works the hardest on finding kid friendly games, you give the other platforms credit. It tends to be very hard to find anyone who doesn't break down into the old "fanboi" stereotypes (Nintendo is gimmicky, halo sux()rs cause of blah blah blah, Sony is the dead king, yada yada yada). Keep up the great writing, I'll definitely be reading your blog from time to time.

  • Bozanimal

    Posted Oct 2, 2007 7:02 am PT

    DawnBurn wrote:
    And while I don't look 'mom' old I also am clearly not a teen or late teen (I'm 27 for the record).

    I hate to be the bearer of bad news: but my wife and I are 28. You don't look old and you won't be old for many, many years, but you are without question old enough to be a mom; and that's definitely not a bad thing.
    DawnBurn wrote:
    I don't understand why these kids (and their parents who are sometimes in range) are perfectly okay approaching me to strike up a conversation.

    I think I'll explain this one in a blog post of my own, because it has an actual explanation. For now, let's just say that - if your avatar is a picture of you - that you have an approachable face (i.e. a kind appearance).
    DawnBurn wrote:
    Pokemon is a game that transcends age, gender and other boundaries.

    A bold statement considering Pokemon is a weird game for otaku that really makes no sense. I'm not saying it's not fun or enjoyable, because it is, but my mom and my wife would never play it, nor would my closest friend. I would if I had a DS, but then again, I'm a geek.

    The rest of the post held less appeal for me; I liked the theme of you and the kiddies having a special, unspoken gaming bond that brought you together. Better living through gaming, eh?

  • neerajkumar_4

    Posted Oct 2, 2007 7:56 am PT

    ya i love pokemon too, im 20 rite now.. my friends often think its a childs game. But its one of the best GBA games i ever played. I love ruby and fire red. Ya nitendo is the only console which has many family games..and i think i can add MORE INTERACTIVE games!! nice blog btw!!

  • neerajkumar_4

    Posted Oct 2, 2007 7:58 am PT

    ive watched almost the whole series of pokemon telecasted here until they stopped it in my city coz of some prbs!!! so i knew almost everything abt pokemon!

  • N8A

    Posted Oct 2, 2007 8:45 am PT

    Being female helps make you more approachable and I think the parents being present actually makes the children feel more safe. Kinda neat to share something in common with someone so full of youth and wonder.

  • spidey223

    Posted Oct 2, 2007 8:53 am PT

    actually, i think ALL games unite people. people, kids, whomever talk to me just as much with my psp. if you are going to talk about uniting people, then why are you dividing camps by saying that one "unites" over others? gamers should embrace gamers.

  • dannyodwyer

    Posted Oct 2, 2007 8:56 am PT

    spidey223:
    All games unite people?
    Okay, how about......eh.....Leisure Suit Larry.

  • fatty5xl

    Posted Oct 2, 2007 9:11 am PT

    great read dawn . being a online predator myself i never thought about this . hafta get a ds and pokeman soon .yeah baby .feel the burn. no more chat rooms for me.

  • DawnBurn

    Posted Oct 2, 2007 9:57 am PT

    @Boz

    Heh, I know that at 27 I could easily have a kid. However, I don't think I look 'mom-aged' for most preteens/teens (7+ years old, basically). I mean, I surely COULD BE but I am not the average age of a mom of a 7-10 year old.

  • kori911

    Posted Oct 2, 2007 11:06 am PT

    Poke'mon really is a good game, all of them have been and if they continue using the same formula they will continue to be.

    Your talk of kids coming up and asking you about the game brings back memories of working at EB all those years back. I worked there during the time of the original Red and Blue launch along with the cards.

    If anyone remembers the card game, it was great! Unfortunately, the only people that could, or would play a game with me where kids. So, they would come in to get a new pack of cards and I would challenge them to a game.

    Most happily accepted and proceeded to whoop my ass, as I only had a green starter deck, and most of their parents spent ungodly amounts of money buying expansion cards for their children.

    Then came the gouging. We, as a company got very small shipments of these cards and apparently people from other pagodas in the mall would come in a buy up our supply. Then turn around and sell the same cards for tripple the price.

    The supply and demand ratio was so high for those cards that eventually everyone just gave up on finding them and a great card game was ruined.

    Also, I'm 25 and you don't look mom aged!

My Recent Ratings

Title Score
Disgaea 3: Absence of Justice 9.0
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Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 7.5
The Orange Box 10
The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass 9.5
Eternal Sonata 8.0
Dead or Alive Xtreme 2 6.0
Pikmin 9.5
Super Mario Kart 9.0
Super Mario Bros. 2 7.0
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