Learn to Play
Gamers often use this term when attempting to insult a fellow player. It is generally typed without punctuation. Were the words more difficult, it would most likely be written with spelling errors. Learning to play apparently has nothing to do with learning to use spell check but I am getting off topic…which is yet another talent of the gaming clan.
Online games are communities. As any community, there are different sects. Some interact well together, some do not. There are comedians, whiners, optimists, pessimists, romantics, heroes and (our subject in question) jerks.
Gaming jerks are the best at everything. Joe Jerk owns the best gear in the game. (Obtained through the use of superior playing skills and knowledge of mechanics, or so he says) His computer is the fastest; monitor the biggest and key map beyond dispute. (His PC specs are listed in his forum signature along with all character names, professions and levels) Joe Jerk is not shy. He will rapidly post on a game forum everything a player is doing wrong. He hasn’t actually read in entirety the post in question. (Reading is considered work for Joe Jerk) He doesn’t even read what he just typed. His goal is to comment and hit the enter key, akin to a hit and run although Joe Jerk rarely runs. He in no way fears right or wrong. For Joe Jerk, there is no wrong.
Joe Jerk is not creative. He lacks imagination. In a role-playing game, he never plays a role. In fact, role players are often targets for Joe Jerks advice of “Learn to play” because he cannot understand how the end game and “Uber” loot is not the goal.
Insulting other players is a thrill for our jerk. It matters not that he is communicating to another human, perhaps because he views himself more of a God. Joe Jerk will never consider another players feelings nor will he offer either an open mind or condolences.
Dear Joe Jerk,
I offer you my condolences.
Why?
Because in all your glory, it is you that has failed at “Learning to play.”
The term “Game play” defines the role of gaming. It is play. Most humans begin experimenting with play very early in life. They discover pastimes they find enjoyable. If you are reading this, I assume you are of the age that play is something previously learned. What you play with, whom you play with, how you play and other minor details are your own. Only you are capable of defining your sense of fun.
I hope Joe Jerk enjoys his chosen hobby. Perhaps his definition of play is being a jerk. In my opinion, play should not cause a person to lash out and insult others. That behavior is more typical of anger than enjoyment.
Joe Jerk will tell you “Learn to play” if you find any aspect of a game difficult or lacking in entertainment. He is attempting to tell you how to play. He is incapable of understanding that his opinion of fun may not be shared with the masses. Actually, that would be giving him more credit than he deserves. He really doesn’t care about others, if he did, he would not disrupt an intelligent forum debate by posting “Learn to play”.
I am the kid building castles of sand. Friends help. We laugh and consider the endless possibilities of our creations. We play.
Joe Jerk is the kid that sits alone on the edge of the sandbox. He tentatively kicks a few grains towards the happy kids. They ask him to stop which only fuels his intent. Joe Jerk runs through the carefully constructed sand castle. The creators moan but just start over. Their playtime is not up. Joe Jerk watches from the bench. The happy kids ignore him.
Games are designed as tools for enjoyment. Game time, friends encountered, the act of playing is the goal. Play is fun, for those of us that have learned.
Online games are communities. As any community, there are different sects. Some interact well together, some do not. There are comedians, whiners, optimists, pessimists, romantics, heroes and (our subject in question) jerks.
Gaming jerks are the best at everything. Joe Jerk owns the best gear in the game. (Obtained through the use of superior playing skills and knowledge of mechanics, or so he says) His computer is the fastest; monitor the biggest and key map beyond dispute. (His PC specs are listed in his forum signature along with all character names, professions and levels) Joe Jerk is not shy. He will rapidly post on a game forum everything a player is doing wrong. He hasn’t actually read in entirety the post in question. (Reading is considered work for Joe Jerk) He doesn’t even read what he just typed. His goal is to comment and hit the enter key, akin to a hit and run although Joe Jerk rarely runs. He in no way fears right or wrong. For Joe Jerk, there is no wrong.
Joe Jerk is not creative. He lacks imagination. In a role-playing game, he never plays a role. In fact, role players are often targets for Joe Jerks advice of “Learn to play” because he cannot understand how the end game and “Uber” loot is not the goal.
Insulting other players is a thrill for our jerk. It matters not that he is communicating to another human, perhaps because he views himself more of a God. Joe Jerk will never consider another players feelings nor will he offer either an open mind or condolences.
Dear Joe Jerk,
I offer you my condolences.
Why?
Because in all your glory, it is you that has failed at “Learning to play.”
The term “Game play” defines the role of gaming. It is play. Most humans begin experimenting with play very early in life. They discover pastimes they find enjoyable. If you are reading this, I assume you are of the age that play is something previously learned. What you play with, whom you play with, how you play and other minor details are your own. Only you are capable of defining your sense of fun.
I hope Joe Jerk enjoys his chosen hobby. Perhaps his definition of play is being a jerk. In my opinion, play should not cause a person to lash out and insult others. That behavior is more typical of anger than enjoyment.
Joe Jerk will tell you “Learn to play” if you find any aspect of a game difficult or lacking in entertainment. He is attempting to tell you how to play. He is incapable of understanding that his opinion of fun may not be shared with the masses. Actually, that would be giving him more credit than he deserves. He really doesn’t care about others, if he did, he would not disrupt an intelligent forum debate by posting “Learn to play”.
I am the kid building castles of sand. Friends help. We laugh and consider the endless possibilities of our creations. We play.
Joe Jerk is the kid that sits alone on the edge of the sandbox. He tentatively kicks a few grains towards the happy kids. They ask him to stop which only fuels his intent. Joe Jerk runs through the carefully constructed sand castle. The creators moan but just start over. Their playtime is not up. Joe Jerk watches from the bench. The happy kids ignore him.
Games are designed as tools for enjoyment. Game time, friends encountered, the act of playing is the goal. Play is fun, for those of us that have learned.
Comments
These people deserve a Lern to play line in my opinion.