How much prejudice exists in the gaming industry today?
by Ben Striegel 
{ Aug 25th 2005 at 8:30PM }
Our industry is embroiled in an eternal conflict. Which console is right for you? Xbox? PlayStation 2? GameCube?
Wait, strike that last one. If you relied solely on mainstream media for your news, you might never realize that
there's a third company out there vying for your attention. Then again, these are just faceless corporations pandering
to the lowest common denominator. Informed, responsible gamers don't harbor such bias, right? ...Right? Gather
'round, children, and let me tell you a story.
The day is Wednesday, August 24. I enter my local GameStop, clutching a reservation slip, and am greeted by two
cashiers and a manager. I tell them that I'm here to pick up my copy of Advance Wars DS.
"Still holding out for the DS, huh?" remarks the manager. "Why haven't you gone for the PSP by now?"
It's true that I don't own a PSP, but this man doesn't know that. His mind is apparently incapable of grasping the
concept that someone could own two video game systems simultaneously. I ignore him and continue my transaction. Oh, but
it doesn't end there.
"While you're here, why don't you pre-order that new Kim Possible game? After all, you don't have anything else to
look forward to on the DS."
What?
This wasn't just a passing remark. He said it snidely, derisively. I used to work at a Wendy's, and if I were
to suggest a sandwich to a customer in that tone, I'd probably get my ass fired. At the moment, I was too taken aback
to formulate a proper response. Fortunately for me, one of the cashiers intervened on my behalf.
"Well, no, there's that Castlevania game coming out pretty soon."
"Yeah, plus Animal Crossing's coming later this year," interjected the second cashier.
"Animal Crossing?" sneered the manager. "Yeah, like that won't fizzle out."
The second cashier fell silent. However, having regained the use of my voice, I proceeded to remind him of Mario
Kart DS and Tony Hawk, while the cashier recited Resident Evil DS and Dig Dug. When I
got to Mario & Luigi DS, the manager audibly scoffed. However, perhaps realizing he was outnumbered, he
retreated to the back room, presumably to shoot some heroin. It vaguely registered in my mind that, for the first time
in my life, I had met a real, live console fanboy over the age of thirteen.
How common are these kinds of events? Am I in the vast minority, or has anyone else out there ever been discriminated against based upon their gaming preferences? If a Nintendo fanboy were to kill Jay Allen, would it be considered a hate crime? Moreover, if a Nintendo fanboy did kill Jay Allen, would he opt for the poison mushrooms or the length of sewer pipe? Alas, some questions are destined to go unanswered.
[NOTE: Jason totally caught onto the fact that Jay Allen is not, perhaps, a real person at all, and that I am, most likely, on heroin myself.]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Dmitri (Not Coherent) @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
In accordance with Joystiq policy, this comment has been BALEETED for the following reasons:
1) I felt like it.
2) Ha ha ha ha.
[striegs]
empathizer @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
You must live near me, cause the gaming store guys here are total dicks. When I bought my last system the guy spent 5 minutes trying to convince me to buy another one.
Newsflash: People other than game store employees have the internet! Anyone over 18 who's buying a game knows what they're talking about.
I'm officially boycotting EB and Gamestop in favor of Walmart. At least the old lady in electronics never gives me any shit for buying a DS game.
JamesP @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
I think I met a local sony fan boy. When I informed him of my perchasing desision of the xbox 360 he said that it will suck and he's saving up for a ps3. I asked him why and he informed me that the killzone 2 trailer was teh awsome graphics. He apperently knew that it was all prerenderd nonsence and was still giddy about what was just what sony hopes the next gen will look like. That is why I'm buying the 360, I can't be disapointed whith the graphics because I've seen them and they are honest to god real time pretty.
disappeared @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
It's sad that both ignorance and intolerance run rampant the way they do in this too-big-too-fast industry of ours. I have to say that you had every right to stand your ground and let that manager know he was mistaken. The DS is an awesome handheld that doesn't seem to receive the credit it deserves (but maybe that's beside the point). Anyways, way to stick it to the man!
Sean O. @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
In my experience GameStop is generally run by a bunch of Halo playing Xbox jerks. Sure I've got some bias but at least my loyalty isn't with a totally uninspired sci-fi shooter. And the PSP can kiss my ass. It really is a Playstation Portable but I don't want to play crappy PS2 ports even if they are portable.
Really though unless you have a bunch of money to just spend on games you have to choose sides and a good way to validate the side you've chosen is to bash the other with good reason or without. Think of it like sports teams... except there are only three...
Pete Br?er @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
I had the same response from my workmates when I brought my DS to work and played it at the lunch room table. "Man, isn't that for 5year olds?" - some people just don't understand that gaming can be for EVERYONE!
Crikey...
Jason @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
Who the hell is Jay Allen? Don't tell me you mean "J Allard" (yes, it's just "J"). And if you do, do you think you could come up with a WORSE time to botch an console-leader industry professional's name than in an article about system bias?
Daniel @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
Actually, I had a very pleasant experience at my local EB. I wont go into the details here (they aren't very interesting) but the cashier seemed very nice and well informed. He seemed to like Nintendo a lot so I asked him who he thought would win the console race. He told me he thought that the XBOX 360 would do the best, he said that Sony was just a lot of hype. I agreed with him and asked about the Rev. and he said though it would be awesome, it probably can't take the No.1 spot. It was kind of a shock from an EB employee.
JamesP @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
We happen to agree with this article dumbass. I'm sure this is the crazy one at the gamestop?
tr1gunn @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
i want the 1 and half minutes of my life back that i wasted reading this stupid story. there is no epic struggle struggle here. stop whining.
suhail @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
Luckily I've never have been frowned upon for my game purchases. This is becuase I bought most my games from a small newsagents with a games section in the back. The guy's that worked there new their stuff (he complemented me on my purchase of Zelda WW while I'm sure an employee at GAME would have giggled). Sadly they've closed down so I have to buy my games from ignornat clerks that work at my local major games retailer. (Suprisingly though I had no problems buying Paper Mario 2...maybe there's hope afterall).
BoB @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
And thats why Gamestop sucks. They are full of total dicks, which are usually Sony fanboys, which in my opinion are the worst fanboys of all. And Im neutral, owning and enjoying all 3 systems.
Yesterday I went into Gamestop to buy 12 month subscription card to Xbox Live, as mine is already out. He treated me like a child, as I was discussing Xbox 360 games with my friend, he would constantly interject, offering his opinion on the game. He wanted me to reserve Madden 2006, to which I replied hell no. So I guess it gave him more of a reason to be an asshole, and he acted as such.
So much for Gamestop, Ill never go there again.
tpp @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
You gave that assclown money after he had said all that?
Christopher7xii @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
This is fairly commonplace at GameStops... I know three managers(as my friend used to work for them and bounced around a lot between stores). They just have their opinion and don't feel it rude to talk games with others. Usually when I come in they're bickering with their employees over reviews being retarded, or how Final Fantasy 7 was boring and they quit after 30minutes of play. The one I mostly go to tried to convince me into buying House of the Dead on UMD and I proceeded to through game cases at him for his suggestions. You can't take them too seriously.
And no, this isn't because I know them. They do this to customers all the time. Like he has this story about how one christmas a lady came in asking for "Dragonball Bukkake" - then he said he has dragonball, and he has bukkake, which exactly was she looking for? Then another manager had someone come in looking for "Deffer Jam: Live from New York" and she told him they don't care that. If he wants they have Def Jam, but she wouldn't sell it to him because he can't read anyways.
It's just a simple fact(if you haven't read these forums)- gamers are dicks. Working won't change a thing, especially in a gaming environment.
Cheeeeese @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
Different people like different things, however, most people just don't seem to be able to accept that.
Bryan @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
Well, this didn't happen to me, but I have a story about my 12 year old friend I've known all my life - I'm 16, he's 12, and he wanted to buy Nintendogs for his DS - I've been saving for a DS for a while, and I'd buy Nintendogs myself if I had the money. Anyway, he and I went to the mall yesterday to buy the game and he was scared to ask the clerk because he thought the guy would give him a smirk or make fun of him somehow - so I asked for him, simply because I don't give a shit what a store clerk thinks.
Matter of fact, here's something to think about:
If you want my money, you'll let me buy the game I came here to buy.
Perhaps I WOULD buy a PSP if they offered some new games I've never seen before - LIKE Nintendogs, Meteos.. something along those lines. If you already have a PS2, why buy another one for 100 more bucks.. just so you can play the same games on a smaller screen with worse graphics than the actual PS2? Are you really out and about that much that you NEED a PSP with you at all times?
I think of the DS as a separate console, almost. Honestly, you can't play Nintendogs (or any other game with a touchscreen) anywhere else!
Stupid store clerks...
Christopher7xii @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
Ah, and if the fanboy'ism goes anyway in my area, they favor Nintendo. The managers love nintendo, cuz they gave them a free GBA, SP, DS, and they'll be getting a free Micro and Revolution as well. I called him a sellout and he denied it, but followed up by "dude, if they wanna give me free shit, I will totally support it and tell others to get it". Apparently he doesn't know what a sellout is. Shows the intelligence of nintendo fanboys =)
Hartjo1 @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
Am I reading a different site for the usually insightful and well written Joystiq I've come to know? Poorly written, pointless, and completely out of character for this site. Please keep the keyboard away from your teenage children in the future.
Namrepus221 @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
At times like those I like to say
"And I asked for your opinion when...?"
Usually they come up with some smart ass comment about my purchase about how they are just trying to help me out or that they are telling me I'm making a mistake.
"I'm sorry but I don't need your help, I don't need your snide remarks, and if you think I do in that pea sized brain of yours, then you don't need my money. I'd love to speak to your manager if it comes to that."
leojsoap @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
I stopped shopping at the local gameshops awhile ago, most of 'em are ripoffs, and I hate Walmart with a passion. The blockbuster gamerush has yeilded me with good results though either that, Amazon, or Target.
Nick @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
Great read. What a moron. I bet he has a lot of friends.
Cooper @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
I went through the same thing when I worked at Babbage's. I was the lone "Nintend-fag" in a sea of Sony lovers. ( This was during the Dreamcast/N64/PS1-2 days )
I was constantly belittled for enjoying Nintendo stuff and had to fight with coworkers and customers for enjoying both Nintendo and Sega. All these fools could see was EA Sports and Syphon Filter.
retro @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
Frigging Gamestop and EB, they're a hell on earth for any gamers who buy anything Nintendo. At all. I'm just glad I live in Canada, EB is much different here, the cashiers aren't biased or jerks. I've never been to a gametop here, though. I hate idiots like that. Oh, you should have said Metroid Prime Hunters. That would have been great.
Twist @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
Oddly enough the people at my local GameStop (or at least the one I visit since there are about 14 within a 10 mile radius now) would probably seriously try to sell you a Kim Possible game even if you were there buying a copy of the latest Grand Theft Auto or Madden. And they make up so much bullshit in order to try to get you interested. I need to go visit them and really call them on the fact that they said the Xbox 360 would ship with the hard drive for $299 and that it had been confirmed by Microsoft when I was in there buying a used copy of some game a few months back. I knew they were full of shit and so did they but I didn't feel like calling them on it.
Rare Hare @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
only real life experience i've had like that was in some generic game shop..
when i mentioned my excitement over an upcoming PS2 title the clerk arrogantly informed me that "Xbox games are the only ones worth playing". what??
@# 11 BoB: "He wanted me to reserve Madden 2006, to which I replied hell no."
you do understand that part of their job is to attempt to make a sale, right? if they have big titles up for reserve, they're required to ask.. don't be an asshole just because they're being a dutiful employee.
last time i made a purchase at gamestop i was asked if i'd like to reserve legend of zelda: twilight princess. does that mean the man was a nintendo fanboy? no, it means he's a salesman.
ster @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
i love my gamestop. none of them are fanboys, and if they have to say something negative it's usually non-fanboyish.
so i buy makai kingdom and ikaruga and we have a little discussion about disgaea and phantom brave. then i ask to preorder aw ds and we have a small discussion on how its been getting great reviews.
they are the most unbiased clerks i've ever seen.
which reminds me of that trip to target once...
imark @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
i used to work in the game section of a large media store which luckily had a gamestop right next door. So people would go to GameStop to have some fan-blind reject lie to them about whatever games they expressed interest in, then send them to my store & have me tell them the real deal about stuff & that GameStop were biased retards.
So it makes me & GameStop look like ass clowns & I didnt even start it.
EB & GameStop are in the business of obviously all game systems, so why hire biased fanboys? who knows. either go there & get hated on because you liked Killer 7 or go to a big electronics store to have them stare blankly at you when you say something that doesnt have Mario, PS2, GTA, or Halo in your question. Nothing is perfect & people are freaking pricks. Least I can say when I sold games, I held my opinion to myself unless specifically asked what I thought of a game or system purchase. Then like any other retail monkey hound them for accessory purchasese. Thats how you do it.
LU @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
why is it a surprise to walk into a video game store and have to deal with jerks? They exist in every video game store, every online server, and every gaming forum and message board.
Zell @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
Nintendophobic? I wonder why people often feel so threatened by Nintendo. I could somewhat see why when it comes to teenage boys, who need more adult-looking gadgets to impress their friends and feel cool. Do people just trapped in that frame of mind? Impressing high school friends turns into impressing college friends, into impressing co-workers?
People have far too many hangups, or maybe I just have no shame. I don't care if they stare when I laugh like I belong in a psych ward when playing Wario Ware: Touched on the bus, or when I speak to my Nintendogs. I'm the one having fun in the end, and at no one's expense but my own.
Du @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
The GameStop I visit regularly actually has a pretty great staff. I've never had one ounce of lip from any one of them for having a GameCube and an affinity for Mario, Monkey Ball, and Sonic the Hedgehog games. In fact, most of them are really into all of the consoles as I am.
I currently don't own any consoles due to money issues, but you can put me on the list for the Revolution and the 360 (Don't care much for Sony's hype at the moment, I'm going to see how things shake out, especially concerning the comments Kutaragi has made about the price).
CV @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
When I was buying a RedOctane Ignition Pad at GameStop, the cashier asked if it was a present for someone else. "No, it's for meeee," I said in a funny voice, but he just looked at me like I was crazy. I'm only 27, but it seemed like he thought I was way too old to be playing Dance Dance Revolution. That's the only time I've ever been given attitude over a gaming-related purchase, I think.
superberg @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
I used to manage a GameStop, and it's true, many managers confuse "opinion" with "fact." Of course, the corporate office has no idea what anything beyond Halo or Grand Theft Auto is; they're to busy worring more about Game Informer subscriptions than overall profit or customer satisfaction.
Oddly enough, Nintendo is the nicest company to store managers. I've recieved many free games (and yes, a free DS last holiday season) in the couple years I managed a store. Microsoft has nice incentives for Xbox-centric training via their website (completing quizzes earns free games or merchandise), and Sony says "Screw you, we're number one. We don't need to do a damn thing."
For the record, I actually am a gamer and own everything but a PSP (traded it in when I lost my job to help cover bills, I don't really miss it beyond gear lust). Many GameStop regional/district/store managers simply moved from one retail job to the next; the more hardcore gamers will typically be the part-timers.
NergiZed @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
Well I don't want to ever meet cashiers like that. The ones in the Game Stop in my area are almost exactly the opposite.
They (a guy and some college grad chick) would suggest what games are fun. I went to get Warioware: Twisted (this was a while back) and he talked about how busy it was the day it and Fire Emblem:Sacred Stones came out. And then I asked them when Nintendogs was coming out and He said Aug 22nd, and then the chick said how she and lots of her friends were dying to get that game. The me and the guy talked about some games, mainly DS. I would ask when the game would come out, they'd tell me and then give they're opinion on the game. Then we talked about how "We Love Kamtari" (I'lm not sure if the title is right, I hadn't gotten a chance to play it yet) was gonna have a sequel. Then I left the shop with one game.
I sure hope I never meet cashiers like that, but if I do I'll use #17's advice, for you lazy people here's #17:
"
At times like those I like to say
"And I asked for your opinion when...?"
Usually they come up with some smart ass comment about my purchase about how they are just trying to help me out or that they are telling me I'm making a mistake.
"I'm sorry but I don't need your help, I don't need your snide remarks, and if you think I do in that pea sized brain of yours, then you don't need my money. I'd love to speak to your manager if it comes to that."
"
some guy @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
Geez, what a story. Call the ACLU. We're talking about consumer products here. I can't believe people even get so strongly attached to things, objects that they would get into a debate or try to belittle others for their purchases--or even care about what purchases they made! What I'm trying to say is, who cares?
Stephen @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
Man...how can that guy be the manager of a game store...
I don't think it's the store's problem. It's the person's problem.
The people in my local EB games (Vancouver) are very nice. When I bought my PSP there, they let me open different boxes to find a perfect one. They are always up to date with what games are coming for all the system. Sometimes they would recommend me some games and actually put it into a demo system to let me try it out. And most importantly they don't bash any systems.
Chris @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
Yeah,, I remember when I went to Gamestop to pick up my PSP, the cashier actually began comlaining to me about the fact that I was buying a PSP, "wasting my money" when he "couldn't get the cash to buy the games he wanted"... I'm usually a pretty articulate guy but I was so flabbergasteg all I could do was stand and stare while he quite literally shoved the PSP into my hands.
What gives!?
OTAM @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
Where I live there are 2 EB Games and a Gamestop all within like spitting distance of each other.
Gamestop here is full of a bunch of PC whores. The one time they were actually having a discussion saying the PC had a better version of the game because the PC has "better graphics".They'll tell you information on the product you're buying as they're ringing it up but other than that they don't bother you.
The EB Games in the mall is another story. There is some asshole in there who will act like it's the hardest fucking chore on earth to find out anything you ask about if it's not concerning Sony (the manager just acts like everything is the hardest fucking chore on earth).
The one time I came in there and asked to see a list for 360 games to preorder and he asked if I was going to get a PS3.I told him no and he acted like the biggest jackass in the world trying to tell me how much better and "more powerful" the PS3 was (it's amazing how he knows this considering neither consoles are even available to the public). The guy had a black eye and I wondered if he was just a dick all the time and got punched in the face.I kept staring at it but I had sunglasses on so he didnt know.
The EB Games that has it's own store by itself is ok.It always smells like the Subway next door and they will just ask if you need help finding something,then ring you up quick and usually never say anything besides the usual "That comes to $____" and "Here you go,enjoy your day".
I know I put too much detail into this.
CheapyD @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
This seems to be really common as I read about it happening all the time. That being said, its never happened to me.
I think it helps silence the store clerks if you look like Bull from Night Court
Jahbahduh Hut @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
Its funny how most of the people who responded to this had a bias comment to make about one console or the other. When will it ever end why can't an individual just be happy with the console that you like and not try and convince someone else that one is better than the other. I have a PSP and even though it doesn't have that many games I enjoy it for its current features. But to be honest with you its packed with retro-Nintendo games and some Game Boy games as well. So you ask why not just purchase a GBC or DS... well I travel a lot and would like to watch movies on the plane, so that feature had me sold. I respect Nintendo for who they are and what they bring to the gaming industry just as much as I respect Sony or Microsoft. I'm glad that because of the three I will have options when purchasing a console even the opportunity to purchase all three. Could you imagine going into a Cingular store and only having the option of one phone?
Eric @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
#27 AMEN TO THAT!
I have had no problems with jerks at my local Canadian EB....however...i do get sick of hearing "would you like to put a gurantee on your previously owned game for 2 dollars?" Shouldn't that be included!? With the price they sell at, those PO games are nearly all profit!
John @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
If I were in this situation...
"Still holding out for the DS, huh?" he'd say.
"Still think you've got a future by managing retail, huh?" I'd say.
Alas, I don't waste my time with game stores (or shopping malls, for that matter).
b @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
"16. Posted Aug 25, 2005, 9:21 PM ET by Christopher7xii
Ah, and if the fanboy'ism goes anyway in my area, they favor Nintendo. The managers love nintendo, cuz they gave them a free GBA, SP, DS, and they'll be getting a free Micro and Revolution as well. I called him a sellout and he denied it, but followed up by "dude, if they wanna give me free shit, I will totally support it and tell others to get it". Apparently he doesn't know what a sellout is. Shows the intelligence of nintendo fanboys =)"
Well, this nintendo "fanboy" may not know what a sellout is, but you don't know what a fanboy is. A fanboy is not one because he gets free stuff, dumbass. A fanboy is one because he likes everything a company (like nintendo, for example) makes.
I love nintendo, and if I was given for free a ps2 and/or an Xbox, I wouldn't become a sony/xbox fanboy. Nor a sellout. You are also critic about "nintendo's fanboys' intelligence", but I wonder: why are nintendo's fanboys' among joystiq's much more 'literate' posters, if not so aggressive and/or stupid as the rest of the PS/Xbox/sports fanboys? You answer me that, you putz.
Jon @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
Wait...the writers of this site want to act confused, baffled and offended that people dissed his system meanwhile articles/news posts here are constantly bias when posting about say, the Gizmondo or N-Gage? There are 3million people who own N-Gages QDs, and whenever Joystiq has a news post to make about Nokia's little gaming phone, they make it as offensive as possible. I mean, N-Gage does have some cool online games(a 3d fighting game called One, online X-Men Legends 2 and a ton more).
Practice what you preach.
krylon @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
This is rampant. Everyone who works in a game store thinks they're the hottest shit in the world, even if they are 40. I get the idea that salespeople in general need to hang on to the fact that their product is the holy grail of products even if they know deep down that it's shit or just an arbitrary choice in a sea of arbitrary consumer choices. How you go from that concept to explaining how a 40 year old becomes a fanboy for a specific console when their job is to sell ALL their in-stock consoles is beyond my guesstimation.
SOLUTION:
if the manager was being such a dick to you about your choices, why give them your money? You have the power at any point to just walk out and take your money elsewhere and make it specifically known that their attitude is why you're choosing to leave. I never have done this personally, but several employees have made me put a purchase back on the shelf long before I even approached the checkout counter.
In a way though, these people are doing their job by getting you riled up and defensive about your purchase. Their being a fanboy brought out the fanboy in you, hopefully instilling a need for continuing purchases.
i buy all my games (WHEN i even buy them, which is rare/never) online, preferably used. I'm too old and have too few real life friends who game to really get excited about anything new. I have an x-box and have been putting off getting KOTOR2 and Mercenaries for quite some time.
hame @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
This article really highlights a problem in the games industry that actually makes me feel ashamed to be a gamer.
Even though it's from a minority of people, there seems to be so much hatred. If you go on any internet forum or message board (which for this very reason I try and avoid) and see some of the vile comments that are posted by fanboys, it's just so depressing.
Now I'm a huge Nintendo fan, nay an obsessive Nintendo fan (I own all their consoles), but I would never ever slag off another console or chastise someone for owning a different one to me. Each to their own.
That store manager was just a complete prick and I'm suprised you didn't punch him in his obnoxious face. (Though I imagine as a Sony fanboy, he was probably very bitter about the fact that the DS is doing better than the PSP. That's how fanboys work. Their vileness is proportional to the success/failure of their beloved console).
Luckily I've never had any bad experiences in game shops. They've always been very nice and always complimented me on my excellent choice. I even once Pictochatted with one guy in Game, and had a conversation about the greatness of Ice Climbers with one in Gamestation.
SetupWeasel @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
Back before the SP, I bought a pink GBA. Why pink? I LIKE PINK! NOW STEP OFF!
Anyway, I asked for the pink one, and the guy in EB getting the GBA offered no fewer than three other colors. I'm sure he thought he was trying to save me from myself. I dug my heels in and declined every offer.
He looked confused, as if everything in the world turned suddenly, inexplicably blue. I didn't look gay. I didn't act gay. I didn't speak with a lisp or shop at Express for Men (they called it Structure back then). Yet I was buying a pink GBA.
There is nothing much more to the story. I got my pink GBA, paid for it, and left. I try not to be led around by what others think. Sometimes I make it. Other times I don't. I get the sinking feeling, however, that most people don't even try to resist. The PS3 is the most powerful of the next gen consoles. If GameSpot says it, it must be right. Iraq is an imminent threat. If the president says it, it must be right. They live their lives without challenging common knowledge, without standing up for who they are, taking directions every step of the way.
Now, I don't like Nintendo, because I want to be rebellous. I like Nintendo, because I like Nintendo. Their products agree with me and so do their personalities. However, I will be damned if I'm going to let some goddamned social taboo keep me from buying the GBA color I want. It's a toy. It's pink. Who the hell cares? If liking a pink toy over a white toy qualifies as so rebellious that anyone should want to discourage me for my own benefit, then we are all in trouble.
Ryuukuro @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
Gaming is a part of geek culture. Unfortunately that also entails that it breeds elitist asswholes who have no social graces. It's everywhere, not just in gaming. Movies have their snobs and not just in the art-movie crowd but in b-movie fans who hate anything that tries to be art without buckets of blood or boobs. It's in comics with people who hate superheroes and people who won't touch anything without superheroes (and people who personally hate Rob Liefeld for no reason.)
It's an unfortunate thing that we all have to deal with...but we don't have to accept it. Whenever you hit that kind of snobbery from a store clerk, leave. Don't go in again until someone decent is working there.
klinko @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
Yeah, I got these assholes working at my local Gamstop also. They're all like, "Oooh, look at me. I just completed my first year at third rate college. Now I know everything. I suddenly have an opinion on everything and feel obligated to tell everyone." Must be in the training somewhere. Either that or they're recruiting them from Best Buy.
striegs @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
To answer everyone's question, part of the reason that I didn't leave the store right then and there is that the two clerks were decent enough to come to my aid rather than sit back and berate me, as they definitely had the opportunity to do. But for the most part, the reason is that on Monday when I pre-ordered it, neither Best Buy, Wal-Mart, nor Target expected shipments to last until until I could come and pick it up on Wednesday. On a happier note, I can honestly say that the game is definitely worth the ordeal. Still not sure whether or not I should pick up Nintendogs, though. Maybe I ought to wait until the retail chains get restocked...
abbas khan @ Dec 18th 2005 10:05PM
oh just get @#$#ing both!
i have em and i love em.
my and my co-worker play a lot of metroid for hours and hours.
and i use my PSP to make everyone jealous of me.