Honestly. Do you tell people you meet in real life that you are a gamer?

[Nintega Turbine Trio-CBS]

I don't know about everyone else but I think that is the worst possible way to break the ice with someone. You see tons of people still have the stereotypical mindset that gamers are losers who live in their parent's basement or garage. Especially females who for the most part don't play video games. Some hobbies are just better off being kept secret. That is just my opinion.

[nectarsis]

Why do you feel the need to keep starting topics that multiple people have already given opinions on?    Most people (if they have any real self respect) don'y give half a shit what others think.  We are all past high school, and most live their lives how they want regardless of what others think.  IMO if you hide things you like/do..you aren't mature enough to do them.  If you get embarresed about something...you probably shouldn't be doing it.

[Tatsujin]

it really depends on the people :idea:

[nat]

I don't know about everyone else but I think that is the worst possible way to break the ice with someone. You see tons of people still have the stereotypical mindset that gamers are losers who live in their parent's basement or garage. Especially females who for the most part don't play video games. Some hobbies are just better off being kept secret. That is just my opinion.

I don't always "break the ice" that way. If anything, I tell people I'm into electronics, which is the truth. I repair PCBs, have for a long time, even before working on game systems. Beyond my fascination with electronics I'm a pretty normal guy and you probably wouldn't be able to pick me out of a crowd generic late 20's/early 30's guys.

On the other hand, I don't have anything to hide, if someone asks what I'm interested in-- I tell them. I already have a hot wife so worrying about whether or not working on electronics impresses chicks isn't on my agenda.

[nectarsis]

But I've heard being a gamer, having certain tats are SURE chick repellent 

[MissaFX]

Not only do I eventually tell everyone I meet that I am specifically a console gamer, but I do make it pretty clear to people that I don't really play newer games and that I do not play FPS games.  This way they know, I am not just some wackjob in a dorm room, I am a well refined retro eccentric.  The reason I am soooo open about gaming is it is often the only way to find out from another female if she also games...well from the offset at least.  Gaming does seem for many to be a guilty pleasure, not as guilty as their porn collection...but in some cases just as hidden from the public observer. 

Sometimes I don't say I am a gamer, I broadcast it.  Occasionally I go to the mall in one of my 90's shirts like my Dino Crisis one and I will hang out in the food court with my PSP playing Sewer Shark or some other blantantly retro game like maybe Star Control over DOS-Box.

In my personal opinion, and I am sure this is part of my bias, but the type of gamer which is sure repellent would be the type who hangs out on xbox live all day smacking strangers, who considers this behaviour to be a good use of their time.  This stereotype of gamer just screams, "Don't date me in a million years!"...at least to me and a few people I have asked over time.

[Sinistron]

Nin this is 2008- wake up man.  Practically everyone's a gamer in one form or another- there's always been gateway games to draw in those who otherwise wouldn't play videogames- from Tetris to Guitar Hero.  You really need to get out of this one dimensional mindset and narrow view of the world. 

[Necromancer]

Why would anyone be ashamed of the largest portion of the entertainment industry (yup, even bigger than movies)?  Initial conversations often revolve around jobs and/or family - the two things that most people can relate to and that consume the largest chunk of most lives.  If the conversation rolls around to hobbies, I'll list video games among my other activities, though I don't always go into detail, as some people could care less.  The only time that a gamer is a absolute turn off, is when it's the only thing that they bring to the table.  Of course, the same can be said of any one dimensional bore.

[MissaFX]

The only time that a gamer is a absolute turn off, is when it's the only thing that they bring to the table.  Of course, the same can be said of any one dimensional bore.

So true.  Although I wouldn't say the only time.  I get kinda tired of people to keep making endless running Wii jokes too.

[Necromancer]

Especially when you have to keep reminding them that your eyes are about a foot to the north, no doubt.  Welcome back, by the way. 

[guyjin]

Some people I tell, some people I don't. But that's how I am anyway - I don't tell anybody all my business.

[rolins]

Not really, mainly because my gaming interests are sometimes too retro and obscure. I love talking about the MSX, FM-Towns, PC-8801, Saturn, Nes, Toaplan, T&E Soft, Compile. But I'm terrible when the topics are about newer games & consoles which most guys on my block are into. I often feel like clueless one of the group. It's not like I can afford a xbox360, I probably could but I'm too stubborn to try something new.

[Nintega Turbine Trio-CBS]

Not really, mainly because my gaming interests are sometimes too retro and obscure. I love talking about the MSX, FM-Towns, PC-8801, Saturn, Nes, Toaplan, T&E Soft, Compile. But I'm terrible when the topics are about newer games & consoles which most guys on my block are into. I often feel like clueless one of the group. It's not like I can afford a xbox360, I probably could but I'm too stubborn to try something new.

I am the same as you. I am more into obscure retro stuff too. Nice Rude Breaker pic you got there

[Joe Redifer]

It's not something I bring up unless the conversation turns to games.  I also don't talk about video editing or movie theater projection equipment around most people, either.

[Bonknuts]

 Yeaaahh... being a gamer is not a repellent. A lot of women who aren't gamers will just look at it like something silly you do from your childhood (and they will *attempt* to correct or curb it at some point). Depends on the girl. If she loves your absolute attention and the game is currently getting 95% percent of it at the moment, then you're in for some drama sooner or later.
 
 But seriously, if a girl can't be bothered to memorize a few opcodes of assembly, why should I even bother?  Just imagine her breathing hot breath into your ear and whisper "transfer x to the stack".... (sigh) yeah.