Competitive Gaming vs. Casual "Fun" Gaming
- Thread starter Nuez
- Start date
Ravariel
[01] Neophyte
The reason is this:
People don't like to lose. They like even less to lose over and over. When you play "win at all costs", you are effectively trying to break your opponent's spirit. Now, as little as I like losing all the time, I also don't like winning all the time. If my opponent isn't of a similar skill level as I, then playing to win isn't enjoyable for anyone.
The only time that competitive play IS fun is when you and your opponent can actually compete. If there is a skill gap, then neither person is going to have fun (unless you're one of those dicks who like beating up on people less skilled than you).
And unfortunately, the times when that actually happens is extremely rare.
People don't like to lose. They like even less to lose over and over. When you play "win at all costs", you are effectively trying to break your opponent's spirit. Now, as little as I like losing all the time, I also don't like winning all the time. If my opponent isn't of a similar skill level as I, then playing to win isn't enjoyable for anyone.
The only time that competitive play IS fun is when you and your opponent can actually compete. If there is a skill gap, then neither person is going to have fun (unless you're one of those dicks who like beating up on people less skilled than you).
And unfortunately, the times when that actually happens is extremely rare.
Ruko
[09] Warrior
I dont really know where i stand honestly, I cant really say i "play to win".
I'm not someone who is willing to fly all over the palce to go to a tournament, As much as i'd like to i just cant convice myself its logical. So its impossible for me to ever become a "competitive" player as much as i want to be im not willing to make the financial commitment to do so.
Im going by the fact that being a competitive player = tournaments.
Otherwise though i totaly enjoy playing, I love those intense matches that occur when you wind up playing someone that is really good. I also really enjoy watching some people play some of the players out there, their style could be conciderd an art form they are just so amazing to watch. .. I've lost many matches from just being in "awe" of my opponents playstyle and skill..
. . .BUT i still hate fighitng games.
I'm not someone who is willing to fly all over the palce to go to a tournament, As much as i'd like to i just cant convice myself its logical. So its impossible for me to ever become a "competitive" player as much as i want to be im not willing to make the financial commitment to do so.
Im going by the fact that being a competitive player = tournaments.
Otherwise though i totaly enjoy playing, I love those intense matches that occur when you wind up playing someone that is really good. I also really enjoy watching some people play some of the players out there, their style could be conciderd an art form they are just so amazing to watch. .. I've lost many matches from just being in "awe" of my opponents playstyle and skill..
. . .BUT i still hate fighitng games.
Syrpiektre
[09] Warrior
If you hate fighting games why are you playing SC at all? Don't take that the wrong way, I look at hate very very stringently because it's a strong word that people throw around too carelessly IMO. Either way I think we're talking about what your mindset is when you step into a round against another person, not necessarily flying yourself to get into a tourney. I do think we are all correct in assuming a competitive player is one that goes to tourneys.
Anyway, I always start off playing to win, to beat the other person into submission. The problem is that no one I usually play against wants to learn, so in the end it becomes a regular beatdown. Ravariel is partially right in my opinion, with the caveat being competitive play is MOST fun (not only) when the two people are relatively equal in skill. However, it is just as fun to play competitively and lose 80 times in a row if you are a person who is learning. The first time I picked up KOF my friend was already (and still is) leagues ahead of me, with his execution and stuff. We played for almost 5 hours straight though, and I lost pretty much every time, but each time I was learning, getting used to the game. It culminated in us meeting up next time and now I can give him a run for his money, even if I play it SF style with limited combos and focusing on my fireball traps and stuff.
One of the things that comes up in these discussions that makes me scratch my head is the "work" counterargument. Some people say that competing is overrated because then you're not playing, you're working. IMO if you have that kind of philosophy you're just a lazy ass who isn't willing to learn something to be better at what you're doing. I thrive off of pushing myself in games and success is the most fun I can get in any.
Anyway, I always start off playing to win, to beat the other person into submission. The problem is that no one I usually play against wants to learn, so in the end it becomes a regular beatdown. Ravariel is partially right in my opinion, with the caveat being competitive play is MOST fun (not only) when the two people are relatively equal in skill. However, it is just as fun to play competitively and lose 80 times in a row if you are a person who is learning. The first time I picked up KOF my friend was already (and still is) leagues ahead of me, with his execution and stuff. We played for almost 5 hours straight though, and I lost pretty much every time, but each time I was learning, getting used to the game. It culminated in us meeting up next time and now I can give him a run for his money, even if I play it SF style with limited combos and focusing on my fireball traps and stuff.
One of the things that comes up in these discussions that makes me scratch my head is the "work" counterargument. Some people say that competing is overrated because then you're not playing, you're working. IMO if you have that kind of philosophy you're just a lazy ass who isn't willing to learn something to be better at what you're doing. I thrive off of pushing myself in games and success is the most fun I can get in any.
harlekein
[01] Neophyte
Competive play is the fun. Otherwise instead of weapons we might as well give the characters flowers and instead of attacks you do party tricks. Did a game like that ever come into existence? If it would, would it be a hit? Well... Maybe on the Wii...
People who say competitive players aren't enjoying themselves probably speak out of envy. It's like saying money can't buy you happiness or one night stands aren't really their thing. Only the people who don't have any say such things.
People who say competitive players aren't enjoying themselves probably speak out of envy. It's like saying money can't buy you happiness or one night stands aren't really their thing. Only the people who don't have any say such things.