The Most Annoying Habits of Gamers

We gamers have some mighty annoying habits. You really can't blame us when we don't listen to you talk while playing a game or when we launch into long winded explanations on the importance of camera angles. Although, some annoying habits need to die. Not only are they ridiculous, but they make all gamers look bad.

Spoiling Games
As video games become more complex with plots and story lines, spoiling the ending of the game is becoming more common. Gamers post the ending in forums without warning. Your friend on Xbox Live blurts out a plot twist. Sometimes people just want to spoil. It also can be an innocent mistake born out of excitement. Either way, it's important to think before you talk about that mind bending twist.

Fanboy/Fangirl Syndrome
One of the most visibly annoying habits is the fanboy/girl who can't shut up about their preferred console. Not only are they a talkative bunch, but if you disagree, prepare for being labeled a "fanboy/girl" yourself. It doesn't matter that you own every console and see the pros and cons of each. As long as you don't agree the the Xbox 360 or PS3 is the greatest gift ever given to humankind, you're in for a vicious rant. I wrote an article where I said that I preferred the PS3 over the 360 for Netflix streaming movies. One of the comments I got was a hate filled rant about what a "stoopid fanboi" I am. This needs to stop. Everyone has a right to their opinions, even if they don't agree with yours.

Spawn Kills
One of the most annoying things you can do while playing online is spawn killing. A spawn kill is when another player kills your character as soon as they get on the map. You wind up frustrated and the game ceases to be fun. How can you play a game if you keep dying through no fault of your own? Spawn killing not only ruins the game for the person being killed, but it makes you look like a jerk who can't play fair.

Making "Casual" a Dirty Word
I do not think the word casual is inherently bad in gaming. To me, it represents gamers who don't play everyday or follow the latest gaming news. There's nothing wrong with that. With the same reasoning, I would consider myself a casual TV watcher because I don't pay attention to most of the shows. In gaming, the word casual has been used as an insult. It's a way to put down people, consoles, and games. If something is labeled "casual" it must be of poor quality and not worthy of the "hardcore" gamer's time. It's annoying, untrue, and there's terrible games in every genre. Get over it.

Trash Talking
Online gaming can bring out the absolute worst in people. One of the most annoying and destructive habits is trash taking. I don't mean the playful banter between friends, but the sexist, racist, and homophobic slurs that frequent multiplayer games. This is the biggest reason why I don't play online often. I don't care to deal with idiots who think calling everyone a "fag" makes them tough or think because I'm a woman that means I suck at games. Gaming is competitive, I get that. It's still no reason to use offensive language and put down others.

These annoying habits make us look like the worst stereotypes any non-gamer can think of. If we only made some effort, these habits might just disappear and make gaming better for all of us.