Graphics = "Great games" -- Does Age play a factor to this thinking?

[johnlucas]

naznatips said:
I think age plays a certain factor, but not nearly as important as insecurity. Hear me out on this: Gaming, even back when the PSone made it mainstream, has always been seen as a "nerdy" hobby. I think the people who feel the social affects of this (or are worried it will affect their social lives) tend to care more about having something "cool" to show off that it's not such a nerdy thing. Big pretty pictures are something that any outside force can look at and say "ooh that looks great." Then the gamer can validate his purchase and his decision through the impression he can make.

I think this also is the reason high school kids all refuse to play anything without unrealistic gore and violence. It's more defensible to the "popular" crowd. So yeah, I'd say that the graphics matter the most to the socially insecure. This often overlaps with the age argument though, because who is more socially insecure than 13-25 year old boys? Adults never have this issue, and don't feel the need to defend their actions or justify them with social norms, therefore you rarely see an adult afraid to pick up and play a Viva Pinata or a Pokemon game, but you would never get a high school kid to do so. Graphics are just part of the desire for social acceptance of gaming as a hobby.

That's a very good point naznatips. Excellent observation!

John Lucas