Escapist, I Need Your Help (Gaming Survey)

[Hemlet]

TL;DR version= I need to collect data for an assignment, if you could copy/paste the questionnaire at the bottom of this post and fill it out, it'd be an immense help. Feel free to be as detailed or brief in your answers as you like.


Hello Escapist! I'm a uni student taking a course in folklore, and I've been given an assignment that requires that I collect my own data on a folk group. Thanks to the fantastically vague definition as to what constitutes folklore, it turns out that gamers count as a folk group! How nifty is that? Anyways, the data I need to collect is directly related to habits people have when they game, as well as the beliefs people hold (or held) while they play said games. The Escapist is hands down the best community I can think of to collect this data from, seeing as we're (presumably) all here because of our love of games. Feel free to fill out the questionnaire as briefly or in as much detail as you like, as long as the answer provided has anything to do with the question I'll be able to use it for my data.

A deep and humble thanks to everyone who decides to fill out my little survey, it really is a big help to me.

On a side note, I may PM a few of you who decide to help me out with follow up questions based on the answers you give. I'm not going to harass you or make fun of you for what you put down or anything like that, rather I'll probably ask something along the lines of "why" or "how did that start".

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1. What genres of games do you play the most?

2. When you go to play a game, do you follow a routine before playing? If so, is this routine consistent or just occasional? Does the routine vary depending on the genre of game being played, or is it constant for all games? Why do you think you follow this routine?

3. Do you have any habits that you do while playing a game, either in game or in real life? If so, why do you think you perform these habits? Are these habits genre specific, or do you find yourself doing them for all games?

4. Are there points during gameplay where you feel especially different than you normally do while gaming? If so, when do these moments tend to occur? Can you describe the feeling(s)?

5. When you play games with other people, is there a pre-game routine that is followed as a group? If so, does this routine vary depending on the genre of game being played, or is it also constant for all games?

6. Are there particular food and drink that you bring out while you game (either with friends or alone)?

7. Is there a particular time of year where you make it a point to sit down and play games? If you do, is there a specific game that you play?

 

[RachaelIsaacHill]

1. What genres of games do you play the most?
RPGs, most often fantasy-based, like Dragon Age and The Elder Scrolls

2. When you go to play a game, do you follow a routine before playing? If so, is this routine consistent or just occasional? Does the routine vary depending on the genre of game being played, or is it constant for all games? Why do you think you follow this routine?
Not really.

3. Do you have any habits that you do while playing a game, either in game or in real life? If so, why do you think you perform these habits? Are these habits genre specific, or do you find yourself doing them for all games?
Again, not really.

4. Are there points during gameplay where you feel especially different than you normally do while gaming? If so, when do these moments tend to occur? Can you describe the feeling(s)?
When I'm doing a fairly severe boss fight I get a bit more intense, sit up, etc... mostly I'm chilling on my couch as comfortable as possible.

5. When you play games with other people, is there a pre-game routine that is followed as a group? If so, does this routine vary depending on the genre of game being played, or is it also constant for all games?
Again, not really.

6. Are there particular food and drink that you bring out while you game (either with friends or alone)?
Nothing that different than what I usually eat. Soda, crackers, etc...

7. Is there a particular time of year where you make it a point to sit down and play games? If you do, is there a specific game that you play?
Only if a new game has come out that I really want to play, so usually about November since things are released around Christmas a lot.

 

[Redlin5_v1legacy]

Sure, I'll bite.

1. What genres of games do you play the most?

Older titles mostly. However I do find myself playing shooters the most, followed by RPGs.

2. When you go to play a game, do you follow a routine before playing? If so, is this routine consistent or just occasional? Does the routine vary depending on the genre of game being played, or is it constant for all games? Why do you think you follow this routine?

Uh, I just game. I try not to have a routine. I guess I try to make myself comfortable...

3. Do you have any habits that you do while playing a game, either in game or in real life? If so, why do you think you perform these habits? Are these habits genre specific, or do you find yourself doing them for all games?

I am a chronic reloader. Used one shot but have a moment? Reload. I hate running out of ammo. I reload troops and supply armies like crazy in RTS games as well. Not applicable to all games though.

4. Are there points during gameplay where you feel especially different than you normally do while gaming? If so, when do these moments tend to occur? Can you describe the feeling(s)?

Moments of victory after a struggle is one. Moments of frustration over crappy controls or a poorly tested area in a game is another. The moment after a hard victory is just pure joy and I mentally pat myself on the back afterwards.

5. When you play games with other people, is there a pre-game routine that is followed as a group? If so, does this routine vary depending on the genre of game being played, or is it also constant for all games?

We tend to just play, no routine

Heck, when my friends and I get together IRL things get very weird, unpredictable and mildly stupid. No routine at all.

6. Are there particular food and drink that you bring out while you game (either with friends or alone)?

I prefer not to eat food while gaming due to getting crap either on controllers or in the keyboard. Gum works though.

7. Is there a particular time of year where you make it a point to sit down and play games? If you do, is there a specific game that you play?

I game all year round but winter tends to bring out the most of my gaming. Why? Cause it gets really cold here in small town Saskatchewan. Tonight we're hitting -27 degrees Celsius. Yowza.

 

[Freaky Lou]

1. What genres of games do you play the most?

Sandbox/Open world. Ever since I played Bully and then Oblivion, I've gotten used to big games with a lot to do, and most other types feel like I'm not getting my money's worth.

2. When you go to play a game, do you follow a routine before playing? If so, is this routine consistent or just occasional? Does the routine vary depending on the genre of game being played, or is it constant for all games? Why do you think you follow this routine?

Not really. If it's something like Fallout, I'll try and get into a mindset like I really live in that world. But I don't really have any pre-gaming traditions, no.

3. Do you have any habits that you do while playing a game, either in game or in real life? If so, why do you think you perform these habits? Are these habits genre specific, or do you find yourself doing them for all games?

I try and see what all the game was programmed to respond to. It feels rewarding when I attempt something creative enough that the developers didn't think of it. So a lot of messing with people and acting like a buffoon during dialogue, jumping up and down on people's tables while they're eating, piling 50 corpses in a single air shaft, killing the entire Detroit police force in Deus Ex: HR...that sort of stuff.

4. Are there points during gameplay where you feel especially different than you normally do while gaming? If so, when do these moments tend to occur? Can you describe the feeling(s)?

I know I really love a game when I get this feeling of total isolation and immersion--which doesn't happen with many games and doesn't happen all the time with the ones that do. This can come in many forms---the first two chapters of Resident Evil 4 are like this, as is Fallout, as is Harvester, as is Bully---all in very different ways, but the idea is the same: I'm alone. I can explore and interact with an environment that has all sorts of exciting things in it.

5. When you play games with other people, is there a pre-game routine that is followed as a group? If so, does this routine vary depending on the genre of game being played, or is it also constant for all games?

I don't really play games with others. You may have inferred from my earlier statements that I really like the feeling of isolation for gaming.

6. Are there particular food and drink that you bring out while you game (either with friends or alone)?

I don't eat or drink while playing, generally.

7. Is there a particular time of year where you make it a point to sit down and play games? If you do, is there a specific game that you play?

Cold, gray, rainy, windy times are when I find it's best to experience any form of art. October-February is prime gaming/reading/filmwatching season.

 

[C2Ultima]

1. What genres of games do you play the most?

Normally, I play first person shooters and 3rd person sandbox games.

2. When you go to play a game, do you follow a routine before playing? If so, is this routine consistent or just occasional? Does the routine vary depending on the genre of game being played, or is it constant for all games? Why do you think you follow this routine?

Normally I quickly think up a mini goal for the session, then go about accomplishing it. I'd say this is quite consistent.

3. Do you have any habits that you do while playing a game, either in game or in real life? If so, why do you think you perform these habits? Are these habits genre specific, or do you find yourself doing them for all games?

Recently I've gotten into the habit of watching Yu-Gi-Oh: The Abridged Series while playing Modern Warfare 3.

4. Are there points during gameplay where you feel especially different than you normally do while gaming? If so, when do these moments tend to occur? Can you describe the feeling(s)?

If I'm playing a Survival mode sort of game, and I'm trying to survive really overwhelming circumstances, I get tense and go into a sort of partial "Zen Mode"

5. When you play games with other people, is there a pre-game routine that is followed as a group? If so, does this routine vary depending on the genre of game being played, or is it also constant for all games?

Nope, I don't think so.

6. Are there particular food and drink that you bring out while you game (either with friends or alone)?

A can of Dr. Pepper half the time. A glass of water for the other half.

7. Is there a particular time of year where you make it a point to sit down and play games? If you do, is there a specific game that you play?

Not particularly. I think I play in the summer most of the time though.

 

[Berenzen]

1. What genres of games do you play the most?

RPGs typically, although I'll play 4X and RTS games once and a while if they're good.

2. When you go to play a game, do you follow a routine before playing? If so, is this routine consistent or just occasional? Does the routine vary depending on the genre of game being played, or is it constant for all games? Why do you think you follow this routine?

I always set myself an alarm so I know when the time I allot myself is up and I know when to get back to work. I'll do this with all games. I follow it because I rigorously schedule my time between 8AM and 10PM.

3. Do you have any habits that you do while playing a game, either in game or in real life? If so, why do you think you perform these habits? Are these habits genre specific, or do you find yourself doing them for all games?

I'll play my guitar on every loading screen, just to pass the time and to practice my chord switching, other than that, I'll randomly wave my mouse around if I'm waiting around. During gameplay itself I'll try to look where certain triggers are put, where they could be more effectively used and try to figure out why certain mechanics were done in they way they were done. I break the game down into it's component parts to see how it works.

4. Are there points during gameplay where you feel especially different than you normally do while gaming? If so, when do these moments tend to occur? Can you describe the feeling(s)?

If I get total immersion I typically zone out to everything else in real life, I just... flow would be the best word for it, this happens usually if the game is really good and doesn't have any real flaws and I'm not trying to break the game down, usually happens on a first time playthrough. Also if I run into a spectacular set piece or plot piece I'll typically feel awe.

5. When you play games with other people, is there a pre-game routine that is followed as a group? If so, does this routine vary depending on the genre of game being played, or is it also constant for all games?

I don't really play games with people, but when I do I'll usually have dinner and a beer or two before I play

6. Are there particular food and drink that you bring out while you game (either with friends or alone)?

No, I don't like food or beverages anywhere near my computer, it's too expensive to risk.

7. Is there a particular time of year where you make it a point to sit down and play games? If you do, is there a specific game that you play?

Fall and Winter breaks as well as reading week, as long as I don't have homework. Other than that, not really, my weekends fluctuate between hectic and boring. Usually I'll play a game that is a timesink that I don't usually get to play.

 

[Mr. Eff_v1legacy]

You're very welcome! I hope you find this information useful.

1. What genres of games do you play the most?
- Survival Horror, action/adventure, RTS.

2. When you go to play a game, do you follow a routine before playing? If so, is this routine consistent or just occasional? Does the routine vary depending on the genre of game being played, or is it constant for all games? Why do you think you follow this routine?
- EDIT: I try to weed out distractions. Use the bathroom, get some food, turn off other devices, etc. I also try and set the mood - for horror games, I dim the lights.

3. Do you have any habits that you do while playing a game, either in game or in real life? If so, why do you think you perform these habits? Are these habits genre specific, or do you find yourself doing them for all games?
- I explore EVERYTHING. I like to take in the atmosphere, discover hidden things, etc. For example, a game I've beaten several times that I could easily do in 2-3 hours still takes me 5 hours to do. This habit tends to span across genres.

4. Are there points during gameplay where you feel especially different than you normally do while gaming? If so, when do these moments tend to occur? Can you describe the feeling(s)?
- Not alot more than the typical gamer rage. But some games have stirred up emotions in me (due to effective storytelling) like fear and sadness.

5. When you play games with other people, is there a pre-game routine that is followed as a group? If so, does this routine vary depending on the genre of game being played, or is it also constant for all games?
- EDIT: Depending what kind of game - if it's a multiplayer game, we just jump in. If I'm playing a single player game with friends, my solo habits apply, perhaps to a lesser extent.

6. Are there particular food and drink that you bring out while you game (either with friends or alone)?
- Coffee or tea is always welcome - especially when playing an RTS.

7. Is there a particular time of year where you make it a point to sit down and play games? If you do, is there a specific game that you play?
- I game all year round, but the summer time (when I have a few months off) is ideal. The types of games I play do not vary by the time of year.

 

[Klopy]

1. What genres of games do you play the most?
Adventure is #1. Its always amazing to be apart of a huge story. Action is #2. Sometimes you just gotta blow stuff up; do things that you can't do in real life without being arrested.nPretty much anything else can interest me, but I avoid racing and sports games.

2. When you go to play a game, do you follow a routine before playing? If so, is this routine consistent or just occasional? Does the routine vary depending on the genre of game being played, or is it constant for all games? Why do you think you follow this routine?
When there's a game I know I'll like, and will play, I make sure to not look up any videos or find out anything about them beforehand. I like going into games completely blind. Then, all of my discoveries actually feel like accomplishments.

3. Do you have any habits that you do while playing a game, either in game or in real life? If so, why do you think you perform these habits? Are these habits genre specific, or do you find yourself doing them for all games?
I'm not sure what you mean by habit in this sense... I don't tap my feet or chew on a pencil while I play games. Usually I get myself completely absorbed in the atmosphere as best I can. I don't have music play or I try to play in a quiet room. If the game is LAN, then its a different story, but still.

4. Are there points during gameplay where you feel especially different than you normally do while gaming? If so, when do these moments tend to occur? Can you describe the feeling(s)?
Glitches or exploits usually stand out. For example, during a fight in Oblivion, I slipped off of an edge during a fight, and the AI's pathfinding got stuck, so I killed it from afar. For the rest of that dungeon, I kept luring people to that area and purposefully slipping off to get easy kills. These don't make me feel smart. They make me feel bad that I found out the computer's weakness. If an exploit shows itself to me, I usually don't handicap myself by NOT using it. Sounds strange, but I gotta say that taking the easy path is more enjoyable in the short term.

5. When you play games with other people, is there a pre-game routine that is followed as a group? If so, does this routine vary depending on the genre of game being played, or is it also constant for all games?
We all joke about the game. We fight over who's gonna be what controller; what character. Maybe a friend has played it before, and they'll debrief us on aspects about the game.

6. Are there particular food and drink that you bring out while you game (either with friends or alone)?
I used to drink diet coke whenever I played. Now I changed over to water. Much more healthy. Other than that... If I get absorbed in the game, I forget to eat and miss lunch/dinner/etc..

7. Is there a particular time of year where you make it a point to sit down and play games? If you do, is there a specific game that you play?
Particular time of the year? I suppose days when you're stuck inside. Raining makes you just wanna stay inside, anyway. Winter always made me want to sit down with a good, long story game, though. Doing anything inside during the winter feels cozy.

 

[Bucky01]

1. What genres of games do you play the most?
mostly FPS, but a close with 3rdperson sandbox/cover games
2. When you go to play a game, do you follow a routine before playing? If so, is this routine consistent or just occasional? Does the routine vary depending on the genre of game being played, or is it constant for all games? Why do you think you follow this routine?
set myself a time limit of "ok how long until i have to bother to a) get food, b) go to toilet or c) go to work
3. Do you have any habits that you do while playing a game, either in game or in real life? If so, why do you think you perform these habits? Are these habits genre specific, or do you find yourself doing them for all games?
i have a habit of talking louder than usual when playing with a headset but beyond that i havent really noticed.
4. Are there points during gameplay where you feel especially different than you normally do while gaming? If so, when do these moments tend to occur? Can you describe the feeling(s)?
when your in a tight pinch, on the verge of win or lose, going against the odds and the rush you get when you are doing it, but these moments are far and few between with more games heading to a casual audience.
5. When you play games with other people, is there a pre-game routine that is followed as a group? If so, does this routine vary depending on the genre of game being played, or is it also constant for all games?
only pre game routine i can think of is fighting over who gets to be controller one.
6. Are there particular food and drink that you bring out while you game (either with friends or alone)?
when alone i tend to stockup on liquids more than anything, mostly in large softdrinks/cordial/water bottles
7. Is there a particular time of year where you make it a point to sit down and play games? If you do, is there a specific game that you play?
whenever there's a term break i try to make a challenge with myself to get as many games ive yet to finish completed from within that term.

 

[Freaky Lou]

Recently I've gotten into the habit of watching Yu-Gi-Oh: The Abridged Series while playing Modern Warfare 3.

How do you accomplish this? You have to keep your eyes and ears glued to the action in that sort of thing, and it's difficult for me to imagine playing games while watching videos anyway.

 

[KiloFox]

1. What genres of games do you play the most?

FPS', RPG's, and Turn-Based Strategies

2. When you go to play a game, do you follow a routine before playing? If so, is this routine consistent or just occasional? Does the routine vary depending on the genre of game being played, or is it constant for all games? Why do you think you follow this routine?

Routinely I start to learn the controls. i press every button to determine what everything does, turn on subtitles, (HATE having them off) and change the sensitivity to high. I do this so i can play better.

3. Do you have any habits that you do while playing a game, either in game or in real life? If so, why do you think you perform these habits? Are these habits genre specific, or do you find yourself doing them for all games?

I tend to sit up and lean forward slightly to get a better look at the screen. i usually gather snacks and drinks (usually Dr Pepper) around my person so i can easily grab something during down time in-game.

4. Are there points during gameplay where you feel especially different than you normally do while gaming? If so, when do these moments tend to occur? Can you describe the feeling(s)?

Once I have been playing for about an hour or two i tend to get into a sort of "groove" and my performance usually improves. it improves again later the more tired i get. unfortunately this can lead to more gaming all-nighters as i get better...

5. When you play games with other people, is there a pre-game routine that is followed as a group? If so, does this routine vary depending on the genre of game being played, or is it also constant for all games?

we all just get ready in our own ways... i tend to crack as many joints as i can to loosen up before the game, and to get myself comfortable.

6. Are there particular food and drink that you bring out while you game (either with friends or alone)?

7. Is there a particular time of year where you make it a point to sit down and play games? If you do, is there a specific game that you play?

Dr Pepper is almost a necessity. i actually don't play as well without a 2-litre or 7-11 Double Gulp at my side. i usually also have a snack of some kind. like animal crackers, cookies or something. for all the junk food i eat it's pretty surprising that i stay as thin as i am.

 

[C2Ultima]

Recently I've gotten into the habit of watching Yu-Gi-Oh: The Abridged Series while playing Modern Warfare 3.

How do you accomplish this? You have to keep you eyes and ears glued to the action in that sort of thing, and it's difficult for me to imagine playing games while watching videos anyway.

Normally it's while I'm playing Search and Destroy. If you don't know what it is, it's a game mode where it's played in rounds, and you only have one life. If I die, I watch it in between rounds.

 

[theonlyblaze2]

1. What genres of games do you play the most?
I normally play a good mix of everything, but have been on a FPS binge recently.

2. When you go to play a game, do you follow a routine before playing? If so, is this routine consistent or just occasional? Does the routine vary depending on the genre of game being played, or is it constant for all games? Why do you think you follow this routine?
I like to have not eaten before I have played. I think it is so when I get hungry, I stop playing. I don't like to play and eat at the same time.

3. Do you have any habits that you do while playing a game, either in game or in real life? If so, why do you think you perform these habits? Are these habits genre specific, or do you find yourself doing them for all games?
In game, I almost always save the biggest, baddest weapons until it is too late to use them. Guessing it is because I have a fear that when I need them most, I will have used them all up.

4. Are there points during gameplay where you feel especially different than you normally do while gaming? If so, when do these moments tend to occur? Can you describe the feeling(s)?
Obviously, I feel immense anger when there is a part that I simply cannot overcome. Never felt any real fear in games, though I have cried over quite a few games.

5. When you play games with other people, is there a pre-game routine that is followed as a group? If so, does this routine vary depending on the genre of game being played, or is it also constant for all games?
When I play shooters with friends, there is a good bit of trash talking done, even when we play co-op games.

6. Are there particular food and drink that you bring out while you game (either with friends or alone)?Like I said, I don't like to eat too much while playing. If I have to, though, I guess pizza is the best, cause I can hold it without getting my hands too messy. As for drink, when I play games is probably the only time I drink pop. Don't know why.

7. Is there a particular time of year where you make it a point to sit down and play games? If you do, is there a specific game that you play?
I love to hunker down in the winter with a good, long RPG(Skyrim this year, Mass Effect series last). Summer is usually time for co-op play.

Good luck with the assignment, hope I helped!

 

[Extragorey]

I game all year round but winter tends to bring out the most of my gaming. Why? Cause it gets really cold here in small town Saskatchewan. Tonight we're hitting -27 degrees Celsius. Yowza.

You know, at first I didn't believe you, but now [http://www.theweathernetwork.com/weather/cask0276] I have to say that it must suck to live in your town.

On topic:

1. What genres of games do you play the most?

RPG and FPS, and I also enjoy the occasional point-and-click adventure game, few though there are nowadays.

2. When you go to play a game, do you follow a routine before playing? If so, is this routine consistent or just occasional? Does the routine vary depending on the genre of game being played, or is it constant for all games? Why do you think you follow this routine?

No, no routine.

3. Do you have any habits that you do while playing a game, either in game or in real life? If so, why do you think you perform these habits? Are these habits genre specific, or do you find yourself doing them for all games?

I'm sure everyone has these. Habits you just pick up from some game and every other game of a similar genre you do the same thing in. Using quick-select keys, spamming grenades, reloading immediately after a kill, subconscious quicksaving before important events, etc. Probably more feature exploitation that habits, though.

4. Are there points during gameplay where you feel especially different than you normally do while gaming? If so, when do these moments tend to occur? Can you describe the feeling(s)?

Well... Depends on the game, I guess. Obviously there are moments in strong story-driven games where you're marginally more emotional than, say, counter-sniping some camper in CoD. Then again, those campers can be pretty annoying...
But yeah, stuff like

Spoiler

Eli's death in HL2 Episode 2

and other such moments that are designed to be gut-wrenching, so to speak.

5. When you play games with other people, is there a pre-game routine that is followed as a group? If so, does this routine vary depending on the genre of game being played, or is it also constant for all games?

No, no routine. Seriously, what kind of routine would you possibly expect? Dance around singing kumbaya before slaughtering your friends ingame? Do 10 pushups prior to every hour of Skyrim? I can't imagine what you're looking for here.

6. Are there particular food and drink that you bring out while you game (either with friends or alone)?

Not really... I don't eat anywhere near my computers/laptop, so if I want to snack I'll just stop playing and have a piece of toast or something (usually whatever's around). I don't play multiplayer games enough for this to be a problem.

7. Is there a particular time of year where you make it a point to sit down and play games? If you do, is there a specific game that you play?

Nope, I game all year 'round. More so in holidays, obviously, but besides that there's no pattern.

 

[Araksardet]

Glad to help!

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1. What genres of games do you play the most?

I mostly prefer RTS games, turn-based strategy games, Western RPGs, action-RPGs, platformers, and sandbox games.

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2. When you go to play a game, do you follow a routine before playing? If so, is this routine consistent or just occasional? Does the routine vary depending on the genre of game being played, or is it constant for all games? Why do you think you follow this routine?

Hm... I'm not sure exactly what kind of routine you mean, but I don't believe I do.

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3. Do you have any habits that you do while playing a game, either in game or in real life? If so, why do you think you perform these habits? Are these habits genre specific, or do you find yourself doing them for all games?

Depends on the specific game. In SW: Battlefront II, I like to fly around in the "trenches" on Star Destroyers and Banking Clan Ships, sometimes just for fun. I really like flying around at high speeds right next to huge objects. In Overlord, I always kicked the Jester; it feels like it fits the evil vibe. I have a lot of gameplay habits (i.e. styles of play I usually fall back on), but I think you're asking for things more incidental to gameplay, right?

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4. Are there points during gameplay where you feel especially different than you normally do while gaming? If so, when do these moments tend to occur? Can you describe the feeling(s)?

When I'm controlling an in-game character in a 3D world that falls down from a large height, I get a really freaky feeling of vertigo. Surviving an encounter with multiple enemies with only a few hit points left feels really cool, especially if luck was involved, like I've just won a mini-lottery. Conquering huge swaths of territory in strategy games is also great, feels like I just finished an exam with top marks.

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5. When you play games with other people, is there a pre-game routine that is followed as a group? If so, does this routine vary depending on the genre of game being played, or is it also constant for all games?

I usually avoid multiplayer, other than with family, and no real routines there.

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6. Are there particular food and drink that you bring out while you game (either with friends or alone)?

Nuts are good (either just cashews, or a nut mix); besides that, whatever's at hand, so usually rice or noodle dishes, or else porridge.

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7. Is there a particular time of year where you make it a point to sit down and play games? If you do, is there a specific game that you play?

When I lived with my parents, my dad and I would hold gaming marathons during the Christmas break, almost always Age of Empires, both 1 and 2. Sometimes we'd also play Worms (World Party, or 4: Mayhem), and my sister would usually get in on the fun as well.

 

[Joccaren]

1. What genres of games do you play the most?
Define Genres a bit better. If you are talking about things like RPG/FPS/RTS ect. then my answer is RPGs, RTSs, 4Xs and FPSs. Oh, and Minecraft.

2. When you go to play a game, do you follow a routine before playing? If so, is this routine consistent or just occasional? Does the routine vary depending on the genre of game being played, or is it constant for all games? Why do you think you follow this routine?
What do you mean by routine? Before I play a game I turn on my PC, log in, close all excess programs that I can't stop from starting on startup, then load up the game and play. That's about it really.

3. Do you have any habits that you do while playing a game, either in game or in real life? If so, why do you think you perform these habits? Are these habits genre specific, or do you find yourself doing them for all games?
Other than not paying as much attention to things outside the game (Like you don't pay as much attention to other things when watching TV or reading a book), nope. I just play. No random mumbling or crying out '******' or anything. I just play and enjoy my game.

4. Are there points during gameplay where you feel especially different than you normally do while gaming? If so, when do these moments tend to occur? Can you describe the feeling(s)?
When I enter a situation that I have to actually think about to win as the odds are evenly matches or not in my favour. Aka, in Battlefield conquest maps when you have two equally skilled teams depleting about the same amount of tickets as each other, or in Rush maps when you have 20 men left to get both MCOM stations, or in Starcraft 2 when I can see that my enemy is expanding across the map and has a large attack force while I've been teching, and I need to get a force ASAP, or in Dragon Age Origins when I walk into those battles against 20-30 odd enemies and I need to use my party to the best of its abilities to make it through. It just gets more adrenaline flowing as it is that perfect point where things aren't so hopeless that there is no point in even trying to win, and they aren't so easy you can win with your eyes closed, but that you can win if you really try. It is one of the few things that motivates me to put effort into something.

5. When you play games with other people, is there a pre-game routine that is followed as a group? If so, does this routine vary depending on the genre of game being played, or is it also constant for all games?
Pre game routine: Log on, get on VOIP, enter a game, then discuss strategies when we find out what we're facing. Until we have intel, there is no point in trying to come up with a plan. AKA, in Starcraft deciding to do an anti-terran build, but then finding out you are facing only Zerg. It is better to get into the game, find out you are facing Zerg, then decide your build. Same in all games.

6. Are there particular food and drink that you bring out while you game (either with friends or alone)?
Nope. If I'm hungry, I'll grab whatever is nearby, but I usually go without food or drink in my gaming sessions, at least until I get a headache from dehydration, though that only happens in the middle of summer when our Air-conditioner breaks down.

7. Is there a particular time of year where you make it a point to sit down and play games? If you do, is there a specific game that you play?
Nope. Any time that I have nothing better to do I will play games in. That is all. If I have a concert, or work, or school, games go on hold for that period of time, but after that gaming goes straight back on, as I never have anything else to do.

 

[Brutal Peanut]

1. What genres of games do you play the most?
WRPGS. Fallout 3, NV, Oblivion, Skyrim, Bioshock (2), etc.

2. When you go to play a game, do you follow a routine before playing? If so, is this routine consistent or just occasional? Does the routine vary depending on the genre of game being played, or is it constant for all games? Why do you think you follow this routine?
I have different alarms set on my phone. I'll play the game for about an hour, sometimes two, then the alarm will go off. I'll get up, stretch, do chores, run errands, eat if I am hungry, and get things done. If I don't, I'll zombie out in front of the game all day.

3. Do you have any habits that you do while playing a game, either in game or in real life? If so, why do you think you perform these habits? Are these habits genre specific, or do you find yourself doing them for all games?
I am a serial-saver. Though I always prefer if a game has a quick-save option. So I can just tap the key and be content that everything I've worked on will be saved. Usually games with a quick-save option you find that you can just save nearly anywhere. Games that make me feel tense since I don't have to wait until a certain point to actually pause, save, and continue. I also reload weapons like no ones business.

4. Are there points during gameplay where you feel especially different than you normally do while gaming? If so, when do these moments tend to occur? Can you describe the feeling(s)?
Excitement, is one of them. I usually have some sense of pride if I take the good route in a game that takes longer to do. As if I am a hero for saving and sparing pixels from a terrible fate. Exceptionally challenging quests that I manage to complete with a good ending, make me feel a sense of accomplishment. Believe it or not, I also get fairly tense. When I have to go into a abandoned bunker packed with hissing and screaming Feral Ghouls,...and don't even get me started on Spider Splicers. *shudder*.


5. When you play games with other people, is there a pre-game routine that is followed as a group? If so, does this routine vary depending on the genre of game being played, or is it also constant for all games?
No, we just kind of jump into Ventrilo or a voice-program and start playing. We don't really talk about strategy or have any team chants or anything. I hardly have people over to play. Since most of my friends moved to different parts of the U.S. C'est la vie.

6. Are there particular food and drink that you bring out while you game (either with friends or alone)?
Usually just water, or tea. Perhaps a diet soda that I bought at the corner specifically for the game. Sometimes a small baggy of vegan-friendly chips. I just try not to eat over the keyboard. If you do end up with a lot of food in your keyboard, you are pretty hunched over. Might want to sit up...and close your mouth properly when you chew, or maybe keep a rag or napkin handy to wipe your paws before you keep playing. I don't know, just some suggestions. As for when I had people over, we'd either have a BBQ beforehand or order some Pizza. It depends on how urgently everyone wanted to jump into the game that evening.

7. Is there a particular time of year where you make it a point to sit down and play games? If you do, is there a specific game that you play?
I play games nearly everyday. I don't really make a specific schedule. However, it gets ridiculously hot here in the Summer. No one wants to go out and do anything while it's 113-115F outside. Spring is time for yard-work and planting seeds, and my plant and vegetable gardens tend to need a lot more care in the Summer; just to keep them alive through the heat. So lets say Fall and Winter, I play the most.

 

[SL33TBL1ND]

1. What genres of games do you play the most?

Loads of different games. I play pretty much everything except sports and fighting games.

2. When you go to play a game, do you follow a routine before playing? If so, is this routine consistent or just occasional? Does the routine vary depending on the genre of game being played, or is it constant for all games? Why do you think you follow this routine?

Not really, I just sit down and play.

3. Do you have any habits that you do while playing a game, either in game or in real life? If so, why do you think you perform these habits? Are these habits genre specific, or do you find yourself doing them for all games?

None that I can think of. That's the problem with habits.

4. Are there points during gameplay where you feel especially different than you normally do while gaming? If so, when do these moments tend to occur? Can you describe the feeling(s)?

Finishing a particularly difficult section, big story reveals, that sort of thing. During well executed story points I feel an almost tingling sensation. Completing a difficult section comes with a sensation of relief.

5. When you play games with other people, is there a pre-game routine that is followed as a group? If so, does this routine vary depending on the genre of game being played, or is it also constant for all games?

We start with setting up a Skype call, and then we go looking for a server. We always do this,

6. Are there particular food and drink that you bring out while you game (either with friends or alone)?

Mountain Dew, Doritos, Coke. Things like that.

7. Is there a particular time of year where you make it a point to sit down and play games? If you do, is there a specific game that you play?

All year round, baby.

 

[Phyrophobia]

1. What genres of games do you play the most?

Pretty much any kind of co-operative multiplayer game

2. When you go to play a game, do you follow a routine before playing? If so, is this routine consistent or just occasional? Does the routine vary depending on the genre of game being played, or is it constant for all games? Why do you think you follow this routine?

I don't know why but I'll always position my chair in a different way than it previously was, even if I was comfortable.

3. Do you have any habits that you do while playing a game, either in game or in real life? If so, why do you think you perform these habits? Are these habits genre specific, or do you find yourself doing them for all games?

I always have a Rubik's Cube infront of my left speaker that I'll work through whenever I get a few seconds of downtime. That's about it though.

4. Are there points during gameplay where you feel especially different than you normally do while gaming? If so, when do these moments tend to occur? Can you describe the feeling(s)?

Nothing special is popping into my head. The standard happiness when either solving a puzzle, winning a round, etc. and the mild disappointment when the opposite happens.

5. When you play games with other people, is there a pre-game routine that is followed as a group? If so, does this routine vary depending on the genre of game being played, or is it also constant for all games?

Whenever my friend and I start playing any game (new or otherwise) we will, before doing anything, completely inspect our in-game characters, and probably make a few jokes in the process.

6. Are there particular food and drink that you bring out while you game (either with friends or alone)?

Pretzels, always pretzels

7. Is there a particular time of year where you make it a point to sit down and play games? If you do, is there a specific game that you play?

I could not tell you why, but I always find myself playing Portal in December.


I realize you'll probably have more than enough people replying but hell, why not?

 

[twaddle]

Ok i'm feeling a wee bit generous this evening.
1. What genres of games do you play the most?
MMO/RPG(Action and turned based), Action/adventure, Third person shooters, Platforming

2. When you go to play a game, do you follow a routine before playing? If so, is this routine consistent or just occasional? Does the routine vary depending on the genre of game being played, or is it constant for all games? Why do you think you follow this routine?
Most of the time yes, Consistent for the most part. It varies depending on the genre. The routine seems mildly efficient.

3. Do you have any habits that you do while playing a game, either in game or in real life? If so, why do you think you perform these habits? Are these habits genre specific, or do you find yourself doing them for all games? Yes. I explain my actions to imbeciles. I perform this task in game and in real life. Genre specific pending if game is multiplayer.

4. Are there points during gameplay where you feel especially different than you normally do while gaming? If so, when do these moments tend to occur? Can you describe the feeling(s)?
Yes. If elation If I am doing well in a certain game. Dispair when I am doing badly during which I can be seen imitating the act expression of my avatar on the escapist

5. When you play games with other people, is there a pre-game routine that is followed as a group? If so, does this routine vary depending on the genre of game being played, or is it also constant for all games?
No.

6. Are there particular food and drink that you bring out while you game (either with friends or alone)? No. I rarely consume edible substances when I am playing games.

7. Is there a particular time of year where you make it a point to sit down and play games? If you do, is there a specific game that you play?
Yes. In the winter when I'm on break and back at home. I play MMO's and shooter with the occasional action rpg.