Poll: Do you play video games in public?

[tippy2k2]

I was watching Extra Credits on the Youtubes (I forgot they existed so I'm a bit behind) and got to the episode "Gamer" where they talk about the term gamer. Kind of neat in light of...certain events going on but that's not why we're here.

They made an interesting point from then but I wonder how true it actually is. They were talking about how people have no problem sitting on a bus or at work with a book but many people would never be caught dead with a 3DS/Vita out in public.

I'm curious about how true that is now.

So a simple question; do you play your handhelds in public? Are there places that you won't play it (like work/school but you'll play it on a public bus). With the huge rise in phone gaming, I'm curious how much this has changed since that videos release (that video is over two years old when games like Candy Crush and Farmville were just coming out).

This is something I've never even considered as a problem (maybe I should have; school might have been easier ). Even at my work, my desk is littered with gaming toys and whatnot and I am currently playing Bravely Default on my 3DS during breaks/lunch.

Note: I'm focusing on gaming devices like 3DS or Vita. I have no problems with cell phone games but for the purpose of the poll, please answer based on devices designed for gaming.

EDIT: Just to be clear since it's been brought up; when I say everywhere, I do NOT mean the "no shit you're not playing here" places. For example, if you wouldn't play in the middle of your Grandmothers Eulogy like a normal person, you can still mark "Anywhere". I just mean in general, you're not embarrassed to play anywhere in normal situations.

 

[Evonisia]

Personally I don't because I've never really gotten into handheld gaming. I imagine I would use it outside since that's the whole point of them, but I can't yet.

That said I've always had at least one person I know who fiddled with his PSP (or I guess now the Vita) in public, today there's a friend who quite happily just plays his 3DS or his Vita in public.

 

[ScrabbitRabbit]

I take my 3DS to work to play at lunches, but I mostly listen to music on public transport. Still, I'm totally okay with playing games out in public, I just listen to music out of preference.

Nobody has ever cared in the slightest or, if they did, didn't care enough to make a fuss. Usually if I'm yelled at in public it's for having long hair and/or looking "scary."

 

[DOOM GUY]

Sure, I really don't see any reason not to, besides, they're portable for a reason...

 

[vledleR]

I don't use handhelds anymore, but when I did, I had no reservations at all. There is no reason to, because what's the alternative? Be insecure about the things you enjoy?

 

[Lilikins]

Ive no prob with it at all, its not like Im bugging anyone with it. Unlike some certain individuals who like to get out their mobiles and turn it up max...in a full bus..completely oblivious to the fact that not everyone has their taste in music.
Ah-hem, getting carried away, nevertheless. I do believe there are places and times for it though, henceforth the reason Im glad you added 'a few places' I will not. Thoughts that come to mind would be a funeral... (Ive seen it..or I wouldnt be adding it.) or a prison..or I donno..a hospital. Im pretty sure theres some places where you dont want to be gaming haha.

I spose the only other factor that I could add in that, which personally makes my blood boil internally, would be when people go out with you and then sit on their bloody mobiles either A: Playing any type of game..or B: Checking through all their texts or facebook posts. If your gaming/checking your chat..why go out in the first place?

 

[Gordon_4_v1legacy]

One of my favourite things to do when I lived walking distance from a pub was to order a pint of cider, a plate of chips and gravy and play Pokemon on my DS. It's an experience I recommend

 

[Silvanus]

I would quite happily play one on a train, but I wouldn't in a coffee-shop, even if I was just waiting. I don't know why.

 

[Elfgore]

When I was going to college, I gladly would whip out my DS or laptop and just start gaming. I would just sit with my kinda friends, talk, and play games. I have no shame. But recently, the only time I really go out is for work. I can't really play games there, but I would if I could.

 

[The Wykydtron]

I don't use handhelds anymore, but when I did, I had no reservations at all. There is no reason to, because what's the alternative? Be insecure about the things you enjoy?

Yes. That. I'm a rather insecure person you know >.>

Yeah no, I would love to play some Fire Emblem: Awakening on the bus or something but i'm just kind of scared of doing it. I can almost watch an entire episode of an anime series on my phone (at the very back behind the higher seats hunched over hiding it, naturally) but a bus is a loud beast and how could I enjoy Watamote without hearing the truly amazing voice acting for Tomoko?

Baby steps I guess.

 

[Scarim Coral]

It depend on the location and if it not too bright outside. Most of the time, I played my 3DS at these areas-

On the train.
Outside of work when I came in early (before openning time.)
Inside a foodcourt.

The brightness is a major factor since you can't played at when the sun shine on your screen!

 

[Johnny Novgorod]

I used to but I'd much rather do it in the privacy of my home.

 

[vledleR]

I don't use handhelds anymore, but when I did, I had no reservations at all. There is no reason to, because what's the alternative? Be insecure about the things you enjoy?

Yes. That. I'm a rather insecure person you know >.>

Yeah no, I would love to play some Fire Emblem: Awakening on the bus or something but i'm just kind of scared of doing it. I can almost watch an entire episode of an anime series on my phone (at the very back behind the higher seats hunched over hiding it, naturally) but a bus is a loud beast and how could I enjoy Watamote without hearing the truly amazing voice acting for Tomoko?

Baby steps I guess.

Nobody is going to care. If they do, that's their deal, not yours.

 

[Poetic Nova]

Sometimes, I own a DS Lite but I mostly use it to be able to listen to music.

Ah, the magic of R4 cards.

 

[mysecondlife]

I'm under "handful of places"

If I am alone and I have to take a short commute via train and bus then no.
I'm rather paranoid about missing my stop.

If I have to take a lady clothes shopping then maybe.
It all depends on how much she wants to buy and how little she cares about my opinion

If I have to take two or more girls shopping then omfg yes.

 

[Ryallen]

It's not really that I'm ashamed of it, when I say "A handful of places", it's mostly just I don't often go to places where I can afford to play it, as something would go wrong.

Most of my "going out" these days would include my job or places with my family, where I can't play my 3DS in public. But, a few months ago, and hopefully soon, at school I played that thing everywhere I could along with everyone else. I even played it on the hour long bus ride I had to take the first semester of classes that I had.

 

[lionsprey]

depends on the game im playing.
disgaea or monster hunter i would play in public but not something like monster monpiece.

 

[Tanis]

I USED to, but I'm not much for handheld gaming anymore.
Plus, I don't use the bus much, so it's rather rare for me to be out and about with gaming time.

 

[Fiz_The_Toaster]

I don't, and that's mainly because when I'm playing a game it's relax time.

If I'm out in public and I'm either on a break, or waiting for something I read a book. It's a habit I have and one I will probably not break any time soon. Also, I know I would feel weird about playing my handhelds in public, but I'm not really sure why.

It could be that I don't want to worry about them getting damaged or stolen.