Time for over the top analysis!

So last night a question was raised at GameCiy nights.

"Who here calls themselves a gamer?" And a short discussion ensues. And persists somewhat through the evening born from my insistence of preferring 'videogames enthusiast'. "Sounds snobbish." But then gamer has it's own connotations too; I'd argue worse than sounding like a snob, a waster, maybe. Skiver, in current social context.

So defending my choice, in a simplistic manner for sake of brevity and not dominating I say. "If you're into films you're not a filmer! That's the logic in my head." Which is 'broken apart' by a lad saying, "Yeah but you're in the act, you're playing a game." and so I leave it as this isn't about semantics as I see it. I see it about identity. So snob might stand up if we analyse it further. Regardless conversation moves on.

Had it not I would've taken the stance that when you're 'in the act' one is gaming and that is an entirely acceptable term, in context. But gamer to me could be anything from someone who does a lot of Off Ground to Tick to someone who does a lot of Warhammer or both or more. In short I don't believe Gamer in a wide context, provides the right denotation.

Gamer despite being flexible isn't concise and has probably been sullied. While I think the term needs to be reclaimed as something less negative I feel folks should be more assertive in extolling their passions. I'd rather hear someone say. "I play all the games." Than. "I'm a gamer." (If that's true.)

I suppose another question after the crowd were asked, "Who here calls themselves a gamer?" could've been. "What is a gamer?"

I'm interested in what we think of anything I've just said and interested in who self-identifies as a gamer, the responses you receive when you do, if you ever call yourself anything different or if you wish there was a less negative term.

I'm also interested in what people think are the connotations of identifying as a gamer. I simply use it (videogames enthusiast) because I like videogames more than boardgames.

So there we go. I am insane in my deliberation I accept that but I think it's important for both public debate and academic. You or we, may not actually care!

edit: general edit.