Console Fanboyism Is Petty – And Pathetic

Unimpressed by the reaction to his recent article on PlayStation 3 and Xbox360′s 2012 line-ups, Mark Butler sounds off on the issue of console fanboyism – and why it does us all a disservice.

[NYC_Gamer]

it's sad to pledge loyalty to some machine because of the brand name.

[zeal0us]

Whats sad about fanboys isn't loyalty at the end of the day. Its that some to most of them are close minded. Being close minded can cause you to miss out on a lot of things in life and not just in the video game department.

Topics like this usually are just the light that draws the moths I mean fanboys in and then Comment Kombat!!!! Fight!

They kind of remind me....just watch the video.

[EVILDEAD360]

He says he got called out by Xbox fans..but what do you expect, when he obviously had so much bias he couldn't contain it. People reading these blogs arent stupid, we see the same antics everyday on N4G.

Heres an example of the articles contents..YOU decide where the bias is..

The author describing PS3s upcpming exclusive line-up:

'PS3 owners can look forward to Twisted Metal, Starhawk, The Last Of Us and – most likely – God Of War IV, not to mention Team Ico’s new project The Last Guardian, which is a MOUTH WATERING-PROSPECT FOR ANYBODY who has had the pleasure of sampling the developer’s earlier masterpieces. Added to this, the quite BRILLIANT-looking horror Amy will also be hitting the PlayStation network.'

Now look at how he describes ther 360s line-up:

'Xbox360 owners, ON THE OTHER HAND, are LEFT WITH PC PORT Minecraft and Witcher 2, latest Molyneux HYPE-A-THON Fable: The Journey, the new entry in FANBOY CAUSE CELEBRE Halo, and Alan Wake’s American Nightmare – a downloadable successor to the solid but UNDERWHELMING exclusive of 2010. Not only are these distinctly LESS EXCITING than their PS3 equivalents, they are also notable for a WORRYING LACK OF ORIGINALITY AND AMBITION – with the rival console mustering at least a couple of new IPs, but the Xbox’s line-up RELYING ON THE SAME OLD NAMES, and high-profile titles that have already made a splash on PC.'

Look at the difference. Notice the language he used for both (I capatilized the 'interesting' parts) It's easy for ANYONE with eyes to see through this.

Accrding to that article PS3 gamers like the author are simply allowed to look forward to games.

But,if 360 gamers looking forward to Halo 4, then the author says its 'fanboy celebre'. Meaning he is calling 360 gamers fanboys for being excited for Halo 4. If 360 fans are looking forward to Alan Wake, then the author makes sure that he throws his biased opinion in that the game is a sequel to an 'underwhelming exclusive.

He basically gave his positive opinion about the PS3 games, while diminishing the 360s.

The author should be more ashamed of the flame he wrote from the clear flame title to the flame contents.

But, then again that what fan bloggers do, who nothing more than N4G and forum members using a website platform to express their opinions no matter how biased they are.

It is what it is, but if he's going to call the people who responded fan kiddies, then he should look in the mirror because arguably he came off as one as well.

At the end of the day, it's HIS opinion as to what he enjoys or doesn't. But don't whine about the reaction, when he was the source of it.

Just my humble take,

Evil

[LOGICWINS]

"Accrding to that article PS3 gamers like the author are simply allowed to look forward to games.

But,if 360 gamers looking forward to Halo 4, then the author says its 'fanboy celebre'. Meaning he is calling 360 gamers fanboys for being excited for Halo 4."

Yup..thats about as blatant as hypocrisy can get. He correlates the excitement for Halo 4 as "fanboy cause celebre"....yet people looking forward to PS3 exclusives are what...normal?

For example, why does the excitement for GOW4 escape the "fanboy cause celebre" label?

[Biggest]

Pick on the Halo quote and ignore everything else there. Be honest with yourselves for a minute, EVILDEAD360 and LOGICWINS. I know you probably won't, but try anyway. The PS3 exclusive lineup is more "exciting" for PS3 owners than the 360 lineup is for 360 owners. Halo is more than exciting for 360 owners. It isn't a fanboy thing. It's an awesome game for the people that love it. But is the author wrong about Minecraft and The Witcher 2 being ports from the PC? Has Fable been much more than a hype filled, hugely disappointing hate session with Molyneux? He has pretty much promised the world before each game was released, and then complained about how crappy they turned out. Is that right or wrong? Add the fact that it's a Kinect game. . . Seriously, guys? Alan Wake's new iteration is supposed to be more action oriented on top of the fact that it's a downloadable title. I don't know if there will be a size limit imposed on the game, but if there is how can anyone be excited?

I agree that the author is as much of the problem with his problem as his problem, but be honest with yourselves about that snippet that you chose to criticize.

[LOGICWINS]

"The PS3 exclusive lineup is more "exciting" for PS3 owners than the 360 lineup is for 360 owners."

In what way can you objectively prove that? Do you know all PS3 owners? Do you know all 360 owners?

"But is the author wrong about Minecraft and The Witcher 2 being ports from the PC?"

He's right about that. But whats your point? So what if they're available on the PC? Games don't need to be exclusive to one platform to be playable.

"Alan Wake's new iteration is supposed to be more action oriented on top of the fact that it's a downloadable title. I don't know if there will be a size limit imposed on the game, but if there is how can anyone be excited?"

How can anyone be excited about Sorcery? A six hour trek that wouldn't have been given a second look if it didn't have Move support.

Everyone has different opinions on whats good or not. The things that certain people are excited for baffles me too sometimes...but they are simply opinions. If people are interested in Sorcery..let them be. If people are interested in Alan Wake...let them be.

[shodan74]

@EVILDEAD360

"Accrding to that article PS3 gamers like the author..."

It is repeatedly stated in both articles that the author is actually an Xbox360 gamer.

[Biggest]

"How can anyone be excited about Sorcery? A six hour trek that wouldn't have been given a second look if it didn't have Move support.

Everyone has different opinions on whats good or not. The things that certain people are excited for baffles me too sometimes...but they are simply opinions. If people are interested in Sorcery..let them be. If people are interested in Alan Wake...let them be."

Well, I am excited about Sorcery after playing Medieval Moves. However, that has nothing to do with what we're talking about here. No one mentioned Sorcery until you did. Nice attempt to change the topic of discussion. I agree that people have different opinions and choices. Either way you look at it there are more choices on the PS3 side as the author pointed out. More choices equals more chances for a majority of gamers to be excited. Fewer choices lowers the chance of excitement. It's a very simple concept.

Why does it matter that the two PC games are PC games? Because they will have been available for over a year before the 360 gets them. If people were excited for them, they would have already played them. I'm not saying that they shouldn't look forward to the games. I am not saying that the games won't be enjoyable or great. I am saying that excitement would not be the attitude toward them. They are already available, playable, and affordable.

[darthv72]

to understanding the tonality of what has been written.

@biggest...there is a way to reflect the same tone without perceived bias.

Had the author listed the games for the platforms without using emphasis on such things like "on the other hand" when it came to one or another it could have been perceived in a different manner.

On topic: Bottom line is while fanboyism is petty and pathetic (generally speaking) it does present purpose. While i have had my fair share of ridicule by one side or the other in trying to fight the good fight (abolishment of fanboyism) I have come to realize something.

People generally lack any kind of motivation and direction at different points of their lives. Something as petty as picking a side in a 'console war' is actually a form of direction as it represents a decision they make themselves. It may differ from the next person but then again that is the beauty of this decision. It is personal and should not matter what the next person feels.

I should stress that to ride the line is a tough decision in itself. When systems and games come out I make my choices by what suits me not what suits the other guy. Also, I DO firmly believe in the idea of having all the systems to properly gauge ones personal preferences when it comes to making such decisions.

It is no surprise that even with having the choices people will still gravitate to one side or another. It happens with families when two people marry. It is just human nature. I myself try to be objective but my choices are exactly that...MY choices. I will gladly respect those of someone else who differs with me so long as they can be equally respectful in return.

I think a major concern is people have either forgotten or were never really taught what respect means (on a general scale).

[miyamoto]

Mr. Mark Butler I have read your post and I respect it. And yes, fanboyism has became ridiculous & out of control.

Look how a positive, factual article like that is taken nowadays? Its just sad.

But have you ever posted an article on the root of this chaos?

The Irresponsible Western Gaming Media created fanboys!
I don't know in Japan, but that is the big problem.here in the West. Fanboys are victims of media manipulation.
Media has turned this industry into how horrible Hollywood has become.
Low life bloggers help convert a lot of sensible gamers into lowlife fanboys by twisting facts.

Negative Publicity should stop.
The even more sadder & disappointing fact is the media is taking advantage of the fanboys by using Negative Publicity to feed their businesses. This is really so uncivilized behavior from Western gaming media - US & UK.

This is Video Games not Hollywood!
Gamers don't need controversies, politics, grand sales figures every week, flame bait articles, word war, click bait reviews..We just want to play great games. The gaming media should stop this. Its doing more harm than good.

If you don't want to get annoyed by fanboyism you should tell your media buddies to stop their negative crap, too.

It will benefit the gamers , the media, the developers, the publishers, and the big Three.

[Agent-86]

Glad I'm a PC gamer and dedicate myself to games instead of a console manufacturer. This generation's "console war" of PS3 vs 360 seems to be much worse than previous generations. Maybe because the sales figures are so close made it more bitter. Or, this generation's gamers are a pathetic bunch.

Whatever the cause, just enjoy the games, people! This generation has been fantastic and there is much to enjoy from either console, or the PC (they all have their pros and cons). When in doubt, expand your horizons. I own a gaming PC and a PS3, so I miss out on very few games.

[BattleAxe]

I'm a total DELL fanboy.

[RedDead]

DELL? You'd save so much money not buying from them. Although it will take an hour of research to learn how to build a PC.

[JaredH]

I'm pretty sure console wars are not worse. It's just that more and more 12 year olds have access to the internet...

[LNDCalling]

What about GPU manufacturers?

Are you ATI or NVIDIA? lol

[DragonKnight]

PC Fanboyism blows console fanboyism out of the sky. I mean, how many times can you see someone pat themselves on the back by repeatedly talking about their rig like their proud parents or something?

[trenso1]

cant you compare it to sports and people being a die hard fan for one team?

[Zha1tan]

Only reasons I have consoles is for some of the exclusives i.e Gears 3, UC3, Starhawk, GOWIII.

PC is just better in every way and you do get what you pay for but then again....

http://www.gamer.ru/system/...

Now for some SWTOR PVP.

[Rage_S90]

So what you're trying to say is that you're a pc fanboy? No need to disguise it.

[Zha1tan]

I dont see how I can be a fanboy to a PC since its made of custom parts and I owe no allegiance to a brand or company unlike consoles.

one bubble?

Im assuming a console fanboy of some sort and Il enjoy reading your retort....oh wait.

[Ezio2048]

i agree i am a Sony loyalist but....i love Gears of War and Mario Kart!!!

i would want to buy all consoles but because of lack of money, i have to stick to one unfortunately (PS3) and experience other consoles games at my friend's place.

[AtomicGerbil]

What I find baffling here is that having a genuine reasonable preference can be categarised in the same manner as somebody who follows their chosen hardware to the point they have to continuosly spout bull about the competition and blindly ignore the flaws of their own preference. Fanboy is used too loosely in my opinion.

[Sharingan_no_Kakashi]

Know what's even more petty and pathetic? Still complaining about it. We are 6 years into this console generation and we had enough articles about in the early days of it. Now all of a sudden we're getting a surplus of these articles again like it's something new. Yes fanboyism is pathetic... but come on .... the horse has been dead for a while now.

[MasterCornholio]

I pretty much agree with the author. Even though im a big fan of Sony i respect the other companys because they each bring something to the table that the other doesnt.

For Microsoft its XBOXlive and its services which are unmatched by any other platform. For Sony its their first party exclusives which are incredible. And for Nintendo its their ability to bring unique gameplay experiences via their innovations with their hardware.

Oh and i can understand why XBOTS bashed they heck out of him. He should have never said this.

"with many cross-platform titles boasting more impressive graphics on Sony’s console"

This is something you never ever mention given the history of multiplat titles on the PS3. If he wanted to say the PS3s tech is better he can just mention the exclusives like GOW3 or Uncharted and be done with it.

[AgentWD40]

I have never understood the loyalty people show to one brand, I would not be happy if I didn't have both consoles and I had to miss out on great games which were only on a particular console. I love the fact that I get to play both forza 4 and gt5, killzone 3 and halo reach, uncharted 3 and gears 3. I don't understand why people choose one and then spend the rest of there time trying to convince others that the other one is rubbish.

[Ducky]

They're not trying to convince others, they're trying to convince themselves.

[Why o why]

Many have both but people are allowed to have a preferance. Honest constructive criticism is often taken as fanboyism. Thats bull**t. Im not defending the article or author in question but people are loyal or have a preferance for specific things.. Human nature. We're not all drones. Some people prefer bmw, some audi, there could actually be valid reasons for the preference and its the same is with consoles. The manufacturers havent treated me the same so why should i treat them the same. Im not saying any of the manufacturers care about my life but out of the console manufacturers one has given me much more than the other and has continued to for over a decade.. Why should a preferance of loyalty towards that company be frowned upon. I used to prefer nokias then i moved to samsungs not because of fanboyism but because of my preference molded by my experiences

Pride is a sin NOT loyalty....

[Venjense]

I own and enjoy both, but PS3 is by far the better value if you had to choose one.

You basically get everything 360 does plus a lot more games, much more functionality (blu-ray/better media player) and cheaper everything (HD upgrades, movie rentals, DLC due to MS points, online etc.)

That's not brand loyalty or fanboyism, if the names on the boxes were reversed I'd say MS 360 is by far the better value.

360 does have some advantages like faster messaging, more comfy controller (IMO) and pretty much fewer steps to do most things in the OS, which is nice.

[urwifeminder]

I really dont care either way but i do love the private messages spamming me with lists of games i have zero intrest in, i encourage the fan thing as i find it hilarious i like what i like im happy its hard not to want to stir the pot once in a while, on this site i dont comment on too many sony articles as it has no relavence in my gaming world but i just got a psp so ill check out them.

[dinkeldinkse]

And hilarious.

It's amazing the retarded loyalty that people have to their consoles and to the exclusives on those consoles.

[VonBraunschweigg]

PlayStation vs xBox, with PC's you have Nvidia vs AMD, cars for example BMW vs Mercedes...fanboyism everywhere, it's the little child in us, combine that with our favourite toys and the internet and war is inevitable. And then your PS3 gets the YLOD from marathons of MAG, which conveniently coincided with the end of the 360 hardware betatests ánd an unforseen tax return which covered pretty much eveything, and you end up liking HALO & Gears as much as KillZone & Resistance:)

[Coach_McGuirk]

it's the "us vs them" mentality that's plaguing our world. look at politics, for example.

[rizzo-rizzo]

I grew up with the Playstation. I'm not a sony fanboy anymore but I highly respect the (once immensely creative) Ps1 & Ps2 era.

They hold my fond memories, nostalgia being a drug I can reminisce of all these wonderful original games.

Thank the gaming gods I never grew up playing CoD.

I'm pretty sure it's the newer generation of gamers. something sure doesn't seem right.

Snes VS Genesis (and competitive consoles prior)... noone bitched
Psx VS N64 VS Saturn/Dreamcast whatever ... still, gaming was all that mattered.
PS2 VS Xbox ... was hardcore gaming still alive? .. probably. Xbox was fairly new.
PS3 VS Xbox360 VS Which-Console-Has-Prettier-Gra phics... Get the hell out of my face with that crap.
#Virgins #Pubescent

And don't get me started on this Consoles Exclusives nonsense. It's one of the dumbest things i've ever seen.

[Hyperbomb69]

Im no fanboy, I love PS3,PC and Wii. I just HATE the Xbox 360. I hate 360 and their fanboys. PC/PS3 is the best gaming combination you could have this gen. This whole gen sucks, RROD, everything went multiplat, no new exclusives for 360, online passes, dlc, everything needs to get patched, call of duty, everything went casual. I tell things like I see it, 360 sucks and anyone that buys that POS system today is a complete moron.