It’s a dilemma faced by many of us, how do you get your non-gamer girlfriend, or boyfriend, to play video games? It is not just tolerance I am talking about, if you are in a relationship then you have probably leapt that hurdle. But how do you get beyond that? How do you convert someone into a full blown gamer? In my experience the only way to comprehend why so many people like something is to try it yourself. Contrary to what Nintendo public relations is telling you, I do not think the answer is casual games. There are many people out there who have played Mario Kart or any of the Marios who say they do not like video games. Casual games are not the gateway drug of the gaming world. Therefore, the answer it not to go out there and buy a Wii. Remember the goal is to turn him or her into a gamer, not just to play a game.

 

What is going to achieve the desired effect is to get them to play an Xbox or Playstation game. So, unless you are dealing with a very unique person, the place to start is definitely not with an FPS. Even for an experienced gamer who doesn’t play the genre often, these games can be daunting. I would recommend you start with a Sim like Viva Pinata or something similar. Additionally, so that you don’t fall into the casual trap, you should get them into something else as well. I have had success with Katamari Damacy and Shadow of the Colossus.

 

Ok, so I know what you’re thinking, “What a random group of games.” Well, that may be true, but they have a few key elements in common. The presence of these elements will determine whether or not your social conditioning experiment is a success. First of all, it has to look great. One thing that most every non-gamer hears about games today is that the systems are graphical powerhouses. It doesn’t have to be something that would impress you, just not anything from before the PS2 (a classical gaming education is a whole different kettle of fish, baby steps). Secondly, you want a game that is easy to pick up but not easy to beat. All three of the games I mentioned are good examples of this, they have simple controls but there is depth. Lastly, and most importantly, you need to find a games that are fun. The fun factor is a largely personal and seeing as you are dating the person, you’re going to have to figure this one out on your own.

 

You’ll no doubt have noticed that I mentioned only single-player games, and there is a reason for that. It is much easier to get someone to play a multiplayer game, but it is no guarantee they will want to play video games or indulge your desire for a multi-hour stretch in front of the screen. Remember, relationships are about compromise, and if you want to pull an all-night session sometimes you have to get your other to play for hours on end and then use that to justify your own binge. Trust me, it works. Also, aside from the personal benefits, there is nothing like seeing a former non-gamer light up when you surprise them with a new game, that’s when you know you’ve won.

 

-Matt Frank

Tags: converting non gamers, PS3, Wii, Xbox 360

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