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[Shaanyboi]

Try to have a wardrobe that extends beyond just graphic tees with geeky references, take care of yourself in general, but beyond that, nah. Pull out a 3DS or go line up for a game or whatever. Just look and behave like a capable adult while you're doing it.

 

[El Odio]

I have no problem wearing the few game related shirts I have or pulling out my 3DS while riding the train or something so I'd say I have no problem with enjoying my hobby. Everyone's got something they like and I ain't judging them for it so why the hell should they care what I do?

 

[SlickShoesRUCrazy]

I was. I no longer am. As I have gotten older, the more I don't give a shit about people judging me for doing things I like.

 

[Sheriff_Battlesnake]

Not at all for me. And I've gotten a decent amount of encouragement from people I thought were way cooler than me in high school for not being afraid to enjoy what I enjoy candidly. When I was younger I had a period where I prided myself on "growing out" of anime, and nowadays if someone asked me in a crowd I wouldn't hesitate to show my enthusiasm.

Though I'd never get a BLATANT video game tattoo, I'd definitely get like a subtle symbol that would look cool to anyone but be recognizable to fans.

 

[Admiral Woofington]

I don't think I really present myself as a 'gamer/nerd' in public, but that's because I like to dress in business attire and generally don't talk about things that disinterest those around me.

I don't talk about geeky things either but the way I present myself even in work people easily tell I am a geek. Aka glasses, friendly attitude, interest in technology topics, bad jokes, intelligence and just the way I act.


As to the OP, not really. When people want me to hang and I'm doing something like dnd with friends I immediately say I'm playing dnd. The confidence gets people curious as to what it is and to ask questions. If you're a ashamed of it they're going to ask why but don't boast about it either. Being casual goes a long way.

Even on my dating profiles I specify I'm a casual geek looking for somebody with similar interests.

 

[SinCityAssassin]

Working part-time at a brick and mortar retro shop makes it very mundane for me.

 

[Violence Jack]

Not at all. I play my 3DS in public, and wear gaming t-shirts. If people want to look down on me for embracing my hobbies/interests, then let them.

 

[Lunar15]

I'm not ashamed, but I don't go run and shout it from the rooftops either.

 

[The Albatross]

No, not really. It's pretty acceptable form of entertainment these days, and if I were to tell someone at work that I'm more likely to play a game than watch a movie or TV show, there's not much second thought. But gaming isn't something that I'd openly volunteer about myself in a sort of "what are your hobbies" type question, where I'd probably talk about food, beer, playing an instrument, etc., but less so videogames.

 

[TheOnlyOneHeEverFeared]

Like 90% of my wardrobe is gaming/pokemon/taylor swift t shirts, I have pokemon shoes, I play my 3DS anywhere and everywhere, so no I don't give a fuck.

 

[PorygonVandal]

Not ashamed at all

Actually I'm planning to tell my crush that I won a Smash Bros. tournament next time I see her, just to see how she reacts xD

 

[Cramoss]

what, no

 

[BruceCLea]

I don't give a flying fuck if people think I'm a gamer or nerd. If they're going to categorize me for the stuff I like, then screw 'em.



I am totally a nerd and proud of it.

 

[MiniBossBattle]

It can be a bit much when I have to talk to my friend's or neighbor's kids since I know "videogames".

 

[Cert.in.Death]

I don't broadcast my passion for gaming outwardly other than a few t-shirts (and they are largely in support of franchises that are transmedial, i.e. Pokemon and others). But when the subject gets brought up, it's hard for me not to prevent myself from commenting/joining the discussion. I've never felt advertising gaming as a hobby of mine has advantaged me in any way, personally or professionally.

 

[Megalosaro]

The key is balance. I wear my nerd interests on my sleeve, but the key is to evaluate how interested the other person is when talking to them.

Also balance your discussions. Don't go overboard and overwhelm people with your knowledge unless they are engaged.

Also, don't be creepy.

 

[Deleted member 325805]

I make sure to tell every woman I'm interested in that I'm a gamer, so far it hasn't worked but one day I'll find that one woman who just wants to co-op aRPGs and have kinky sex after each boss kill.

 

[mrmickfran]

I play my 3DS/Vita in public.

IDGAF

 

[Pop]

I do what I want

Wear want I want

Don't give two fucks about some random person judging me over video games. When I know they have problems of their own.

 

[Jetman]

Used to be! Especially in high school where one tries to blend in and not stand out. I remember that if I was in a bookstore looking at a gaming magazine, I'd hide it in the middle of a car magazine, so if a hot chick or anyone else my age walked by, I could angle it so they wouldn't see me looking at some nerdy mag.
These days, it's pretty awesome to hang out with nerds or gaffers with the same interest though so I definitely don't hide it.

 

[786110]

No because I am also a hunk

 

[entremet]

No, not really. It's pretty acceptable form of entertainment these days, and if I were to tell someone at work that I'm more likely to play a game than watch a movie or TV show, there's not much second thought. But gaming isn't something that I'd openly volunteer about myself in a sort of "what are your hobbies" type question, where I'd probably talk about food, beer, playing an instrument, etc., but less so videogames.

Great summary.

 

[SmackAttack]

I wear this shirt all the time out in public. No shame. Also not my pic.

 

[ocean]

No. But I also don't wear it on my sleeve. I don't "identify" as a gamer.

But more than anything, I hate when non-gamers ask me what my Vita is.

"What kind of phone is that?"

"What kind of phone do you have?"

"Did you get a new phone?"

Then having to find the shortest assembly of words to simply explain what a Vita is to somebody who doesn't really care and will struggle to understand it.

"It's the latest Sony Gameboy"

 

[mkenyon]

I mention games or esports in most of my social networking profiles. I'm pretty confident in general though, so it just doesn't bug me at all.

 

[Roronoa]

If by in public you mean, do I tell other people that I play video games then no; I am not ashamed of it.

I am also not one to sport a gaming t-shirt or a Bag of Holding or anything like that.

 

[Snkfanatic]

Gamer and Nerd have not been a thing since the early 90's it's almost exclusively if you're a grown man buying Nintendo products now.

Huh?

 

[Mcdohl]

Not ashamed but at the same time I don't like going overboard with it.

If I do wear something videogame related, I like it when it's subtle and can actually look nice.

Also this might sound obvious but I also don't speak too much about games unless I'm with other people who like games. I know people who don't seem to realize this or just can't talk about anything besides games.

Bonus: I don't have to deal with any looks when buying games because I order everything online lol.

TL;DR: Games are my favorite hobby, yet I don't let them define me.

 

[Muchi Muchi Pink]

I even put videogaming on my CV when applying for college and job LOL

Why wouldn't you? I actually got my job because I mentioned I worked on the networks for a LAN party.

 

[Cheat Code]

No. But I also don't wear it on my sleeve. I don't "identify" as a gamer.

But more than anything, I hate when non-gamers ask me what my Vita is.

"What kind of phone is that?"

"What kind of phone do you have?"

"Did you get a new phone?"

Then having to find the shortest assembly of words to simply explain what a Vita is to somebody who doesn't really care and will struggle to understand it.

"It's like an iPhone that plays Monster Monpiece."

And then proceed to give an intensive demo of the game.

 

[Razzorn34]

I've never advertised the fact I game, but I've just never been into that aspect. Sure, I have a couple of gamer shirts, but nothing crazy. I have no problem telling people what I do if they ask me. I gave up giving a shit what people think about gaming in my early 20s. The fact that my wife tolerates, and even encourages my habit is a large reason we are together. I still hit midnight releases if I feel the need.

Gamer till I die. They'll have to pry the controller from my cold dead fingers.

 

[Soltype]

I stopped wearing my game clothes a while ago.I kept running into people that would try talking to me about games, but never hear or play any of the stuff I play, shit was annoying.

 

[Savinowned]

I wish I weren't, but when I talk about my love for games I still get the same responses from my friends/family... slight surprise with a heavy implication that gaming is still for children and lazy people.

Then they go finish watching this weeks season of the Bachelor.

 

[digita1alchemy]

I'm not ashamed, but I am not really overt about it either. I have a few game-related t-shirts, most of which are subtle or so obscure that most people don't recognize them. But I also don't really enjoy talking about games with most other enthusiasts I meet since it's usually like talking to a living, breathing version of Kotaku.

 

[Dr. Buni]

I am not, but I am an extremely reserved person, so most people are ignorant towards what I like/do with my free time.

 

[Karl Hawk]

If I cared what people think of me, I wouldn't bother posting much on the internet.

So, no, I'm not ashamed. And frankly, the public can say whatever the fuck they want about me in gaming and I still wouldn't give a shit.

 

[Javier]

I play Just Dance in public.

So no.

 

[Reda]

I don't wear gaming clothes nor give off that "gamer " vibe, whatever that is. Though it's hard for me not to get excited whenever people around me are talking about games especially metal gear, persona, or zelda( I'm really passionate about those series)

 

[dead souls]

After gamergate who wouldn't be ashamed of being a gamer.

 

[Warxard]

Everytime I see someone publicly wear really notable gaming branded-clothing, I cringe a bit. It's tasteless and kind of immature.

So, I suppose I am. Keep hobbies in the confines/comfort of your own home.

 

[stufte]

I'm increasingly becoming more and more cautious about identifying myself as a gamer. Gaming culture is becoming increasingly dark and crazy.

Only people who spend too much time on the internet believe that shit. Gaming culture isn't becoming increasingly dark and crazy just because a spotlight has been shone on what was already there to begin with.

 

[Falk]

As far as T-shirts go I went off the deep end at like 200km/h.

 

[RealityPales]

I used to be. But then I met hardcore One Direction fans.

 

[The Reloader]

Identifying as anything that's based off consumerism is generally cringeworthy for me. So yes, especially gamer.

 

[KiefbladeMaster]

No, though I don't really do anything to advertise it other than to wait for the occasional midnight release or play my DS.

 

[Kezen]

No. But I also don't wear it on my sleeve. I don't "identify" as a gamer.

That's me as well. Gaming does not define me.

 

[cyress8]

Thankfully, I have not had anyone try to ridicule me. As a large, black guy, I think most will not give a weird glance at me while I pick up Xenoblade Chronicles X or any other jrpg.

However, even if they did, I would not give a crap. There are only a few people in my life which have opinions that actually matter to me and the opinions of a stranger is just garbage if it is not constructive criticism.

 

[torre_avenue]

Not really, ever since being nerdy or into video games has become a pretty mainstream thing. Although, if you are a grown man and choose to wear a pretty tacky video game shirt like any of the ones on here, I will cringe and give you a funny look.

 

[Finale Fireworker]

"It's like an iPhone that plays Monster Monpiece."

And then proceed to give an intensive demo of the game.

This made me feel ill.

 

[SephCast]

I embrace my gamer/nerdiness but that doesn't mean I wear gaming t-shirts or anything like that. If it comes up in conversation I actively converse about it. If a big release is coming out, I actively show my excitement. Just like any other hobby.