Right now, the vocal, video-game centric bits of the internet are all talking about Fallout 4 and to a lesser extent, Rise of the Tomb Raider. That doesn’t mean, of course, that all of you are playing them.
Instead, you get to sit on the side-lines while people talk about the thing’s they’re doing in Fallout, how they’re building their settlements, what sorts of mods they’re putting on their guns. Some will (especially from today!) talk about some of the clever Tombs Lara has to get through.
It’s especially egregious in this age of social games, and social media. I remember when Destiny’s infamous loot cave was discovered, and how almost all conversation at the time centred around the cave run. It’s something I even found myself doing (before I decided that I hated Destiny, of course) – and the social aspect of it is something that Destiny covered in a blog update.
“The social experience of a cave farming run is amazing: the herding to get a team of Guardians all behind the line and firing in the right direction, the rush to grab the loot, the scramble when the panic wave starts, the beckoning glow from inside the cave. The speed at which the community organized around this activity was inspiring and humbling to us.
But shooting at a black hole for hours on end isn’t our dream for how Destiny is played. Our hope is that social engagement in public spaces is only one part of the Destiny experience. Expect changes soon which decrease the efficiency of cave farming and correspondingly increase engram drops from completing activities.”
It happens with all big games though. Metal Gear Solid V had people everywhere talking about fultoning sheep, The Witcher 3 had the internet chatting about Gwent. It can lead to fears of missing out – feeling like you’re not part of some cultural zeitgeist. And then it can lead you to running off and spending your money on a game that you neither want nor need. Perhaps you’ve even bought Call of Duty: Black Ops3 this year, despite hating the series. Such is the power of hype, and the fear of missing out.
How do you deal with that feeling of exclusion, or are you impervious to the hype, resolute and wavering? I feel it, certainly, when there’s great big bits of hype surrounding big multiplayer games – before realising I hate other people.
Last Updated: November 13, 2015
Ottokie
November 13, 2015 at 10:37
I grab a bag of potato chips, jump on the couch and go watch Anime.
Kromas untamed
November 13, 2015 at 10:43
Starcraft and Fallout is making me delay quite a bit of this weeks episodes. Anime backlo0gs are hell to get through.
Ottokie
November 13, 2015 at 10:44
I am backed up about 5 series of new releases, but nothing a good old Sunday marathon can’t fix.
Ruthie Gibson
November 15, 2015 at 10:12
.
WitWolfy
November 13, 2015 at 11:11
Virginity shield activate! hehehe
Dutch Matrix
November 13, 2015 at 11:12
I dunno. Just had a girl tell me she cannot get turned on if she does not view hentai… I dunno why she shared that info with me…
WitWolfy
November 13, 2015 at 11:19
Show her this
http://static.comicvine.com/uploads/original/11112/111128444/3579475-soon-squid.jpg
miaau
November 13, 2015 at 11:22
Yeah, that sounds like the friendly chat type of thing, to share with someone.
Dutch Matrix
November 13, 2015 at 11:35
There is a part two to this story. She turned out to be a good office friend. Was just her weird way of starting a conversation.
Ottokie
November 13, 2015 at 11:13
stereotypes assemble!
WitWolfy
November 13, 2015 at 11:14
Dont worry bro I have a handful of animes on my media center too. Just pulling your leg.
Ottokie
November 13, 2015 at 11:15
I know, that’s why I used the Ron Burgundy reference 😛
WitWolfy
November 13, 2015 at 11:16
Aaah, not a fan of the sequel though, probably why I didnt get that. Nothing beats the original.
(Umar) Must be Cipher
November 13, 2015 at 10:39
Watch me whip out my credit card.
Watch me pay pay.
Ottokie
November 13, 2015 at 10:40
That reference needs a downvote… but I will let it slide for now.
(Umar) Must be Cipher
November 13, 2015 at 10:42
lol forgive me…I don’t know what came over me.
Ottokie
November 13, 2015 at 10:43
xD
I forgive you for keeping me up to date on Nintendo stuff on twitter today 😛
(Umar) Must be Cipher
November 13, 2015 at 10:45
Hahaha, I shouldn’t overhype things like that though X_X
Ottokie
November 13, 2015 at 10:46
Nah, my 3DS needs some JRPG love. Finished Majora’s Mask and need something new.
(Umar) Must be Cipher
November 13, 2015 at 10:47
Well, your 3DS gonna get a lot of JRPG lovin soon!
(Umar) Must be Cipher
November 13, 2015 at 10:41
I apologize to the public for this reference. I’m sorry.
Grand Admiral Chief SpaceNinja
November 13, 2015 at 10:41
Into the corner, you must go
(Umar) Must be Cipher
November 13, 2015 at 10:44
I’ll nae nae to the corner 🙁
Grand Admiral Chief SpaceNinja
November 13, 2015 at 10:40
I play Warframe
Grand Admiral Chief SpaceNinja
November 13, 2015 at 10:40
I have offline Gwent cards now
Hammersteyn
November 13, 2015 at 10:40
I cry spoilers and hate everyone
Grand Admiral Chief SpaceNinja
November 13, 2015 at 10:41
…and buy shitty games out of peer pressure
Ottokie
November 13, 2015 at 10:42
*cough* blops
Hammersteyn
November 13, 2015 at 10:42
It’s not shitty. Gavin gave it 9/10
Ottokie
November 13, 2015 at 10:42
But he drinks light beer :
(Umar) Must be Cipher
November 13, 2015 at 10:46
It’s Call of Duty, he’d give the Vita COD version a 9 😛
Mossel
November 13, 2015 at 11:22
On a serious note though… how is the game? The multiplayer and zombies specifically? Cos R699 is a lot of money to waste on something that I might not like.
Grand Admiral Chief SpaceNinja
November 13, 2015 at 11:23
He hates it, don’t let his typed words fool you, I heard it out of his mouth
Ir0nseraph
November 13, 2015 at 11:26
He took one for the team :P, the game is fun with friends , but if you don’t like PvP wait for a special or skip.
WitWolfy
November 13, 2015 at 11:24
R699 is cheap!!! AC Syndicate cost me like R900
Mossel
November 13, 2015 at 11:58
R699 for PC…that’s not so cheap! haha
WitWolfy
November 13, 2015 at 12:27
Ok, you got me there..
Hammersteyn
November 13, 2015 at 11:41
PVP is solid if you like it. Truly. Campaign is entertaining even if the story is confusing. Haven’t had too much time with zombies
WitWolfy
November 13, 2015 at 11:14
More like impulse buyer*, moments later.. buyers remorse… EVERY TIME!!!
Kromas untamed
November 13, 2015 at 10:42
This only happens to me in social (or anti-social) survival games. ARK was hella fun but now the community is dying down a bit. Same with DayZ and 7 Days to die. The faster you get on board the more fun you have. As for the rest. I finished starcraft 2 last night and only then started playing with Fallout 4.
Ignore the posts and enjoy the games at your own pace.
Alien Emperor Trevor
November 13, 2015 at 10:45
Easy, I deal with it by not feeling it in the first place. It’s great people are having fun playing game X that I’m not and they can be excited about it all they like, but it’s not like I’m sitting crying in the rain because I’m somehow excluded… I’m having fun playing game Y, not having no fun at all because I’m not playing game X. And that’s even if I’m interested in game X in the first place, sometimes fan boys forget people like different things.
Kromas untamed
November 13, 2015 at 10:46
Got asked twice this week why I am playing Starcraft instead of Fallout.
Cause Starcraft is EPIC. I suppose not everyone gets this whole RTS thing.
Also John De Lancie!
Ottokie
November 13, 2015 at 10:49
Yesterday 2 randoms asked me if I knew “Fallout” because they keep hearing about it in the news. Reply with “are they a band or something?”
Grand Admiral Chief SpaceNinja
November 13, 2015 at 10:58
O_O
Ottokie
November 13, 2015 at 11:03
You don’t ask a man silly questions on a Thursday, when he is walking with 2 bags of booze home.
Grand Admiral Chief SpaceNinja
November 13, 2015 at 11:23
So, VOID runs later tonight?
Ottokie
November 13, 2015 at 11:24
Void runs ALL night!
Grand Admiral Chief SpaceNinja
November 13, 2015 at 11:25
YUSSSS!!!!!
I’ll only be on later, going to a mandatory braai first at my father in law’s house, but I like him a lot, so will be back full of braaivleis and beer, BUT READY FOR THE VOID!
Grand Admiral Chief SpaceNinja
November 13, 2015 at 11:25
(Heh, filled up, but going to a void, such irony)
Ottokie
November 13, 2015 at 11:25
This is gaming Friday, usually only ends between 1 am and 3am
Grand Admiral Chief SpaceNinja
November 13, 2015 at 11:26
Hahaha, I’ve got remote work tomorrow at 08h00, but screw it
Ottokie
November 13, 2015 at 11:27
Work. Work never changes
WitWolfy
November 13, 2015 at 11:26
Dude.. I wish.. My daughter’s sleep patterns determine my gaming times lol
Grand Admiral Chief SpaceNinja
November 13, 2015 at 11:27
Same here, BUT, her sleep patterns are golden now!
Alien Emperor Trevor
November 13, 2015 at 11:25
Baro tonight too.
Grand Admiral Chief SpaceNinja
November 13, 2015 at 11:26
Eh?
Ottokie
November 13, 2015 at 11:26
The rare mod seller
Grand Admiral Chief SpaceNinja
November 13, 2015 at 11:26
Oooh nice, I have 100k
Alien Emperor Trevor
November 13, 2015 at 11:27
Even that might not be enough 😀
Plus you need ducats from selling prime parts.
Ottokie
November 13, 2015 at 11:28
More like 150k and 20 prime parts to give 🙂
This is unfortunately end game stuff 😛
Alien Emperor Trevor
November 13, 2015 at 11:30
I built all those damn Nyx MFP systems we got instead of chassis. 50 ducats for the completed thing instead of 10 for the bp. 😀
Ottokie
November 13, 2015 at 11:31
I have to go find the list of full crafted items that can be sold.
Nevermind, I found it
Alien Emperor Trevor
November 13, 2015 at 11:32
http://warframe.wikia.com/wiki/Ducats/Prices
Ottokie
November 13, 2015 at 11:33
Thanks 🙂
Just saw it when I went to go look at the wiki 😛
Grand Admiral Chief SpaceNinja
November 13, 2015 at 11:32
Drat
Alien Emperor Trevor
November 13, 2015 at 11:26
The fortnightly trader that pops up in one of the relays to sell special goodies.
Ottokie
November 13, 2015 at 11:26
Rumors about Prime sweeping serration…
Alien Emperor Trevor
November 13, 2015 at 11:41
Meh. I hope not. There’s already primed point blank.
Ottokie
November 13, 2015 at 11:42
I need to start modding my shotguns, this will help me a bit 😛
Bob of the Khundelar
November 13, 2015 at 10:49
But dem feels. I’m only a few missions in and already I’m taking hits.
Kromas untamed
November 13, 2015 at 10:52
Typed a whole damn thing out then remembered spoilers so here goes.
I almost had man tears.
Dutch Matrix
November 13, 2015 at 10:53
It’s okay. You two are the only people playing StarCraft on these boards. 😛
miaau
November 13, 2015 at 10:54
NO. I will play next month, thanks!
Dutch Matrix
November 13, 2015 at 10:57
The dog dies. 😛
Kromas untamed
November 13, 2015 at 11:02
Depends. In the directors cut the dog lives but get m,utated to become the dominant species and man becomes the house pet.
Dutch Matrix
November 13, 2015 at 11:08
I…. I kind of like that idea. Then I can hump my dogs leg for no reason, and let him feel how that feels!
Kromas untamed
November 13, 2015 at 11:12
Also you can poop anywhere you want and no work.
ALL HAIL OUR THE CANINE OVERLORDS!
Dutch Matrix
November 13, 2015 at 11:13
And they feed you, play with you, you sleep in their bed. I am worried about them cutting my balls off though.
Alien Emperor Trevor
November 13, 2015 at 11:22
Rad Pooches to go along with the Rad Roaches?
Kromas untamed
November 13, 2015 at 10:54
Only need two to play Archon mode. 😛
Johann
November 13, 2015 at 11:01
Also finishing up StarCraft before I get into the time sink that is Fallout 4. Must say, I’m enjoying Legacy of the Void more than Heart of the Swarm.
Kromas untamed
November 13, 2015 at 11:03
Anything with John De Lancie in it is better. He is to voice acting like Bacon is to food.
miaau
November 13, 2015 at 11:08
I dislike playing Zerg, so I think that mean HOTS will always be last for me, not even having played legacy of the void
Bob of the Khundelar
November 13, 2015 at 10:54
I know. It doesn’t help that he was my favourite and Artanis’ speeches are really moving.
Kromas untamed
November 13, 2015 at 10:55
Wait till much later. Not really a spoiler but after the campaign you unlock …. ANOTHER CAMPAIGN!
Ottokie
November 13, 2015 at 10:50
And in the end I usually buy the games a year later when the hype has died down, and the true “good games” are singled out.
Alien Emperor Trevor
November 13, 2015 at 10:51
True dat yo!
Bob of the Khundelar
November 13, 2015 at 10:48
I find the best way to deal with FOMO (yours or someone else’s) is a good healthy dose of FOLMO – F&*k Off. Leave Me Out. [Insert stupid marketing line here} – like “guaranteed to work 70% of the time all of the time”.
The Sten
November 13, 2015 at 10:49
I take all the money i saved from not buying that game and buy alchohol instead to drown my sorrows….its a vicious cycle
oVg
November 13, 2015 at 10:52
I really dont understand the question.
miaau
November 13, 2015 at 10:53
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fear_of_missing_out
oVg
November 13, 2015 at 11:20
I see. I suppose I dont care as I am my own Constitution, hence being more than happy not having the internet as part of my gaming experience. Probably just old. Im sure I was a lemming in my 20s and 30s.
Alien Emperor Trevor
November 13, 2015 at 11:21
lol
oVg
November 13, 2015 at 11:31
😛 the good old 30s
Alien Emperor Trevor
November 13, 2015 at 11:37
You lemming 😛
oVg
November 13, 2015 at 11:45
Reminds me, I must buy the next iPhone incase I miss out on another super App.
Kromas untamed
November 13, 2015 at 10:53
Hype yes or no? Extra points for why.
oVg
November 13, 2015 at 10:57
Oh, then its NO because 2014 taught us that its all bollocks thanks to every game being broken on release day. I still cant believe the amount of CGI that is still used at E3.
I look at reviews these days to see if the game is playable, not if its good or bad.
Kromas untamed
November 13, 2015 at 11:01
You should see the Starcraft2:LotV end credits. 20 seconds of filled screen names under QA. No wonder the game was 100% working without the need for a day 1 patch out of the box.
Dutch Matrix
November 13, 2015 at 10:52
I’ll admit. I fell for the Fallout 4 Hype. I even raided our emergency slush fund for it. But was told by the Minister of my Finances I have to pay it all back come payday.
miaau
November 13, 2015 at 10:53
Good for you! Is it worth it?
Dutch Matrix
November 13, 2015 at 10:57
I dunno. Only got the game today. And tonight I am checking out Madame Zingara.
WitWolfy
November 13, 2015 at 11:22
Sounds like me with MGS V at the time.
oVg
November 13, 2015 at 11:26
I think its an age thing. The reason why Fallout 4 is being treated like the second coming is because the average age of the gamer Pre-Social internet was 14 when Fallout 3 came out in 2008.
Those kids are all 20 now and the nostalgia is super strong with the franchise. I bet todays 14 year olds are so overloaded in the electronic age resulting in them being super privileged hence the polaric user reviews on Metacritic.
I see the same with Halo, Angry Joe said the same thing in his Halo review.
Dutch Matrix
November 13, 2015 at 11:50
Dude, I am 40 and never liked Fallout 3 to begin with. I succumbed to the hype…
oVg
November 13, 2015 at 11:56
Same, the game is dope. It has a Borderlands vibe with RAGE shooting and Oblivion story telling. Im hooked. As for Fallout 3? It never grabbed me, probably because I was too busy playing Mass Effect at the time.
Ir0nseraph
November 13, 2015 at 11:57
I don’t like these comments, I need to fight the hype.
I found 3 very boring , were are all the bad comments on fallout 4 when i need them.
oVg
November 13, 2015 at 12:06
Its very much the same as 3 but more streamlined in areas. The perks are better this time around and there is no limit cap. I think its also the fact that all the junk you salvage is actually used for something this time around. That, coupled with vibrant graphics and a shit load of customisation makes it the ultimate sandbox.
But if you need more linear direction for faster pacing then its not for you. Its all about the atmosphere and isolation that makes it great.
I was lost in 3, I had no idea how to have fun in that game, it was for the hardcore. 4 is more user friendly.
Ir0nseraph
November 13, 2015 at 12:09
I will resist for as long as I can, get that backlog cleared, but it sounds like i need to try it when I am done.
oVg
November 13, 2015 at 12:09
ya, its a Skyrim game, it gets better as it ages. No rush.
Dutch Matrix
November 13, 2015 at 12:08
Are you me????
oVg
November 13, 2015 at 12:08
yes, only the best 🙂
Hammersteyn
November 13, 2015 at 10:55
Tiniest Jason mask EVER! Kid on the left
Ottokie
November 13, 2015 at 10:57
What size screens do you guys have at work O.o
Hammersteyn
November 13, 2015 at 10:58
I use my whiskey glasses as reading glasses
Grand Admiral Chief SpaceNinja
November 13, 2015 at 10:58
^This guy
Ottokie
November 13, 2015 at 10:59
He needs a visit and a braai, he knows how to get through a day xD
Grand Admiral Chief SpaceNinja
November 13, 2015 at 10:58
You make me smile when you freak out about the hidden images 😀
Hammersteyn
November 13, 2015 at 10:59
I had to go find the original to be sure
http://www.unilever.co.za/Images/Omo_Flexibag_450x450_tcm84-293975.gif
Ottokie
November 13, 2015 at 10:59
xD
Grand Admiral Chief SpaceNinja
November 13, 2015 at 11:00
Such a dirdddy man
Ottokie
November 13, 2015 at 11:00
Was sewe soorte…
Hammersteyn
November 13, 2015 at 11:03
I applaud Geoff and Darryn. Much skill
Her Highness the Hipster
November 13, 2015 at 11:20
which is why i don’t take part in these things 😛
Grand Admiral Chief SpaceNinja
November 13, 2015 at 11:22
Hahaha, self trolling level = Hipster lvl 9
Hammersteyn
November 13, 2015 at 11:40
You’ve gotten better though
WitWolfy
November 13, 2015 at 11:12
I dunno I never feel out.. I have this illusion where I think the whole world wants to do what I do.
GooseZA
November 13, 2015 at 11:19
I’m usually fine with waiting for games but I have to admit, I’m currently suffering from a serious case of the Gotta-Get-Fallouts.
Ir0nseraph
November 13, 2015 at 11:21
Missing out on single player games like fallout isn’t a big thing for me, after a while i will forget some spoilers so I will pick it up when there is a huge open gaming gap, the hours needed to finish it seems huge.
On the Multiplayer coop front, it’s harder to pass on , if you wait to long your friends might have traded the game and moved on to the next thing.
So I made peace with the fact I just don’t have enough time for all the games, and save some extra funds ahead off time if a big coop like the division comes along:)
Mossel
November 13, 2015 at 11:23
Yup…I’m looking at everyone playing BLOPS3 and I am twitching!
Mossel
November 13, 2015 at 11:23
I stare at Takealot and hover my mouse above the “add to cart” button. Then I realize I have no money and cry in the corner.
Grand Admiral Chief SpaceNinja
November 13, 2015 at 11:25
You could always get to da choppa
Dutch Matrix
November 13, 2015 at 11:36
Oy! Get your own lines!
DragonSpirit009
November 13, 2015 at 12:42
I just try to avoid it all.
Some of my friends is talking about Fallout 4 now and I’m just here like “Whatever” turn around and work. Guess the only time work forces me to work <_<