Ode to GameStop
Most people see this sign and think that it is a waste of time, that there is no purpose in what they are selling. That most of their consumers are smelly and do not have any social lives. Now, in this modern day, the attitude towards gamers has changed. There is something for everyone. Why has this attitude changed recently? I believe it is because there is something for everyone and everyone wants to find an escape. There are also other reasons as to why the attitude towards gamers has changed. Sometimes when the world seems cruel and all your “friends” call you names, video games are there for you, when you need to feel validated and loved. You can also live out your wildest fantasy, if you want to ride a broom in Hogwarts, or fight orcs as Aragorn-you can! A lot of people will see just a game, but all gamers know that there is more to the game. As we all know, art can come in many forms and video games are a form of art. The storytelling, graphics, and voice actors all come together to make this magnificent art. There is one central location that we go to, to get our own piece of artwork, where we all share a common interest. We made friends while sharing these artists' work; where we all shared adventures together. As games have evolved into more multiplayer and co-op, we have had opportunities to stay up every night at sleepovers trying to get to that one last level; trying to compete with each other to prove who is the best. This also proves who has your back and is willing to sacrifice the victory, sacrificing their perfect score, for you to come back into the game. Late nights with games are what can make bonds with friends stronger. Video games do not care who is behind the remote. You can be any color, gender, sexual orientation; you can be who you are with no discrimination. The online community can be harsher, but it is getting better as the attitude towards gamers changes. GameStop was the place to be when the Halo3 launch came out; or when Activision introduced Guitar Hero; or when they introduced Call of Duty World at War- which launched the franchise's best multiplayer aspect: zombies. When people see a GameStop logo we see opportunities to make friends, to embrace the stories and connect with the main character. Then we as a community share our opinions in the game whether we like certain aspects of the game, just like The Last of Us. We agree that it is one of the best games of all time and were ecstatic when they announced the second one. Unfortunately, my friends and I agreed that the gameplay and artwork was amazing, but the ending to the story left us a little unsatisfied. We, as a community, can share our opinions and make friends. Just like Michelangelo or Picasso, these artists are legends in the making, Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of Mario and other hit games has influenced pop culture significantly. A world without GameStop would be unimaginable. Like a world without the Mona Lisa, that has inspired many songs and stories. We see GameStop as others view an art gallery. Just because our art is digital does not mean it can't inspire others to see their true potential, feel better about themselves and have an escape from reality. So, next time you look at a GameStop logo, remember, it is not just a store. It is an art gallery that inspires individuals; it is a place that gives “Power to the players”.
