Dilution of what?!

Lately I've been reqaing and hearing some scary talk amongst gamers. Gamers have always been some of the more reclusive people you will ever come across. Hell, at one prospective college last summer I was informed of a reward system for the Computer Tech. students when they actually left their rooms to socialize. Still, when I began reading post after post, dissing the Nintendo Wii for its supposed "dilution of the gamer way" by "marketing to the soccer moms and elderly" I wasn't easy to calm down. Like....Brig. Gen. Jack D. Ripper talk? I thought people were beyond this.

Starting from the beginning, I'm 19 years old and attend an art school. I make no claims to be a future programmer or the biggest gamer on the planet. I can, however, assure you I have played a LOT of games. Not only have I played a lot of games, but I have reviewed them, written basic mods for PC games, and owned a majority of the consoles since NES. In this way I feel I represent somewhere between an experienced gamer, to perhaps even an excessive one.

That being said, to tear into Nintendo for trying to develop games that appeal to the masses is to insult the very premise of gaming: having fun. If you've ever tried to convince your non-gamer friend, parent, girlfriend, or grandparent to play with you, it should be obvious why gamers shouldn't feel threatened by these new releases. Its fun to play with everyone, not just your usual gamer friends. The truth is Nintendo was straightforward about it intentions from the beginning: gaming is for everyone. No one was lied to, betrayed, or mislead. Unlike 360 and PS3, the Wii has never focussed on graphical superiority, processing power, or a first-person based "system champion". Instead the Wii relies on a much older and more tried theory: having fun is for everyone.

For those who felt betrayed right from the beginning I say, quite frankly,lighten up. There is no such thing as "dilution" of gaming culture due to the Wii. This is exactly what the Wii is all about, allowing multiple types of person to have their own personal experiences with the system and with games in general. Worry not, little extremists, you are safe from the evil normies. You will not change your gaming lifestyle just because theres a hundred soccer moms out there playing Wii sports, and trust me they will probably never buy a 360 no matter how much they enjoy playing Wii. For now my advice to all those who feel Nintendo left them at the altar: instead of shooting down games designed to appeal to everyone, go buy one and play. My prediction is you'll have fun, and might even get a chance to convince someone other than your usual friends to hop on board and play a round with you.