Gamer Bushido Virtues: Respect

Edit: This ended up being one big post instead of seven. Just skip ahead for all seven bushido virtues. 

Gamer culture has become toxic.  I know we can do better (back in my day...), so to that end I offer you this seven part series applying the virtues of Bushido to gaming.  Why Bushido? Because chivalry is dead :)

What are the seven virtues of Bushido?
-Rectitude
-Courage
-Benevolence
-Respect
-Honesty
-Honor
-Loyalty

Respect thy fellow gamer
Respect your fellow gamer's choices.  Just because they choose not to use the mathematically proven best build/load out/whatever does not warrant disrespect.  Maybe they have found a trick that works better than the "best" method known.  Maybe this method just works better with their play style.  Maybe they just find this method more enjoyable to play.  Whatever their reasons, do not harass them about their choice.

Respect your fellow gamer for who they are.  Gamers can be male or female or anything in between or outside of that.  They can be of any skin color, sexual orientation, creed, name, or any other variable of human.  If non-humans ever become gamers, let them have their fun too.

Respect your fellow gamer regardless of skill level.  Brandishing a new player to a game as a nub/n00b/newb/etc. will only exclude new players from getting into what you love - which will shorten its lifespan (especially in these days of online games and server shutdowns).  Why is LoL more popular than HoN?  Because new players were welcomed, not shouted at with such vile filth that they found something else to play.  On the other side of this coin, do not insult a less skilled player by going easy on them unless they request it.

Respect your fellow gamer's tastes.  Maybe you like Sony and the like Nintendo.  Maybe you like CoD and they like Battlefield.   Maybe they like RPGs, JRPGs, Puzzlers, Horror, Facebook games, or mobile games.  Whatever game they like, letting them enjoy it will not make you enjoy your games less.  Respect their tastes, and be open to discuss quality.  I enjoy Mr. Mosquito for its unique and wacky experience, but I am also one of the first to admit it's an awful game.

Respect your game developers.  Game development is a long and arduous task that is riddled with bureaucracy.  Do not send hate mail their way.  Do not send death threats their way.  Understand how much of their life they pour into these creations.

Respect the non-gamers. They have their own past times and hobbies.  If they don't understand games, they won't want to if gamers treat them poorly.  If all they see is the exclusive and toxic culture we have now, why wouldn't they think less of us?

See you next week.