Has there ever been anything like it?

I don't think there's ever been a subculture as massive as that of the current MMO players. With over 20 million people and counting now active in MMOs? Online gaming is making a major impact upon the world.

Yet in many ways it remains a hidden subculture, something most people over age 40 are completely unfamiliar with. "Leveling," "the grind," "raids," "ganked," "gold farm," "real money trade" - words of a certain dialect understood only by those on the inside. Outsiders don't know what they're missing. Something about that disconnect bothers me. It feels at times as if there is a certain arrogance that goes along with the need not to know.


I was at a small film festival event the other night, and I was told I should meet someone "important" who "makes movies." I shook hands with the guy, sixty-ish and important looking, told him I was making a documentary. He looked interested and said "what's your topic?"

"MMO games" I replied, "you know, online computer games."

Well it was obvious he didn't know, as he uttered "How refreshing" without a hint of interest, immediately broke eye contact, and moved onto the next hand to shake. Refreshing? I'm gonna use that one sometime...refreshing.

So is it that computer games are something inconsequential, only played by kids, of no relevance to important adults in the entertainment business? If that's what he thinks, he needs a good dose of reality .