These types of threatening comments and behavior is commonplace in the toxic hardcore gaming world. It’s disgusting and disturbing and it’s something we deal with every day. We run a business in a small town and employee over 70 really great people. We are hated by this community of toxic hardcore gamers/resellers because we don't value the same things. We only sell authentic games, we cater to casual gamers, not who they feel are true gamers. Joey got very popular and him not being a true gamer got them upset. The gaming community is afraid of them and never calls it out. It’s ugly and the gaming community should be against it.

Toxic behaviors are rampant in the hardcore retro gaming world, and this controversy is getting worse. These ugly actions reflect poorly on the entire retro gaming hobby. As a valued member of our community, it's important for DKOldies to stand up for all gamers and retro gaming.

What Is Toxic in Retro Gaming?

Hurting More Than Just Feelings

Toxicity in gaming means being mean or hurtful to others. This is rampant in the retro gaming community where people discuss games on forums or social media. Toxicity does more than make gaming stressful and not fun; it can deeply hurt people, especially kids and new gamers, making them feel unwelcome and discouraged. Even worse, kids who see this behavior can be influenced and become bullies themselves. If this toxic behavior continues, the future will look down on this current behavior, and its ugliness will be reflected on the community and hobby as a whole.We all need to work together to create a positive environment for everyone.

Elitism and Gatekeeping

Hardcore retro gamers often think only those who are very skilled or know a lot about games are "real" gamers. They make fun of or exclude people who don’t meet their high standards. In retro gaming communities, experienced gamers might mock others for not knowing the history or trivia about games like "Super Mario Bros." or "The Legend of Zelda," calling them "stupid" or other hurtful names, making them not want to play. If you've ever felt excluded or belittled, know that you are not alone and that true gaming is about enjoyment and community.

Harassment and Verbal Abuse

Toxic retro gamers resort to name-calling, use slurs, and make threats when things don’t go their way. This creates a hostile environment and makes people not want to be part of the community. This toxic behavior can deeply hurt people and ruin the fun of gaming. If you’ve been a target of this behavior, remember that the problem lies with the bullies, not with you.

Discrimination

Sexism and racism are real problems in some retro gaming communities. Female gamers often face harassment just for being women. They might be targeted with offensive language and unwanted advances, making them feel unsafe and unwelcome. If you’ve faced discrimination, stand strong and seek out communities that value inclusivity and respect.

Why Does This Happen?

Understanding the Root Causes in Retro Gamers

Why does toxicity thrive in retro gaming? There are a few reasons:

• Anonymity: Being behind a screen makes people say things they wouldn’t normally say in person.
• Cultural Norms: In some gaming communities, toxic behavior has become normal, accepted and even promoted. (see Youtube and Discord sections below)

Understanding these reasons can help us address the problem. Awareness is the first step toward change. Together, we can foster a culture of respect and positivity.

Not All Hardcore Retro Gamers Are Toxic

Celebrate the Positive Hardcore Retro Gamers

Not all hardcore retro gamers are toxic. Many are passionate and love the history and knowledge of games. These values can lead to intense behavior, but not always toxic ones. Many hardcore retro gamers focus on the history and details of games, creating a friendly and helpful environment. Seek out and join these positive communities.

Toxic YouTube Creators and Discord Hosts

Be Cautious with YouTube and Discord

YouTube and Discord are popular places for gamers to share content and talk. But these platforms can lead young viewers into a toxic world. These are two of the worst places for toxicity, with Discord being the most dangerous.

Support Positive YouTube Commentators

Toxic YouTubers make videos by ranting, exaggerating, and even attacking other gamers. This influences young viewers to act the same way. Channels that focus on simply "attacking" or "demeaning" encourage followers to harass and attack. Supporting and consuming this content fuels the fire of toxicity. Be mindful of the content you consume and support creators who promote positivity.

Beware of Discord Communities

Discord is a chat app where gamers join servers for specific games. While many Discord communities are positive, many are absolutely not for children, contain adult content, are hidden from the public, and are extremely cult-like and toxic. Young gamers might join servers with good intentions and get pulled into a very dark and adult environment. Be cautious and aware of the risks involved with Discord.

"I would never ever let my kids on Discord. It can be a very dark and disturbing place."

Verbal Abuse and Harassment in Comment Sections

Recognize and Stand Against Toxic Comments

Toxic comments on social media are a big problem. Comment sections can quickly become places for personal attacks. Someone might post a video or opinion about a game and be met with exaggerated or extreme criticisms, linked with personal attacks. These attacks can be hurtful and discouraging, especially for younger gamers. If you encounter this, know that the community needs your voice to stand up against such negativity.

Support Victims of Harassment

Negative comments and relentless harassment can drive people away. For instance, a female gamer might post about her experiences and face harassment, making her feel unwelcome. If you see this happening, consider how you can stand up against it and support those being targeted.

Recognize and Resist Group Mobbing

Groups of toxic users can gang up to overwhelm and intimidate someone in the comments. They spam negative comments, report posts maliciously, and create a hostile environment, forcing the targeted person to leave the platform or stop sharing content. Recognize the power of group dynamics and strive to foster positivity. Your support for those being targeted can make a big difference. Joining a mob is the easiest thing to do, but "The man who needs a mob to nerve him is much more alone than he imagines." Please be kind to them.

How DKOldies Exemplifies the Positive

DKOldies: A Beacon of Positivity in the Retro Gaming World

At DKOldies, we believe in a positive and inclusive gaming community. Here’s how we promote good vibes:

• Welcoming Environment: We strive to make everyone feel welcome, regardless of their gaming experience or background.
• Engaging Content: Our content is designed to be fun and informative, celebrating the joy of gaming without negativity.
• Customer Interaction: We prioritize respectful and supportive interactions with our customers, fostering a positive community.
• Positive Reinforcement: We highlight and reward positive behavior within the community, encouraging others to follow suit.
• Educational Initiatives: We provide resources and support to help everyone learn and grow, promoting a healthy and inclusive gaming culture.

Conclusion

Let's Make Retro Gaming Better Together

Toxicity in the retro gaming community is a serious issue. It affects the enjoyment and mental health of many people. By understanding the problem and promoting positive behavior, we can create a more welcoming and fun gaming experience for everyone. At DKOldies, we’re committed to standing against bullies and making the gaming community a better place for everyone, not just for hardcore gamers. It's one big reason why DKOldies is the most hated video game store in the world. Remember, games are meant to be fun and inclusive, so let’s work together to make gaming better for everyone. If you love retro gaming, join us in standing against toxicity and making the community better for all.

To learn more about why DKOldies is for everyone not just hardcore gamers. Additionally, To understand the challenges we face in our commitment to inclusivity. By recognizing and standing against toxicity, we can ensure that retro gaming remains a beloved and positive hobby for future generations. Let’s make retro gaming better together. Are you ready to be part of the solution?

WARNING

These images can be graphic.

We are showing them to highlight how bad
things can get when left unchecked and unconfronted.