Gaming goodies
Are you a gamer? Then this page full of franchise goodies based on the most popular video games should appeal to you. The world of video games has established itself as a form of leisure, an electronic sport, and even an art form for some. Merchandising is part of this, and you can surround yourself with posters, figurines and other licensed accessories. But what exactly is gaming?
Gaming culture
It was in the mid-1990s that gaming began to be recognised as a culture in its own right. This coincided with the massive arrival of 3D video games (Sony Playstation, Nintendo 64, Sega Saturn), as well as the popularisation of PC games.
The world of video games
Of course, video games had been around for some time, and had come a long way since the first Pong. But despite the efforts of the major brands and the undeniable qualities of the SNES, Mega Drive and portable consoles such as the Game Boy or Game Gear, video games were still seen as a simple pastime for children and teenagers.
With the arrival of 3D, everything changed. Firstly, children became adults and pursued their passion for video games through more immersive and complex games. Secondly, 3D games offered so many possibilities, such as Open World, not to mention the possibility of playing online via the internet.
From a small 2D electronic pastime played occasionally in the evenings, video games became a veritable arena for competition and even encounters. Different styles of gaming emerged, with e-sports enthusiasts at the top of the mountain.
What is a gamer?
Today, anyone who spends part of their free time playing video games is considered a gamer. The definition is very broad, because there are many differences between an hour or two of gaming at the weekend and competitive gamers who spend all day (or night) playing their games.
As a general rule, if you understand the language of gaming and play regularly, you're a gamer. A few examples?
What does AFK stand for? (It's an acronym for 'away from keyboard', meaning that the person can't play at the moment).
And the big topic of debate is what is a Noob (many people use this term to insult anyone who makes mistakes). Basically, you have to distinguish between a Noob and a Newbie. Newbies make mistakes because they're new to the game. The Noob has more experience, but makes the same mistakes as the Newbie).
Which gamer are you?
Gaming culture is divided into different types of gamer and their favourite games. Many video games can be played in different ways. Of course, at the base we find the casual gamer who can play anything but without seeking ultimate performance, fierce competition or complications.
The main categories are based on the following criteria:
So there's a big difference between the Tetris fan or the Super Mario speedrun champion, and the competitive beasts of Street Fighter or Call of Duty. Not to mention the competitive gamers who earn their living like professional sportsmen and women.
Which gamer are you?
All types of gamer can find accessories in our geek shop. Whether you're a casual gamer or an e-sport champion, you'll find something to suit you.
You'll find everything from modern games like World of Tanks to deliciously retro games like Space Invaders. We make no distinction between your skills and your desire to compete. Everyone is welcome, because gaming is a whole culture and shouldn't be subdivided.
After all, there are many people who take up gaming with the intention (primary or secondary) of belonging to a community and forging links. The rest of the distinctions will be used mainly to launch passionate debates, between Playstation and Xbox, between PC gaming and consoles... as in the good old days of the great 'war' between Nintendo and Sega.