In an industry so reliant on word-of-mouth, online forums play an important role in advertising and selling video-games. From drip-fed information and media, to viral marketing sites, online forums are a hive of activity where games are either glorified or crucified, especially if they’re an exclusive title belonging to one system alone.
Video-Game Fanboys
The perpetrators of such extreme behaviour are often referred to as ‘fanboys’. If, for instance, a particular game on a particular system is referenced in a forum, fanboys, depending on their allegiance to said system, will either commend or denounce the game, citing its wonderful textures and anti-aliasing, or denouncing its poor frame-rate and low-polygon count.
But what is a fanboy? There isn't really an official definition for one, but Destructoid, a popular online video-game site, refers to them as: "Those who prove themselves obsessively loyal to any product or corporation can be found among many communities, and nowhere do they flourish more freely than within gamer culture".
Fanboys are irrational, biased and often hilarious, but despite their blatant favouritism, their role is so important for publishers. For example, the Xbox 360, despite boasting excellent online features and a varied library of games, it is, undeniably, a poorly made system, infamous for its vulnerability to breaking or malfunctioning. However, it has an outspoken community of fans, so-called ‘Xbots’, who stand by and protect their system regardless of its technical deficiencies.
Is it Right or Wrong to be a Fanboy?
Fanboys are mostly ignored on forums. They’re well-known, and provide more ridiculous hilarity than meaningful support. But the dilemma occurs when a certain game or system is praised or criticised, as to whether such remarks are the result of fanboyism, or are an actual, objective opinion.
Because opinions are the lifeblood of forums, the fuel that continues to power them in the twilight between conferences and expos. People, be they gamers, film-aficionados, sport-fanatics or other, post on forums to express their opinions, either to incite conversation or debate, or, simply, for the sake of it. And opinions are inherently subjective, so disagreeing with a fanboy’s opinion, regardless of whether it’s well-founded or not, is hypocritical.
Fanboy Motives
But what compels a fanboy to support their respective system? A common belief is that fanboys are employed by the manufacture they support, so, essentially, they’re just doing their job. Such fanboys must, and do, exist, and they’re allegiance is mostly obligated. But others, the irrational, biased types who’ll provoke unnecessary arguments, seem to derive their favouritism from nostalgic fascinations.
Like the man who meets his boyhood hero, only to discover he is far from the legend he once revered, fanboys’ allegiances often stem from a love for a system or product they remember from their childhood, and cannot bear to abandon something so ingrained in their very minds.
The Importance of Fanboys for Publishers
Publishers and manufacturers must love fanboys. Even if they make a colossal mistake, they know a loyal contingent of fans will come to their online aid, explaining how unavoidable the misstep was, how the damage isn’t as bad as it seems, and how there are a dozen more problems to pick apart on the opposite side. For those less versed in forum politics, fanboy remarks can be reassuringly hyperbolic.
Fanboys within Video-Game Sites
Another complaint directed at fanboys concerns their possible presence within video-game sites. Sites such as 1UP or IGN are regarded as a creditable source of information on video-games, summoned to exclusive conferences and provided with early previews and copies of hotly anticipated games.
The subject of whether they are biased towards one system or another is unfounded, as what are often cited are review scores. If a particular game receives either a high or low score, the fanboys on either side will either commend the site for their judgement, or condemn them for their blatant bias.
Despite being unfounded, it’s an interesting matter to discuss. Online sites are home to hundreds, if not thousands, of regular viewers, who base their purchases on what they have read. Online sites should be as objective as possible, analysing a game and considering its worth, regardless of the system it is exclusive to.
To be a Fanboy, or not be a Fanboy?
In the end, fanboys will always exist, angering as much as they amuse. Truthfully, almost everyone is a fanboy for something. Bias permeates every decision people make, but it can be tempered with reason and consideration. Online sites might give a certain game effusive praise simply because they liked it, not because they believe it might further the cause of the respective system or publisher.
Those who frequent forums and find themselves annoyed by the hysteria fanboys incite should be thankful that online and video-game wars are fought with words and wallets.
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