DictionaryPlus is a user on octodon.social. You can follow them or interact with them if you have an account anywhere in the fediverse. If you don't, you can sign up here.

I don't buy the notion that the push for optional easy modes in games is the cause of obsessive gamers bitching about "filthy casuals". Nobody is forcing the obsessives to play on easy mode.

I prefer to think that obsessive gamers who complain about "filthy casuals" are entitled assholes trying to be gatekeepers.

@starbreaker I couldn't agree more! The gaming community is full of people who seem to hold to the notion that they're part of some elite club. I believe the wonderful hobby of gaming should be accessible to all.

@DictionaryPlus @ayachan I don't mind online coop as long as I don't have to actually talk to anybody.

Take Destiny 2 as an example. I can do all of the multiplayer without talking to anybody; it consists mainly of follow the other players, shoot the aliens, and revive them if they go down and you can get to them. This even applies in team pvp since I don't have to worry about friendly fire.

Likewise for Dark Souls. Even PVP can be fun because of the dueling culture that's sprung up.

@starbreaker @DictionaryPlus Precisely! Splatoon 2 and Splatoon for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Wii U, respectively, are exactly the same. The first game had no chat option and the second game only allows chat in private play groups.

Those sorts of online games where you don't communicate actively are absolutely the best.

@DictionaryPlus @starbreaker Oh, I don't mind multiplayer so much if you're playing with the right people (read: your friends and loved ones). Outside of that, it can be pretty awful; I am thankful that none of the games I play require me to actively communicate with jerks.

@starbreaker @DictionaryPlus Well, for what it's worth, I think you're pretty awesome. ^-^;;

Do American men not have friends in this day and age? Being a Japanese-Hawaiian girl, I really don't know much about the experiences of American men.

@starbreaker @DictionaryPlus I think the Salon article you shared put it best: "men desire the same level and type of intimacy in their friendships as women, but they aren’t getting it."

I've spent a great deal of time studying the effects of toxic masculinity on society as a whole...including its impact on other men. Seeing stuff like this doesn't really surprise me, although it does break my heart. :(

Thanks for sharing.

@ayachan @DictionaryPlus You're welcome.

I've been fortunate in that I have a strong and enduring friendship with my wife, but keeping that relationship alive hasn't been easy because I never properly learned the skills for doing so.

Having cats helps a bit, too.

@starbreaker Fantastic. ^_^ I'm glad you have such a good, tight-knit support network in your life.

@ayachan @starbreaker my closest friend are all females. I just feel a closeness with them that I want in a friendship over males. I do have a few guy friends whose company I enjoy, but, it is difficult for me to enter into a conversation with them right off the bat.

It’s weird.

@DictionaryPlus @ayachan Talk about the wrong things with guys, and the homophobia kicks in. It's ridiculous.