Gaming Etiquette - Is there one?

Ok, so by admitting this, I'm sure I'll be placed into some nerd-like category but it's true - I enjoy many of the Xbox 360 games. Yes, I liked video games as a kid but there was only so much creativity that can be drummed up by the endless side-to-side motion of the spaceship or frog or whatever icon thingy at the bottom of the screen on the timeless classic that is, the Atari. Then, along came the newer game consoles where the figures are 3-D with great simulations, etc. and so, I've been hooked.

While I'm not the best at the games I play regularly, which include Football, Basketball, Texas Hold 'em, Zuma, Halo 2, Uno, and many others, I certainly wish that some of the people I encounter online, would realize that what we're doing is, quite simply, playing a GAME!

Seriously, people. What is it about a GAME that makes you want to scream profanities and racist comments at the other players when you lose? I repeat, it's a GAME. Maybe this is why people are so addicted to video games. It provides a way to unleash all of the anger and frustration from not being able to play, ahem, dare I say, REAL SPORTS. Or, even better, the jealousy from not being a participant on the World Poker Tour where you can play for, get this,, REAL MONEY?? Hmmm, I seem to have a theme going here.

Theme 1. It's a game that you're playing. Seriously. You're not in the REAL military inspiring your troops to do great things in battle to save your team and protect your country. Sure, you can get upset when you lose because after all, it is competition. However, to go on a tirade because you couldn't win and talk about assraping and mexicans and a whole slew of other indescribable offenses? Maybe you should use all of that frustration and energy to practice so that you can, oh say, maybe play better?!?

Theme 2. When playing a card game of some kind, you must realize that while it's an electronic form of the game, it is, and will always be, just cards. Also, when people speak to each other, even in a trash-talking way (mind you, trash talking is different than screaming profanities), it is always polite to respond. So many people act like they can't open their friggin' mouths to even say hello when the game first starts and a bunch of people are saying hi or whatever.

Again. It's cards. When you sit around a table to play a game, you usually have some interaction. Maybe the problem is that the socially insecure and rude bastards feel so much more comfortable playing a game because they are well hidden behind a machine, that they freeze up when communication is needed for game play, such as playing as partners in Uno, or trying to coordinate an offensive in basketball or football.

Here's a thought. Maybe we should all get out in the real world and play a REAL game like say touch football or get together with a bunch of friends with some beer to play cards one evening. You know, like REAL people and not a bunch of androids infront of a computer screen.

Sadly though, the lack of manners and oh heck - plain common sense - is not the most troubling to me as I can tune out ignoramuses. The part that really troubles me is that I hear young kids cursing and saying phrases like I mentioned previously as if it's a regular aspect of communication. I know, I know. Kids are supposed to be allowed some freedom to express themselves and what not. But, when I hear a little boy or girl on a game that is talking about assraping and other indecencies, it begs me to ask the question - where are these kids playing these games that no adult in their lives can hear what they're saying?

I'm not saying that parents are responsible for everything their child does or doesn't do - but wow - I think my profanity database has improved greatly due to Xbox 360 games so I'm much better equipped for my commute back and to work when I hit massive road rage. Thanks fellow gamers!