When did this happen exactly?

It seems like the insult of the day is “elitist”. The cry of every player who does not like a statement, attitude, or expression is called down for being “an elitist snob”.  I don’t understand it. In large part, my confusion comes from the fact that most of the time, the player being “insulted” is expressing a base concept of competition, and a desire for a level of competence acceptable to them. However, the current trend seems to be that “casual” is the prefered play style, and if you’re not doing that way, you’re doing it wrong!

I’ll be the first to admit that jack-asses can be found across all spectrums of player types. From the super-casual to the ultra-hardcore. The first kind is probably far less likely to make an appearance due to their general lack of time spent interacting with the community, but in-game, they can still be found. But the “term” elitist doesn’t necessarily have to be inextricably tied to “hardcore” does it?

It seems as if whenever I do see someone being called an “elitist” it’s because they are reinforcing and advocating their style of play and the quality they strive for. If a guild says, “Sorry, we’re not taking any more Shadow Warriors.” they’ll get called out for being jerks. The reality is, this is a competitive game, and people taking winning seriously. Just as in sports, who you recruit to the team has an impact on your level of success. Should the White Sox (okay, maybe a bad example) start recruiting fresh out of highschool players for every major position? Or do you take someone proven to fulfill a specific role in the organization?

I don’t know, I guess I don’t understand the animosity that seems to be directed in general towards gamers who spend a lot more time and invest a lot more concern into their gaming. I’ve had to take a significantly more casual approach to my gameplay since my daughter was born, and I don’t harbor animus towards those who can play every day, for eight hours a day. I also don’t have a sense of entitle towards participation in various activities in game, or towards loot acquisition. I may get frustrated if I lose repeatedly, but it’s the frustration at myself for losing, not at the other person for winning. That may be the real differential.

People get angry at “elitists” for their success. It’s the only thing that makes sense to me.

Bah, I feel like shit, so this was probably uber-rambly.