The Definition of “Backseat Gaming”

Sharing is caring!

What is it that compels us to always want to prove ourselves even when there is no need for it?

Why is it that when we see someone do something, we feel that we can still do it better?

And, what part of us feels infuriated whenever we see someone do something inefficiently?

If you’re unclear on what I mean, let me give you a few examples to make my point.

Anytime you are driving your car and have friends with you, does it ever happen that one of your friends starts commenting on your driving?

Maybe, they don’t like the way you take turns, or perhaps, they feel that you speed too much. Whatever their thought is, they will be sure to let you know it. They are called backseat drivers.

And, if you’ve ever been in a public park, one with many kids playing on the swings or going down the slides, you must have seen some mothers critiquing the parenting styles of other mothers, claiming that they’re not doing a good enough job or that they’re spoiling their child too much.

And, these parents, the ones doing the critiquing, are more likely than not to let their opinions be known to the rest of the park, making them backseat parents.

Backseat gamers are guilty of the same thing backseat parents and backseat drivers are. Let’s see how.

 

What is the meaning of “backseat gaming”?

“Backseat gaming” is when someone watches someone else play a game and keeps commenting on every move the player is making. And, these remarks don’t necessarily have to be verbal. The backseat gamer could just sigh or gasp every time the player makes a move, and that would be enough to get under the player’s skin.

 

What qualifies as “backseat gaming”?

So, are all comments made by someone not playing the game considered as backseat gaming?

Not necessarily. If the player specifically asks for advice or at the very least welcomes it, then the other person’s remarks can’t be considered as “backseat gaming.” But, if those same exact remarks are unsolicited and unwelcomed, that’s when it becomes “backseat gaming.”

Here are a few examples to drive the point home.

 

The problem with “backseat gaming”

For those of you who haven’t tried it, “backseat gaming” can be irritating, if not infuriating, for the player trying to enjoy the game.

For one thing, there’s a real sense of accomplishment to completing a game on your own. The sense of overcoming the game’s challenges, figuring out its puzzles, and completing its story are all rewarding.

But, backseat gaming can rob you of these things, especially when they give you a solution that you would have rather figured out on your own.

Another problem is that backseat gaming can deprive you of the immersive experience that most games offer. To see this, imagine watching a movie with someone.

Now, you’ve never seen this movie, but they’ve seen it a hundred times. So, as the movie is playing along, your friend keeps chiming in every few seconds with comments like “oooh… you’re gonna love this next part,” “you can skip the next few minutes, nothing happens.

Instead, jump to minute 56 where there is an awesome fight,” and “that character definitely deserves to die.” Do you really think that you have a chance in hell of enjoying the movie?

The third issue is that “backseat gamers” rarely appreciate different playing styles. They believe that their playing style is optimal, and everything else is inferior.

However, this isn’t always the case, and a large part of enjoying a game comes from developing a unique style of play to the game.

Over and above, many “backseat gamers” develop a maddening habit. When anything good happens to you in the game, they will be quick to take credit for it.

On the other hand, any time something bad happens to you, they will point out that it was because you failed to follow their advice to a tee.

 

How to deal with “backseat gamers”?

You have to start by being clear on what counts as “backseat gaming.” As mentioned earlier, some advice can be helpful, especially if you ask for it.

However, once you’ve defined what counts as “backseat gaming” to you, you can act accordingly.

If you’re the victim of “backseat gaming,” there are a few things you want to do. First off, you want to try to block the “backseat gamer.”

Otherwise, you’re setting yourself up for an annoying experience. If you can’t block them out and there’s no way of avoiding them, you might want to stop playing until they leave.

 

What to do if you’re the “backseat gamer”?

One problem that most “backseat gamers” face is that they don’t realize that they are “backseat gamers.”

Another problem, one that applies to really good gamers, is that it can be difficult to watch a novice or beginner play the game horribly and refrain from just shouting advice at them. Ergo, the first step is admitting that there’s a problem.

And, to prevent themselves from robbing the gamer of the fun of the game, you should never volunteer to play the game for the other person, and you shouldn’t accept the controller if they offer it to you.

After all, you were a beginner once too, and you got good by making a ton of mistakes in the game. Let them enjoy that journey.

To avoid shouting tips or comments, you might want to distract yourself somehow. You can read a magazine, talk to someone else in the room, or play with your phone.

Moreover, if you can’t even distract yourself, you might be doing yourself and the gamer a favor by leaving the room.

You might think you have a handle on things and are able to distract yourself, but it is worth noting that even seeming stressed or apprehensive on your part can ruin the player’s experience.

Furthermore, your attitude could make the player anxious, causing them to play worse, which will only irritate you more.

And, if you really want to give advice, then you have to ask for permission first. You should only give help when it is welcomed.

Also, if you are interested in gaming-related terminology, have you ever heard about the term “glass cannon“? If not, give it a read!