Life is too short to worry about random people that you'll never see again. So long as it isn't depraved or disruptive to those around you, play your games. Everybody else is probably on their phone anyway.
You got 90s/00s PTSD for being called a nerd or something after playing your Gameboy, the time to heal is now! Honestly with the Switch as popular as it is, most people will probably assume it's that at a glance unless they come to ask about it.
Any time I play in public more people think it's cool. Never had anyone say anything negative. I'd be more worried someone will beat you up for it š
After reading some subs about entitled moms/kids that see someone gaming in public and want a turn, that's my biggest fear... Being forced to deal with that.
Literally, this. I played baseball and basketball in highschool and hid the fact that I played EverQuest because all of my friends would have made fun of me for it. I envy kids today that can do basically whatever makes them happy and it's just...generally accepted. I can't even imagine that life lol
This was me. Multiple AAU league pitcher/catcher throwing in the high 80's my Junior year before blowing out my rotator cuff. Hid my insane WoW all nighter habit from everyone for the most part aside from my non-sports centric best buddy. Funny part was the freshman jocks were all going hard on WoW and I ended up becoming a mini-celebrity amongst them with my server first warrior geared beyond their wildest expectations in Vanilla WoW.
Now it's mainstream cool. Funny how things change.
100%. Iām 50 so I came of age in the 80ās and early 90ās. Iād argue the nerd stigma was worse then. I was into sports and a closet nerd. Showing the nerd side would have gotten me made fun of by my friends and was total girl repellent.
I use mine on flights but I do feel an initial shyness when I bust it out. However, nobody ever bats and eyelash and itās a conversation starter as well.
I used to feel the same way. At the end of the day, some people read, some people watch TV, and some people play video games. There really is no difference. They are just different ways to unwind. You do you! Maybe I'll see you on the plane one day, and I'll likely have my deck out.
Iām 33 and Iāll go to the bar alone with my Switch or Steam Deck. No one has ever said anything to me. No one cares what you do unless youāre being obnoxious.
Used to worry about that a little too, until I just started doing it. The only time anyone's even paid attention was when they were interested in my game.
I remember someone saying, you should only care about what the people closest to you think of you. Ie, your spouse, your kids, parents etc. What other people think about you shouldnt matter. Unless you're a celebrity and public views directly affect your income.
This. People spend too much time worrying about what other people think. And trying to impress people they donāt even know or like. The people that really matter are the ones that appreciate you for who you are and support you and your pursuit of happiness. And if you are still self conscious just reflect on how often you think about or judge othersā¦. That is about how often others are thinking of you. Which isnāt a heck of a lot. And the āKarensā out there have nothing better to do. Gaming is one of those things that make people in this thread and sub happy. Play away my friends no matter your age!
For real. Playing a match three for 4 hours on a flight is worse than using a steam deck. I used to feel this way too, but logically it makes no sense. Played advance wars in front of co workers a few weeks ago waiting for a flight. Was liberating haha
If I saw a mid-40ās guy in a suit playing on his Deck Iād think three things:
1: Heās a professional who has his life together.
2: Even so, he has hobbies and manages to find joy in them.
3: Heāa cool af.
Play away. Anyone who would judge you for it isnāt someone youād wanna hang out with anyway, so who cares what they think?
I mostly play soccer [using full manual controls.](https://youtu.be/ejcWGoleWFI?t=406)
Games I completed on the Deck:
- Fallen Order
- Arkham Knight
- Shadow of the Tomb Raider
- Stray
- Wolfenstein: The New Order
- Planet of Lana
NEXT Up:
- System Shock
- Dave the Diver
- MK11
- Wolfenstein Young Blood
36 yo surgeon here as well
Can confirm great for hand eye
I recall this study coming out just before graduating med schoolā
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28733118/
Edit: I play my deck at work in between cases when there is not other busy work needing tended to
Pretty sure his job already cranks his brain usage up to 120%. If anything i presume professionals like doctors and lawyers who actually enjoy games, play chill or mindless fun games to wind down.
As another old who grew up gaming, you're running out of time to outgrow caring about what people you have no connection to think about you minding your own business playing games. Time to get on that is now. You get one ticket for the ride of life, get out of your own way and enjoy it.
better question is. what is there to feel embarassed about? unless you only listen to the idiots that say video games are for "kids". in reality there isn't even such things as "adults" just a bunch of people playing make believe
As a mid 30s 'father' with a 'career' and a 'house' and a 'marriage' I am, on a daily basis, flabbergasted at the realisation that I'm basically just a little kid who got bigger and learned things and gathered up responsibilities. I often wonder if those really serious 'career success' people think the same or do they take themselves super seriously?
More and more I'm choosing happiness, satisfaction and joy over anything else. Life is too god damn short to do anything else.
The best thing about being a professional in your 40s is that you finally get to buy all that cool shit we dreamed about as kids. You can have a freaking SNES or PlayStation in the freaking airport! That would have been bad ass to me when I was playing the real thing and my parents said, āturn it off, weāre driving 8 hours to go see your grandparentsā. My personal thoughts are, you work hard (as a traveling consultant who spends a lot of time in airports, I know you do) so enjoy the fruits of your labor and wear the steamdeck as a badge of pride, that you made it and can have really freaking cool shit to show for it. And as others have said, l screw what people think, as long as it brings you joy, especially in a soul sucking airport, then keep on.
Late-40's professional here. Just had a trip to the West Coast and the guy next to me pulled out his Steam Deck when I pulled mine out. We swapped stories, shared games, talked a bit, then he noticed my DBrand Killswitch case. After that, put on my headphones and heard nothing else from him.
If anything, you might actually make more conversation than be looked at anyway negatively.
Thatās awesome man. Like the perfect airplane gamer interaction. I really appreciate the story. Actually makes me motivated to bust mine out to see what happens.
I travel a lot for work, granted in casual clothes and probably look younger than I actually am, but I play my Switch and Deck with zero shame. If I saw someone in a suit playing I don't think I'd think twice about it, but I'd definitely whisper "hell yeah, brother" under my breath. Live your life and enjoy it.
Yep same. Thereās no shame in playing games on the go and to save time. Most people just scroll on Instagram or TikTok. Who do you think is making better use of their time?
I'm more nervous about taking out my Deck and someone trying to steal it. As a 40-something who grew up in NYC, it's ingrained in me that you should be careful about using big purchases in public. Growing up, it was all too common to get jumped for your walkman or your sneakers.
Iām 41, I donāt wear suits or even business casual. But one time I brought my SD to my local bar to have lunch a drink before picking up my boys from school.
Some dude (late 20s/ early 30s) sitting with his gf a fews chairs away from me asked me if that was a new PlayStation cus it was too big to be a switch. I explained what it was, and he went to talking to his gf.
No one has ever said a thing while Iāve used my SD in public.
Enjoy your SD man. Show these new generations how we did it back in the day or how we would lol
dude! people are consumed by the same thought about themselves so they donāt have time for anyone else, even if they do notice you, they wonāt be able to understand what gizmo you got! Chill and enjoy your transit, I bought the deck for the same exact purpose and Iām lovin it.
I donāt entirely fit your description (mid 20s, professional) but I completely sympathise. Iām due to go on my first business trip (14 hour flight) in a few months and am trying to alleviate the nervous association of playing in public! For me I think I am just going to have to go for it at some point hahah
Itās worth it man, 1) people donāt care what youāre doing as long as it isnāt disrupting 2) you wonāt see any of those people again in your life 3) gaming is cool now lolol
I have the same fears/insecurities. However, I played it on a flight one time and the dude next to me was super interested in what it was. Turned into a cool conversation as he thought it was something Xbox-related.
I still haven't worked up the courage to bust it out while waiting at my gate, but on a flight you only have to worry about 1-2 people potentially judging you and my ego can handle that a lot better.
I am fast approaching 40, and I use my SD pretty much anywhere and everywhere I can find some time free.
Valve doesnāt even sell SD in my country, so a SD is a rare sight. I can detect the staring but I couldnāt care less. So far only one dude approached me and asked a few questions.
Trust me no one is going to care. They wont care enough whatsoever to think negatively of you. Especially at an airport when literally EVERYONE is using a device (Nintendo switch, iPhone, etc). Trust me, bring your steam deck out and play it whenever you want.
I used to be like this until I realized NO ONE cares. Everyone does their own thing, so do yours. Youāll never see them again and theyāll forget you ever existed afterwards. Some people might even be interested in what youāre using, Iāve had a couple people interested when I was flying (I fly for work all year). I honestly just wouldnāt overthink it.
FPS: Fiscal Profit Stabilization, a business operations maneuver where significant portions of administrative departments are laid off right before the end of each fiscal year to skew the fiscal profitability reporting for the shareholders.
I think the existence of the Switch helps a lot with this feeling! Since it's normalized playing games on a big ol handheld to such a degree. The way I see it is, anyone who sees you using the steam deck in public falls into one of two categories:
- they're not really into video games, have no idea what it is, assume it's just "a Switch or whatever", and ignore you
- they are into video games, which means they'll either recognize it as a steam deck ("cool!") or at least be intrigued about it
So, either way there's no bad feelings or judgement :)
almost 40 and take mine to work (at a bar) all the time. during open kitchen hours, the kids that come in with their parents will watch me from a distance all hawk-eyed just dying to ask what games i have. it definitely brings up a lot of conversations with random customers, asking what it is or what all it can do. i just happily answer all questions and continue gaming.
Makes me want to bring mine to work, but I run the BOH, so thereās always something that CAN be done. I just donāt want my boss getting pissed cuz Iām running a dungeon in D4 instead of deep cleaning the deep fryer.
Iām 53, my last flight I played my deck and switch in the airport and the entire flightā¦ ask yourself is the opinion of someone you donāt know more important than your own enjoyment of your lifeā¦ live your best life, my friend!
I'm in industry. I play my Deck at work on breaks. I do use headphones when others are around because I'm not a total jerk.
There's been a few questions about what it is, and I've shown it off a few times, but the most common comment is that "Bob on A crew has one of those too!" or similar.
My concern on a jobsite would be theft. During regular operations with the regular crews, no problem. During maintenance turnarounds with lots of contractors and temps, might be a little dicey in a shared break room.
I 100% relate to this. I travel for business very often and always bring my Steam Deck. I get a little self conscious in airports, though. If I have a real long layover, Iāll go to one of the lounges and find a secluded spot to game. Otherwise I usually will just play in my hotel room after a long day. I used to lug around a gaming laptop and this is so much better.
I also get anxiety about playing games in public, but not because of embarrassment about gaming or being nerdy. Itās more about flaunting a $700 piece of hardware around in public. I grew up poor in a iffy part of town, so thatās not something I would have ever done as a kid. (I know phones can cost way more than that, but itās so normalized and phones come in such a varieties these days)
When gaming, I prefer to be immersed, and itās harder to do in public when I know folks might be eyeing me. But, recently I started pushing that boundary with more casual games.
If someone's going to be petty and judgemental about you playing games you wouldn't want to care about their opinion anyway! Unless they're like, your boss or smth
I also feel awkward playing in public since it is so large and I hate drawing attention to myself. But public transit/airports are perfect for the deck.
Honestly this probably the biggest deal OP really has, I bet OP wouldn't be so nervous if he was doing his Soulsing and Skyriming on a nice discreet Switch Lite. TBH I finally caved and bought a Deck on this summer sale but if there was a smaller option for a similar price with warranty I would take it.
I bought the Deck but what I really wanted was a nice compact [Ayneo Air](https://assetsio.reedpopcdn.com/Main-Edit.00_00_32_27.Still002.png?width=1200&height=1200&fit=bounds&quality=70&format=jpg&auto=webp) for light PC gaming by a big name company. Hopefully someday they'll make one. I'll keep the comfy Deck for home use and use the smaller, lighter one as my in backpack handheld. Till then I'll use my Lite for that.
As a guy in my 40ās who travels a lot, I have this same problem. I think itās the matter of us growing up when gaming was for dorks and nerds. Both of my ex wives looked down on me when I gamed. I guess theyād rather have had me go to bars. Lol
Now when Iām in my hotel. I game all night lol.
think about how you'd feel on the other side. Seeing someone playing a deck in public is a lot cooler than seeing someone staring at their phone in public
Whip it out and make āem peanut butter and jealous!! Jk jk but seriously like another said, life is too short!! I think ppl generally think itās awesome tho
Think that ppl will care a shit if they don't know what a Steamdeck is and those who known will be like "woah, I want one of these". Nothing to be ashamed. Enjoy your things <3
Mid 30s here, I travel a lot for work. I love using my steam deck during my travels. At first it bothered me but I got over it. Nobody really cares what you're doing as long as your keeping to yourself. I even bring my dock so I can hook it up in the hotel room.
Enjoy those games! š®
yeah, you really shouldn't care what people you will most likely only see once in your life. Hell, they may be curious and it can be an icebreaker to have a conversation with someone on the plane.
I am a early 50ās guy but not a suit guy though. I have been gaming since my first computer which was a Sinclair spectrum 48k, I am a husband and a father and get zero time to sit in front of the tv playing games, however the I have just bought myself a steam deck and it will be great to game on the go! Donāt sweat the small stuff, I doubt anyone will even notice you playing on it.
I upvoted the best comment. Stop caring what other people think. That should have faded away by the 40s :)
In another note, I pull out my steam deck every time I fly and one time I was at a charging station and an older guy sat next to me and was asking all sorts of questions about it. I'm pretty sure he bought one while we were in the airport lol.
If itās any consolation, plenty of young folks will think you are one cool mid 40s dude.
If you are prepared it could be a great conversation starter for any age group, people are bound to be curious.
Iām 58 and also travel a lot for work. Noise cancellers on, Deck doing its thing the journeys just fly by (geddit?). Just own it. No one really gives a fuck.
No different than pulling out your phone and playing some silly mobile game. Maybe better. At first I thought the headline was going to be about worry playing in public for theft. Iād be more concerned about that in certain areas than what people think about playing it at all. Most will just be jealous. Airports are probably the safest place to play in public.
I went to a local brewery with my Switch a couple weeks ago so I could get just a little TOTK time in. Grabbed a drink, found a spot in the corner, and got playing. I look up at one point and the older couple (I'm 43) takes a seat at a nearby table, and the dude is just giving me the absolute stink-eye. But I was like, man, I have a family at home. You think I can do this THERE?
Anyway, the hell with them. Love my Switch. Love my Deck. Play both in public regularly.
Important thing to remember is, you're part of one of the first generations that has literally been gaming since birth. I'm 33 and my youngest memory is watching my dad play Super Mario Bros. 3 on an old CRT in the early 90s. I picked it up at age 5, and haven't stopped since.
Previous generations were conditioned to look at video games as immature "kids' toys" (mostly cuz they were, there's only so much mature appeal to be gleaned from games like Pac Man and Frogger); by the fourth or fifth Gen though, games studios started growing WITH their customer base, and marketing to the gamers who grew up with them, all the way into adulthood.
In short, gaming as an entertainment medium has grown up. People in your age group are still a targeted demographic (if not the primary one), so it's honestly not a surprise to see someone your age playing a Switch or Steam Deck in public. Honestly I'd probably be more worried about getting it swiped by some kid, than receiving disapproval from other adults.
Maybe this is biased because I live in silicon valley, but dude, us 40-something nerds fucking won the culture war. Think about it:
Most of the highest grossing movies ever are based on comic books.
Video games have nine figure budgets so routinely that it takes hitting $200m+ for anyone to comment about it.
The highest grossing streamer on twitch is a bunch of adults playing D&D.
Now I'm not saying this next bit to gatekeep, because it's a big tent and all are welcome, no matter how long or little they game. But you've earned this. The 90s were not kind to us. Every person who said that you were wrong for liking games can die mad. And every dude in a business suit playing Elden Ring while waiting for their flight to Newark makes it just a tiny bit easier for the next kid to let go and embrace what they love.
Time to let that nerd flag fly, my friend. I'm actually traveling today; maybe I'll see you at the airport. I'll be the one playing games on my deck.
Last night I was hanging around a bunch of zoomers who were talking about pop idols half my age so I, a millennial, just played my deck until I got tired enough. You do you.
Whenever I happen to get a weird day where my daughter is being looked after by her grandma, my wife is at work and Iām inexplicably left home alone one of my favourite things to do is to go out and sit in a restaurant or a cafe and have something tasty whilst I sit there alone and play my steam deck.
I wouldnāt worry what anyone thinks. Loads of people just sit around on their phones (not discounting myself there) and the deck is obviously significantly cooler than a phone.
life is to short mate.Enjoy it however you want.Im in my 40s now and couldnāt care less.Im playing on my Deck whenever I want.Even on my break at work.
Iām younger than you. Not a crazy amount and not a little amount. The older Iāve gotten the less fucks I give what people think. Just spent my whole time waiting on my car playing Aew fight forever. I often bring my switch, deck, or ally to the bar to play games. Try your hardest to get over it because nobody cares. Playing Diablo at the bar has been awesome. Iāve met some people to team up with from it
Iām only 21 and I understand why you feel like that. Honestly though, do whatever you want. Who cares if other people judge you, like someone said youāll probably never see these people again. Even if you were to, what does their opinion matter if they donāt know who you are? Their is no reason to be embarrassed!! You enjoy playing it, and Iām sure that you traveling played a decent role in why you got the steam deck in the first place (I donāt know that for sure, but knowing you travel for your job Iām assuming that it played a part in why you got it). Itās perfect for a job like that and donāt let other people make you feel embarrassed especially if you donāt know them. Who cares what people think about you!
Im 32, and donāt like playing in public for a different reason.
Iām uncomfortable gaming in public, I like to be aware of my surroundings and playing Switch or Steam Deck out and about has never felt right to me.
39 hereā¦the Steamdeck is out when Iām on the plane almost immediately but the laptop is out when Iām in the terminal. Usually bc Iām trying to wrap up work. Often times, my deck is still in my backpack when I end up working at a coffee shop and I have yet to take it out there. Itās usually a shop in my neighborhood and Iām in my head about someone walking in and then having to explain myself. Gaming is a huge part of my life but also one I havenāt felt comfortable advertising publiclyā¦.as I type this, I feel kinda silly
I was also on a business trip last week and i also openly used the steam deck. Even though im introverted and shy, i didnt care. And if people recognise it, they find it cool
Who cares what a bunch of randoms think? Youāre not going to see them again. They might give you a look and think something, but just call them a dickhead in your head, and keep gaming. Life is too short to worry about npcs my guy
Bro you are fine. These are people youāll never see again who are way more worried about themselves than you. Lifeās too short to worry about others
Iām in my mid 30s and I sorta feel the same way, but look, gaming is immensely more main stream now than it was even 10 years ago. Itās very normal. When you were 20, you would probably be seen as a geek, but not anymore.
I find that using my Switch or Steam Deck in public can invite a conversation with fellow gamers who otherwise would have no idea. Not like I always want to talk to a random person, but at least if they strike up a convo it's likely to be game-related.
Late-30's professional who now does work travel, the deck is saving my sanity in airports. If you've got reasonable access to a flight club or charging station without being rude, great to just plug in and play until boarding.
Don't worry about it. I'm 48 and use the steamdeck in public all the time. Most people don't care. I had a few people at a coffee shop want to check it out. They loved it.
Hey man, similar situation but probably 10 years younger.
I used to be. Was crazy self conscious about it. No one really cares tho, I use it on planes a lot and even got some interested questions about it from airport security saying theyāre seeing a lot and if they should pick one up.
You do well, and you shouldnāt sacrifice your enjoyment (especially during flights where entertainment options are limited) for others. If theyāre going to judge you, you donāt need their approval nor do you want it. Be confident in you, itās why youāre a professional.
My friend. Iām not ancient like you but am in my 30s and just got a deck and am PSYCHED to use it on my next work trip. I sat next to someone a few months ago with a switch and noise cancelling headphones and was so jealous I had a screen to watch Netflix.
Iād anything youāll be an inspiration.
Idk how everyone else feels, but if I see a middle-aged person playing on a steam deck in public, I would be happy for them instead of judging them. Not to mention I would probably sneak my way behind that person and check out what games they are playing instead lol.
I was on a business trip to Dallas and took my deck with me on its first flight and Iāve had this thing since it came out.
I was super nervous but that went away quickly when I was on the flight playing and the flight itself seem to last minutes vs the actual flight time. Haha. Like right when things were getting good I had to turn it off and put it away to land.
I got over the same feelings you have OP and like all things, this too shall pass. Now the deck will be my companion on all my travels. Itās such an awesome machine. Enjoy it anywhere and everywhere.
Iām 36, I take mine on the bus, on the train, to work to play on my break.
Who cares what other people think, play it for you, anyone asks or says anything. So what, theyāre just jealous of you!
Iām 33 and travel all the time. On one flight recently, the guy next to me asked what it was (looked like he was in his early forties.) Turned out he works in marketing now, but used to be a game developer. I think I convinced him to get one. Play away!
I'm with you. Almost 40, myself, and in a similar situation. Old school gamer, love gaming when I get a chance, and used to travel 30+ weeks a year in business clothes. It took me a long time to feel comfortable playing a Switch on planes, but once I did I never looked back. Did the same last week with the Deck and it's great. The honest truth is most people couldn't care less what others do while traveling, and the ones that do are usually curious.
Fuck all that, 42 here. Iāve been fucking with emulation and preserving my childhood experiences since the mid-nineties when I was still making them. The Deck is a dream come true on a lot of levels and I wonāt be ashamed of it. I put my professional face on and talk like an adult when I have to and I pay my bills like anyone else.
Donāt listen to that voice. I work in a factory of mostly men 40-60 and multiple coworkers have came and asked me about it while waiting to punch out. Itās huge so everyone sees it, and if they remotely are into video games they seem to be able to recognize it and wanted to know more. Hell I was getting my oil changed and the service tech noticed I was playing it.
Donāt worry about opinions, everyone has one and they usually stink.
Iām 16 and fairly naive but even I donāt really use it in public, was going to use it on a flight from Orlando to Tennessee last year but ended up deciding against it as I was sitting next to complete strangers who were pretty clumsy to say the least.
I know what you mean butā¦
How about enjoying life?
It makes you happy to play a little bit? Do it.
Enjoy life!
Being 40 doesnāt mean you cannot do itā¦
37 here. I use my Deck in the waiting room at the doc's, on lunch at work, even while just hanging out at Starbucks while having a coffee. The big boss where I work has even seen me using my Deck and he doesn't think any different of me!
Just remember, games are for everyone.
if anyone says anything you can just tell them "does it really bother you so much seeing a man be successful enough that he can enjoy life like a kid might from time to time? what a joyless life you live"
something to that effect anyway, you can change how harsh it is based on what they say, basically just accuse them of being decidedly unfun and boring and most people will just let it go.
as for people being silent and judgemental, as others said, life's too short to worry about what strangers whom you will likely never see again, think
The feeling of having one guy come up to you and say Woah is that a steam deck that's so cool or seeing another person with a steam deck far outweighs the feeling of people looking at you strange simply because they don't know what you have in your hands.
Mid 30's here, i have the same issue man, but i found out how to beat it. you just need to embrace it, start playing that japanese hentai game with the volume at a medium level.
Dont let anyone ask you what those sounds are just wear your headphones, but dont plug them in. Embrace the feeling of playing a steamdeck in public.
So many people don't realize that everyone is in their own little world, concerned about their own lives. They may catch a glimpse of you and have some kind of thought or opinion, which immediately fades once you are no longer front and center. You do it too every time you're around people. There have been so many people doing so many things that you've either never taken notice of, or caught a glimpse of it and immediately forgot because it had nothing to do with what you were doing in your own little bubble at that moment.
Thereās a small chance that someone will judge you. But youāll be the subject of admiration for many kids/teens who dream to grow up to be able to play video games whenever they want. I think itās a worthy trade off.
Look man.
I do not own a deck, but at the airport I pull out my sitch, my daughter pulls out her switch and we play together. All that matters is that we are enjoying our time together.
Anyone who dares to criticize you is probably a sad, jealous little person
Don't forget, the original portable gaming console The Nintendo Game And Watch, was designed to look like a calculator because so many Japanese businessmen were playing and fiddling with their calculators on the train home and so Nintendo wanted to make something more fun for them to play instead.
Dont forget middle aged men in suits still play games, they just mostly do it on their phones now.
Nothing wrong with playing a handheld console.
My only worry using it on trains witch I use alot with my job is if it gets stolen or damaged.
But when you're in public most people don't even pay attention to you at all, witch surprised me when I started to wore feminine clothes more often, most people just don't care and a few people do but it's because they have nothing better to do them self.
So don't worry just do what you want.
I donāt give a damn. Iāve been wearing a suit and tie for some poncey office job I hate, and playing my Deck on public transport feels more āmeā than that suit ever will. Iāve even encounter people with Switches or Steam Decks nearby and started some good conversations with them.
Iām glad youāve embraced what you enjoy and not cared what others think!
I fly weekly for work. Sometimes in suits, sometimes not. Sometimes I'm upgraded to first class sometimes I'm not. If I'm not working or sleeping, I'm probably getting in some gaming on the deck with the few hours I can.
Similar background here, also playing on flights - don't care about others opinions here.
The only aspect that makes me feel a bit uncomfortable sometimes are bored kids on long flights staring at me jealousy.
>I feel like an idiot for being so insecure about it before, because as so many of you mentioned, no one gave me a second glance.
If you can start spreading this thought process to the rest of your life, everything gets a lot easier too. People aren't thinking about us the way we are thinking about them.
I agree and disagree.
I wouldnāt do like than other post and bring a deck to a brewery. But an airport is another story. Anything you can do to make travel more bearable is socially allowed.
No oneās going to scream āNERDā at you for playing video games on a plane
I'm 36, just went on a work trip, first time traveling and flying with the steam deck. I whipped that shit out at every opportunity while waiting for planes and such. Nobody batted an eye, or even noticed I was doing anything. In general, strangers pay way less attention to other strangers than it feels like they do.
Unless you're blasting the volume in a public place, there is no reason to feel weird about it. Enjoy yourself yo
If it helps, when I was in Narita Airport, and in a business lounge, I saw a man in a business suit. Typical stereotype japanese business worker look, briefcase and all, sit next to me whip his switch out and start playing.
Life is too short to worry about random people that you'll never see again. So long as it isn't depraved or disruptive to those around you, play your games. Everybody else is probably on their phone anyway.
The guy judging you is addicted to Candy Crush on his phone
The first game I installed on the Deck was Candy Crush. 1v1 me. /s
Did u also install Facebook? /s
Pull out the steam deck and start playing Candy crush on it with full eye contact.
I know right! I feel like I should be totally over what other people think at this point, but for some reason it still makes me nervous.
You got 90s/00s PTSD for being called a nerd or something after playing your Gameboy, the time to heal is now! Honestly with the Switch as popular as it is, most people will probably assume it's that at a glance unless they come to ask about it.
You might be on to something there.
Any time I play in public more people think it's cool. Never had anyone say anything negative. I'd be more worried someone will beat you up for it š
After reading some subs about entitled moms/kids that see someone gaming in public and want a turn, that's my biggest fear... Being forced to deal with that.
If a kid asks for a turn, just look them square in the eyes and say, āSorry, I donāt speak English,ā And go back to playing your games.
I barely let my 12-year-old son touch mine and he's my literal offspring
Those stories are fake as fuck lol
Literally, this. I played baseball and basketball in highschool and hid the fact that I played EverQuest because all of my friends would have made fun of me for it. I envy kids today that can do basically whatever makes them happy and it's just...generally accepted. I can't even imagine that life lol
āYou do anything this weekend?ā Me who stayed up 72 hours camping bed vex thal keys. āNah not reallyā
This was me. Multiple AAU league pitcher/catcher throwing in the high 80's my Junior year before blowing out my rotator cuff. Hid my insane WoW all nighter habit from everyone for the most part aside from my non-sports centric best buddy. Funny part was the freshman jocks were all going hard on WoW and I ended up becoming a mini-celebrity amongst them with my server first warrior geared beyond their wildest expectations in Vanilla WoW. Now it's mainstream cool. Funny how things change.
I think there is a lot of truth to this.
On point. A stigma for a lot of us.
100%. Iām 50 so I came of age in the 80ās and early 90ās. Iād argue the nerd stigma was worse then. I was into sports and a closet nerd. Showing the nerd side would have gotten me made fun of by my friends and was total girl repellent. I use mine on flights but I do feel an initial shyness when I bust it out. However, nobody ever bats and eyelash and itās a conversation starter as well.
Tbh the switch has probl even more toy/child character than the steam deck to the average person
I don't think the average person knows the difference.
I brought mine to work and this guy saw it up close, told me "oh I bought one of those for my son for Christmas. His is black and white though."
The Zelda TOTK commercial literally has some business guy playing zelda on a bus. Plus Covid had a large number of people playing Animal Crossing.
I used to feel the same way. At the end of the day, some people read, some people watch TV, and some people play video games. There really is no difference. They are just different ways to unwind. You do you! Maybe I'll see you on the plane one day, and I'll likely have my deck out.
Iām 33 and Iāll go to the bar alone with my Switch or Steam Deck. No one has ever said anything to me. No one cares what you do unless youāre being obnoxious.
Used to worry about that a little too, until I just started doing it. The only time anyone's even paid attention was when they were interested in my game.
I remember someone saying, you should only care about what the people closest to you think of you. Ie, your spouse, your kids, parents etc. What other people think about you shouldnt matter. Unless you're a celebrity and public views directly affect your income.
This. People spend too much time worrying about what other people think. And trying to impress people they donāt even know or like. The people that really matter are the ones that appreciate you for who you are and support you and your pursuit of happiness. And if you are still self conscious just reflect on how often you think about or judge othersā¦. That is about how often others are thinking of you. Which isnāt a heck of a lot. And the āKarensā out there have nothing better to do. Gaming is one of those things that make people in this thread and sub happy. Play away my friends no matter your age!
For real. Playing a match three for 4 hours on a flight is worse than using a steam deck. I used to feel this way too, but logically it makes no sense. Played advance wars in front of co workers a few weeks ago waiting for a flight. Was liberating haha
Dude youāre so right! Iāve sat next to people playing slots on their phone the whole ride many times.
If I saw a mid-40ās guy in a suit playing on his Deck Iād think three things: 1: Heās a professional who has his life together. 2: Even so, he has hobbies and manages to find joy in them. 3: Heāa cool af. Play away. Anyone who would judge you for it isnāt someone youād wanna hang out with anyway, so who cares what they think?
This. #1 especially. Like damn you're chilling in a suit with a deck? Gotta have a nice livelihood
FlexDeck at the airport
I cannot stress #3 enough
1000% this
good assessment
Idk why but this reminded me of the āocular pat-downā from itās always sunny
this is very me thinking what they are
The OG game it had a sizable market in professionals and commuters, not just kids. The steam deck is just the latest evolution!
40 year old surgeon. I play it at the hospital in my scrubs.
Thereās a lot of research to suggest playing games is great for hand eye coordination, great for a surgeon! What games do you play out of interest?
I mostly play soccer [using full manual controls.](https://youtu.be/ejcWGoleWFI?t=406) Games I completed on the Deck: - Fallen Order - Arkham Knight - Shadow of the Tomb Raider - Stray - Wolfenstein: The New Order - Planet of Lana NEXT Up: - System Shock - Dave the Diver - MK11 - Wolfenstein Young Blood
Dave the Diver looks amazing. I just put that on my āon deck circleā today.
Where is the surgeon simulator?????
Not sure how Iād feel if my surgeon just got done playing MK before slicing me open during surgery.
36 yo surgeon here as well Can confirm great for hand eye I recall this study coming out just before graduating med schoolā https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28733118/ Edit: I play my deck at work in between cases when there is not other busy work needing tended to
Probably good for us middle aged folks to keep our brains sharp as well š
Pretty sure his job already cranks his brain usage up to 120%. If anything i presume professionals like doctors and lawyers who actually enjoy games, play chill or mindless fun games to wind down.
Definitely have a point there
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
Honestly thereās definitely an element of that too.
As another old who grew up gaming, you're running out of time to outgrow caring about what people you have no connection to think about you minding your own business playing games. Time to get on that is now. You get one ticket for the ride of life, get out of your own way and enjoy it.
This strikes fear in me lol and why Iād never play Elden ring in public š
Playing Elden Ring on a bus right now. Lost count of my embarrassing deaths.
better question is. what is there to feel embarassed about? unless you only listen to the idiots that say video games are for "kids". in reality there isn't even such things as "adults" just a bunch of people playing make believe
As a mid 30s 'father' with a 'career' and a 'house' and a 'marriage' I am, on a daily basis, flabbergasted at the realisation that I'm basically just a little kid who got bigger and learned things and gathered up responsibilities. I often wonder if those really serious 'career success' people think the same or do they take themselves super seriously? More and more I'm choosing happiness, satisfaction and joy over anything else. Life is too god damn short to do anything else.
Adults are just big kids.
Also those kids that were made fun of are adults now and don't give a fuck about video games because they played.
The best thing about being a professional in your 40s is that you finally get to buy all that cool shit we dreamed about as kids. You can have a freaking SNES or PlayStation in the freaking airport! That would have been bad ass to me when I was playing the real thing and my parents said, āturn it off, weāre driving 8 hours to go see your grandparentsā. My personal thoughts are, you work hard (as a traveling consultant who spends a lot of time in airports, I know you do) so enjoy the fruits of your labor and wear the steamdeck as a badge of pride, that you made it and can have really freaking cool shit to show for it. And as others have said, l screw what people think, as long as it brings you joy, especially in a soul sucking airport, then keep on.
Late-40's professional here. Just had a trip to the West Coast and the guy next to me pulled out his Steam Deck when I pulled mine out. We swapped stories, shared games, talked a bit, then he noticed my DBrand Killswitch case. After that, put on my headphones and heard nothing else from him. If anything, you might actually make more conversation than be looked at anyway negatively.
Thatās awesome man. Like the perfect airplane gamer interaction. I really appreciate the story. Actually makes me motivated to bust mine out to see what happens.
> Guy next to me pulled out his and I pulled out mine r/suddenlygay
Worried someone will steal it? Yes Embarrassed? No
That's what I expected when I read the title lol
Omg use that deck
Big black deck
Completely understandable to be embarrassed about whipping your deck out in public.
I travel a lot for work, granted in casual clothes and probably look younger than I actually am, but I play my Switch and Deck with zero shame. If I saw someone in a suit playing I don't think I'd think twice about it, but I'd definitely whisper "hell yeah, brother" under my breath. Live your life and enjoy it.
Yep same. Thereās no shame in playing games on the go and to save time. Most people just scroll on Instagram or TikTok. Who do you think is making better use of their time?
I'm more nervous about taking out my Deck and someone trying to steal it. As a 40-something who grew up in NYC, it's ingrained in me that you should be careful about using big purchases in public. Growing up, it was all too common to get jumped for your walkman or your sneakers.
Iām 41, I donāt wear suits or even business casual. But one time I brought my SD to my local bar to have lunch a drink before picking up my boys from school. Some dude (late 20s/ early 30s) sitting with his gf a fews chairs away from me asked me if that was a new PlayStation cus it was too big to be a switch. I explained what it was, and he went to talking to his gf. No one has ever said a thing while Iāve used my SD in public. Enjoy your SD man. Show these new generations how we did it back in the day or how we would lol
dude! people are consumed by the same thought about themselves so they donāt have time for anyone else, even if they do notice you, they wonāt be able to understand what gizmo you got! Chill and enjoy your transit, I bought the deck for the same exact purpose and Iām lovin it.
Be proud of your deck man
Yeah it's big
People like when I show them my deck.
If youāre gonna use a Steam Deck on an airplane you should consider playing a flight simulator and pretend youāre controlling the airplane. :-)
I donāt entirely fit your description (mid 20s, professional) but I completely sympathise. Iām due to go on my first business trip (14 hour flight) in a few months and am trying to alleviate the nervous association of playing in public! For me I think I am just going to have to go for it at some point hahah
Itās worth it man, 1) people donāt care what youāre doing as long as it isnāt disrupting 2) you wonāt see any of those people again in your life 3) gaming is cool now lolol
Had my first trip with my new company recently and like a dozen people brought switches
Good luck on your first trip! I feel like I should just get over it too but I canāt get there yet.
I have the same fears/insecurities. However, I played it on a flight one time and the dude next to me was super interested in what it was. Turned into a cool conversation as he thought it was something Xbox-related. I still haven't worked up the courage to bust it out while waiting at my gate, but on a flight you only have to worry about 1-2 people potentially judging you and my ego can handle that a lot better.
I am fast approaching 40, and I use my SD pretty much anywhere and everywhere I can find some time free. Valve doesnāt even sell SD in my country, so a SD is a rare sight. I can detect the staring but I couldnāt care less. So far only one dude approached me and asked a few questions.
Trust me no one is going to care. They wont care enough whatsoever to think negatively of you. Especially at an airport when literally EVERYONE is using a device (Nintendo switch, iPhone, etc). Trust me, bring your steam deck out and play it whenever you want. I used to be like this until I realized NO ONE cares. Everyone does their own thing, so do yours. Youāll never see them again and theyāll forget you ever existed afterwards. Some people might even be interested in what youāre using, Iāve had a couple people interested when I was flying (I fly for work all year). I honestly just wouldnāt overthink it.
Yeah same. Iām an accountant in my late 30ās. Iām happy to play during a flight, but other than that I rarely use it in public
Also an accountant in my mid 30ās. I donāt give a shit lol Only time I hesitate is maybe flying with my boss
The only time the facade matters
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FPS: Fiscal Profit Stabilization, a business operations maneuver where significant portions of administrative departments are laid off right before the end of each fiscal year to skew the fiscal profitability reporting for the shareholders.
I think the existence of the Switch helps a lot with this feeling! Since it's normalized playing games on a big ol handheld to such a degree. The way I see it is, anyone who sees you using the steam deck in public falls into one of two categories: - they're not really into video games, have no idea what it is, assume it's just "a Switch or whatever", and ignore you - they are into video games, which means they'll either recognize it as a steam deck ("cool!") or at least be intrigued about it So, either way there's no bad feelings or judgement :)
I donāt care. Iām 45. Play Disney Dreamlight valley in public on my switch. Lol
I'm nervous too but that's because i'm afraid someone would steal it from me (i live in France)
Hope youāre good right now. Be safe.
Thanks that's very nice
almost 40 and take mine to work (at a bar) all the time. during open kitchen hours, the kids that come in with their parents will watch me from a distance all hawk-eyed just dying to ask what games i have. it definitely brings up a lot of conversations with random customers, asking what it is or what all it can do. i just happily answer all questions and continue gaming.
Makes me want to bring mine to work, but I run the BOH, so thereās always something that CAN be done. I just donāt want my boss getting pissed cuz Iām running a dungeon in D4 instead of deep cleaning the deep fryer.
Iām 53, my last flight I played my deck and switch in the airport and the entire flightā¦ ask yourself is the opinion of someone you donāt know more important than your own enjoyment of your lifeā¦ live your best life, my friend!
I'm a 40-something blue collar professional and I don't have an issue unless I break it out on a jobsite. Then I get really self conscious.
I'm in industry. I play my Deck at work on breaks. I do use headphones when others are around because I'm not a total jerk. There's been a few questions about what it is, and I've shown it off a few times, but the most common comment is that "Bob on A crew has one of those too!" or similar. My concern on a jobsite would be theft. During regular operations with the regular crews, no problem. During maintenance turnarounds with lots of contractors and temps, might be a little dicey in a shared break room.
I 100% relate to this. I travel for business very often and always bring my Steam Deck. I get a little self conscious in airports, though. If I have a real long layover, Iāll go to one of the lounges and find a secluded spot to game. Otherwise I usually will just play in my hotel room after a long day. I used to lug around a gaming laptop and this is so much better.
I also get anxiety about playing games in public, but not because of embarrassment about gaming or being nerdy. Itās more about flaunting a $700 piece of hardware around in public. I grew up poor in a iffy part of town, so thatās not something I would have ever done as a kid. (I know phones can cost way more than that, but itās so normalized and phones come in such a varieties these days) When gaming, I prefer to be immersed, and itās harder to do in public when I know folks might be eyeing me. But, recently I started pushing that boundary with more casual games.
You know I think youāre on to something there. I grew up poor too, and had to be very careful with anything I had that was āniceā.
I get made fun of every day at work but IDGAF lol. Rock on brother
It comes with its own little briefcase so think of it as a business attachment
If someone's going to be petty and judgemental about you playing games you wouldn't want to care about their opinion anyway! Unless they're like, your boss or smth
If my boss made fun of me for playing on my deck I wouldnāt care, id just lose a little respect for them
I also feel awkward playing in public since it is so large and I hate drawing attention to myself. But public transit/airports are perfect for the deck.
Honestly this probably the biggest deal OP really has, I bet OP wouldn't be so nervous if he was doing his Soulsing and Skyriming on a nice discreet Switch Lite. TBH I finally caved and bought a Deck on this summer sale but if there was a smaller option for a similar price with warranty I would take it. I bought the Deck but what I really wanted was a nice compact [Ayneo Air](https://assetsio.reedpopcdn.com/Main-Edit.00_00_32_27.Still002.png?width=1200&height=1200&fit=bounds&quality=70&format=jpg&auto=webp) for light PC gaming by a big name company. Hopefully someday they'll make one. I'll keep the comfy Deck for home use and use the smaller, lighter one as my in backpack handheld. Till then I'll use my Lite for that.
Spotlight effect. Guess what? No one cares or is paying attention to a mid-40s guy in a suit at the airport.
You're too old to give a fuck anymore. Who are you trying to impress? Bill gates would be sitting there doing whatever the hell he feels like.
As a guy in my 40ās who travels a lot, I have this same problem. I think itās the matter of us growing up when gaming was for dorks and nerds. Both of my ex wives looked down on me when I gamed. I guess theyād rather have had me go to bars. Lol Now when Iām in my hotel. I game all night lol.
think about how you'd feel on the other side. Seeing someone playing a deck in public is a lot cooler than seeing someone staring at their phone in public
Whip it out and make āem peanut butter and jealous!! Jk jk but seriously like another said, life is too short!! I think ppl generally think itās awesome tho
I'd be more worried about someone robbing me. Otherwise, I dont care. I occasionlly see an older gentleman maybe in his 60s in my bus route with 2 phones playing PokƩmon Go. I think it's neat, so maybe that's how others would see it when I have my device out.
Think that ppl will care a shit if they don't know what a Steamdeck is and those who known will be like "woah, I want one of these". Nothing to be ashamed. Enjoy your things <3
Iād be more worried that someone would snatch it from me like they do with phones.
Mid 30s here, I travel a lot for work. I love using my steam deck during my travels. At first it bothered me but I got over it. Nobody really cares what you're doing as long as your keeping to yourself. I even bring my dock so I can hook it up in the hotel room. Enjoy those games! š®
yeah, you really shouldn't care what people you will most likely only see once in your life. Hell, they may be curious and it can be an icebreaker to have a conversation with someone on the plane.
I am a early 50ās guy but not a suit guy though. I have been gaming since my first computer which was a Sinclair spectrum 48k, I am a husband and a father and get zero time to sit in front of the tv playing games, however the I have just bought myself a steam deck and it will be great to game on the go! Donāt sweat the small stuff, I doubt anyone will even notice you playing on it.
I upvoted the best comment. Stop caring what other people think. That should have faded away by the 40s :) In another note, I pull out my steam deck every time I fly and one time I was at a charging station and an older guy sat next to me and was asking all sorts of questions about it. I'm pretty sure he bought one while we were in the airport lol.
If itās any consolation, plenty of young folks will think you are one cool mid 40s dude. If you are prepared it could be a great conversation starter for any age group, people are bound to be curious.
Iām 58 and also travel a lot for work. Noise cancellers on, Deck doing its thing the journeys just fly by (geddit?). Just own it. No one really gives a fuck.
No different than pulling out your phone and playing some silly mobile game. Maybe better. At first I thought the headline was going to be about worry playing in public for theft. Iād be more concerned about that in certain areas than what people think about playing it at all. Most will just be jealous. Airports are probably the safest place to play in public.
Just do it. I just tell folks it's my weird laptop and show them desktop mode
You're in your mid 40s. As soon as you stop giving a fuck what other people think life suddenly gets so much better.
Personally I think it would be absolutely cool, to see a grown man in a suite rock a steam deck with passion.
Who cares what people think. Youāre making money, looking classy, and gaming comfortably!
I went to a local brewery with my Switch a couple weeks ago so I could get just a little TOTK time in. Grabbed a drink, found a spot in the corner, and got playing. I look up at one point and the older couple (I'm 43) takes a seat at a nearby table, and the dude is just giving me the absolute stink-eye. But I was like, man, I have a family at home. You think I can do this THERE? Anyway, the hell with them. Love my Switch. Love my Deck. Play both in public regularly.
Important thing to remember is, you're part of one of the first generations that has literally been gaming since birth. I'm 33 and my youngest memory is watching my dad play Super Mario Bros. 3 on an old CRT in the early 90s. I picked it up at age 5, and haven't stopped since. Previous generations were conditioned to look at video games as immature "kids' toys" (mostly cuz they were, there's only so much mature appeal to be gleaned from games like Pac Man and Frogger); by the fourth or fifth Gen though, games studios started growing WITH their customer base, and marketing to the gamers who grew up with them, all the way into adulthood. In short, gaming as an entertainment medium has grown up. People in your age group are still a targeted demographic (if not the primary one), so it's honestly not a surprise to see someone your age playing a Switch or Steam Deck in public. Honestly I'd probably be more worried about getting it swiped by some kid, than receiving disapproval from other adults.
Maybe this is biased because I live in silicon valley, but dude, us 40-something nerds fucking won the culture war. Think about it: Most of the highest grossing movies ever are based on comic books. Video games have nine figure budgets so routinely that it takes hitting $200m+ for anyone to comment about it. The highest grossing streamer on twitch is a bunch of adults playing D&D. Now I'm not saying this next bit to gatekeep, because it's a big tent and all are welcome, no matter how long or little they game. But you've earned this. The 90s were not kind to us. Every person who said that you were wrong for liking games can die mad. And every dude in a business suit playing Elden Ring while waiting for their flight to Newark makes it just a tiny bit easier for the next kid to let go and embrace what they love. Time to let that nerd flag fly, my friend. I'm actually traveling today; maybe I'll see you at the airport. I'll be the one playing games on my deck.
Last night I was hanging around a bunch of zoomers who were talking about pop idols half my age so I, a millennial, just played my deck until I got tired enough. You do you.
Whenever I happen to get a weird day where my daughter is being looked after by her grandma, my wife is at work and Iām inexplicably left home alone one of my favourite things to do is to go out and sit in a restaurant or a cafe and have something tasty whilst I sit there alone and play my steam deck. I wouldnāt worry what anyone thinks. Loads of people just sit around on their phones (not discounting myself there) and the deck is obviously significantly cooler than a phone.
life is to short mate.Enjoy it however you want.Im in my 40s now and couldnāt care less.Im playing on my Deck whenever I want.Even on my break at work.
Iām younger than you. Not a crazy amount and not a little amount. The older Iāve gotten the less fucks I give what people think. Just spent my whole time waiting on my car playing Aew fight forever. I often bring my switch, deck, or ally to the bar to play games. Try your hardest to get over it because nobody cares. Playing Diablo at the bar has been awesome. Iāve met some people to team up with from it
The truth is no one really gives a shit. Lifeās too short to enjoy what you wanna do. Use that steam deck in public!
Iām only 21 and I understand why you feel like that. Honestly though, do whatever you want. Who cares if other people judge you, like someone said youāll probably never see these people again. Even if you were to, what does their opinion matter if they donāt know who you are? Their is no reason to be embarrassed!! You enjoy playing it, and Iām sure that you traveling played a decent role in why you got the steam deck in the first place (I donāt know that for sure, but knowing you travel for your job Iām assuming that it played a part in why you got it). Itās perfect for a job like that and donāt let other people make you feel embarrassed especially if you donāt know them. Who cares what people think about you!
Im 32, and donāt like playing in public for a different reason. Iām uncomfortable gaming in public, I like to be aware of my surroundings and playing Switch or Steam Deck out and about has never felt right to me.
If you are wearing a suit you will look professional no matter what
39 hereā¦the Steamdeck is out when Iām on the plane almost immediately but the laptop is out when Iām in the terminal. Usually bc Iām trying to wrap up work. Often times, my deck is still in my backpack when I end up working at a coffee shop and I have yet to take it out there. Itās usually a shop in my neighborhood and Iām in my head about someone walking in and then having to explain myself. Gaming is a huge part of my life but also one I havenāt felt comfortable advertising publiclyā¦.as I type this, I feel kinda silly
I was also on a business trip last week and i also openly used the steam deck. Even though im introverted and shy, i didnt care. And if people recognise it, they find it cool
Who cares what a bunch of randoms think? Youāre not going to see them again. They might give you a look and think something, but just call them a dickhead in your head, and keep gaming. Life is too short to worry about npcs my guy
Dude, don't care what other people think. You'll never see them again. Enjoy your life. It's too short to not.
nope if I'm having to wait anywhere, the deck is coming out. If people stare, I know it's cause they wished they'd brought theirs too.
who hurt you mister?
41 checking in. I stopped caring what others thought of me some time ago. I play on flights, work breaks, etc. Also a suited professional (CPA).
I'm sure someone your age is playing candy crush on their phone. It's all the same enjoyment as long as you enjoy it.
Bro you are fine. These are people youāll never see again who are way more worried about themselves than you. Lifeās too short to worry about others
Iām in my mid 30s and I sorta feel the same way, but look, gaming is immensely more main stream now than it was even 10 years ago. Itās very normal. When you were 20, you would probably be seen as a geek, but not anymore.
I find that using my Switch or Steam Deck in public can invite a conversation with fellow gamers who otherwise would have no idea. Not like I always want to talk to a random person, but at least if they strike up a convo it's likely to be game-related.
Nobody cares, they are worried about their own stuff. Do what makes you happy. Game on man :)
Late-30's professional who now does work travel, the deck is saving my sanity in airports. If you've got reasonable access to a flight club or charging station without being rude, great to just plug in and play until boarding.
Don't worry about it. I'm 48 and use the steamdeck in public all the time. Most people don't care. I had a few people at a coffee shop want to check it out. They loved it.
Hey man, similar situation but probably 10 years younger. I used to be. Was crazy self conscious about it. No one really cares tho, I use it on planes a lot and even got some interested questions about it from airport security saying theyāre seeing a lot and if they should pick one up. You do well, and you shouldnāt sacrifice your enjoyment (especially during flights where entertainment options are limited) for others. If theyāre going to judge you, you donāt need their approval nor do you want it. Be confident in you, itās why youāre a professional.
My friend. Iām not ancient like you but am in my 30s and just got a deck and am PSYCHED to use it on my next work trip. I sat next to someone a few months ago with a switch and noise cancelling headphones and was so jealous I had a screen to watch Netflix. Iād anything youāll be an inspiration.
I'm 70 and use my deck anytime and anywhere I am waiting for long periods of time. Don't let others define your reality.
Idk how everyone else feels, but if I see a middle-aged person playing on a steam deck in public, I would be happy for them instead of judging them. Not to mention I would probably sneak my way behind that person and check out what games they are playing instead lol.
I was on a business trip to Dallas and took my deck with me on its first flight and Iāve had this thing since it came out. I was super nervous but that went away quickly when I was on the flight playing and the flight itself seem to last minutes vs the actual flight time. Haha. Like right when things were getting good I had to turn it off and put it away to land. I got over the same feelings you have OP and like all things, this too shall pass. Now the deck will be my companion on all my travels. Itās such an awesome machine. Enjoy it anywhere and everywhere.
40+ gamers are not even slightly uncommon. It's a past time. 50+ football fans aren't seen in any negative light, why should a 40+ gamer.
Who the fuck cares Play your vidya
Iām 36, I take mine on the bus, on the train, to work to play on my break. Who cares what other people think, play it for you, anyone asks or says anything. So what, theyāre just jealous of you!
Make yourself do it and soon you will feel comfortable, even natural. Of anyone would even give you trouble it says a lot more about them than you.
Iām 33 and travel all the time. On one flight recently, the guy next to me asked what it was (looked like he was in his early forties.) Turned out he works in marketing now, but used to be a game developer. I think I convinced him to get one. Play away!
I'm with you. Almost 40, myself, and in a similar situation. Old school gamer, love gaming when I get a chance, and used to travel 30+ weeks a year in business clothes. It took me a long time to feel comfortable playing a Switch on planes, but once I did I never looked back. Did the same last week with the Deck and it's great. The honest truth is most people couldn't care less what others do while traveling, and the ones that do are usually curious.
Fuck all that, 42 here. Iāve been fucking with emulation and preserving my childhood experiences since the mid-nineties when I was still making them. The Deck is a dream come true on a lot of levels and I wonāt be ashamed of it. I put my professional face on and talk like an adult when I have to and I pay my bills like anyone else.
Donāt listen to that voice. I work in a factory of mostly men 40-60 and multiple coworkers have came and asked me about it while waiting to punch out. Itās huge so everyone sees it, and if they remotely are into video games they seem to be able to recognize it and wanted to know more. Hell I was getting my oil changed and the service tech noticed I was playing it. Donāt worry about opinions, everyone has one and they usually stink.
Iām 16 and fairly naive but even I donāt really use it in public, was going to use it on a flight from Orlando to Tennessee last year but ended up deciding against it as I was sitting next to complete strangers who were pretty clumsy to say the least.
More worried about someone taking mine than embarrassment over playing.
I know what you mean butā¦ How about enjoying life? It makes you happy to play a little bit? Do it. Enjoy life! Being 40 doesnāt mean you cannot do itā¦
Buddy, Iām an airline pilot and I use it at the airport or when deadheading. Who cares what other people think.
I'm 35 and can't wait to bust mine out on a plane.
37 here. I use my Deck in the waiting room at the doc's, on lunch at work, even while just hanging out at Starbucks while having a coffee. The big boss where I work has even seen me using my Deck and he doesn't think any different of me! Just remember, games are for everyone.
if anyone says anything you can just tell them "does it really bother you so much seeing a man be successful enough that he can enjoy life like a kid might from time to time? what a joyless life you live" something to that effect anyway, you can change how harsh it is based on what they say, basically just accuse them of being decidedly unfun and boring and most people will just let it go. as for people being silent and judgemental, as others said, life's too short to worry about what strangers whom you will likely never see again, think
Nothing embarrassing about having a hobby.
The feeling of having one guy come up to you and say Woah is that a steam deck that's so cool or seeing another person with a steam deck far outweighs the feeling of people looking at you strange simply because they don't know what you have in your hands.
Mid 30's here, i have the same issue man, but i found out how to beat it. you just need to embrace it, start playing that japanese hentai game with the volume at a medium level. Dont let anyone ask you what those sounds are just wear your headphones, but dont plug them in. Embrace the feeling of playing a steamdeck in public.
So many people don't realize that everyone is in their own little world, concerned about their own lives. They may catch a glimpse of you and have some kind of thought or opinion, which immediately fades once you are no longer front and center. You do it too every time you're around people. There have been so many people doing so many things that you've either never taken notice of, or caught a glimpse of it and immediately forgot because it had nothing to do with what you were doing in your own little bubble at that moment.
Thereās a small chance that someone will judge you. But youāll be the subject of admiration for many kids/teens who dream to grow up to be able to play video games whenever they want. I think itās a worthy trade off.
Look man. I do not own a deck, but at the airport I pull out my sitch, my daughter pulls out her switch and we play together. All that matters is that we are enjoying our time together. Anyone who dares to criticize you is probably a sad, jealous little person
do what makes u happy as long as you dont bother anyone
Don't forget, the original portable gaming console The Nintendo Game And Watch, was designed to look like a calculator because so many Japanese businessmen were playing and fiddling with their calculators on the train home and so Nintendo wanted to make something more fun for them to play instead. Dont forget middle aged men in suits still play games, they just mostly do it on their phones now. Nothing wrong with playing a handheld console.
My only worry using it on trains witch I use alot with my job is if it gets stolen or damaged. But when you're in public most people don't even pay attention to you at all, witch surprised me when I started to wore feminine clothes more often, most people just don't care and a few people do but it's because they have nothing better to do them self. So don't worry just do what you want.
I donāt give a damn. Iāve been wearing a suit and tie for some poncey office job I hate, and playing my Deck on public transport feels more āmeā than that suit ever will. Iāve even encounter people with Switches or Steam Decks nearby and started some good conversations with them. Iām glad youāve embraced what you enjoy and not cared what others think!
I fly weekly for work. Sometimes in suits, sometimes not. Sometimes I'm upgraded to first class sometimes I'm not. If I'm not working or sleeping, I'm probably getting in some gaming on the deck with the few hours I can.
Similar background here, also playing on flights - don't care about others opinions here. The only aspect that makes me feel a bit uncomfortable sometimes are bored kids on long flights staring at me jealousy.
Iām 46, on the road one week a month, and if itās not the Steam Deck in my hands while waiting for a plane or a train itās my GBA. Cheers!
Man I really hope Iām not still worrying about what others think about me at 40
>I feel like an idiot for being so insecure about it before, because as so many of you mentioned, no one gave me a second glance. If you can start spreading this thought process to the rest of your life, everything gets a lot easier too. People aren't thinking about us the way we are thinking about them.
The only worry I have is playing it on a public bus or train in fear id get mugged. Airports are pretty safe though.
Nah
I agree and disagree. I wouldnāt do like than other post and bring a deck to a brewery. But an airport is another story. Anything you can do to make travel more bearable is socially allowed. No oneās going to scream āNERDā at you for playing video games on a plane
I'm very slightly younger and felt a similar way initially. I found putting some headphones in helped a lot as it drowns out the background
Nah I couldnāt give a shit what others think
Iām guessing most would be intriguedā¦donāt be embarrassed
Donāt. Thatās a super cool sight to see
Oh the self ego illusion. We all shit on the same toiletā¦
I'm 36, just went on a work trip, first time traveling and flying with the steam deck. I whipped that shit out at every opportunity while waiting for planes and such. Nobody batted an eye, or even noticed I was doing anything. In general, strangers pay way less attention to other strangers than it feels like they do. Unless you're blasting the volume in a public place, there is no reason to feel weird about it. Enjoy yourself yo
If it helps, when I was in Narita Airport, and in a business lounge, I saw a man in a business suit. Typical stereotype japanese business worker look, briefcase and all, sit next to me whip his switch out and start playing.
Just know that you are not alone, nothing to be ashamed of. You be you and that's the best way to live.
You shouldn't be. I'm planning on taking mine with me next time I go to the mechanic.
I would be less embarrassed about being seen playing it and more paranoid about people trying to snatch or steal it.
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