The term ‘unc,’ a shortened form of ‘uncle,’ is often used to belittle older players in the gaming industry. However, games should be designed for players of all ages.
While researching women’s experiences in multiplayer video games, I encountered a fascinating thread on the subreddit dedicated to Bungie’s latest live shooter, Marathon. A player shared their positive experience: “I’ve played a lot of shooters, and as a feminine-presenting player, tbh, it’s often a struggle. I’ve heard all the ‘get back to the kitchen’ jokes… But Marathon has been completely different, guys. I haven’t had a single issue; people have been incredibly kind and helpful. The community feels genuinely welcoming to everyone.”
The most popular response to this sentiment was: “Benefit of being an unc game.” This highlights a growing trend where games are fostering genuinely inclusive and welcoming environments, a stark contrast to the often toxic experiences some players face. The implication is that games designed without the specific pressures and expectations that might alienate older or less traditional player demographics can lead to more positive interactions. This suggests that the industry has an opportunity and a responsibility to create experiences that resonate with and welcome players of all generations, moving beyond age-based disparagement to embrace the value that a diverse player base brings.
English Translation:
The term ‘unc,’ short for ‘uncle,’ is often used to disparage older players. However, the gaming industry should make games for all generations.
While researching women’s experiences in multiplayer video games, I came across a thread on the subreddit about Bungie’s latest live shooter, Marathon. A player commented, “I’ve played a lot of shooters, and as a feminine-presenting player, tbh, it’s often a struggle. I’ve heard all the ‘get back to the kitchen’ jokes… But Marathon has been completely different, guys. I haven’t had a single issue; people have been incredibly kind and helpful. The community feels genuinely welcoming to everyone.”
The top-voted reply? “Benefit of being an unc game.” This suggests that games designed in a way that avoids alienating older or less conventional players can foster a more welcoming and positive community. The gaming industry should aim to create titles that appeal to and include players of all ages, moving beyond derogatory labels to embrace the richness of a diverse player base.