Classic games economics and ethics

[marurun]

I think the word hoarding gets thrown around way too much. When is it hoarding and not collecting?

And what really is the difference between collecting and hoarding? Where's the line? Additionally, does it really matter why someone wants to own something? Even if a collector doesn't play or use anything they procure, does it matter?

[Anayo]

I just try to remember this is a hobby, not the crowning achievement of my life.

[o.pwuaioc]

I just try to remember this is a hobby, not the crowning achievement of my life.

I've always been surprised that people gushed over game collections. It basically amounted to gushing over someone's spending. There is nothing particularly amazing about splurging on the NWC cart or buying every single PS2 game ever.

It's all too easy to say "that thing you find fun I find stupid," but if all you're doing it for is to show off, then it's worst than stupid. It's contemptible.

That goes for everything, though, not just game collections.

** With some exceptions. In particular, the "buy it all regardless of anything else" is what's stupid, not just anyone having a game collection.

[Jmustang1968]

I just try to remember this is a hobby, not the crowning achievement of my life.

I've always been surprised that people gushed over game collections. It basically amounted to gushing over someone's spending. There is nothing particularly amazing about splurging on the NWC cart or buying every single PS2 game ever.

It's all too easy to say "that thing you find fun I find stupid," but if all you're doing it for is to show off, then it's worst than stupid. It's contemptible.

That goes for everything, though, not just game collections.

** With some exceptions. In particular, the "buy it all regardless of anything else" is what's stupid, not just anyone having a game collection.

Then why are game room and collection threads and videos popular? Why are car meets popular? People can appreciate other hobbyists collections, displays, cars, etc.

There is some level of showing off undoubtedly, but there is also a level of mutual appreciation. It isn't just money spent. A lot of time and effort can go into gathering a collection, cleaning, maintaining, and displaying.

If that aspect doesn't appeal to you, then that is fine. What I love about game collecting is that is scratches that collecting itch, while also being able to play them and enjoy them in that regard as well.

[o.pwuaioc]

Then why are game room and collection threads and videos popular? Why are car meets popular? People can appreciate other hobbyists collections, displays, cars, etc.

The US is suffering from an opioid epidemic and you think just because it's popular that something is good?

Sure VG collecting isn't extreme, but extreme hoarding (including video games) is not good just because people like it.

There is some level of showing off undoubtedly, but there is also a level of mutual appreciation. It isn't just money spent. A lot of time and effort can go into gathering a collection, cleaning, maintaining, and displaying.

If that aspect doesn't appeal to you, then that is fine. What I love about game collecting is that is scratches that collecting itch, while also being able to play them and enjoy them in that regard as well.

Read the section I wrote after the two asterisks.

[Jmustang1968]

Comparing drug addiction epidemic to collection videos and pics is missing the point and isn't really comparable.

Never did I say it justified how "good" something is. It was to your point of you not comprehending why others enjoy it.

[Gunstar Green]

I think the word hoarding gets thrown around way too much. When is it hoarding and not collecting?

And what really is the difference between collecting and hoarding? Where's the line? Additionally, does it really matter why someone wants to own something? Even if a collector doesn't play or use anything they procure, does it matter?

I'm not trying to say most collectors are hoarders. I think it only becomes hoarding when it has a negative impact on your life. i.e. games laying all over your house because you've run out of space or spending money you don't have.

My rule is if something brings you joy then do it. Life is too short not to. If it stops or does more harm than good, don't.

[o.pwuaioc]

Comparing drug addiction epidemic to collection videos and pics is missing the point and isn't really comparable.

It's extreme, but the point is the same. Just because something is popular does not make it good.

You said "why are...?" after I said it was not good. What was the purpose of that question then?

Never did I say it justified how "good" something is. It was to your point of you not comprehending why others enjoy it.

I get it, it just still surprises me when otherwise level headed people resort to buying worthless things for social validation. It surprises me in the rhetorical sense. It's not really surprising, it's depressing.

Like Gunstar Green above, I'm not saying anyone who collects is doing something stupid, or that admiration for a collection is wrong or anything like that. I'm talking about the purpose and means. Someone with a cool $10k to just burn and buys up every Genesis game ever made through ebay BINs isn't impressive. What's to admire? That someone *can* buy it?

I think it's far better to see what others decided not to keep than it is to just have everything.

[Jagosaurus]

Saying that comics and sports card markets also have to worry about fakes doesn't make the situation any better within our community.

I have no issues with repros of games never released. I also have no problems with repros clearly marked. To me personally it is two conversations; piracy and the integrity of items for collecting. We seem to be mixing those discussions a bit. Sure, repro sellers don't have the rights from the IP holder to make money off the product with new productions (vs used). I don't think anyone will argue that. I DL free ROMs all the time though. Not as bad as selling ROMs on a cart, but still "grey" area.

Edit/add: My ROM DLing doesn't adversely impact others in this community, now or ever. Of course, Nintendo doesn't get my money on the eshop, but I don't own any modern consoles anyway.


To me, the physical cart repros do have a negative impact on our hobby. Ultimately, even if in 50 years from now when the owner passes, those counterfeits will reenter the market. I don't want to have to crack open every cart I buy. I already feel that way.

Something I haven't seen brought up is repro labels on real carts. I already check all the artwork for DVD style case games I buy. This will become its own issue.

I get it, it just still surprises me when otherwise level headed people resort to buying worthless things for social validation. It surprises me in the rhetorical sense. It's not really surprising, it's depressing.

Sticking to the car collecting analogy: I drive a Chevy truck 3 inches longer than Subruban. The Toyota Camry drivers often think I wasted money on it and continue to do so on gas. I'm just trying to be "country" or "Texan" to them. I have my reasons. Those aren't it. Sure, I bet it is the reason for some. I don't really get why people drive a Mercedes... it's a status symbol to me. Maybe... or they really do like German engineering. Bottom line... social justification or scratching some internal itch... it's cars for some folks and media collections for others. To each their own. "At least I get to drive it" is very similar to "I get to play them."

[o.pwuaioc]

I get it, it just still surprises me when otherwise level headed people resort to buying worthless things for social validation. It surprises me in the rhetorical sense. It's not really surprising, it's depressing.

Sticking to the car collecting analogy: I drive a Chevy truck 3 inches longer than Subruban. The Toyota Camry drivers often think I wasted money on it and continue to do so on gas. I'm just trying to be "country" or "Texan" to them. I have my reasons. Those aren't it. Sure, I bet it is the reason for some. I don't really get why people drive a Mercedes... it's a status symbol to me. Maybe... or they really do like German engineering. Bottom line... social justification or scratching some internal itch... it's cars for some folks and media collections for others. To each their own. "At least I get to drive it" is very similar to "I get to play them."

If you have reasons, what's the problem? Nothing here on my end.