I don't even watch it now, because it's not about the game any more. It's just about the money.

Yep, this is me. I am unapologetically old and out of touch. THIS was my first game console, so it's safe to say I've experienced the history first hand.

There was no "gamer" identity then. My friends and I were just somewhat nerdy kids who loved to play video games. Games were made to make money, of course, but they were designed by people who loved making games, not by corporate boardrooms.

There wasn't this massive, corporate-sponsored meta-game industry that is trying to turn an inherently interactive type of media into yet another passive thing to consume.

There wasn't this corporate-curated, almost self-parodical "identity" that you're supposed to embrace so you can call yourself a "gamer."

"Ooh, look how overcome with fake nostalgia I am by the image of this console that was discontinued ten years before I was born!"

"Gotta have my Gamer™ Drank! It tastes like Sweet Tarts dissolved in a can of corn syrup and vinegar! SOO GAMER!"

"Oh, yeah, make sure you slap a shitload of disco lights on my computer case and peripherals! GAMERRIFFIC!"

"And don't forget the merch! MERCH MERCH MERCH! Gotta let everyone know I'm a gamer with an endless parade of T-shirts that have a game / pop-culture reference mashup! Look, it's Link! But he's dressed like Han SoloLOLOLOL!"

It's the Las Vegas-fication of the hobby I used to love. It's a vapid, artificial image of the real thing, existing only to lure in into consooooooming more.

No, I am not a lot of fun at parties.