When Was ‘Gamer’ First Used? Unearthing the History of a Common Term
The term “gamer” has evolved dramatically over time. Today, it’s almost universally understood to refer to someone who plays video games. However, the history of the word is far older, and its initial meaning was quite different. The answer to the question, “When was ‘gamer’ first used?” is surprisingly not tied to the rise of video games, but rather to gambling and other forms of recreational play. Evidence suggests the term “gamer” was used long before the first computer game was ever conceived! The earliest recorded use of “gamer”, comes from before 1450 according to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED). This original definition refers to someone who engages in games of chance, most often relating to gambling, and has been in use since at least 1422.
A Surprising Beginning: The Roots of “Gamer”
The early usage of “gamer” had nothing to do with joysticks or consoles. Rather, it was associated with activities considered, at the time, to be unlawful and sometimes morally questionable. Historical records from Walsall, England, in 1422, mention “any dice-player, carder, tennis player, or other unlawful gamer”. Here we see that “gamer” was being used to denote individuals participating in a range of games, many of which involved gambling. The connotation of “gamer” in the 15th century was not of leisure or fun, but of association with potentially disruptive or illicit activities.
The Evolution of the Term
While the early usage of “gamer” revolved around gambling and other physical recreational activities, the term was rather dormant in popular usage for centuries. There isn’t much evidence of its use during the intermediate years. Fast forward to the mid-20th century, where the meaning of the term began to shift with the rise of various forms of entertainment.
The term started to appear more often in the context of strategy games like board games and wargames before its final evolution to represent those engaging with video games. It is only after the rise in popularity of video games in the 1970s and 1980s that the term “gamer” began to exclusively mean someone who plays video games. The emergence of arcade games, consoles, and home computer games propelled video gaming into the mainstream. This significant societal shift led to the need for a specific term to identify those who frequently participated, and the word “gamer” became the popular choice.
The Modern Gamer: Video Games and Beyond
Today, the term “gamer” is almost entirely synonymous with video games. It is a broad term encapsulating anyone who plays video games, from casual players to hardcore professionals. The gaming community is vast, inclusive, and incredibly diverse. It’s a global phenomenon. The word “gamer” has not only become a descriptive term but also an identity. It signifies a shared passion, community, and, for many, a way of life. The rise of esports and live streaming further cemented this contemporary understanding of the word.
Why the Shift?
The transformation of “gamer” from someone who gambled to someone who plays video games is a prime example of how language evolves with cultural and technological shifts. New forms of entertainment created new identities, thus necessitating a new meaning for an old word. The ease of accessibility and global appeal of video games have also played a crucial role in making “gamer” a mainstream term, completely divorced from its origins in gambling.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions related to the history and current usage of the term “gamer,” providing additional insights:
1. Is “gamer” a new word?
No, the word “gamer” is not new. Its earliest documented use is from before 1450, centuries before the advent of video games. However, the meaning of the term has evolved significantly over time.
2. What did “gamer” originally mean?
Originally, “gamer” referred to a person who engaged in games of chance, especially gambling, or other recreational activities that were sometimes considered unlawful.
3. When did “gamer” start being used for video game players?
The term “gamer” began its association with video games around the 1970s and 1980s, coinciding with the rise of arcade games, consoles, and home computers.
4. Who is considered the “father of video games”?
Ralph Baer is considered the “Father of Video Games,” having invented the “Brown Box,” an early form of a video game console in the 1960s.
5. When was the “golden age” of gaming?
The “golden age” of gaming typically refers to the period from the late 1970s to early 1980s, marked by the popularity of arcade games like Space Invaders.
6. Who was the first professional gamer?
Fong, is recognized by the Guinness World Records as the first professional gamer.
7. Is “noob” a gamer term?
Yes, “noob” is a common term in online gaming, referring to a new or poorly skilled player.
8. Is “noob” an abusive word?
While “noob” is not inherently abusive, it can be used in a derogatory manner to belittle or disrespect other players, making it an offensive term in some contexts.
9. Can a girl be a gamer?
Absolutely! Gender is irrelevant when it comes to being a gamer. Women are just as likely to play games as men, and it’s a misconception to think gaming is only for males.
10. What does the acronym “PUBG” stand for?
The full form of PUBG is PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, a popular multiplayer online battle royale game.
11. What does “LoL” stand for in gaming?
LoL stands for League of Legends, a popular multiplayer online battle arena video game.
12. Is it okay to date a gamer?
Yes, absolutely. A passion for gaming doesn’t hinder the ability to be a good partner. Open communication and understanding are key in any relationship.
13. Do professional gamers get paid?
Yes, professional gamers earn money through various avenues such as tournament winnings, sponsorships, streaming, and advertising.
14. Is esports a gendered industry?
While esports tournaments are generally open to both sexes, the professional esports scene is heavily male-dominated. This is due to various factors including a lack of female role models.
15. How old is the average gamer?
Gamers come from all age groups. In 2021 in the U.S., the distribution was as follows: 20% under 18, 38% between 18 and 34, 14% between 35 and 44, 12% between 45 and 54, 9% between 55 and 64, and 7% over 65.
Conclusion
The journey of the word “gamer” is an intriguing illustration of how language adapts to societal and technological shifts. Once used to describe those participating in potentially unlawful forms of recreation, it now represents a vast and vibrant global community united by a love of video games. Understanding this evolution adds depth to our appreciation of how our culture has been reshaped by digital entertainment and language’s role in documenting these shifts.