Survey for an Anthropology class...

[cannon_fodder]

Hi all,
I am taking a cultural anthropology class at the moment and I am writing my final paper on the miniature gamer sub-culture, I was intending this to be gamers in general, not jsut the painting community, so this may not apply to all. I am acting under the assumption that most of us play some sort of game too, along side painting, but if you only paint, your input would be valuable as well. As such, surveys and input from the population 'being studied' is always helpful. If at all interested, please respond to the following questions by hitting reply, or feel free to cut and paste your answers in a PM to me. I thank you in advance and look forward to the answers.

Questions:

1. What does it mean to be a miniatures gamer (mini gamer/wargamer)?

2. How do mini gamers identify each other? How do non-mini gamers identify a mini gamer?

3. How are mini gamers different from computer gamers, board gamers, chess players, etc.? How are they the same?

4. Is there something mini-gamers wear to identify themselves as such?If so, what is it?

5. Is there a type of food that is extremely popular within the mini-gamer culture?

6. Where do mini-gamers tend to spend most of their time with wargaming (In other words, is there a designated place for wargaming)? Is this the only location?

7. Is there a hierarchy of gamers (a power structure with a few more important gamers at top and others on a lower level with 'less power')?

8. If so, how is this decided? Can an individual move up or down in the hierarchy? What is considered the 'power' in the hierarchy?

9. How are mini gamers treated by the rest of the community (accepted, shunned)? How do mini gamers treat non-mini gamers?

10. Is there a 'rite of passage' to become a mini gamer?

This is not a perfect set of questions, but will help in my study. I will let everyone know how it goes. Thanks again

 

[mud duck]

1. What does it mean to be a miniatures gamer (mini gamer/wargamer)?


2. How do mini gamers identify each other? How do non-mini gamers identify a mini gamer?
A car that is filled with boxes (Army Transports), Terrain, and the odd bumper sticker
Tattoos. see Sukigod's WIP
Logoed T-shirts
Game stores. They're the one's with their noses in the latest rulebook :Smile:

3. How are mini gamers different from computer gamers, board gamers, chess players, etc.? How are they the same?

4. Is there something mini-gamers wear to identify themselves as such?If so, what is it?
T-shirts with the logo of the army/game/company that they support seem to be popular.
T-shirt,jeans, comfortable shoes, and sometimes but not always a carrier bag

5. Is there a type of food that is extremely popular within the mini-gamer culture?
Portable. Sandwiches/subs, pizza, and Chinese. The closer the food joint to the place of gaming, the more popular.
6. Where do mini-gamers tend to spend most of their time with wargaming (In other words, is there a designated place for wargaming)? Is this the only location?
I'd say that the most time I spend gaming is in one of my Local Games Stores. They have the room, terrain, its centrally located (more or less) and in some cases is willing to cater to late night gaming sessions (if one of the employees are playing). Sometimes at someones home, but there are children, wife, and space issues that have to be addressed.

7. Is there a hierarchy of gamers (a power structure with a few more important gamers at top and others on a lower level with 'less power')?
Heard of it something like this, lowest to highest. Clicks, Pokemon, MtG, Warhammer 40k, Sci fi, Warhammer, with Historical at the top. I'd like to think that it is more of a personality thing. Poor hygiene and a bad attitude are the biggest factors of any hierarchy.

8. If so, how is this decided? Can an individual move up or down in the hierarchy? What is considered the 'power' in the hierarchy?

9. How are mini gamers treated by the rest of the community (accepted, shunned)? How do mini gamers treat non-mini gamers?

10. Is there a 'rite of passage' to become a mini gamer?
Play a game. Get a rulebook. Paint a mini. Replete :smile-big:

This is not a perfect set of questions, but will help in my study. I will let everyone know how it goes. Thanks again

Just my two cents

 

[skeeve]

interesting... I just read a large study about gang activity in large cities... They had exactly this questionnaire with the exception of 'food' question.

 

[Wyrmypops]

1. What does it mean to be a miniatures gamer (mini gamer)?

2. How do mini gamers identify each other? How do non-mini gamers identify a mini gamer?

3. How are mini gamers different from computer gamers, board gamers, chess players, etc.? How are they the same

4. Is there a particular 'uniform' or style of dress for mini-gamers?

5. Is there a type of food that is extremely popular within the mini-gamer culture?

6. Where can the mini gamer be found? Is this the only location?

7. Is there a hierarchy of gamers (a power structure with a few more important gamers at top and others on a lower level with 'less power')?

8. If so, how is this decided? Can an individual move up or down in the hierarchy? What is considered the 'power' in the hierarchy?

9. How are mini gamers treated by the rest of the community (accepted, shunned)? How do mini gamers treat non-mini gamers in general?

10. Is there a 'rite of passage' to become a mini gamer?

1) To play games with miniatures. Beyond that, being part of the hobby, because it is a hobby and not a pastime, one can feel part of the hobby when not actively playing. Thinking about the games rules, planning mini purchases, painting, discussing thehobby on forums or at a gaming club, just being surrounded by the trappings of the hobby.

2) After being introduced to a fellow gamer, they could recognise them. Though if they're carrying an identifiable carrier bag, like say from Games Workshop, that can be a clue, though even that's an unreliable assumption to make as they could have bought someone a gift.

3) The difference is the level of investment. Financially, emotionally, and time investment. Wargaming requires a lot of effort in those, it is a hobby. The other gaming styles are a pastime, something one picks up and puts down without any effort, they require little forethought, are of the moment, and rarely stay with a person they way a hobby does.

4) No, none at all.
Long ago wargaming was a hobby for the idle rich, for gentlemen - even then the cardigans and pipes would be just as common amongst wargamers.
For a time wargaming was "nerdy", though they just wear clothes like anyone else. Albeit with a greater sampling of spectacles, tank tops, and hats than would be found amongst non-gamers. It's just a stereotype though, and never rang true even then.
Now wargaming is merely geeky, part of geekdom. Ones clothing is the typical of non-gamers also.

5) Snackfoods can be enjoyed during a game. Or ordering a pizza as the end of one game approaches so participants can take a break eat. When not actively playing, there's no noticable food style choice.

6) Anyone could be a wargamer, so anywhere. Though if one were looking for a gamer, a store that stocks their games, or a gaming club would be a prudent place to search.

7) Not really. At a gaming club there would be those that have been around longer, afforded a certain respect. Similarly granted to those that actually run the place. At a home where two gamers meet to play, there could well be deference to whoever has the greater experience. But really, no, when rule queries crop up and provoke debate or argument there's clearly no heirarchy to observe.
Forums specific to wargaming merely have the same kind of observable personality types and structure as can be found on any forum.

8) N/A

9) The non-gaming world is too large for there to be a typical reaction. Curiousity, surprise, disinterest. Not dis-similar to finding out someone watches WWE, is doing a degree course, or believes Atlantis will return from beneath the waves. Gamers are accepted rather than shunned by the community as a whole. It is only a hobby, and not a social identifier the way religion or music tastes can be.

10) None. Not even playing a game, as one could feel part of the hobby by remaining at a stage were they pore over rules and army lists, collecting and painting miniatures.

 

[Chern Ann]

I dunno, miniature games are not exactly a distinct sub-culture, or at least not as clearly defined as LARPers. You may have more luck looking for similar research into model train hobbyists or plastic kit modelling enthusiasts, but I also think those groups aren't very clearly defined either. It's not as obvious as punks, taggers etc that carry their identifying tools with them. In fact, most miniature gamers don't even have paint stains on their fingernails since everyone uses acrylic these days.

 

[Dragonsreach]

This is not a perfect set of questions, but will help in my study.

Let me be honest here most of these questions are not an accurate means of sampling the variation between Gaming/Painting ‘Cultural group’ and the ‘General Population’ as perceived by either viewpoint.
One simple thing stands out is that you seem to be aiming your questions with a predisposition to the view that all gamers are in the Teen to Twenties age bracket, which is inaccurate. Gaming as in Wargaming has a large age range target audience, from WWII veterans onwards, don’t forget wargaming as a hobby has a long history and is not just a recent (ie single generation phenomena). Wargaming’s modern resurgence is generally considered to have started with H.G.Wells and his book “Little Wars”, remember Peter Cushing (the actor) was an avid modeller gamer.
Therefore to me, these questions do read as if they are generic samples copied and adapted from, as suggested, a “Gang culture” questionnaire and could as easily be adapted to fit any stereotyped sub cultures , e.g. Goth/Mosher/Emo. This means that because they are stereotypes, it dilutes their relevance, and in some cases renders them invalid towards to your overall aim.
Also please don’t forget that the gaming hobby is multi-cultural and not confined to the US.
I’m going to try to point out the weaknesses in your questions in order that you can reconsider and rework them.

Questions:

1. What does it mean to be a miniatures gamer (mini gamer)?
(This is a prime example of an ‘invalid question’ in that there is no great Meaning to being a Gamer or Model Painter. It’s a hobby, not a life choice/psychological need such as being a musician or a writer). A better framed question would be “What does being a Miniatures Gamer mean to you?”


2. How do mini gamers identify each other? How do non-mini gamers identify a mini gamer? (Another dubious question, does anyone have a secret handshake? This question assumes that there are obvious visual differences between Gamers/Non-gamers.)

3. How are mini gamers different from computer gamers, board gamers, chess players, etc.? How are they the same?
There is a large cross-over between the Console/Board/Role Play/Mini gaming hobbies. Gaming itself can be regarded as another variant of competitive behaviour or redefined social dominance struggle. (Who’s the alpha male in this pack?)

4. Is there a particular 'uniform' or style of dress for mini-gamers?
This is one of the questions which indicates a predisposition to specific age demographics, however from one point of view there is a perceived “Uniform” in that the majority of gamers (teens to 20’s) are viewed as wearing tee shirts and baggy jeans with limited personal hygiene. In a converse view gamers/modeller of my generation are generally regarded as grey haired, Real Ale drinking, fat old men with beards.

5. Is there a type of food that is extremely popular within the mini-gamer culture?
Yes, the edible kind. This question seems to indicate an expected answer cluster; e.g. the Pizza, M&M’s Mountain Dew stereotype for D&D players.

6. Where can the mini gamer be found? Is this the only location?
Another open question; as a good example as to why its open one gamer I know is currently On Tour in Afganistan.

7. Is there a hierarchy of gamers (a power structure with a few more important gamers at top and others on a lower level with 'less power')
8. If so, how is this decided? Can an individual move up or down in the hierarchy? What is considered the 'power' in the hierarchy?
Now these are better questions in that they refer to the social pack structure and how it can be applied to gaming. In clubs and tournaments there is a structure, where individuals will strive to dominate via the games, achieving ranking and status through there tactical abilities and game army. Such ranking is a fluid dynamic dependant on abilities within games, e.g. Frank is better than George at Warhammer, George is better than Bill at 40K, but Bill is better than both Frank and George at Flames of War and Napoleonic games.

9. How are mini gamers treated by the rest of the community (accepted, shunned)? How do mini gamers treat non-mini gamers in general?
Another good question. How is any non-mainstream activity ever considered, some people consider spending time moving “toy soldiers” around a table a waste of time, which is fine as I consider paying good money watching 22 overpaid Prima Donnas kick a football around a grass area just as much a waste of time. The question reflect on how people as individuals react, its feasible that someone with a limited imagination/experience would be extremely dismissive/rude, while someone given to more contemplative/constructive processes would be more tolerant.

10. Is there a 'rite of passage' to become a mini gamer?
Leaving yourself open to questionable answers on this one.

I hope that this gives you some food for thought and helps you redefine the questions. If I can help please don't hesitate to give me a call.

 

[daddyo]

i sent this as a pm, but felt i ought to share it with the community anyway.

1. What does it mean to be a miniatures gamer (mini gamer)?
it means that you use miniature figures as markers to exercise your imagination and thus your mind.

2. How do mini gamers identify each other? How do non-mini gamers identify a mini gamer?
non-mini-gamers are completely clueless. they understand best when you say that you use "tin soldiers, or something similar."

3. How are mini gamers different from computer gamers, board gamers, chess players, etc.? How are they the same?
they might differ only in degree. the games mentioned all use markers of one form or another.

4. Is there a particular 'uniform' or style of dress for mini-gamers?
clean clothes are preferred at my table, even if some of my players do work in nasty environments. i don't think there is a true "uniform," save maybe jeans and a t-shirt with some rock & roll or pop culture reference on it.

5. Is there a type of food that is extremely popular within the mini-gamer culture?
cheetos and mountain dew. chips and soda of most any kind. i don't like players to drink beers while playing. drunk players are usually incapable of good role-playing.

6. Where can the mini gamer be found? Is this the only location?
usually they can be found at hobby shops, or gaming-specific stores. then there is the occasional convention.

7. Is there a hierarchy of gamers (a power structure with a few more important gamers at top and others on a lower level with 'less power')?
i don't think so. wargaming in of itself is not a 'heirarchial' type of group. there are noobs, and grognards (like myself), and the main body of players that are veterans but without the battle stripes.

8. If so, how is this decided? Can an individual move up or down in the hierarchy? What is considered the 'power' in the hierarchy?
maybe only in the currency of gaming experience.

9. How are mini gamers treated by the rest of the community (accepted, shunned)? How do mini gamers treat non-mini gamers in general? the rest of the community?
as i said above, clueless. i live at the bottom of the bible belt- fundamentalist christians have a difficult time wrapping their heads around anything "unusual." and gaming beyond 'monopoly' is bizarre at the least and demonic at worst. (i really don't want to start a rant. unless you want one...)

10. Is there a 'rite of passage' to become a mini gamer?
go buy some minis! make your gm happy! even those disgusting prepainted plastic crappy ones. and bring chips. at the very minimum, bring a working imagination. the rest follows.


gamers aren't like a neighborhood gang, or an elk's club. most of us are playing for escape from mundania. i use my figures for gaming purposes, and collecting. i sea trial navy ships, and the skippers don't like 'civilian' use of their bandwidth. stingy bastards. none have been recreational gamers. they kriegspiel for work, but escape from that some other way.

 

[supervike]

Hi all,
Questions:

1. What does it mean to be a miniatures gamer (mini gamer)?

Simply put, it means to be a very short person who cannot reach the gaming table. For example, Vern Troyer is a mini gamer.

2. How do mini gamers identify each other? How do non-mini gamers identify a mini gamer?

Secret handshake. Smell.

3. How are mini gamers different from computer gamers, board gamers, chess players, etc.? How are they the same

Well, Chess Players are always Russian. The other ones are figments of the media's imagination.

4. Is there a particular 'uniform' or style of dress for mini-gamers?

Leopard thong bikini briefs. Not all choose to wear the official uniform. I however ,do.

5. Is there a type of food that is extremely popular within the mini-gamer culture?

Mashed potatoes and chocolate sauce.

6. Where can the mini gamer be found? Is this the only location?

Usually on the internet. Yes.

7. Is there a hierarchy of gamers (a power structure with a few more important gamers at top and others on a lower level with 'less power')?

D. None of the above.

8. If so, how is this decided? Can an individual move up or down in the hierarchy? What is considered the 'power' in the hierarchy?

The electoral college. No. Electricity.

9. How are mini gamers treated by the rest of the community (accepted, shunned)? How do mini gamers treat non-mini gamers in general?
A harem of 100 virgins, whoops, make that 99...whoops 98.... We treat them with rage and contempt.
10. Is there a 'rite of passage' to become a mini gamer?
Just the initial beat down. We stand in a big group and beat the crap out of new players. Also, we preform circumcisions.

This is not a perfect set of questions, but will help in my study. I will let everyone know how it goes. Thanks again

Your'e welcome, glad I could help.

 

[cannon_fodder]

Thanks for all the help so far.
As for some of the comments,
Yes, these are a somewhat vague set of questions, but the point was to find some key differences between wargamers and the 'general' population. I apologize if they come across as pigeon holing-both in terms of generation and geography- but I assumed the more generic the better, so I could analyze the data and see if any patterns occur. I was also trying to come up with a way to ask "what defines a wargamer? Tell me how you, as a wargamer define yourself, and connect with other gamers, etc." In the past, survey type questions have had more hits than true open ended essay questions, and I was trying to get as many answers as possible, in an approachable manner (maybe this is why it appears to be aimed at the 20 somethings...)

@ Dragonsreach: You have some very valid points, and upon reading them, you seem to understand my intent, but bring the poor wording into view. That was my error. I would reorganize if there was time, but this assignment is for a 5 week class, so I could not afford a sampling before reaching the larger world, and (like an idiot) chose not to have others proof it. O Well, I'll pick it up next time...Thanks for the help though...

@ Chern Ann: I think we are a culture in the same way as football fans or soccer fans (2 sports there, as I'm from the US ) or even video gamers, but not rigidly different enough that a person can't be both (all). As for identifying tools, a few responders have suggested dice bags and figure cases as identifying features, but we'll see. But your right, the (mini)gaming culture is a little harder to pin down...

@Supervike: you know, sometimes you scare me...I've read posts for a long time, and your responses have always made me laugh...or cringe.....either way, it's interesting reading... (PS I dare you to post a picture of you wearing the official gaming uniform at your FLGS )

 

[Jericho]

Interesting idea, like Mike I had a few hangups with the questions in some cases, but I'd be happy to offer my answers anyway. I was well on my way to a minor in Anthropology before I decided on a double major (Psychology & Comparative Literature).

1. What does it mean to be a miniatures gamer (mini gamer/wargamer)?
>> I think this is very much up to the individual. It's common for a hobby to dictate a lot about your personal life, from your group of friends to your career. There's a lot of people for whom it remains "just a hobby" and others for whom it's a massive lifestyle choice. I like to think I fall somewhere in the "healthy middle ground," as I'm sure we all tell ourselves!!

2. How do mini gamers identify each other? How do non-mini gamers identify a mini gamer?
>> You probably walk past a bunch of gamers on the street / in the office on a daily basis, and you'd never know unless you asked. I work in a provincial minister's office, and right when I first started we had a guest in the office to meet the Minister, and we recognized each other from the previous weekend -- we played a game of Talisman together at a friend's house!

3. How are mini gamers different from computer gamers, board gamers, chess players, etc.? How are they the same?
>> In my experience there is a lot of overlap between these groups. I can't say I know many chess players, but social habits (forums/guilds/clubs/etc.) seem relatively similar between all three. These games all seem to use similar cognitive abilities, and reward strategy use, so there are some personality similarities as well (but obviously still a ton of variation within the group). Many of the gamers I know are more literary/academic than the non-gamers I know (even many of my university classmates were pretty illiterate).

4. Is there something mini-gamers wear to identify themselves as such?If so, what is it?
>> Nothing springs to mind. There are occasionally people who fit the stereotype with grubby t-shirts and wild facial hair, but honestly any group will have a few scruffy looking individuals.

5. Is there a type of food that is extremely popular within the mini-gamer culture?
>> While gaming is occurring, there's probably a propensity towards junk food. Something fast and preferably with delivery available. Pizza seems to make many happy, at least for the gamers I know. When not gaming anything is possible.

6. Where do mini-gamers tend to spend most of their time with wargaming (In other words, is there a designated place for wargaming)? Is this the only location?
>> It's not uncommon to have a club meeting place, or a local gaming store at the center of the community. Not necessary by any stretch, people having a table/board in their house is pretty common as well. I attend a gaming club (that occasionally runs tournaments and other events) and I have a table of my own that goes on top of the dining table.

7. Is there a hierarchy of gamers (a power structure with a few more important gamers at top and others on a lower level with 'less power')?
>> In a competitive or club environment, absolutely. There are group/tournament organizers, the "elite" level hobbyists who can either end up at the top or the bottom of the heap depending on their social skills and their attitude, and the more casual gamers as well. GW seems to encourage this as well with the youngblood vs. veteran/old git dichotomy that they have built over the years. I'm always happy to see a "vets helping the youngbloods" type of atmosphere but it's not always present.

8. If so, how is this decided? Can an individual move up or down in the hierarchy? What is considered the 'power' in the hierarchy?
>> In many cases, it's simply experience. People who have been around the hobby longer have probably picked up more skills, knowledge, and more substantial social relationships within the community. Hierarchy can be based on any criteria, from social skills, organizational skills (for club leaders etc.), or by "gaming prowess" etc.

9. How are mini gamers treated by the rest of the community (accepted, shunned)? How do mini gamers treat non-mini gamers?
>> Again it all depends on the individual. There are certain people I know that are simply unable to function in the workplace or have a conversation that doesn't involve gaming somehow. These types can run into any number of problems in their work/family lives. There are also plenty of well adjusted gamers who fit in perfectly well with society as a whole. There's a certain gamer stereotype that we're all aware of, but many gamers are quite socially active and as gaming (all types) becomes increasingly mainstream, I think the stereotype is losing its prominence.

10. Is there a 'rite of passage' to become a mini gamer?
>> Spending way too much money on toy soldiers?

 

[DXM]

Hey Cannon _Fodder
By chance are you in Toronto.

 

[cannon_fodder]

Hey Cannon _Fodder
By chance are you in Toronto.

Actually, No...I'm in Colorado Springs...I do get to catch a Maple Leafs game every once and awhile, just wear different colors.

 

[DXM]

The reason I asked, I had a customer who is writing a thesis on almost the same subject.
I figured what were the chances.