"Tryhards"
I discovered the term “tryhard” recently after reading a game related blog post. Like many contemporary terms the definition seems somewhat fluid. So the one that I think fits best is “a person who is perceived as putting too much effort into something recreational, such as a game”. Although I think this succinctly distils the essence of the phrase, I do feel a little further qualification and contextualisation is required. I don’t think this term is applicable to legitimate competitive gaming, so it’s not a label I’d apply to someone playing any sort of esport. Nor do I think it is meant for those players that just seek to become well versed in an MMO or similar genre of game. I feel this epithet is the province of those who seek to excel in games where the focus is having fun and not just winning. The post in which I read this term was discussing Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout and I think that is a perfect example. I have encountered other players that fit this category while playing this game and you’ll find plenty more on twitch.
So I guess the first question that arises from the label “tryhard”, is what is so bad in trying to be good at something? To which I’d answer, nothing in principle. The point I think people are trying to make when they label someone in such a fashion, is that these players whose sole focus is the pursuit of excellence end up leaching all the pleasure out of the game for others. Furthermore, if a significant percentage of the playerbase falls into the “tryhard” category, it creates a sort of philosophical fun divide and an environment where new and casual players are either squeezed out or at the very least deprived of the fun that the game is predicated upon. If you want an analogy, I’d say it’s like the over competitive parent who has been in training all year long for the Mum or Dad’s race at their child’s school sports day. Something that is supposed to be lighthearted and about the spirit of participation, is usurped by those who are determined to win and make some kind of statement.
However, I’m a contrary bastard at times. Although I’m not especially enamoured with the “tryhard” mindset and will loudly refute the bogus argument that “it’s never just a game”, I don’t like the idea of a self appointed “fun police”. This is why I think it’s important for game developers who make competitive titles, to ensure they have some viable matchmaking system in place, so that players are grouped according to their skill. Surely implementing such mechanics would please all parties? Unless being a “tryhard” isn’t just about the gratification of excelling but just another way of trolling others. The idea being that it’s another facet of the self aggrandising, braggart culture that pervades gaming. An excuse to sneer at those who don’t succeed and a means of controlling a game at the expense of others enjoyment. I wouldn’t say that all “tryhards” are elitists pricks but I’d certainly put money on elitist pricks being “tryhards”.
It seems that a week cannot go by without the video games industry or gaming culture highlighting or manifesting some unpleasant facet of human nature. Friends and colleagues assure me that there isn’t any major cultural shift occurring and that gaming (and life) has always had a degree of “douchebaggery” associated with it. But I’m not so sure. Anecdotally speaking, I’ve consistently found myself coming last in Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout, while other players leave me in their wake. It does surprise me that some people have become quite so adept, so quickly. I’ve also seen a lot of players loitering at key locations in the game and deliberately impeding and hampering other players. Again, if it doesn’t breach the games TOS, then technically it’s okay to do so but isn’t this supposed to be lighthearted fun? There’s an ongoing debate at present as to whether games are becoming less fun, I’m not so sure. It’s difficult to tell. But we as a community don’t seem to be doing ourselves any favours.
