Topic: Calling Games "Apps" to make them socially acceptable?

[KaZudra]

Usually, the term "Gamer" is an insult, kinda paints the picture of a sad person who does nothing better than play video games even though most people are Gamers, they just don't see "Farmville" and other Social Games as Games, but as Apps for their phones...

Now the questions of discussion is this, Is it okay? Apps sounds more generic but you don't have a label, but exposing everyone for the gamer they are... would that have the same effect?

[Ratty]

I've never liked the term "apps", it just feels sick and trendy and corporate-buzzwordy in my mouth. But it's apparently here to stay so whatever. I don't think anyone should be ashamed of the word gamer, but I can understand why some would be. Not labeling games as games would get pretty confusing though.

[X]

I personally don't see the word 'Gamer' as a bad thing nor some kind of stereotype as many of the newer generations like to think otherwise. A gamer is someone whom enjoys playing games. I play games and enjoy them, therefore I am a gamer. Nothing wrong with the term IMHO.

[KaZudra]

The term "gamer" itself is harmless, but Generally if you are labeled "Gamer" by a non-gamer, it's usually bad.

How we use it, One whom enjoys Video Games, preferably over other forms of media.
How they use it, One whom does nothing but play video games (this usually includes a social out-casting of some sort)

Its all a big hypocrisy really, I think in general, Gamers are trying to close the social gap by using buzz-words that sound more pleasant.
For Example, The Jock who plays Fantasy football picks on the D&D player, calling them a nerd... even though Fantasy Football is basically a re-skinned D&D to a sports theme.

[Abnormal Freak]

I've never heard anyone refer to games as apps outside of mobile devices/games bought from iTunes/Apple's App Store or Google Play, and since app is a specific term to mobile devices and by extension tablets (and I guess Windows 8 where programs are now called apps, I guess), I don't really see any kind of intentional hiding of terminology or potential game-shaming. It's just what they are: apps. Just like the speedometer that I downloaded is an app.

[affinity]

It's just the ignorant mentality of the masses.    Of course "app" to them would make it sound more socially acceptable since app is more neutral sounding and could mean lots of things.    "Gamer" is not really as appealing to the masses because it categorizes people within a specific medium of entertainment.   Kind of like how it's uncommon for religion to be profoundly expressed outside of church zones, gaming is uncommonly seen outside of homes (though I guess some places in the west still have arcades).   

Gaming requires more effort, attention and interaction from people, than say, watching a sport on a TV. 

So it draws more attention than other activities, making it more challenging finding places where it's socially acceptable to play outside the home, even if it's a portable.   

It's really the clashing of cultures and lifestyles.   Overall, the word "gamer" doesn't need to be used.  Just like there isn't a word that defines people that channel surf as their primary source of entertainment/hobby/interests.   Or people obsessed with movies, or the news.    Labels just leads to stereotypes.