More Vocablary Lessons for the modern gamer.

This is a continuation of the Vocabulary for the modern gamer series. If you would like to read the previous post in this series, be sure to check it out here.

Welcome back, students! Today we'll not be focusing on multiple vocabulary words. Instead we will focus on the terms one at a time in order to better gather insight into their meanings and how they are used. Shall we begin?

bi·as

 /ˈbaɪəs/ Show Spelled [bahy-uhs] Show IPA noun, adjective, adverb, verb,bi·ased, bi·as·ing or (especially British) bi·assed, bi·as·sing.

–noun

1.

an oblique or diagonal line of direction, esp. across a woven fabric.

2.

a particular tendency or inclination, esp. one that prevents unprejudiced consideration of a question; prejudice.

3.

Statistics. a systematic as opposed to a random distortion of a statistic as a result of sampling procedure.

4.

Lawn Bowling.

a.

a slight bulge or greater weight on one side of the ball or bowl.

b.

the curved course made by such a ball when rolled.

5.

Electronics. the application of a steady voltage or current to an active device, as a diode or transistor, to produce a desired mode of operation.

6.

a high-frequency alternating current applied to the recording head of a tape recorder during recording in order to reduce distortion.

–adjective

7.

cut, set, folded, etc., diagonally: This material requires a bias cut.

–adverb

8.

in a diagonal manner; obliquely; slantingly: to cut material bias.

–verb (used with object)

9.

to cause partiality or favoritism in (a person); influence, esp. unfairly: a tearful plea designed to bias the jury.

10.

Electronics. to apply a steady voltage or current to (the input of an active device).

—Idiom

11.

on the bias,

a.

in the diagonal direction of the cloth.

b.

out of line; slanting. 

 I'm highlighting the definitions as they are used in the following context.

Bias seems to be something that everyone has to some degree, yet most gamers seem unable to come to terms that they have bias. There's always some sort excuse that is to be made to mask one's bias to preserve what little integrity they have in a forum discussion, or to save face when being called out. This is done by explaining  the ways they aren't biased; usually explaining what they own, what they do, who they are or who their best friends are.

Rest assured, students, even I have done this with my disappointment of the Xbox 360 from a consumer standpoint. I still stand behind my opinions and believe that Microsoft would be best suited to present the consumer a better experience by providing adequate means for gamers who don't want a gold account to be able to enjoy their purchased games to their fullest extent, while keeping Gold users engaged with more exclusive content than pay-to-play internet.
 

 It's perfectly normal to have bias, as everyone has their specific preferences. Everyone favors a particular brand, food, mate, politician, ect over another. However, it would be more advantageous for us, as humans, to be more objective and impartial when it comes to these things in order to obtain a greater perspective. The Wikipedia definition does a better job of explaining this. 

"The term biased refers to a person or group who is judged to exhibit bias. It is used to describe an attitude, judgment, or behavior that is influenced by a prejudice. Bias can be unconscious or conscious in awareness. Having a bias is part of a normal development. Labeling someone as biased in some regard implies they need a greater or more flexible perspective in that area, or that they need to consider more deeply the context."

Bias in gaming isn't just a problem within the community, as we've seen crystal clear examples of both developers and journalists expressing bias against the Wii over it's HD counterparts. It's because of this that sites like IGN have been steadily losing what little journalistic integrity (and fanbase) it had. This may also be the reason for IGN's current layoff situation.

As stated above the only way that Gamers Journalists, and Developers can overcome their bias is to think more objectively. Think of it this way: I still dislike Sony and Microsoft's practices, but I still enjoy playing some of the games made for their consoles. I disagree with a lot of things analysts and journalist say, but in order to better understand their frame of thinking I read quite a bit of their quotes and articles.  Why do I do this, Dear students? In order to seek the truth you have to actively search for the truth.

Class dismissed.

Source(s): Wikipedia, dictionary.com