How to be part of our video game book club in 2024

Just by listening, you're a member!

Hey, it’s Plante!

As 2023 comes to an end, I just want to thank you for an incredible year at Besties.fan. This community has, in its first few months, expanded into something special. We’re so happy to share this space with such thoughtful, compassionate, and hilarious people.

For 2024, we want to ensure this venue continues to grow in positive ways that make room for everybody. So, I thought it would be prudent to put together a few house rules.

The golden rule: Behave as you would in a real book club

This might sound silly, but one of the simplest ways to co-exist with people on the internet is to imagine you’re not on the internet. When commenting, picture yourself sitting in a circle with a bunch of peers at a library. You’re surrounded by people with real lives and real problems, not anonymous avatars. It feels nice, right?

When we’re in the real world, it’s natural to be mindful of the feelings of those around us, making room for many voices, and participating in a conversation rather than preaching a monologue. And as with any in-person book club, it helps for each of us to come prepared with ideas, be generous with what we know, and ask questions about what we don’t.

Share what you love and help us understand what you don’t

Every year, game creators release countless video games; no one person can play all of them.  Fortunately, we can work together to spotlight enriching experiences both on the show and in this community.

When you love something, tell us why! What makes it special? What moment stuck with you? Why might other people like it? What did it say about the world and our lives in it?

And when you don’t like something, tell us why, too! What specifically frustrated you? How did you try to get on its page and what prevented that connection? Did this game help you appreciate other games in a surprising way? And again, what did it say about the world and our lives in it?

Talk about the material, not the people

We’re here to discuss video games, not other people in the club. If you disagree with someone’s opinion, share your own opinion. Compare ideas. But if you find yourself saying something like, “I can’t believe PERSON thinks this!” then you’ve gone off track.

This applies to both the commenters and us, the hosts of the show. We love to hear counter-arguments and thoughtful feedback. But please remember we’re part of this community too.

Speaking of…

Explore ideas, don’t speculate on their origins

We’re here to be game critics, not armchair psychologists.

On the internet, it’s difficult to know the context of someone’s ideas or experiences. Show people grace and take them at their word. If you’re genuinely perplexed by someone’s idea, ask them for clarity. And remember that nobody here owes anyone else a response.

We all want to have fun as we collaboratively work through our ideas. That’s only possible if we come from a mutual place of trust. So don’t accuse others being disingenuous because they dared to like the latest Call of Duty or some obscure indie game. And in return, always be sincere with your opinions.

If someone dislikes a game that you love, that doesn’t make either of you bad or wrong

Building off the above: If someone likes Activision games, that doesn’t mean they endorse Bobby Kotick’s approach to labor. It just means they like Activision games. If another person only plays indie games, it doesn’t make them a boorish snob. It just means they like indie games.

Be open to change, both with yourself and others

Remember when Justin considered skipping Sea of Stars, and then it became one of his favorite video games? If we’re too rigid with our beliefs — and too afraid to change our opinions publicly — then we deprive ourselves of opportunities to discover happiness and experience growth.

When you see someone experience change, that should be celebrated — not criticized as hypocritical flip-flopping. We’ve all come a long way since Pac-Man.

See you in 2024

Don’t worry so much about policing these rules. People will break them and that's okay! If you think someone is creating negativity in the community, be sure to Like and elevate the comments that do create a positive space. Leading by example is the best way to help keep Besties.fan the awesome place it currently is.

We can’t wait to share this club with y’all in the coming year. And please let us know what we should be playing this break! I’m deep into Lil Gator Game and can’t wait for the new Like a Dragon.