Backseat gaming happens when someone who isn’t playing gives advice, comments, or instructions to the person playing. It’s similar to having a backseat driver but for gaming!
Have you ever had someone looking over your shoulder and telling you what to do in your game? That’s backseat gaming! Let’s explore this often frustrating, yet sometimes helpful, experience.
Backseat gaming happens when someone watches another person play a game and gives advice, instructions, or comments without being asked.
It’s similar to backseat driving, but instead of directing on the road, you’re guiding in virtual worlds.
Backseat gaming can vary from giving useful tips to beginners to annoying micro-managing of skilled players.
The Origins of the Term
The term “backseat gaming” comes from the expression “backseat driving,” which has been around since the early days of automobiles.
Just as a backseat driver offers unwanted advice to the person driving, a backseat gamer does the same for the person playing.
The phrase became more popular in the late 1990s and early 2000s as multiplayer gaming and LAN parties grew.
It gained even more attention with the rise of online streaming platforms like Twitch in the 2010s, where viewers can comment on a streamer’s gameplay in real-time.
How to Use the Term “Backseat Gaming” Correctly?
If you want to use “backseat gaming” in your gaming chats, follow these examples:
- Request help:
“I’m stuck on this level. Could you offer some backseat gaming tips?”
- Set stream rules:
“Please avoid backseat gaming in chat, unless I ask for help.”
- Describe behavior:
“Stop with the backseat gaming! Let me figure it out on my own.”
- Admit to backseat gaming:
“I didn’t mean to backseat game. I got too excited and spoke too soon.”
- Discuss streaming culture:
“Some streamers find backseat gaming frustrating, especially when it happens too much.”
Tip:
Remember, context plays a significant role. Backseat gaming doesn’t always have to be a negative experience.
Players sometimes welcome help, especially when stuck on a challenging level or trying to understand a new game mechanic. It all depends on the situation and timing.
Other Terms You Might Hear
While discussing backseat gaming, you may come across these related terms:
- Stream Sniping: When viewers use a streamer’s live feed to get an unfair edge in online games.
- Backseating: A shorter version of backseat gaming.
- Kibitzing: A Yiddish word for giving advice that’s not wanted, often used in chess and gaming.
- Armchair Gaming: Like backseat gaming, it typically refers to criticizing game design or strategies from a distance.
- Ghosting: When a player leaves the game, active players receive the information.
- Coaching: Unlike backseat gaming, coaching is usually requested and formal, often in competitive settings.
- Spoilers: When backseat gamers reveal plot details or puzzle solutions without being asked.
Now you’re ready to handle backseat gaming, whether you’re the one giving advice or just playing quietly.
Remember, gaming is about having fun. A bit of backseat gaming can improve things, but know when to step back!
And now, I’ll remind my friend they’re playing wrong. Just kidding, or am I? Keep gaming!