Tell GR: Do Spoilers Matter?

Depends on my interest of the medium in question. Take Uncharted 3 for example. I still haven't gotten around to getting it, but I do NOT want to know anything about it going into it. I want to be surprised by whatever happens in the story. Other games, like El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron, I don't mind having the main premise of the game spoiled. You're Enoch on a quest through "Trippyland". Doesn't reveal the twists in the game or anything, just tells me what it's about somewhat. Then there are the blatantly obvious spoilers that mean nothing. Mario defeats Bowser. Oh no, I just spoiled the ENTIRE MARIO SERIES!!! However, no one plays the game simply to rescue Peach (again), it's more about the crazy journey to get there, from Super Mario Bros. 1 to Galaxy 2. In short: If it's integral to the game, don't spoil it.

They matter but the more important question is whether or not they have an expiration date. Is it still a spoiler to say that Bruce WIllis was a ghost the whole time?

Or what about movies you don't plan on watching anyway? I know Rosebud was the name of the sled in Citizen Kane even though I never watched the movie and don't plan to. Does that ruin the movie for me now?

If people want to avoid spoilers, they should probably stay away from the internet until they have watched,read,played whatever it is that they don't want spoiled because the responsibility falls on them.

Thanks, C_Nate! Didn't you read the italics at the end of this entry?

Also, I agree with part of what C_Nate was saying.

I did read it, which is why I changed my response from a smartassed one to a honest one and I still get get down votes. Guess people don't like being told they are responsible for themselves.

Yeah, I agree with your last part. I don't know why I been down voted.

I know why you have. There is a certain someone here who likes to play with the up/down votes. I know exactly who it is because every time he gives me a down vote I return the favor and he responds every single time by giving himself an up vote. Kinda childish if you ask me but what do I gnome? Know... I umm meant know of course.

They DO matter, they make matters worse all of the time for me. Someone tells me how the book ends? I skip it. Somebody summarizes a game storyline? I lose interest. A douche mentions the final score of a football match I haven't seen but recorded? I fast forward it and only see the goals.

You mean you knew THE AVENGERS ENDS WHEN... the credits roll?

Spoilers are everywhere, we are a socially networked society so no matter how much you try to avoid spoilers there is always a chance you'll see or hear one even if you are careful, either through friends, facebook, enemies, television, and of course the all knowing internets. People actually go out of the way to spoil things when it comes to movies just based on the fact that they know they may be ruining it for some. I've never been one to care about posting spoilers or reading them unless I don't plan on reading, watching, or finishing a movie, game, book, whatever.

I hate spoilers. I'm always really impressed when a game/movie/book/show surprises me. That NY Times critic is just using the studies to excuse his not using spoiler warnings in his columns. He's just being a dick, just like everyone else who posts spoilers without warning.

I avoid spoilers to games I haven't played yet. I like to be surprised as I play since it gives me motivation to keep playing to see what happens next.

Spoilers only matter if you wasn't interested in watching/playing/reading the damn thing anyway.

It's not the goal that we are here for. It's the journey. I know if I'm playing a game that I will end up winning eventually. Maybe the character won't survive but in the end I win.

The good guy wins and learns a lesson in doing so. There. Every movie ever made has been spoiled.
(Notable exceptions; Fallen, Se7en)

As for books they too follow familiar paths with an 80% that you will know the ending halfway through. Like I said though it's not where it ends but how you got there that matters.

I've never heard a spoiler that gave away everything. That and I subscribe to the philosophy of junk punching Ruinie bastardos when they open their greasy clap traps...

Depends on the situation, but usually yes spoilers do matter.

Well, I feel this is just another case of someone dictating how I should feel/think about something. "...people who care about spoilers aren't enjoying media the right way." Is how Dan paraphrased him, and Mr. Fish's "right way" is his way (and only his way). I agree with LawenGnome, I like to surprised. I don't care if Mr. Fish thinks I'm stupid the feeling is mutual.

I see someone's been going on a down vote spree. I guess people don't like it when others don't want to have the story spoiled?

I actually have a very funny story about spoilers should I make a thread about our experiences with spoilers. :O

I love spoilers when they provide enough downforce.