Part of the console success in America, and mayhaps Japan as well, is indeed the escapism of a fantasy world. On a computer, especially one connected to the internet, you've got a myriad of stuff to do on it. And the controls, especially those that rely on the keyboard, require more attention than FF7 on the PS1. The total ennui of just moving your fingers allows for a more sedentry feeling, and your better able to be absorbed in completing some task in the game, even if it is repetitive and boring because so little effort is involved. And you can't just decide, oh, I'm done and go off to browse something else on the machine. There is nothing else. Sure you could put a new game in, but in the end your still immobile. Of course, not ALL console games are quite so boring, I've seen games that give the TW a run for its money. Can't remember the title of it, all I remember is, ZOMGWTF how the hell am I supposed to play with 4 buttons and a directional pad while the camera is locked in useless angle. You can't adapt the complexity of TW to something so limited in control.
In soviet land, at least my impressioni from news and stories, is that they're too drunk to need games, or their life doesn't require a escapism outlet. They're well adjusted to life, and want to have a good time. Vast oversimplization I'm sure, but that's my impression anyhow.
As far as bringing in social groupings, whether elitist or nerd, they seem like unnecessary baggage to just enjoying and being yourself. Besides, everyone 'here' is a AMVer. As far as I see it, video editing is just a form of sadomasochism. To quote another forum I frequent,
VileTerror wrote:Being a [Avatar Music Video editor] is never having to say "I'm sorry"?