Personally I'm not a fan of dark forum themes, that's very much a personal view and I know that many others love them. One thing I've noticed is that lots of gaming forums of all sizes, use dark themes. Why do you think that is?
Why do gaming forums use dark themes?
- Thread starter Fergal
- Start date
We may not know how it started, but it's the general trend - it's sort of something which is now associated with many gaming forums.
However, many of those gaming forums tend to revolve around FPS or MMORPG games, so there is that sense of "darkness" and "suspiciousness" around those games.
I guess another theory would be that a lot of games (that I know of) game in dark rooms to get good contrast in games so light themes would be a bad contrast if you go to forums to check updates or whatnot.
However, many of those gaming forums tend to revolve around FPS or MMORPG games, so there is that sense of "darkness" and "suspiciousness" around those games.
I guess another theory would be that a lot of games (that I know of) game in dark rooms to get good contrast in games so light themes would be a bad contrast if you go to forums to check updates or whatnot.
It is interesting that while most forums use light themes, gaming boards almost always go dark. I think David gave a great answer, though I'd say it largely comes down to a select few forums starting it out of possibly nothing more than personal preference and the trend caught on and spread.
I prefer dark themes myself, although my forum has 4 dark and 4 light themes.
But, it could also have to do with most gaming consoles being black? Playstation, Sega Genisis and XBOX are all black, gray and other dark colors.
But, it could also have to do with most gaming consoles being black? Playstation, Sega Genisis and XBOX are all black, gray and other dark colors.
The site I run does have a lot of deep roots in gaming, though it was a request by literally the entire userbase at the time to move over to a dark theme because it's easier on the eyes, especially at night. I'm also very partial to darker sites in general because they're more relaxing.
Golden Shroom
Reputable
I've noticed this trend as well though I guess it might have something to do with the darker themes in various games (which these forums tend to discuss a lot about).
My own forum has a rather light coloured theme right now as I prefer the lighter coloured themes over the darker ones myself.
My own forum has a rather light coloured theme right now as I prefer the lighter coloured themes over the darker ones myself.
I personally like darker themes better, and they seem to fit gaming forums the most because of the niche. If it's a gaming forum made around a certain series then a darker theme suits it better IMO, and that's probably why the trend caught on. 🙂
D
Deleted member 8254
I don't know how it evolved, but i love dark themes for a gaming website. it suits the game niche and character very well.
David hit the nail right on the head with his explanation. Most games are all about the dark feel. I mainly an RPG guy and most RPG games have that medieval/darkness feel to it. Therefore the dark themes suit most communities that play these types of videos games.
I would say that the website theme matches the feel of the games themselves. I run an RPG forum so I created a dark theme to match that feeling. I'm in the process of creating a light theme for other users, but I guarantee more people will use the dark theme over the light. 😛
I would say that the website theme matches the feel of the games themselves. I run an RPG forum so I created a dark theme to match that feeling. I'm in the process of creating a light theme for other users, but I guarantee more people will use the dark theme over the light. 😛
TMartin3000
Acquaintance
Generally, I prefer the concept of dark outer background/border, light inner background, and the reply messages in a shade of blue/black, but not a warm colour like red or yellow. There can be exceptions of course, but this is my overall opinion.
froggyboy604
Seasoned Veteran
Originally before the Xbox, PS2, and N64 were so popular, more dedicated gamers also called hardcore gamers gamed in dark arcades, and LAN parties where many gamers game in a large dark room the size of a warehouse, or basketball court.
I think this is why most gaming forums use dark themes because gaming in dark rooms like arcades, and LAN parties are a huge part of PC and arcade gaming from the past and present day where a lot of console gamers who play Halo, Call of Duty, etc play games in dark rooms like their bed rooms.
A lot of games also have dark settings, and levels.
I think this is why most gaming forums use dark themes because gaming in dark rooms like arcades, and LAN parties are a huge part of PC and arcade gaming from the past and present day where a lot of console gamers who play Halo, Call of Duty, etc play games in dark rooms like their bed rooms.
A lot of games also have dark settings, and levels.
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