Why do gaming forums use dark themes?

[TMartin3000]

Actually, the overall colour scheme of the example pictured above wouldn't be bad at all, with a little more adjustments. XD Like using fewer main colours and utilizing gradients. After that it might even go well with a forum dedicated to a more light-hearted game. But I think the purpose of this image was to demonstrate the ridicule of unbalanced, inconsistent colour schemes.

I can see the overall opinion is leaning towards darker schemes, but imagine the polar opposite: everything in a shade of black or grey, even the text. I doubt it would be better than a (not overly colourful) brighter theme. I think the key is selecting colours that work well with each other.

 

[PhairChild]

It's simply a trend. It did have some perks when it started, most website were light, then a few went dark so the stuck out and were thought as different. Kinda just gave an appeal when it started. You would notice a difference right away which would drag you in looking for more differences. It was a great marketing strategy and changes the gaming community's. Now it's simply done just because everyone does it.

 

[Jimmy]

I don't know why, but not even because i'm a "gamer" i still have always grown to love dark themes. I make sure that they are not too dark though, i do like a little light in the theme 😛

 

[Ashley]

I love gaming, not computer games so much but definitely games like the PlayStation or the Nintendo DS. But I also think that the dark themes on game sites is something like a trend. I don't think any of us will ever understand why.

 

[Kino]

I ran a gaming forum a very long time ago and like you said Fergal went with a dark theme.

I believe that gamers prefer dark themes per say. I know if you ask someone if they rather have a white Xbox or a black Xbox, they will probably want the black one. All consoles nowadays, except for the Wii are black. Even PCs now are made to be a dark color.

I think gamers are just dark anyways. We like to sit and play our games in the dark and like the darkness of the theme. I prefer dark themes to light as well. Most of the forums I have run all had a dark theme. I think the contrast in the darkness makes the forum themes great.

 

[Ashley]

Imagine if we designed gaming forums like this.

Oh God, that is one theme I would NEVER use on this forum! I'd be sticking to the theme I'm using now (the lighter one...can't remember what it's called). That is waaaaaaayyyyyyyyy too hard on the eyes right there!

I ran a gaming forum a very long time ago and like you said Fergal went with a dark theme.

I believe that gamers prefer dark themes per say. I know if you ask someone if they rather have a white Xbox or a black Xbox, they will probably want the black one. All consoles nowadays, except for the Wii are black. Even PCs now are made to be a dark color.

I think gamers are just dark anyways. We like to sit and play our games in the dark and like the darkness of the theme. I prefer dark themes to light as well. Most of the forums I have run all had a dark theme. I think the contrast in the darkness makes the forum themes great.

Seems pretty logical when you put it that way, Kino.

 

[ForumsGroup]

I only use dark themes on my gaming forums because they're the better looking forum themes for a gaming niche site IMO. Darker sites are easier on the eyes IMO.

It has nothing to do with the game or the genre for my forums. Its the style and look of the theme.

However, I do have a light theme on my xbox site because it blends more with the xbox.com and xbox theme.

 

[Smokey]

I prefer there be a light and dark theme for gaming forums. Give the user the option of choice, y'know? 🙂

 

[Pebbles]

main question is really a good question

i would not know why
but i guess a lot of popular games wouldnt be fitting in with bright colours
as their layouts (on packages) are mostly with dark colours?​

 

[Myhostv]

I believe it is because most games use a dark themed theme.