I love glitching in videogames. One look at my username will tell you that much, but why I choose to take part in the art of glitching, and involve myself with others who share the same passion, is an entirely different story.

I recognize that there is often no purpose for what I and others do. Glitches very rarely help me win. They almost never help me play better. Through glitching, nothing tangible is accomplished, gained, or earned. The goal of glitching is simply this: destruction.

The simple yet timeless pleasure of breaking stuff that's not supposed to be broken pervades the realm of videogames in the form of glitching, and I am helpless to its charm.



Glitches in videogames have been around as long as the games have. Whether you're talking about the secret worlds in Metroid or “Glitch City” in the original Pokemon games, glitching is an integral part of gaming culture that cannot be ignored. I mean, there are entire glitching communities (+1 shameless plug), sites centered around glitching in specific games, and numerous clans centered around glitching.

While most of the individuals involved with these groups have sound intentions, seeking only to have fun with the glitches they discover and perform, there will always be people who will try to use them to gain an unfair advantage. We call these people “cheaters.”

The difference between glitchers out to have fun and cheaters is the difference between lighthearted and malicious destruction. It's the difference between setting off fireworks and smacking someone in the face; the former is meant for spectacle and enjoyment while the latter is used to harm and humiliate. Both well-meaning glitchers and the people who use glitches to cheat are out for the same purpose, however; to break boundaries (both literally and hypothetically), and to raise a triumphant middle finger to “the Man.”

What's more interesting to me than self-professed glitchers, though, are regular gamers who somehow become involved with glitches. These are the gamers that give choice glitch videos on YouTube nearly one million views, cause the necessity for a “Glitches” category on Destructoid, and show sincere enthusiasm upon seeing new glitches in their favorite games. Yes, I'm talking about you guys. Evidently, you don't have to be a regular glitcher to appreciate strange and cool looking stuff in videogames. Who would've thought?!



You can also be a regular glitcher and still want to rip the virtual testicles off the conniving bastard that's sniping at you from outside the map. Unless you're some crazy, hardcore cheater, I bet we've all been in situations in online games where an opposing team or player is using glitches to unfairly kick your ass. And, yeah, it can be extremely frustrating (to say the least). But haven't we all wanted to be that douche bag? Haven't we all said, “Woah, how did he do that?” and want to break the rules like they did?

And that's really the bottom line: as long as there are rules there will be people who will want to break them. This is true around the world, no matter what country you live in or what game you're playing. Glitching is just an extension of that philosophy into gaming, and one that many of us simultaneously hate and enjoy.