I do not think the suffix -ist implies that libramarian. It just means a person who does a particular thing or having a particular quality (i.e. Racist, agriculturalist, cyclist, elitist, etc).
When the ist is related to an ism (as it is understood to be in the case of gamist--gamism), it implies an ideological commitment. I don't think that the use of gamey mechanics should be thought of as an ideology. I think that gives too much respect in a sense to a thing that's just a tool. It's like seeing someone using a hammer and calling them a hammerist. It doesn't make sense. There's no reason to believe in hammers in themselves separate from their function.
I use those words.
What's a naked game mechanic? Something without fluff?
Gamey is better because it's more specific.
A naked mechanic is one where its non-simulation purpose is too apparent.
Like a guy walking around with his biological purpose in full view.
Or at least that's how I understand it: @
Starfox used that word first.
"Rubbish game design" works for game mechanics which feel intrusive and distractive. I don't think those rather condemnatory adjectives apply to all that is "gamist" though. Is chess intrusive and distractive?
Almost no one plays chess expecting to feel immersed in its medieval battle theme, so its gameyness is of almost no consequence.
RPGers prioritize this immersive aspect very highly relative to boardgamers, so gameyness in itself is definitely a negative in RPGs, but if its beneficial effect on play is enough to overcome this, then the net result is positive.
Not at all. "Racist" is a classic example.
OK...even if gamist is used in the sense of racist, to refer to a belief that is not valuable or respectable and is just a bias, I still don't think it makes much sense to call gamey mechanics gamist. Gamey mechanics aren't always good or always bad. They're a "necessary evil" sometimes.
But regardless...this is just a side criticism. The main reason gamey is preferable to gamist is because of what Starfox pointed out in the OP: gamist is used for a different, also important idea (gameplay focused on player challenge).