Do you see yourself still playing video games at an older age?

[Horsey Chobunso]

Every year I get less likely to continue playing video games as I age. I have basically dropped all singleplayer games that don't require me to go to the local arcade. I can't get interested in game stories compared to any of the books I read, and most of the gameplay bores me once I figure out whatever I need to trick the NPCs. Most of the multiplayer games I really love are just too much effort for me to want to keep up anymore. It's been weighing on me a lot lately.

I spent a really significant chunk of my life competing in games and loving the whole experience. Despite whatever people say about multiplayer gAmErS, I've met a lot of my closest friends through fighting game communities and events. Even though I love them, they're just not enjoyable for me to play casually. I have 0 desire to do an activity if I can't get to a competent level, and I can't be competent in fighting games without spending more time than I have right now.

I still play TCGs and other thought-heavy, low execution competitive games, but its not the same. I had this flow state and sense of being when I was heavily involved in fighting games, but nothing I do brings that back. It's nice to spend my time on other passions, but its a really big and difficult change that I have to take slowly.

I'll probably play Team Fortress 2 forever though. You can take my stupid hats out of my cold dead hands.

[TheFrugalGamer]

I certainly hope so, because my backlog is long enough to last for at least two lifetimes!!!

Joking aside though, I've got a lot of my memories and personality tied up in video games, and although I have less time for them now, I still really enjoy playing them when I get the chance. There are some I've been playing non stop since they came out 25 years ago, and I don't intend to stop soon!

[devils]

If my body and specs allow it, probably. I'm pushing 30 right now, and gaming's a huge part of my life, not just for fun but also for analyzing and discussing with fellow gamers. Same can be said for TTRPGs.

I believe you don't see a lot of elderly gamers because they didn't grow up with the hobby- most elderly people I've known were very into things they had done for a long time, such as art or board games.

[hyperchromatic]

i think video games are going to be one of those things that never leave me, to be honest. i'm sure eventually the genre of what i like to play will definitely change as the years go on, but i love gaming so much i dont think itll ever truly go away!

[Magic16]

I don't see myself never playing video games of course, games are an art form.

That being said, for the longest time I thought I was a gamer, but I came to realize that I like interactive worlds/places more so than just simply playing video games. That's why I like Source Engine games, modded Minecraft, LittleBigPlanet, Train Simulator Classic, stuff like that.

[milo]

Oh heck yeah. There certainly is this preconceived notion still that games are kiddy or childish, but it's just so ingrained in society now and everybody plays games to some extent. I've played games my whole life and I' haven't tired of it yet as I'm rounding the corner into 40 pretty soon.

As most have said, they are an art form that shouldn't have limits on who can appreciate it. I love video games because you can immerse yourself in them in ways that movies or music or books don't provide.

Funny anecdote, when I was 10 or 11, Pokemon was getting huge and I was obsessed. I told myself that I would like Pokemon forever, I was sure of it. I got a bit older and less obsessed and said to myself, maybe Pokemon is one of those things I do just like as a kid. Then I came back around and am still just as into it as ever.

[shaggy]

I mean. Why not? There is no expiration day for games or gaming age. It's like any other hobby. If you can knit all your life, why not play games?

The only problem I feel is that it seems to me like less and less good games are made. I am gravitating towards older title and still play (usually modded with a lot of quality of life things) diablo 2, heroes 3, jagged alliance 2. All games from 2000s period. Not sure if that's some kind of nostalgia or familiarity and games getting just worse - probably all of the above.

I think my last new game was Baldur's Gate 3. All new games - especially from big AAA studios, are just... bland today. It's just so obvious they are made solely for the money and not from passion to gaming.

I suppose money problem comes for every popular enough industry at one point. Good thing there are still nice small indie studios that cares about craft itself and not just money.

[MediocreMetastasis]

I dunno. I barely play games anymore ever since I went to uni (ironic since I am developing a game). I think it's because I have more responsibilities now and whenever I play games I just feels like I should be doing something more productive. Will I ever stop playing games forever? probs not. Sometimes I find a game and play non stop for a couple days.

[Offline]

There certainly is this preconceived notion still that games are kiddy or childish

This is something that I never understood as a kid. I always saw it as something for everyone as much as TV, books, or movies and had no preconceived notions to the contrary so when my dad asked me "aren't you getting old for video games?" at the age of 12 it genuinely confused me because it was exactly the same as saying "aren't you getting old for television, books, etc?" It was especially rich coming from him considering he still played video games too. But I guess war games didn't count in his head for some reason? It was weird.

[Offline]

So long as I have the time to play I don't see why I wouldn't be. But then again I do have a watch list that's a mile long and there's so many good shows and manga coming out now a days and it's hard to keep up with even a fraction of it. And a video game is almost always a bigger time investment than even a couple seasons of a show. I always try to set aside some time for gaming despite that though.