There’s been some talk in the gaming world lately about age. In issue #205 of GameInformer, former Crispy Gamer writer Scott Jones talks about why he’s reluctant to reveal his age to other gamers, and about being laid off and replaced by, as he describes it, an “intern.”
Meanwhile, on Kotaku Owen Good wonders how long gaming will continue to hold his interest, and how much shame he’ll feel buying games in his 60s.
I realize that as I work towards a viable career as a freelance writer, and a games writer in particular, I’m coming to the party a little late. Already in my early 30s, I’m also beginning to wonder how long my passion for video games will last, how long I can sustain a career writing about them and how long I’ll want to let them define me as a person.
Right now, I can’t even dream of quitting. I still get giddy over new releases, like the upcoming Alan Wake, and I’m heading to Los Angeles in June for E3, where I’m sure I’ll spend most of the time staring in slack-jawed amazement and “squee-ing” at everything and everyone I see.
But, like Owen Good, I want to avoid the ”shame” of being an older gamer. Do I really want to be that weird 40-year-old woman standing in line at Gamestop for the midnight release of Final Fantasy XXIII? Luckily, the invention of digital distribution will probably solve that issue for me. On Steam, no one can see you age.
As a form of escapist entertainment, video games serve the same purpose as television, movies or books, yet no one looks at you weird for owning a TV. Only video games carry that social stigma of being “children’s toys.” But with the average gamer age currently at 35, maybe it’s not so far-fetched to think about gaming into your golden years.
[Photo by Futurilla]
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
The way I look at it is that I still have a whole lot of fun playing games. And I don’t typically look at games the same way a 15 year old does (God help me if I do), so I can bring something unique to the table. I can experience the game in a way that is unique, too. As a writer, that’s important.
There’s nothing wrong being that 40-year-old in line for that new game. Your money spends just as well as the young kids’ in line. I’m giddy over June coming and finally being able to delve into some FFXIII and Bioshock 2.
I’m 27, married, and teaching college. Am I ashamed? Hell no! I talk about new games with my students and build a rapport that way. It’s all about perspective.