Quoting the Internet: Playing Games After Age 20 Is "Not Normal"

Quoting the Internet explores examples of profound stupidity involving our favorite hobby, video games. People who falsely slander something they’re too lazy to even attempt to research, understand, or consider the opposite view deserve to be ostracized for their behavior.

Read on to find out exactly why Synne Sørheim's comments in a recent testimony are completely unacceptable and unbelievably ignorant.

[Yi-Long]

... simply because we have reached some kind of magical arbitrary age where some idiots deem it immature to like these things...(!)

Yeah, THAT'S'normal'(!)

Idiots.

[Rockefellow]

Spot on point.

"She must not realize that the largest age demographic for video games is the exact age range she's criticizing. Oh, yeah, or that it's among the largest entertainment mediums in the world, if it isn't the largest."

[Yi-Long]

... trying to put others down by calling them 'immature' and ridiculing their hobbies...

Luckily, I'm 35, and I don't give a rat's ass anymore about what other people think about me watching cartoons, reading comics, playing videogames, or whatever.

Life's too short to not do the things you enjoy doing, simply because some other people might want to bitch and moan about it and call it 'immature'.

Who the hell is she to judge my hobbies!?

[Abash]

Im 21 and sadly my dad sees it the same way as that lady, when I was 18 he'd even tell me that video games are for 12 year olds. That was one of the best things about moving out, not having his criticism for doing something that's normal for millions and millions of other people my age and even older to do for entertainment. Some people just are close-minded and you cant change their opinions

[dredgewalker]

I'm 34, video games help me stay in touch with my youth. People need hobbies to have a healthy state of mind as long as they don't get too addicted to it.

[morganfell]

Let's stop going to movies and reading books as well.

After all, what are those two mediums?

Video games are experiences much like a movie or book, except games are interactive events where there is a degree of control in guiding the outcome or at least the speed of the story.

This woman certainly should not be straying into cognitive thinking and learning as there are a host of researchers and psychologists of much greater renown that will bury her opposing thoughts. Incidental learning (a subset of cognitive learning) is a process that, when using immersive techniques such as video gaming, has shown more promise than anything since the invention of the chalkboard. Retention of subject material nearly doubles versus conventional learning methodologies. It's why the Department of Defense is investing so much into furthering it's use.

At the end of the day this woman comes across as some shrill harpy who lost a guy to video games because she failed to understand it's attraction or it's relevance as an educational and social learning tool. Also good, plain fun is apparently alien to her. She likely blew a mental gasket when she found out he had female gamers in his clan.

[TopDudeMan]

She is obviously one of these people who seem to think their way is the only right way to live. There's just no reasoning with these people. It's best to just leave them be.

I'm 19 and I fully expect to be playing video games in my 20s. Hell, maybe even my 30s. And if I make it to my 40s, there's no point in stopping then, is there?

It's a hobby. Like cycling and jogging and other stuff. People do these things alone, are they not going to be able to talk to people?

I don't go out much because there are people like her in the world. If it's not video games, it's something else they're judging you for. That's my choice. I am pretty good at making friends. People get along with me just fine. I am extremely punctual. I'm a promising student. I can arrange stuff well. My communication skills and confidence are around average and I am very happy.

Explain that, ms/mrs sorheim, since you're such a smarty pants.

[TekoIie]

"It is however, something completely different to relate to something in real life, have committed relationships to other people, arrange meetings, go to work in the morning, have a healthy relationship with a GIRLFRIEND, or having common social skills"

I highlighted GIRLFRIEND for a reason... Sooo are all gamers male or lesbian??? Shes one of those ignorant people who only believe men play Video games.

[Hellsvacancy]

"Watching cartoons, reading comics, playing videogames, or whatever"

Nothing wrong with a bit of "whatever" i was looking at some whatever earlier ;)

[Gaming101]

Yet another imbecile pretending to know something when earlier in their statement they admitted they knew absolutely nothing about videogames - PERFECT

[Spydiggity]

it's much better to just sit around watching dancing with the stars and american idol. or some pointless sporting event.

btw, who wants to be normal?

[saladthieves]

I believe I speak for everyone when I say that we're all gamers and we love gaming because of the joy, entertainment and challenges it brings us.

I can assure her this: As long as I'll be able to hold a controller, I'll always be gaming.

I'm 1000898460% sure there are people out here on N4G.com who've been gaming for most of their lives and ARE above the age of 20 (such as myself). I'm also sure they won't suddenly completely stop because they hit some magical age!

[nveenio]

Most of the best games can't even be sold to people under the age of 17, so........ What does that say about video games, again? Oh yeah, they're predominately FOR adults.

[Autodidactdystopia]

I F*&%^$g hate this lady, she reminds me of the stupid girls that were bragging about their gpa in school but when the tests came around, I crucified their asses, dont they know that not caring is cool?

just kidding its only not cool to care when it is to kiss someones ass. otherwise caring is good

[MariaHelFutura]

Do what thou wilt.

[PerpetualMathx10]

crowley ftw. id be curious as to what she does for entertainment, and if there is an age limit for that...

[Blacktric]

Give this guy a Well Said. GIVE THIS GUY ALL THE WELL SAIDs!

[MariaHelFutura]

Yi-long is one of my favorites on N4G.

[eagle21]

Fuk her. :)

When we are all looking back on our lives, please don't regret giving up what you enjoyed or something that made you happy because somebody said you should.

[Grap]

i think this is the first first comment on news hasn't have a disagree lol.

[MrBeatdown]

You may think she's an idiot, but that's only because you're not normal.

Unlike you weirdos, I burnt everything remotely fun in my home on my 21st birthday. Because I am normal.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to grab myself a bowl of Cheerios (NOT the flavored kind! I'm normal!) and watch Law & Order with a smug sense of satisfaction stemming from how superior I am to you lowly fun-having man-children.

Good day!

[QuodEratDemonstrandm]

I couldn't decide whether to give you a well said bubble, or a funny bubble.

I went with funny. I think that's what you were shooting for.

[Lazy_Sunday]

The lack of disagrees in this statement shows you how one sided n4g is.

...

Wait, you thought I was serious? Fuck no.

Now grown men playing with MLP dolls? That's a little much.

[Legion]

I am pushing 50. I have played almost everything. I have toyed with my own small game creations and have been gaming all through my life. I have had a full military career and raising 3 well behaved children.

Am I a normal father, aged man, gamer? I would beg to say there is no normal... but for anyone to say they know at what age someone should quit something... especially when the demographics of the issue at hand are against their said results... step down and rethink your words.

Gaming is growing along with the masses of children that started out playing games. We grew up and chose to move from the little 8 bit world and expand the stories in the game to meet our needs.

Women grow up playing dress up and having tea parties. When they get older do they stop doing that? No they simply move on to the adult version of it...

Men have the desire to be competitive. We enjoy our techno gadgets. Video games just fit into what we are all about. And just as when we were children and liked the animated movies... we grow up and don't stop watching movies... we just watch more mature movies now. We do the same with games... we move on to more mature titles.

Get over it. You can pry my controller from my cold dead hands.

[HarryKawkReturns]

+1 bubble for ya. Well said!

[ceballos77mx]

Well said my father used to be like that, now at 68 he just finished dark souls, every assasins creed, and he loves the uncharted series, next up for him Skyrim. He told me that now he undertands why i love this hobby.

[FACTUAL evidence]

100 agree' 0 disagree....that's sexy as hell....on-topic, this b***h is insane.

[edwineverready]

If I would care about what other people find immature. I would have stopped playing games and stopped skateboarding a long time ago. I am 36 and not going to give neither of them up any time soon.

[TheRealHeisenberg]

I'm 41 years old now and have been video games since I was 8 years old. I don't get to play as much as I would like to now but that comes with growing up. I would play a lot more if I could but I have a fine @$$ Filipino wife and two kids that keep me plenty busy. We do play video games together when time allows. I just wanted to put that out there before I kindly tell that lady to STFU because she has no clue what she is talking about.

[OhMyGandhi]

@ Yi-Long
your comment was so spot on that aren't even "accidental" disagrees.

[BinaryMind]

I can not believe the mind****ery I just read. The fact that someone who calls themselves a professional psychologist can say something like this makes me question the relevancy of the entire field!

[hennessey86]

for 6 years then :/

[Spinal]

Well said bro. Agree + bubble.

[ApolloTheBoss]

I have a 50-something year old cousin and plays his GameCube after work everyday and totally normal.

[tordavis]

N4G gamers and fanboys finally fighting together for a common cause.

[AzaziL]

I laugh whenever someone talks about games being for kids, yet spends the evening watching reality tv garbage daily. They must be much more mature../s

[QuodEratDemonstrandm]

Keeping up with the Kardashians = normal
enjoying the story in Heavy Rain = psychopath

Makes perfect sense.

[Mounce]

She looks like one of those psyhobabbling dykes that you find in elementary school crushing kids dream-bubbles by shoving her opinionative bullshit down their throats.

Her face, appearance alone, is stereotypical amongst the almost feministic and over-glorified entitlement to think their opinion on a matter is fact rather than simply a Weak personal opinion, I loathe people like her with a bloody fucking passion. It's people like her who basically emphasize probably the peer pressure of losing ones V-card at 16-18, oh shit son, you better do it fast or else you're Not Normal.

Better yet, what fucking Right does she have to say she can say what IS normal and what ISN'T Normal? That fucking bitch, honestly. Any human who thinks they can define what is and what isn't Normal is not only potentially egotistical, but they need discipline of the mouth....

[LUCKYXS7LEVEN]

So basically playing Video Games are more inhumane than taking drugs. Oh this is great logic

[MrMister]

I can tell from that picture that she's a bit uptight. Perhaps she hasn't been getting any love in bed...

[GraveLord]

As long as you have a social life, a job and can take care of yourself, I don't see a problem with playing video games after age 20.

[Cosmit]

Having a Social life is overrated.

[TheRealHeisenberg]

It is only overrated if you don't have a healthy one.

[ApolloTheBoss]

But I hate people.

[Snookies12]

Lol, she's just mad because she doesn't understand the word "fun", I mean look at her expression. I think that's her when she's happy...

[NastyLeftHook0]

Im proud to not be "normal" i cant help but look at the sheep of people flocking to the beach in santa monica and other areas as if they are a flock of geese or another type of animal with no sense of adventure and lust in this life. Normal is the opposite of good, wonderful, and exciting.

[Hufandpuf]

Whats wrong with being normal? The beach is fun, and its a great place to hang out and meet new people.

[Hicken]

"Normal" is abnormal.

"Normal" implies there's some societal standard that must be adhered to in order to function properly.

But "normal" people don't exist. Everybody's got something they like that a lot of people would go, "Eew, really?" to. And if you don't, you're one boring-ass, conformist of an individual... no, you're not an individual.

[QuodEratDemonstrandm]

98% of the world's people are weirdos.
So weird is normal.

[Sonyslave3]

Agree Grave but unlucky some people don't have that.

I pity the fool who put gaming above everything else

[jc48573]

I'm glad I got out of my last relationship. I wouldn't have done it w/o the help of games to help me forget all that last miserable moment I went through just to finally break up or let go. Some gfs can be such an ass and let me tell you this, I actually sacrificed all my gaming needs just to spend time with her. It went well for a good year, but then bang! one 'stupid' argument just whoosh! I was like fuck it! I don't just game, I have other hobbies too where I get to socialize person to person. It's not normal when people make you think it's not normal.

[jeeves86]

Anyone that wants to keep you away from something you enjoy doing (provided it's not...like really harmful) makes you wonder if they actually care about you.

Really.

From one person to another, kudos - you were right to drop her.

[ceballos77mx]

Amen brother, that happened to me too.

[dredgewalker]

I also lived with a girl who despises me playing with video games even though I never forget to do my responsibilities. She should have been happy I was always home and not out chasing after girls or drinking with my buds. Some women are just too demanding.

[ACEMANWISE]

I'm stunned. I could have sworn video games helped me become smarter and develop skills in ways most never think about.

For starters video games have helped me solve problems. I'm not talking about personal issues, although it has been known to be a remedy of escape. I'm talking about increased ability to solve mathematical, electrical, and other technical problems. I largely credit this due to all the puzzle and strategy games I have played over the years.

I've played many video games that contained extremely hard puzzles like Silent Hill, Legacy of Kain: SoulReaver, Portal, and others that spanned back to the Atari 800XL computer (where there was no instructions on how to get a game started, much less play). It was these games that caused me to develop my ability to solve. Whether that be a crime, a math problem, a goal, or a broken chair. It trained my mind to the point where multiple solutions could be envisioned just by looking at a problem. It is these skills that become useful for careers in computers, law enforcement, or even technical industries.

Video games have even helped me develop hand-eye coordination. Could this not be useful when piloting an aircraft, machinery, or finding ways to access tight spaces. What about driving a vehicle? Now, I'm not saying it will train you to do these things. What it can do is allow the mind to properly keep tune with motor functions in order to more accurately do what the mind is thinking.

Video games have enabled me to keep the imagination there. To keep the mind open to all possibilities so that nothing in thought is kept too narrow in perception. By having this way of thought it allows myself to refrain from a quick conclusion to things.

It allows a form of critical thinking that I consider well beyond that of the mentioned psychiatrist in the article. For she was taught by a book thus her reality is very contained. It provides her symptoms and possible solutions. No where is her conclusions drawn from experience. Even I, who have taken elementary psychological courses, know that the term "normal" refers to the majority in regards to the study of the human mind. The last time I checked the majority of people seek out entertainment on all fronts...and at all ages. For her to say that playing video games after age 20 (as opposed to seeing a scripted movie with obvious political message and corporate agendas) is not normal, then she probably needs to go back and refresh her education. Last I checked it wasn't normal to create an entire reality because a book, or because a higher power told you so. The last time I checked it wasn't considered "normal" to conclude that 99% of gamers are not "normal" because 1% decides to go out and mass murder...which is the minority in a minority group. Only critical thinking can do that and a real understanding of everything after the knowledge is handed to you...not when.

[solidboss]

brilliantly said

[FutureWWEChampion]

ur comment is to long to read but i agree lol

[AgreeFairy]

>extremely hard puzzles
>Portal

Stop trollin

[ACEMANWISE]

At least you didn't disagree with the others. Soul Reaver has got to be one of the most complex, but intellectual, game for puzzles I've experienced. All of them made sense.

[belac09]

well put acemanwise!

[CaptainSheep]

If being a gamer after 20 means I won't be normal, then so be it. I'll be "not-normal" for the rest of my life.
This reminds me of that SpongeBob episode, though, haha.

[Alos88]

She has one of those "I had fun once- it was horrible" faces.

[redDevil87]

She has one of those "Haven't been laid in 10 years" faces.

[dredgewalker]

With that kind of face a guy would rather play games than do her.....

[manman6]

Why should I care about being NORMAL. If I going to live my life I going to do whatever makes me happy. No gamers should stop gaming because of someone else.

[WeskerChildReborned]

How is it not normal when their's games only intended for people 18 or over?

[ginsunuva]

Haven't you heard? All games are immature shooters for kids.

Also, why isn't movie-watching past age 20 unhealthy?

[attilayavuzer]

What have you been living in a cave? M rated games are only for people age 17-19...

[FutureWWEChampion]

I'm guessing all of us are above the age of 20 lol f*** it i'll play video games till my fingers develop arthritis.

[Colonel_Dante]

Im 25. And guess what? I dont care what people say.

P.S, Im a qualified Psychiatrist. And there is NOTHING abnormal about gaming over 20. Times change.
Games are as much a past time or hobby as watching or playing football.

[fossilfern]

Im 21 and have a very healthy social life and keep fit....

[AgreeFairy]

She's the type of person who would give her 10 year old Call of Duty, let him go online by himself, and complain that games are the devil because he started swearing.

[h311rais3r]

Well I guess no one above age 20 should watch a movie alone. Read alone. Do anything alone. I guess she doesn't know what co op is :p. I do co op with my gf. In games and in bed. I have a job. Have tons of friends but because I'm 21 I guess I'm not normal cuz I play games. Shame on me!

[TheFirstClassic]

Ha ha just two more years and I turn 21 and become abnormal! :P

[StreetsofRage]

HA! And who said this world is normal??? GAME ON BABY!

[Taibo]

Neither is watching t.v or going to the cinema

[darkknight0996]

I do not know why some people have this irrational hatred for video games, I have been playing video games since I was six years old and couple months ago I got my masters degree.
the problem is not in games, it's in the parents.
I think it's normal to play games if over 20, it's not normal to stop because you are a cretin age.
P.S. I'm 30 now and I have a really great life.

[Colonel_Dante]

The last two weeks Ive watched the news.

1)A zombie ate a mans face.
2) A gay pornstar chopped people up and mailed the parts to various politicians in Canada.

Thats ABNORMAL.
not games.

[Jihaad_cpt]

I think the gay model or zombie gave you a disagree.

[belac09]

what a dumb cunt, i would HATE to live her life, i bet she is miserable.

[LightningSamus]

Well i guess i'm not normal then.

[Doletskaya]

Not to be judgmental, but look at her. If anything is abnormal, it's her face, it's terrifying.

[dboyman]

She seems miserable/grumpy in that photo. Also if we were going by looks in the photo, she would type that is very opinionated and controlling

[PersonMan]

For me, video games are a form of entertainment. Just like movies, there are games for kids and games for adults. I think video games are actually better for your mind than movies too. It keeps your mind sharp and your reflexes sharp as well.

It's kinda stupid, but I've been playing a lot of The Impossible Game lately and it really needs you to have a good memory and fast reflexes to beat it with no flags. So far I've done the first 3 levels with no flags. Awesome game. Only $1 too!

[THE-COMMANDER]

Im turning 21 in july :)
Long Live Play!!

[OldSnakePS3]

im turning 27 in december!
Long Live Play

[rmedtx]

She probably can't find a boyfriend and she blames it on video games...

[AKS]

That's only partially true. She found one, but he quickly found he preferred video games over her.

[rmedtx]

lol

[Bay]

There should be no age limit on these things. It's not like playing video games past the age of 20 will suddenly turn people into something else.

Hell, my grandfather used to collect toys and my dad plays video games. It's a break from reality/stress of work. Society's rules can go screw itself.

[dcbronco]

I'm sure her husband(there's even someone for the Crypt Keeper) is doing adult things like cheating on her, being an alcoholic and stealing money from his company. Spend more time helping your church molest children ditz.

[Summons75]

Tell that to the stress that I reduce by playing games in my free time while balancing School, work and a wife and kids.

[insomnium2]

I've been abnormal for ten years it seems.......oh well back to Archam Asylum.

[FAGOL]

You know what guys I think someone needs to sit down with her and turn on a games console and then.......

..shove it up her ass, as she's a close minded bitch who cannot comprehend gaming is a form of entertainment and should be treated as such.

[yeahokchief]

There is no such thing as being normal. Everyone is different and everyone is flawed in one way or another. No need to rip on someone for what they get enjoyment from. I wouldn't want everyone conforming to my beliefs. Imagine that. Imagine everyone did exactly what you wanted them to do. That would get incredibly boring after a while.

Playing video games past your 20s does suck up a lot of time that could otherwise be spent making money or learning new skills, but do whatever makes you happy.

[KMCROC54]

Hey Lady my Mom & Dad have something they what you to know , they would like you to go FKYS. cause these two 57 & 56 years olds love thier Madden nites ,basketball nites & their Nintendo SSB.

[dionnysus]

what a fitting picture

[swat_teem]

this made me lol

"That means that the goddamned expert called to testify readily admitted she had no fucking idea what she was talking about. I might as well tell you that leaving pop tarts in the toaster too long will make you retarded, or that wearing white after labor day will give you cancer."

[DEATHxTHExKIDx]

We don't stop playing because we grow old. We grow old because we stop playing.

[Firebird360]

Very well put!

[phantomexe]

I'm 35 as well and me and my wife both enjoy games. My wife new up front i was a gamer and now she enjoys games as well.

[jeeves86]

I haven't exactly been following the case, but I believe this is just a case of 'paint the defendant as poorly as you can.' Whether she's an expert for the defense or the prosecution, they're going to use everything they can to paint him as a bad person. Even things that don't exactly paint him as a bad person, such as gaming. The prosecution will paint him as maladjusted and delusional, the defense will label him as clinically insane and therefore not criminally responsible.

If anything, they should focus on the 'actual' problems this guy has, such as the crimes he's actually committed.

[MiyagiSPG]

Hey guess what? I'm turning 20 tomorrow so does that mean I'm not allowed to play video games? Does that mean I'm not allowed to do something I enjoy? Exactly.

How can Anyone in their right mind tell Anyone what they should and shouldn't enjoy? Is this coming from the same people who say "Hey look who's turned 18! I bet he/she'll get drunk every night cuz that's clearly what Everyone is Supposed to do!" Really...? Fuking up your body every night or enjoying what you do without any physical or mental harm to yourself? Tough choice :o

Don't forget, drink responsibly guys and gals ;)

And another thing, if playing games over 20 isn't normal then how can there even be a Single Game Developer out their in the world making video games? Surely that's an abnormal thing to do? *Sarcasm*

[Firebird360]

I'm 29 and play games everyday with my wife who is also 29. This is what we enjoy, this is what we enjoy together. And we've been married 10 years, we have a nice apartment we both have jobs and Bank accounts. What's not normal about us??

[ShaunCameron]

Funny. I wasn't even what she considers "normal" before age 20 and I barely played video games. Now I'm 32 and play every now and then and ain't a damn thing changed.

[OneAboveAll]

What is she doing out of the kitchen? Most of the people who make these great games are older than I am. (i'm 25)

*cough* GABE! *cough* :p

[MoveTheGlow]

Being a doctor. Seriously, I can't stand this particular doctor's bull comments, but the kitchen joke isn't a response that screams "I totally know what people over 20 should do in 2012!" Argue against the content, dude, it'll do us all some good!

[aaronobst]

Oh playing videogames over 20 is immature?

I should be more like you and watch Jersey Shore

[MoveTheGlow]

Yes. When people grow up, they should stop playing games! Just watch other people play more simplistic, brotastic games on TV. Now that is the sign of a thinking dude. Judicial fist bump.

Seriously, the minute you put someone down for playing Civ V for five hours straight instead of watching a football game or drinking at a bar, you have failed at life. Go to jail, do not pass Go, do not collect $300.

[McLuvn]

This means I should have stopped gaming 27 years ago?

[pixelsword]

47? Dude, I got mad respect for you.

[pixelsword]

Playing videogames might be immature for some, but if I'm not mistaken, having someone tell you a story has been done since people have been children. Sure, call it a "drama" or "opera", but when done is done, it's still a story...

...like like when you were a baby.

[XboxInnovation]

So I guess anything that allows us to use our imagination is kiddie, this also includes reading books and watching movies

I hate society, who made up these stupid rules? No one ever grows up we just act better

[mamotte]

I'm 26 and still playing videogames. Just hours ago, I was playing Just Dance with a group of friends, and people around us just said "well, this is weird"

[AusRogo]

This bitch aint normal

[MacDonagh]

Ladies and gentlemen; we've found our new Jack Thompson!

[KrimsonKody]

Bah

You can see it in her face that she's nothing but a anti-anything-she-doesn't- agree-it hag.
She's probably the type that wants all the can food labels facing forward, stresses that you use a steak knife to cut your pancakes, although the butter knife is working just fine, & probably likes to dictate what her man can & cannot watch on TV.

P.S;
How can you look like the crypt keeper, Smiggle & Voldemort all at the same time?!

[JoeSchmoh]

quoting myself "THE INTERNET/FACEBOOK/TWITTER ISN'T A TOOL TO LIE TO PEOPLE AND TELL THEM THAT '30 IS THE NEW 20 AND 40 IS THE NEW 30!' These people are jealous because gamers have a culture they can't understand because gamers don't care about conjuring up drama about politics and religion.

[smashcrashbash]

Oh No!!!! I am not normal!!!!! So be it. *goes back to playing video games*

[MoveTheGlow]

Well said, Smash!

[leogets]

Im 38 the 1st generation gamer.been a gamer since the 1st pong console was introduced back in the 70s. Its in my blood,its what I do,u wasnt considered a nerd back then either as you was uber cool to have the latest gadgets. Its been my hobby throughout my life and im not stopping.someone who has football as a hobby should also stop watchin,playim ect aswell in her eyes right? Rediculous woman.

[JoeSchmoh]

RIGHT! Mad because gamers arent these irrational sports fanatic douchebags who pick fights with people and threaten their life over a baseball or football team/game.

[andron]

This is taken a bit out of context. She was referring to the fact that he was taking a whole year off just to play games and nothing else.

I think we all can agree that doesn't sound healthy...

[Jirachi]

You know what's really normal?
Not using the phrase "this is not normal"
There is no such thing as normal behavior,because no two people act exactly the same. if everbody in the world acted the same way except one person then maybe there would be such thing as normal.

Hell psychologist have just as many mental issues as an one else on the planet there just better at pretending not to be a crazy person.

[TotalSynthesisX]

We should all band together and go kick her ass lol.

[pixelsword]

lol

[PixL]

It's not normal? Ok, then I'm not normal. To Michael!

[urwifeminder]

At 39 i must be uber rooted.

[Dazel]

Oh shit, I'm 44!! Better learn how to garden I guess.... Lol

[terrordactyl]

If you like to receive a story via the medium of a book, society considers you an intellectual.

If you like to receive a story via the medium of a movie, society considers you an artist.

If you like to receive a story via the medium of interactive computer graphics, society considers you to be a dysfunctional, geeky, sociopath.

For a doctor, she is one of the most mis-informed, ignorant people I have heard.

[Zichu]

Luckily my parents don't comment on it being mature or not. How else do people get into the gaming industry? They played games throughout there life. I hope I can also be a part of the industry some day.

It's a great hobby and I would rather play games than be on the streets causing trouble because that is what I think I would be doing. Some of my "mates" caused abit of trouble and I didn't want to do that. Now I see that being more immature than deciding to do something else and stay out of trouble.

[chukamachine]

What a stupid thing to say.

Even much older people have bought the ds/wii.

It's entertainment. Just like movies, or anything else you enjoy.

Your only on this planet once, enjoy yourselves. Why so serious.

I really wish people would lighten up in all matters tbh.

[ChickeyCantor]

I just love misleading titles. She didn't just say "It's not normal for a 20 year old". She said being all alone just playing video games after your 20's is not normal. It's about the social aspect.

I don't agree with her completely, but yeah. If you are socially dysfunctional after 20 years....you might wanna patch up.

[esemce]

Any adult that looks down on video games yet reads fiction, watches TV/Film is a absolute ignorant hypocritical moron that deserves no respect.

[foxxiin]

Hmmm, This makes me think. So a us drone is for kids ? Using a controller and simulations to start, makes it technically a game. If thats the case, i wouldn't mind a £30,000,000 piece of kit.
Also simulators are used for the army, which are technically games, but they're used for above 21's Yr olds.
I bet her husband is seeing people on the side ;)
Games are games for a reason. Enjoyable. Reguardless of age.

[Euthanasia78]

Well then, I'm a 33yo male. I'm not normal apparentaly. I play games. I also work full time, pay my taxes, own a house, am married, have 2 dogs, and am very very very very very happy. I'd rather have what I have than normalcy. I think this person is trying to force her ideals on everyone else. She is the definition of ignorance on the subject still screaming like she knows. Games aren't for just kids anymore. It's not 1983 in the arcades. This woman is an embarassment. It would be one thing if she knew what she was talking about, but she is just spouting off at the mouth. She is forcing her views on the world.

[Blitz001]

Hahaha, did she just called millions of people "not normal"? Nice one...

[bahabeast]

well i didnt start gaming hard till after i graduated high school, onli sports gta and the occasional action game i use to play and never turn over. god of war 1 was the first game i completed and that was 2005 i think, i grad from high school in 2004 and bought my first brand new console in 2007 ps3. do the math lady

[tarbis]

Right. And those people playing poker and black jacks are immature bec they're still PLAYING with cards after the age of 20.

[AlaaAlii]

Daddy didn't buy someone a video game console when they were kids.

[chaos-lockheart]

she said in his 20s, didnt say after 29

[ALLWRONG]

Soooooo fail

[cedaridge]

well i don't smoke, i barely drink, and i work HARD for my money. so BLANK whoever have a problem with me ENJOYING what i LOVE to do. and i enjoy my xb360/ps3 and lookin forward to the new system when they launch. psn: cedaridge / xbl: cedar4Thunder

[Thepro318]

im 26 still play game my co workers in their 30s and 40s.They play video games as well video games is a main stay like reading music movies television its a form of entertaimen

[Metallica23]

How dare you guys. How dare you have fun in your spare time. You know who has fun in thier spare time. KILLERS!

[joeorc]

I guess tactical Wargames have no bearing on today's battlefield?

Lol, I guess; you could say playing miniature wargames Have or offer no help to the leadership that is taking men & women on real life battefields or Navy engagements that can be killed, that a place like for example the

Naval War College

is just guy's playing with little toy's ?

Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz,Fleet Admiral William F. Halsey, Jr.,Admiral Raymond Spruance,Rear-Admiral Alan Shepard, USN First American in Space 1961; Fifth Man on the Moon 1971.

all played Navy wargames with little navy minitures on a board and competed with other's to learn tactic's

board games! Ever heard of the game Harpoon?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wik...

yes because your just to Old to learn something on a video game past the Age of 20?

LMAO

[JoeSchmoh]

quoting myself again. "spying on people through FACEBOOOK/TWITTER/GOOGLE at any age is not normal" Let's see how many hours her *** spends spying on her friends and family through Facebook.

[rufnux]

Alright, as a Norwegian who's somewhat following the trial of AB, I'd have to say that this article got lost in translation and her quote taken out of context. She's not there to talk about video games, she's one of several people who's there to decide whether or not AB is insane.

AB played a lot of video games, mainly WoW for extended periods of time, neglecting his social life, family and responsibilities at home because of it. This is obviously not normal or healthy for anyone regardless of age, so that's why video games have been brought up in this trial.

To me it looks like the foreign gaming media is very caught up in this trial because they have the impression that the Norwegian justice system believes that video games is what made AB do what he did. That is far from the truth, (as far as I know) they are considering it a factor that might have made ABs mental situation worse, but not the cause of his actions.

If you didn't already know this, AB did what he did because he believes he is the "savior" of the white race, and by killing politically engaged youth he hopes to bring attention to his cause.

I hope that clears things up a bit.

[andron]

Well said. I'm Norwegian to and commented earlier, but you said it much better.

what we have here is a perfect storm of the original meaning becoming lost in translation and typical knee-jerk responses to perceived anti gaming sentiments...

[SecretPsycho]

Isn't the average age of a gamer like something in the 30's?

[Honest_gamer]

what is a 20 year old sits in his room all day playing games with his girlfriend who is 22 and also plays games all day, goes to uni 4 days a week (not at the moment as its summer holidays until september 17th boooooooo) also has friends over every couple of night to play co-op etc or paint 40k models?? is that normal, if someone can define what normal is in human behaviour then that person is abnormal as everyone does things there own way, i class the above as normal and i class people as drinking, smocking etc as weird why? because every month i have a pancreatitis attack, drinking makes the attacks ALLOT worse so it's abnormal in my view to be drinking when it can do so much bad to your body /end rant

[stuntman_mike]

I'm 31 been gaming far longer than I can remember.

as for the article
again gaming being dragged through the mud, it seems like they are looking for an excuse for that murdering sack of s**t.

the psychiatrist lady was a complete joke also, she didn't have a clue. you could have got Ronald McDonald on the stand and he would have given a better analysis.

[jamesensor]

Same age here bro, and never thought about playing cod or something like rapelay on real life lol

[jamesensor]

Not knowing about the subject makes her inapt for the function at hand. She should had refused or made a research/talk to colleagues to develop a reflected official statement.. Games should not be used as scape goats but nevertheless she went for that and it's indeed a mirror of her ignorance.

[RELIGHT]

Stupid cunt bitch

[Zweihanders]

"Look, I'm going to tell you right now that I'm not qualified in any way shape or form to comment on the following issue.. at all... and I'm retarded.. but I'm going to say something anyway and say it's fact!" is basically what she did... I hope they just threw this out.

[Huntmaster17]

Hey lets all watch crap on tv like Jersey Shore.. I'm sure that's the more mature thing to do lolz...

[Jamaicangmr]

However i'm sure ridiculing others hobbies because you're of the opinion that at a certain age they shouldn't enjoy/do that anymore is quite mature i'm sure.

[majedx9]

i will keep playing games until am 80s.

[turnerdc]

Sadly my dad's the same way. He sees gaming as something only a 10-13 year old should do and calls everything (Xbox, Playstation, Wii) a Nintendo. I'm 25 now and am still gaming!

[-chaz-]

While I don't want to downplay the horrific events that took place in Norway, this is just another typical knee-jerk reaction to a tragic event.

[kostchtchie_]

because video games ruined the world, was not GREED OF MONEY, was not GREED OF POWER, was not FUCKING GOVERNMENTS, was not bullshit built society...no it was video games the demon of the world

and anyone that does not have family, kids, career, mortgage or any of that other waste of time garbage is not NORMAL

let me do euthanasia for free then please, i would rather check out than have to live so called normal BULLSHIT life

he killed them just put bullet in his head and be done with it, trying to get him the insanity plea, is trying get someone off murder NORMAL? even though we all know he done it, oh right it is..

[demetreHG]

Gaming 4life and f-the rest !!

[saimcheeda]

but im going to keep on playing games until i die, how are video games different than tv shows or movies? both are entertainment!

[mistajeff]

Cmon folks, we all know you're only normal if you lead a miserable life and take it out on other people. Now shut up and buy shit.