Isn’t it time you grew up and stopped playing games?

Guest contributor @Game_Whisperer looks back on his lost years of gaming, and shows off his envy-inducing collection.

[NecrumOddBoy]

Being older (mid-30s) is the best time to play games. When you are a kid, they are great, but that is when you are learning and building and growing. Now I am done school, deep into my job, have a home, etc etc... Why not enjoy it now more than ever? I have a greater comprehension of world-building and I enjoy games more for their stories and art.

[ManMarmalade]

I still appreciated story and art when I first started Megaman on the NES at my uncle's house when I was 4. Then I started playing donkey kong when that came out and I ended up drawing the characters from a "how to draw" book my brother got at a book fair. I've been drawing 26 years now and I still appreciate the jump-start video games gave me, and I obviously still enjoy them now.

[choujij]

@Kip_Smithers

Hahaha!! Good one.

Although I don't think many here got the Billy Madison reference. XD

[darthv72]

Lately I have been contemplating scaling back on my gaming habits. Especially since my wife has been told she can work from home indefinitely. Which means I have to give up my game room for her to use as a home office. I've already been packing up my games but there is still so much more. I have something close to 2k games and over 100 consoles.

And it was during some of this pack-up that I realized I didn't really need all of this stuff. I don't need all the variants i have collected over the years. I'm not saying I would "grow up and stop playing" but that I can scale back and still enjoy the things I like while making some room (and $$) in the process.

My wife knows I like video games but she also knows I have an addiction to collecting the systems, controllers and the big box editions. I am just going to put most of it in the garage for now while I weigh the pros/cons of my 'hoarding'

[The-Matrix-has-you]

@darth

I think you should be proud of your collection! I’m a bit of a collector my self but more for 7th generation and older. If anything I would consolidate your things, pack them up to maintain preservation and put them in storage. If you can afford the hobby and you enjoy it then I say keep going with it. Maybe build some kind of detached office/gaming space in your backyard.

[Exvalos]

If you love collecting dont rationalize stoping be who you are

[WelkinCole]

Dude keep those. They will be worth a good penny in the future when games are full on GaaS and no more physical console or copies made.

[jamesclark1991]

I started turning minimalist a few years back so having all that junk sounds like hell to me.

[Petebloodyonion]

I know the feeling Darth
Used to have all my old systems and games till we had a baby.
Had to clean some space and made some $$$ by selling past system that I would rarely play or could play by others means. (basically anything before PS2)
And I don't really miss them (okay I do miss my Sega CD collection because I had every working Design game and Snatcher).

Now I'm considering selling my Ps2 /GC game collection because honestly when was the last time that you did play a complete Ps2 game or Gamecube game?

And let's be honest with things like Epic game giving you free games, Game pass, PS+, games with gold, Humble Bundle, free to play games, etc when will I really have time to revisit these games when basically we all have a library of 500+ current games that we got free or bought at cheap price?

PS Darth, I suggest that you build yourself a price charting account it's really helpful keeping track of valuable titles.
https://www.pricecharting.c...

[Automatic79]

@Darthv72

I remember having to pack up my legacy consoles (SNES, N64, GameCube, PS3, Gameboy Advance, 3DS, OG Xbox, Xbox 360) with so many games when I moved. The new place was smaller and we had a baby coming (12 years ago). I had to get rid of my systems (scaleback). Biggest mistake I made. Now I wish I had my older systems. Whatever you do, think long and hard before scaling back. Once you let go it's hard to get back. Note I kept all my systems and games like brand new in boxes with original manuals. I took game preservation seriously.

The One saving grace is Xbox with Bac Compat it's been a game changer and helped me get over that feeling of getting rid of older games.

[mcstorm]

That is just a part of life. I always had some old consoles and games but as I got older I started playing them less.

I then got married had a child and have very little time to play games with other things in life to.

I decided to sell all my consoles 2 years ago now as I was playing them less and less easily with having my little boy.

He is now 4 and guess what he wants to do. Play games. I have a pc and we often play games on it but I do think next year we will be getting a switch due to him loving Nintendo games I have on the pc.

Part of me now is wishing I had kept my old consoles and when he is alittle older we could enjoy them together.

Gaming is for eveyone though and my gran who is 79 sits and plays games still. It keeps her mid going especially in lockdown.

[metabolicfrolic]

Dude, are you me?!

[thorstein]

Agree.

Gaming is a great hobby. It is one I enjoy partaking of with my children. We've bonded over gaming. I wouldn't trade the time I have spent with them, the adventures we've shared, for anything in the world.

[Sitdown]

I agree, Mario Kart has popped back up in the rotation as the younger kids are starting to master it. The battles and races have made for great family time.

[Guitardr85]

Well put! I think the idea of people who were adults before video games existed telling us we are too old for them are out if their element. Videi games are new(ish) enough that that concept of being "too old" for them is irrelevant...what is the standard to base it against? It doesn't exist because video games are older than a lot of people who play them. I'm in my mid thirties and grew up with them. Why should I stop? I wonder if the same thing was said after the invention of the home television lol.

[Sayai jin]

I am 46 and have been gaming since the 80's as a kid. My plans are to continue to game. I am retired so I have more free time for all of my hobbies. Including gaming. Some of the excitement has changed. I game with people that are of all ages, teens, 20s, 30, and some in there 60s.

Game on and keep on gaming...

[KingofBandits]

Yup I'm in the same scenario. I loved playing games as a kid and while in college but being in my mid 30's now I have a bit more time to actually get into games without sacrificing time that needs to be spent on other things. I have always been one to really get into a games world and art but I'm finally at the point where my time, finances and lifestyle all line up to enjoy it more.

[itsmebryan]

@Necrum
"Being older (mid-30s)" LOL. I'm 49 going on 50 years old and remember when I got home Pong when it came out. My love for games have gone up and down over the decades. But, I have had every console except PS4 and 5 (I just was able to finally find XSX) and I also game on PC.

I don't drink or smoke and games have always been my stress reliever. My wife understands that and never give me grief. Even when I buy $700 driving wheel setup. I shared gaming with my 2 Son and one day with my new grandson.

That's why I love Gamepass I get more
Games than I can play for less than 2 games a year. I went all digital before Xbox one.

[Yppupdam]

Heck, I'm in my 50's and still play. I would have never thought that we would go from space wars and asteroids to nearly photo realism.

[Tapani]

I'm the same! Knee-deep in life and society, and I still enjoy games that somehow innovate, have great art, and particularly a narrative that teaches me a new perspective (=makes me grow up as a person, as a thinker.) I do not have the same feeling of awe as much as I had that 30 years ago, but there are still glimpses of it here and there when I tackle something superb such as The Last of Us, Bloodborne or Original Sin 2. I do get that cool child-like feeling when I delve into old games of 80s and 90s, though.

I play in different languages, so they certainly have educational value as well. My wife still has that child-like (she's the same age as I am) wonder when she plays games, so I can experience that through her, and if we are blessed enough to have kids, I hope to once more see that through them.

[Smitty2020]

Am also in my mid 30s I don’t have as much game life due to family n commitments but when the opportunity comes i love having a beer and getting lost in a game so no I will never stop playing 💪💪💪

[wiz7191]

I’m tired of them notion gaming is for kids , it only comes from non gamers. I feel video games are interacting movies.

[moriarty1889]

hell no. been a gamer since I was a kid and will keep being a gamer. gaming is my escape from everyday stress and bs of adult life.

[roadkillers]

It is too expensive, GamePass is the saving grace. Can't wait for Sony's Nintendy's future own gamepass.

[Rude-ro]

Gamepass is the furthest from “game saving”.
A monthly fee to play games that are also diving into micro transactions, season passes, and or dlc that are not included is disguise more than a deal.
Nintendo hates discounts and Sony invests a lot of money time in their games unlike Microsoft.
There is budget developing to hit projected costs to make gamepass profitable.
Period.
There is no “deal”, just the appearance of one.

[ScootaKuH]

100% with you on that. It's a way to get away from real life for a little while.

[Silly Mammo]

I always find it funny that playing video games is still considered a waste of time, but watching hours of mindless television is socially acceptable.

[ArchangelMike]

^^^Exactly this

[sourOG]

Watching 4 hours straight of the bachelor is like royalty.

[phoenixwing]

I know what you mean. When reality tv shows came out people watched them and acted like it was a small detail to be watching trash. Yet if I played a video game it was a waste of time lol

[Double_O_Revan]

Or forever scrolling Instagram, or making dumbass TikToks, etc.

[The-Matrix-has-you]

@Sillly

Man seriously. Watching tv is arguably considerably worse for your brain as it takes little to no cognitive function to consume. Unless it’s a historically accurate or crime series with a touch of mystery or something. My wife gets frustrated with me because if I have free time I game, can’t be bothered to watch many tv shows.

[Lighter9]

Or watching sports, amirite?

[MadLad]

I'm 29. Grew up playing my brother's Super Nintendo and genesis.
I'm now a big PC guy, and enjoy playing games today just as much as I did as a kid.

Life affords me less time to play them, and I typically don't beat the games I start. Especially considering my favorite genre is still RPGs that tend to take many hours to beat; but I'll be 60 years old, still not beating all those new games.

[ManMarmalade]

Same here. I will never stop enjoying video games. They were and still are my inspiration for making my artwork.

[DeadManMMX]

When they pry the controller from my cold dead fingers.

[Double_O_Revan]

I'll be in my coffin with my Switch in hand. Just gotta remember to install a charge port in it.

[ArchangelMike]

That's like saying... "isn't it time to you grew up and stopped watching movies."

[RazzerRedux]

And stop watching sports, listening to music......basically, stop doing anything fun. Fun is for children. Be miserable like all "adults" should be.

/s

[sourOG]

Nah they aren’t comparing it to movies or media. My girlfriends father used to give me shit about growing up and doing “man things” like fishing. He stopped when I said “ I’m a mechanic and you work at a f**king autozone”. The people who say shit like this are people who have never played games before or engage in media at all aside from some discovery or military channel documentaries.

[Gamer75]

I'm in my 50's and have been playing video games most of my life and I don't think its a waste of time

[Yppupdam]

10-4 Man, over half a century and still gaming as well.

[Gatsu]

But why?

[ANIALATOR136]

Stop playing video games in excess yes. Too much of anything is bad for you.

[Tank4862]

Time you enjoy wasting, was not wasted.

[Unknown_Gamer5794]

Truer words were never spoken. I can’t understand why everyone feels the need to be “productive” all the time. In fact, studies have proven that taking time for oneself greatly reduces stress, improves mental health, and helps people be more productive when they need to be (such as when they’re at work).

Tying to be productive all the time can burn people out faster, and then they’re no good to anyone. No, there’s nothing wrong with enjoying life, and it’s actually recommended we do when we can.

[abeosaa]

Judging by the comments no one here actually read the article. The OP gave up gaming for 10 years then ended up regretting it later on after going back to them.

On a side note, as others have pointed out, gaming is a very good adult hobby. It is a medium of entertainment that is growing at a rapid pace and there is soo much talent and gifted people working in it now. It is also proportionately cheaper than other hobbies, I have saved a lot of money thanks to gaming. It may be considered sad but the many years spent not doing other things like drinking out, paid hobbies, flashy clothes or vehicles, sports tickets/season tickets made me save a ton of cash.

I don't earn much but I have a mortgage and live comfortably now, I am pretty sure if I had different hobbies I'd be worse off financially and 'adultly'.

[darthv72]

There was a time when I had given up gaming, it was right around when my first son was born. But then after a few years, he was old enough to be interested... so we started playing them together. And then I had two more kids and they too got of age and now all my kids enjoy them while I have scaled back time i put into them. I still play, just not nearly as much as I did when it was just me.

[NotoriousWhiz]

Gaming is great. I game when I can, but it shouldn't replace going outside and doing a sport or something physical. If it's nice outside, I ride bikes with my kids or we play catch or run around the neighborhood.

If it's rainy / cold, we plop on the couch and game the day away (after making sure the house is clean).

[DFresh]

Too much of anything isn't a good thing so it's important to have balance.
Also considering nobody can go anywhere and do anything because of this Pandemic gaming is one of the few hobbies that you can do at this point in time.
Yeah I play video games but I also work out, work, I'm building up my businesses, investing, go to school, read, socialize with family/friends and so forth.

[Rai]

My parents use to say that to me all the time, my come back would always be "isn't it time to grow up and stop judging people on their hobbies"

[Unknown_Gamer5794]

Great read. TBH, I think it’s time society grows up and realizes that there shouldn’t be artificially imposed age limits on enjoying what we enjoy.

If it’s not illegal and it’s not killing us or putting anyone else in danger, then why is it a problem? Should we take up recreational drugs instead? Perhaps murder? Those are things full-grown adults do, right? Or maybe we can stay in the legal realm, and take up the “much healthier” pastime of Netflix binge-watching.

Seriously though, society needs to leave gamers alone. We aren’t hurting anyone, and playing games is even far from the worst thing for our personal health. I can probably come up with a fairly large list of worse uses for our free time. So, you know what? I’m an adult and enjoy what I enjoy. People who condemn me for it are the ones who need to grow up.

[aaronaton]

The problem i have with gaming now that i am grown up (34) is the complete lack of pick up and play diverse games. Visual fidelity and production cost have always run in parallel, the issue is now games cost 10x that of the ones i enjoyed on the PS2, thus less risks are taken + increased MT and GAAS.
Back in the good old days, you could jump from playing games like Mr.Mosquito to Armoured Core (again 2 completely different genres that are now dead)
I think ppl generally do grow out of gaming, its natural. But in the modern age of gaming, i've never known to be this disconnected from it.

I'm currently own a PS5, but i find myself playing BFBC2 and Squad on PC.

[Highrevz]

I’ll game until the day I physically can’t anymore.

My parents started me into games and my kids are following me. Gaming is a part of my life and always will be.

[Einhander1971]

Never, im not far off 50 been gaming since I was a young lad. Will be gaming for as long as I can, I love it. Its my escape from everyday life.

[CDbiggen]

Nice to see this site agree on something fully for a change.

[BlaqMagiq1]

Been playing since SNES. I'd rather be an old man still playing video games than do anything else honestly.

[Knightofelemia]

Day I quit modern gaming is the day physical copies stop existing and every thing goes for paid streaming service. Once that happens I am going and only sticking to retro games from now on.

[Fist4achin]

Yeah, I'm not enjoying the transition to digital and then from the looks of it, to just streaming services. It's great and all for people who don't like the clutter, but I prefer physical all the way. Luckily, I have a backlog and games I like to revisit to keep me entertained for years to come.

In my 40s and have been gaming since my coleco. I started with donkey Kong and burger time and I have enjoyed how gaming has turned more into the premier art and entertainment medium.

[paulust2002]

Fuck no

[GenWorld]

*Picks up 6 button Genesis controller*
No.

[Hellcat2020]

45yo here and as I get older I end up buying more games and consoles than when I was younger
Mostly because I can afford it now.
The hardest part for me as an old gamer is finding time with both my young kids always needing us or just being there for their daily activities and also girlfriend time as well.
But I won't give up gaming.
I have 8 games preordered right now and looking to preorder a couple more.

[Fist4achin]

Yep. Funny how when you're older you can afford most things, but it turns to a matter of having the time to do this and that. I won't give it up either as I still enjoy gaming.

[Redlife2g]

Lmao...why on earth would I stop gaming when I'm finally at an age where I can buy any game or console I want without having to wait for my bday or Xmas.. Gtfo!

[BoneMagnus]

And a nice TV and sound system as well!

[Redlife2g]

😂 Exactly!!

[Si-Fly]

Still not hit an age where you read an article before posting though are you? 😆

[Redlife2g]

Is that some wierd rule in your mind? I can't comment based on other comments within this thread? 😂 Get a life kiddo😂

[Si-Fly]

Ah good point, why bother reading the articles to find out of your view aligns with that of the author ... crazy idea!

[BoneMagnus]

Been playing since the Atari 2600 with no plans to stop. I have a great wife and kids (who also game) and a successful career.

When I get stressed over work, sometimes my wife says to me: “I think you need to go shoot some zombies.”

My gaming has never interfered with my responsibilities to my family or job. I also play D&D every other week, and I don’t play golf or poker.

[Gameplayer1]

Theres no age limit for playing games. Im 40 (+) Games are pieces of art.and should be played as such. I do.

[ApocalypseShadow]

Nope. And do what? Another time wasting activity?

[Sniperwithacause]

Not even going to read the article, but I'm sure it would be written by my wife if she would write an article.

[Popsicle]

I think it is worth a read and totally not what you are expecting. Give it a shot. Nice article.

[jbull]

No its perfectly fine just like its perfectly fine for people to watch men throw and kick a ball around a pitch, each to their own. Gaming is a lot better than people sitting on their couches watch reality television crap like Love Island, The Bachelor, Gogglebox etc.

[ApocalypseShadow]

Nope. And do what? Another time wasting activity?

I'll continue enjoying what I want.

[Locutus_of_borg]

I’ve been gaming ever since the Zx81 days, the Zx Spectrum .. Amstrad 464 through to the Amiga 500 then Amiga 1200 then the Pc , my first console was Astro wars, Atari 2600 , NES, SNES, Wii , 3ds , sega mastersystem , Saturn, mega drive , Dreamcast , PlayStation 1, 2 , 4, Xbox, 360, one, one x , series s ... I’ve gone from no internet to dial up internet through to early broadband now to today’s fibre broadband , I’ve gone from 3 - 4 frames a second with black and white to 60fps now at 4K ... my point being, why the hell would I give up gaming now when it’s never been so good ...

[Yppupdam]

Do you remember the Commodore Pet? I remember a girl in elementary school brought one in for everyone to try out. I think Her Father worked for Commodore at the time.

[andy85]

This is the thing, people need to drop the thing that gaming is somehow for kids. I've been doing it for 30 years and if I'm lucky enough to be around I'll be the 80 year old gamer you see on YouTube. Thankfully the world will have moved on and it won't be seen as the same novelty as lots will as today's younger people will be the olds. Throughout this lockdown gaming has helped so so many escape into their worlds rather than go under being stuck in all day. No one should be judged on their hobbies if it makes them happy

[Youngindy21]

As an adult, I mostly just game on the weekends. During the work week, I usually just watch TV or a movie. Nothing wrong w/ gaming in moderation. Just don't let it negatively impact your family life, social life, or career.

[BABI-PANGPANG]

I think it varies from person to person.

I grew up always hearing that I should do more with my creative skills or make some more friends instead of staying in my room playing video games all day. What my parents didn't want to understand is that I was actually being super social playing games with school buddies or friends that I met online. Hell, my best friend that I still talk to every day I met through Call of Duty Modern Warfare back in, what was it, 2006 or something?

Nowadays I work as a theme park designer in Poland and apart from my colleagues and girlfriend, almost no one seems to understand English. So normally after working hours I found myself playing video games with my friends. But to be honest it didn't feel as satisfying to me as it did before. For as long as I remember I've been struggling with understanding some of the most important fundamental rules of painting and felt like I could do a way better job with the designs I made for the theme park. So I said to myself "screw it, no more gaming without watching a painting course first!" So lately I just watch a part of a course, play a bit of the Last of Us 2 and continue with the course. Maybe some Beat Saber in between to lose those quarantine fats but that's it, and to be honest.. I feel better than ever!

Probably when I'm more confident about my painting skills I'll take a step back from the courses and join my buddies in some online gaming sessions, but for now I'm good without.

[monkey602]

You have found the responsible and sensible course of action though.
Video games are a distraction and absolutely a waste of time. They are designed to be. Its not always a bad thing, I obviously take part in this time wasting myself but I dont kid myself into believing there isn't something better I could be doing with my time. Yes TV and other media's are the same blah blah.

If wasting hours on end on a game makes someone happy then so be it. I hope they don't look back on it in a few years and wish they had done more with their time. I know quite a few people in this way. While not everyone of course is the same, gaming as a hobby does enable a poor life style greatly.

I dont regret my time spent as a kid/teen/young adult playing games. I'm Happy, Healthy, Engaged, A Father and I've got a lot of other hoobies, pastimes and skills to keep me going but as I get older now and look back I think if I could do it all again even I would scale it back. Put that time into something better and save all that money I was so loose with before.

Despite all this though Age really isn't the factor here. I dont think there's a number you just hit and stop. Maybe once you get to a certain point in your life hindsight just kicks in and you can see what's more important and how moderation and self responsibility play or should have played a bigger role in your life.

[waverider]

Being a gamer is one of the best things during the last year with covid. Growing up we do what we like....

[anast]

People used to say that about me and skateboarding. Is there a rule where people are supposed to suffer mind numbing monotony just because they have gotten a job and a family? And if we don't sacrifice joy at every turn, we will regret all of those years? Nice collection by the way.

[Lighter9]

Trying to play Rocksmith.

[Rocosaurus]

I'm too old to change.

[Echone1]

I've never heard the question of when one grows up watching movies, reading books, or listening to music. Why is there always such an ingrained paradigm around games? Just like old men play chess in the park, we'll play some RPGs together someday. That's all.

[gold_drake]

ur never too old to do what you enjoy.

[BeRich233]

fudge! didnt know I was growing down!! lol

[victorMaje]

As long as I can I’ll keep pressing play.

[boing1]

I'm making games for a living. They defined my life and career choice. I will never stop playing.

[Elda]

It was 26 years ago when I owned my first videogame console which was the SNES any consoles before I just couldn't afford them. I make good money now & I'm proud to be a 50 year old gamer.

[CrimsonWing69]

So what is it that grown ups are supposed to be into?

[hiawa23]

Um, nope, almost 50 years old. Been a gamer since the late 70s till now. Was hooked from the very beginning and no reason to change.

[Abnor_Mal]

I am fifty years old and the worse thing is to hear this sentiment for people who are younger than me and also love games. I scratch my head and wonder how will they feel when they get older and people tell them they're too old to be playing video games.

I usually just ask them what do they think are the ages of the people thats making these games. Surely you don't think its teens making video games for other teens and young kids to play do you? Or do you think its more likely people who grew up playing games as youngsters now getting to make the type of games they wish were around when they were kids.

[rapidturtle]

Originally started on an atari 2600, and haven't stopped yet.

[Zatara]

No. Started with PONG and still going strong. (I'm 57)

[rapidturtle]

Forgot about that one, I had one of those also. I think it was called a tel-star. (I'm 52)

[MWH]

Through gaming I got to know some of the best people in my life and together we share some of the most beautiful memories. but, and like all things in this life, it doesn't last. age and priorities will dictate how you spend the time living your life. and remember death.. my life long and dearest friend passed away few months ago and with him gone, I felt I lost many parts of myself, gaming being one of them.

I love playing video games and probably will always do but time is not on my side.. truth is, it's not on any one's side.

[Psychotica]

I am 54 and still playing though not quite as often because I get bored with them much quicker now. If a game comes out that isn't too difficult to understand I might give it a shot but if I think it requires me to watch all kinds of videos just to figure things out I have zero interest. I've been playing AC Valhalla off and on for the past few weeks which I enjoy because I like to explore and it works similar to past AC games. But I haven't touched it for over a week because I rather play a nice quiet game of chess and just finished a 2 hour game.

[Gamist2dot0]

I didn't know violence, gore, drugs/ alcohol use, nudity, sex etc. in video games are for kids.

[KillaJamm]

All about a healthy balance.
Sometimes I do think I play games to fill up my spare time way too often. So started doing other activities such as writing, learning piano and exercising regularly. Just being more creative myself I guess, I find it actually makes the time you spend playing games more enjoyable as it's just a little down time in between things. Makes me feel more productive with my time anyway but that's just me. Can never see me fully stopping though, there's just some creative stories and experiences that can only be fully realised in video games.

[monkey602]

I love this comment! Good for you!

"Gamers" can be very defensive so they will lash out at any misaligned opinions around the subject but given the nature of games they are a huge time sink. Definitely don't give up on games but people should make sure they are leaving space in their life to branch out and explore other hobbies and pass times. To develop different skills. Quality of life improves when you do.

[kayoss]

Dont you dare tell me what to do. Im a grown man and i will do and play whatever i seem fit. Now excuse me. i need to finish Animal crossing and i would like pizza roll as a snack with a glass of wine and a cherry capri sun.

Thank you!

[addictedtochaos]

Been thinking about this myself, I don’t like where the industry is headed, and the recent PlayStation reports regarding the clock batteries for PS3 and PS4 (and presumably PS5) have me really questioning whether it is worth it to continue.

[Beef5upreme83]

no

[SmoothC911]

No, I’m 50 now and won’t ever stop playing games. I’m constantly amazed at how far it’s come in my lifetime and can’t wait to see where it goes the next 30-40 years! (If I’m lucky, 50 more lol)

[frostypants]

And do what? Watch reality television and tabloid cable news networks like an "adult"? Hell no!

[Tedakin]

Director John Carpenter is a huge gamer and he's like 75 and an F'n Legend. So no!

[smoothdude]

Gaming is so much better when you are older. Playing games with my kids beating them to being owned every game has been rewarding. Now my son is even build his own games :) Can't please everyone

[Bronbron92]

I don’t think there’s an age you should stop playing games I mean if you love to do it keep playing

[46player]

NO! And I am 49 going on 50. I still go the gym, bike, parent, successful career, but I LOVE video games!

[esherwood]

I wish I enjoyed them as much as I did when I was younger. I still get into rpg’s and strategy games but no where as hardcore as I used to. I miss that magic

[YourMommySpoils]

Isn't it time you grew up and stopped writing these articles.

[BioShockGX]

Can't stop.
33 years old and single. All I have is video games.

[blacktiger]

You mean like all entertainment, like one guys said to me why we watching 100 million dollar man chasing ball?
Ummm because hes playing for your city?

[Retroman]

"isn't it time you grew up and stop playing video games"

At 63 I can say yes!!! developer's do not make fun two player games anymore like hack and slash, beat em ups and shoot em ups anymore.
So I will say Yes it is time to put down the controller after playing Ratchet and Clank Rifts Apart.

[Good-Smurf]

Maybe my gaming skills peaked when I was 17 year old had long gone but my best time to appreciate and enjoy gaming were just begun being in late 20s now.
Have no plans to quit gaming as a whole.
Golfing and Gaming are two things that they'd have to drag my dead body away to make me quit it won't happen at least not while I'm alive.

[Skuletor]

If anything I play more games now I've grown up, since I can afford more now that I'm an adult with a full-time job. I don't have to resort to trading games in for chump change at the local video store now either, so it's fun to grow my physical collection.

[Acecalibur]

No.

[Indigon]

Never.

[Iltapalanyymi]

for me, thats like asking "Isn’t it time you grew up and stopped watching movies?"

[Latex74]

Your joking right I can finally afford gaming I ain't stopping now lol

[ChiefofLoliPolice]

No way. I have always been a gamer and always will be a gamer. I been collecting and playing games since the Game and Watch days and still collect and play to this day. Gaming was my childhood and still a big part of who I am. I still hunt for older consoles, rare gaming gems and play modern games. My old lady knows I play games and plays them with me as well.

I am and will always be a "Gamer for life".

[AuraAbjure]

Yes I'm trying but it took time to do the research. Technically people are supposed to keep growing forever, anybody who throws words like "maladaptation" or "aging" around doesn't know wtf they're talking about and couldn't spell the word dehydration if their life depended on it (and it does).

Relatively recently I found the books "Heal Yourself 101" & "Cosmic Detox" by Markus Rothkranz and Mantak Chia respectively. Good luck continuing to grow after age 22 if one doesn't understand the material in those books. Modifications include no nasal douching nor ear candling because those activities are questionable. Also during colonics exercise caution to keep felt water pressure inside low because the intestines are not supposed to be subjected to more than threeish consecutive seconds of increasing pressure. Also for one's fat intake one should look into substituting oils with whole foods like walnuts, avocados, chia & flax seeds, hemp hearts and olives.

All that doesn't even take into consideration the "Wisdom Chi Kung" book by Chia which should incorporate the neuroeducational pandiculation (stretching) Hanna somatic technique. Often times the later technique should be done whilst (fully) submerged in water. This maximum decompression technique should be combined with the maximum impact exercise of sprinting on sand. Sand to minimize impact on the joints. Lastly there's the long term goal discussed in "Fruitarianism: The Path to Paridise" by Anne Osborne which Chia touches base on as well.

[DaGR8JIBRALTAR]

Been gaming since 85, it's the one thing that truly makes me happy.

[ScootaKuH]

Absolutely not. I've been gaming since the 80s. I'm 40 this year. Given the state of the world right now gaming has been my escape. It helps me clear my mind and gives me something else to focus on for a little while.

I do get fatigue from time to time and have to give it a rest but I think gaming will always be a part of my life. If you enjoy something then you enjoy it, there's no age limit to that.

[bRuud83]

I am playing since my ninth. An old Commodore 64 with big floppy disks was my first gaming computer and 28 years later I am still playing games on a PS4 and waiting to buy a PS5. With two young kids it's hard to find time to play lately . They love to watch me playing games so I have to be picky with what to play. As much I love TLOA 2, I can't let them watch these kind of games.

[j15reed]

Who approved the article?

[stefd75]

I'm 46 and have no plans to stop gaming, plus I dont have a partner or kids so time and money for gaming.

[HeliosHex]

There's a sweet old lady on YouTube that collects and plays games. I watch her videos and it inspires me. I hope to still be gaming like her when iam 70

[DaniMacYo]

Games aren’t for kids like it once was. There’s plenty for all ages but it’s serious business nowadays a lot of great content for people over 18. It’s great and also kids don’t make games adults do and they have adults in mind when making them.

[QSPR]

I'm 42 right now and I don't play to much video games like wen I was younger (time) but, I never going to stop playing video games. is my passion and I love it!

[anubusgold]

Thats just your woman talking you have no balls and she wears the pants and you do what she wants like a good little bitch.

[jjb1981]

I'll be in my Reitirement home with my PC, PS9 and Xbox One 360 Series X One XS.

Edit: Fogot to add the New Nintendo Switch and Mario's 75th Annivesary remake.

[Mithan]

44, toddler and infant... here is my advice:
Don't grow up and keep playing games! j/k

[TheTony316]

never going to happen.

[Scissorman82]

No.

[SovereignSnaKe]

Ha! Not a chance. I've only gotten better with age (37.) It's like a form of meditation for me. Currently playing through all of Yakuza. Loves.

[DCarnage]

No. 42 and still going strong.

[Master of Unlocking]

"lost years of gaming" is a perhaps a depressive way to look at it, although it is definitely a valid way to put it. That time would've been equally lost had it been spent watching some TV shows or doing other time-consuming things which don't necessarily profit in any more tangible way than playing videogames do. But then again, I suspect he actually meant it in an ironic kind a way, after reading his piece.

As one of the readers put it in the comments section below the article, "Always do the things in life that bring you joy. Don’t hold back or limit that joy because someone puts you down for what you enjoy in life."