How Old is Too Old??

This is something that has been bothering me ever since I've been in my 20's. I'm 27 years old.... I've been a gamer almost my entire life; ever since I was 8 or 9 years old. The first system I ever played was Nintendo, which was my sister's. I remember sneaking to play it while she was away or sleep. Then my first ever system was a Sega Genesis! Loved it... I knew then that I was a gamer for life.

  But now I'm beginning to wonder when to stop. I mean, how old is too old to play video games? I'm quickly approaching 30, I have a 16 month old daughter now, and I'm married. When should I stop? I was thinking stopping at 30, but I've got a feeling that I'll still LOVE video games then... especially with the PS4 and Xbox One out now. I feel kind of obligated to try the "next gen" systems before I completely stop. Plus, I'm still getting game magazine subscriptions, I still keep up with game release dates and news... all of that stuff. Any advice? And do any of you guys know 30-somethings or 40-somethings that still play?

You don't stop doing the things you enjoy because you're an adult. That's a BS reason. 

There's plenty of legit reasons to quit.  Because you don't have the time, or because you move on to other interests, or responsibilities creep up on you.  The most legit reason is when it simply stops being fun.

One thing I've found is that as you get older, you start to notice how the majority of mass culture, movies, games, whatever, is aimed at a slim bracket of people, and most of them are under thirty.  And most of it is already dumbed down, so it starts feeling a bit juvenile even before you technically outgrow it.  It's only when you start to feel that you've been too many times around that merrygoround, that you can't connect with it anymore, that it has no more relevence that it may be time to move on.   

There are in fact, plenty of other exciting things out there that you may want to do with your life.  But so long as you're still into it, and you can afford the time and money, keep doing what you love.

There are people gaming in their 60s and 70s, and tons of older people gaming on games like Farmville. Play until you get bored with gaming. Who cares what other people think. Myself I plan to game until it bores me, or until I die. Whichever comes first.

I will be playing video games in till I die if my body is able.

Psh there's no such thing as being too old for video games. I see myself sitting on my ass playing games when I'm in my senior citizen years.

Im 27 and I still love to escape life sometimes and play video games.

Lets face it, these days most games are geared towards the older crowd as compared to back when nintendo was out.

Playing a game is like watching a interactive movie ex. The last of us or heavy rain.

Back than it was different.

I could see myself gaming well into my 40's and playing with my kids.

I'll never understand this mentality. When our parents/grandparents were growing up and enjoying their available forms of entertainement do you think they ever stopped and wondered, gee am I getting too old to watch TV? Listen to the radio? Read a book? Well, stories are for children so I better go sit on the porch with a blank stare in my free time, better put those books away now that I'm an adult of course! 

When did your parents stop watching TV? That's probably a good age to stop.

I'm 29 myself, and have no interest in stopping since it's my favorite hobby.  You just have to balance your developing responsibilities.

Relax man.

I am 38 damn years old and I have no interest at all in slowing down my gaming.

No age is 'Too old' for gaming, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

I woudnt worry at all. i know a guy who was in his early 60s who play games.  More and more people play games of all age groups play games and i woudnt worry about that at all. i think its a silly topic, now if you have real time things you need to do, sure you shoudnt play games all the time, but i think there is nothing wrong with being a gamer "for life" if you want to.   heck i think its because of a lot of the older crowd we get a lot of the great mods that come out for PC games, and look at the fact that a lot of older people are in the game industry today, look at chris roberts hes an older guy but he has not ran away from games.

besides with the rise of mature rated games and all games arnt just for kids anymore and there is nothing wrong with playing video games.   I think if your woried about people or family say well you just play games blah blah blah. so what? as long as yuor not a bum neglecting your other duties there is nothing wrong with being a gamer for life!

and even if you still like games like mario and such, hey nothing wrong with that too, i think some people grow up way too fast today anyways so nothing wrong with being a kid at heart!

the thing about video games is now they are for all ages , races, genders and what.  many can say that games are a waste of time, but i dare say games can create community and inspire creativity with the whole machinima takeoff

never feel embarrised because you play video games! hey its sure is better then sitting in front of the tv looking at operah all day thats for sure!

Thanks guys, this is making me feel MUCH more better about me and gaming. One thing I've noticed is that it's also been affecting the way I game as well. Lately, I've noticed that I've been rushing through certain games, which causes me to play sloppy. Especially through RPG's like Dragon Age, Fallout, Mass Effect, and The Eldor Scrolls: Skyrim. And some of you are actually right, it seems that their making more games geared towards the older crowd as well. I truly think I'll be gaming (and watching cartoons) 'till the day I die! Who knows, maybe it'll make me a fun dad :)

Thanks guys, this is making me feel MUCH more better about me and gaming. One thing I've noticed is that it's also been affecting the way I game as well. Lately, I've noticed that I've been rushing through certain games, which causes me to play sloppy. Especially through RPG's like Dragon Age, Fallout, Mass Effect, and The Eldor Scrolls: Skyrim. And some of you are actually right, it seems that their making more games geared towards the older crowd as well. I truly think I'll be gaming (and watching cartoons) 'till the day I die! Who knows, maybe it'll make me a fun dad :)

JoeDawg2100

I'm 22 and quite new to games in general. Despite that, I don't think I'll ever stop playing games. There's nothing else like it :)

If I like to play games why should I stop? Even now games are being produced to appeal to older people with a bunch of games rating +16 and +18, but I even play kids games like "Ratchet & Clank" and "Sly Cooper".

When I have your age, if I still like to play games I won't stop. The same way I won't stop watching anime, tv shows, reading comicbooks and others. 

Also doing all that stuff does not mean you're a nerd and you're a loser. I have a beautiful girlfriend that a lot of people envy and some friends that share the same interests that I do. I do not have acne, I'm not fat, I'm not ugly and I dress very good. You might say I have a high self-esteem, but it's the truth. The fact that you do nerdie things does not make you a loser, so quit caring so much. If playing games pleases you, then go ahead and kick some ass :P

You have obviously never played an mmo... that's where all the 40+ guys hang out. It's kinda wierd actually... but most of those guys still live in their mother's basement.

At what age is too old to game? Whatever age you are when you can no longer pick the controller up. It's a hobby not a way of life. You may have to scale back your time, but you should still make it a priority. You can also stick with legacy gaming so you don't need to buy the latest and greatest titles or hardware.

I'm 40. Back in the 70's my folks bought us that Pong console thing. Then Atari 2600, Intellivision, Colecovision, Atari 5200, etc etc. I've been through every generation of video games. I think what's cool is that video games have kind of matured along with me. Take a game like Heavy Rain. I'd much rather interact and take part in a great story like that than watch a movie. In fact I think gaming may replace movies at some point. John Carpenter said it is becoming the premier story-telling medium.

It's a hobby like anything else. I've got a brother-in-law that's in his 50's that enjoys playing military simulation type shooters in his spare time. I've got a friend that's in his 60's that sometimes comes over and we play Tomb Raider together... trading off the controller after every death or level.

I can picture myself in the nursing home when I'm 80 with a controller in my hand :)

P.S. To Vidpci ... no I don't live in my folks' basement! lol. I own my own house. While I've had a few girlfriends living with me at various points, I've never tied the knot. It would interfere too much with my gaming!!!

This is something that has been bothering me ever since I've been in my 20's. I'm 27 years old.... I've been a gamer almost my entire life; ever since I was 8 or 9 years old. The first system I ever played was Nintendo, which was my sister's. I remember sneaking to play it while she was away or sleep. Then my first ever system was a Sega Genesis! Loved it... I knew then that I was a gamer for life.

  But now I'm beginning to wonder when to stop. I mean, how old is too old to play video games? I'm quickly approaching 30, I have a 16 month old daughter now, and I'm married. When should I stop? I was thinking stopping at 30, but I've got a feeling that I'll still LOVE video games then... especially with the PS4 and Xbox One out now. I feel kind of obligated to try the "next gen" systems before I completely stop. Plus, I'm still getting game magazine subscriptions, I still keep up with game release dates and news... all of that stuff. Any advice? And do any of you guys know 30-somethings or 40-somethings that still play?

JoeDawg2100

Thanks guys, this is making me feel MUCH more better about me and gaming. One thing I've noticed is that it's also been affecting the way I game as well. Lately, I've noticed that I've been rushing through certain games, which causes me to play sloppy. Especially through RPG's like Dragon Age, Fallout, Mass Effect, and The Eldor Scrolls: Skyrim. And some of you are actually right, it seems that their making more games geared towards the older crowd as well. I truly think I'll be gaming (and watching cartoons) 'till the day I die! Who knows, maybe it'll make me a fun dad :)

JoeDawg2100

Dear original poster,

Why do you think you have to stop?  It's a silly question.  It's something you love to do.  

I'm 46.

As long as it doesn't disrupt your personal or professional life and is just a hobby or a way to unwind, then you can never get too old.

Gaming is an awesome way to entertain yourself after a stressful day.

You are never too old. Being in a PC repair store, I had a client that was around 80 years of old come in and asked us to upgrade his PC since he would like to increase the graphics of Skyrim. Got chatting and he enjoys the game, plus he loves the Total War series. I so wanted him to be my grandfather.

I'm 22, and have been gaming for about 15 years. I enjoy gaming and don't intend to stop any time soon. The fact I'm working and will be starting uni next month means I won't be gaming as much in the coming years though.

I'm 42 and i still love gaming and my kids love it too so why stop doing something that u love doing,its like saying why stop watching movies just because ur an adult.

So at the end of the day its my hobby.

I'm 33.

If you're approaching 30 and are still working that shit job at the gas station I would say it's time to put down the games. But hey, as long as you got a decent job there ain't a thing wrong with being a gamer.

From what I've heard the NES generation (30ish) is in the majority now. You are hardly alone.

Never too old man. Im 52 and still going strong. I game on Wii U , PS3, Vita, PC and currently waiting on my PS4. Your priorities in life change and your taste in games may change over the years, just like they do with movies and music, but you dont have to stop gaming, thats crazy talk. Video games are as much a part of modern entertainment as anything else. I find as i get older my game interest is still just as strong as it was when i was younger, but i only game a few hours a week and i tend to be very picky about games i want to spend time with.

JoeDawg2100: We're never to old to game. Gaming is like any other hobby. To some it maybe frowned upon because of people putting it on top of bigger priorities. That may be the case with some people, but playing in moderation never hurts anyone. Playing video games is no different then collecting stamps, comics, cars, coins and playing sports. Everyone is different and us gamers are no different either.

There are even people who are well into their 50's, 60's and even beyond who occassionally game. You're not alone. I've been gaming for more then 20 years. It can be distracting sometimes, but I know where my priorities are and you should too.

Doing what we love as a hobby will never die.

yea, me. im a 30 year old man and i still play games, watch cartoons, wear Marvel/DC superhero T-Shirts, etc. and i dont plan im stopping just because im an "Adult"... if you still enjoy it why stop?FinalFighters

Hellz yeah (I love my comic T-shirts, too). With my fam, we're practically all gamers in our adulthood.

My older sis & her hubby are in their early 40s (4 kids--3 nieces in their 'tween/teen years & my 22 yr old nephew off @ college) -- they probably about 3 sytems @ home

My older bro is in his late 30s -- he's a diehard Maddenite (lol, as I've coined it) definitely don't see him stop, plus 'undercover' comics geek (he's not fooling me! he's practically goes to just about every superhero movie that comes out)

My pop's is in his mid-50s -- and is equally diehard Maddenite, plus he likes playing most other sports games & he like GOW and DMC series

....and ME, I'm 30 avid gamer (when I got the time) and self-professed otaku and have not problems admitting!

Like Aaliyah used to sing (god, I miss her!) 'Age ain't nothing but a number', lol. If you love it keep doin' the damn thing! There's no age limit to doing anything if you still can and the paasion is there. :)

I'm 38, and I'll stop when I can't physically play anymore. I've been gaming for 30+ years, and never plan on stopping, my friends and I that game have quicker reaction times and process things faster then my friends that don't. When we're out playing paintball we smoke the non-gamers, and when we're out on the dirt bikes, we can lose those non-gamers on the trails with ease. I don't know if it's just my friends and I, but we've talked about this before, and we think that gaming (and fast cars and motorcycles) have kept our abilities on par with people 10+ years younger then us. Personally I think, if you enjoy something and it's legal, then keep doing it, there's no reason to stop.     

There was really only a few titles that appealed to me from this generation (from the PS side) That being Valkyrie Chronicles and Demon Souls. I have seen myself trailing off most titles, but not on account of any responsibility so much as I just don't find games as enjoyable as I once did in my younger days. Games today just feel like they try too hard. I feel even that this next gen of console is rolling in too fast despite knowing the common gap between each new console that gets announced. Better hardware doesn't make for better games, if the past gen can't even live up to the joy I get from games that I once played as a child. Maybe that's the problem, that I've simply matured beyond the perspective I once held for games back in the 90's and early 2000's (at least I hope so...) Nonetheless it's rare when I find a game that appeals and actually holds onto my attention. But I'm also one of the fella's that didn't quite understand the whole Uncharted frenzy either.

Not to mention this whole silly phenomonon of identifying yourself as a "gamer"... Growing up I didn't know this was a profession or w/e deserving of a title, but evidently that's what every1 decided to push it into. When I played games it was to enjoy the content and to enjoy the company of neighbor friends getting together to just bullshit and game. Not to make it more than what it was. Maybe that's what drove me away, the online connectivitity and seemingly aggressive rather than progressive attitudes of those around the world acting as if this was their freaking god served mission. Not to say that I didn't enjoy competitive gameplay! Hell I don't know anymore, all I know is that I just don't seem to enjoy games as I once did. Usually nowadays it's the soundtrack that draws me in more than anything!

Any advice? And do any of you guys know 30-somethings or 40-somethings that still play?

JoeDawg2100

In 40s and haven't stopped playing games since Space Invaders.  My stepfather is almost 70 and he's still playing - and COD games at that!

If you think you're too old for video games - then you are.  It's that simple.

Don't let others tell you what you enjoy or should enjoy.  To hell with anyone who stands between you and what you like.

I understand how somebody can get fed up with big budget, mass market video games, I personally have. However, truly beautiful video games like Ico or Okami are art. Art transcends age.

No such thing.