Ben-DutkaWe all gotta get older. It's an unfortunate fact of life and perhaps an especially scary one for hardcore gamers, who are worried about losing their reflexes and dexterity.
But there's also the idea that as we grow, our views and opinions change. Combine this with the ever-changing industry and you've got a potential recipe for depressing disaster, despite all our idyllic claims of "playing forever." This was the focal point for a Negative Gamer interview with well-known industry analyst Michael Pachter. In addition to saying that much of gaming is filled with "smack-talking 13-year-old boys," Pachter compared gaming to the X Games, in that there really isn't any room for the aging – and more cynical – gamer. He has also noted that his reflexes are just too slow for most competitive multiplayer experiences and his final analysis is that older gamers are, quite simply, "doomed." One of the more interesting aspects of the interview is Pachter's observation that many younger gamers hold "anti-profit" and "anti-establishment" views that really don't resonate with…well, you know, people who actually live in the real world. Don't worry; we assume they'll grow up at some point. As for Pachter, although his outlook isn't exactly bright, he still says he'll be playing games "well into his 90s."
As for me, who turns 32 this year, I haven't noticed any flagging of reflexes or dexterity just yet although I know it can't last forever. The good news? I can always fall back on my favorite games that just don't require any fast movements whatsoever; i.e., Final Fantasy Tactics and those old RPGs I love. Heck, you don't need much to work your way through Symphony of the Night , either.
Im 24 and im pretty good online. Right now im at rank 35 prestige 1 time on mw2. Now im still young so i think my reflexes are still good.
I know a lot of you guys here dont like fps like mw2. Probably because plain and simple you guys suck online. All i could say is just keep playing and you get better. At first you dont know the maps so thats why you get owed.
I bet there no one on this site thats actually good online at mw2 and doesnt like the game.
We're playing Street Fighter IV, Resistance 2, Gran Turismo 5: Prologue, Uncharted 2, Demon's Souls, Killzone 2, etc.
AKA Quality
Well you're incorrect about something. I've noticed how people write and comment here, and the last thing the people here at PSXE along with the readers, is one minded. Very affluent, knowledgeable, and down right nice group of people around here. It's not fair to generalize. Now, I'm not sure everyone is the way i say, but i know the majority are.
To say we don't like MW2 because we "suck" at online isn't necessarily true. If you've read some of the earlier discussions by people here, they don't just put down the game, they take a non biased approach and discuss why it does or doesn't necessarily tickle their fancy.
Now, I for one, am not a huge fan of the FPS genre, but i do give it the credit it deserves. I'm not one of those people who will shut out a certain game experience because i'm not particularly fond of a certain genre. Like most of you here, I'm sure, I play with an open mind and afterwards give my verdict. I think MW2 is a good game, Is it a game that had me hooked by it's online appeal and whatnot? No. But I do give it the credit it deserves for what it accomplished and aimed for.
That's just my take.
Last edited by to_far_apart on 2/2/2010 8:23:38 PM
I'm soon 42 and play MW2 a lot, simply because I think it is the best online fps game I've played so far. And I've played quite a few of them over the years.
An old Samurai can still beat 20 young Samurais
Young glashoppa…
You must snatch pebble from hand before you can become gland samulai!
Last edited by to_far_apart on 2/2/2010 8:27:45 PM
@ sc: I doubt it
i think it's just a matter of how long you stop playing that certain game because i used to be so good at playing lumines when i was like 19-20 years old. well, now i'm turning 24 and i just bought lumines supernova and it seems that i lost that certain quickness on dropping that block down. i used to use both rotation buttons too but now i can't seem to process it because i always rotate it the wrong way if i try using both rotation buttons 🙁
'reads Comments'
You know…we have an AWESOME community. 🙂
Exactly why I'm here!
We also have an AWESOME place to come to!
Wow I never realised that the majority of posters are well into their mid-30s early 40s. I just turned 20.
Last edited by kokoro on 2/2/2010 9:05:05 PM
Same here.
And I thought 40 was the oldest and it seems there's some even older than that.
Here's one last comment on this thread from me. There was an article here recently about the benefits of game playing on the ability of those that play to reason and make decisions and perform critical thinking tasks. I wrote about how playing games has helped my challenged son in very many and significant ways.
With that in mind I feel I must say to all of the aging gamers (I just turned 44) keep playing, play games and keep your mind active. I have watched older relatives who retired and simply stopped. They literally stopped in every possible way. My grand father just stopped and within just a few years a healthy, thoughtful, intelligent man was a confused shell of a man. He was medicated at first, and then hospitalized and passed away after just a few weeks in hospital. He should never have stopped, he had nothing in his life that kept him active or alert. Sadly, I think he knew that.
I have looked back on this and other events in my life and concluded one thing, never, ever, EVER stop. Game playing is an activity that may not do much for your physique, but it keeps your mind sharp. Your dexterity and reflexes may well diminish with age, but if you continue gaming, your hand eye coordination, dexterity and reaction times will still be better than average for your age.
Keep using your mind or you will, quite literally, lose it. Just like muscles will atrophy and disappear if not used, so will the brain. It needs to be used to stay healthy. So no matter what Pachter or anyone else says, when I am in my 95th year you will have to pry the controller from my hands to stop me, because I will be a gamer till I leave this world, and I will outlive all the naysayers trying to tell me games are for kids.
Last edited by TheHighlander on 2/2/2010 9:21:36 PM
Keep preaching Highlander!
I understand what you mean, my grandfather was 91 before he passed away. He always kept active, always went buy his office, kept active by walking, reading papers, etc. You're completely right about that Highlander, never stop. If anything, If i might add, it's more about routine then anything. Always have a routine, whether it be getting some coffee or whatever you do, but always keep a routine at hand.
After seizing his routine, my grandfather sadly passed within the next 3 months. You said it best, never stop.
Last edited by to_far_apart on 2/2/2010 9:57:17 PM
Amen.
Preach. Golden Globe nominee.
@Highlander,
I was just thinking along those same lines, that gaming would keep you feeling younger & spry.
Sorry to hear about the loss of your dad though.
And the same, to "to_far_apart" on your dad's passing too.
@bikersaint.
I appreciate your thought. It was my Grandfather, and it was some years ago now, but I truly appreciate the thought. He left too early, he's well remembered, and has created a life lesson for me.
@BikerSaint
I to also appreciate your thought. Along with Highlander, it was my grandfather that passed many years ago. He also left young, always was a very healthy man, but fortunately lived a long and fulfilling life, he will always be with me! I really appreciate the thought!
@Highlander
I also am sorry to hear about the loss, he's always looking down!
I am now 35, and I have two sons ages 13 and 10. I plan on to continue to play games with them, as well as my grandchildren when that day comes.
Plus, after reading this thread, I am glad to see the community here has some 30+ gamers!!
so maybe that explains why games these days are no where near as good as games today?
give me crash bandicoot warped over uncharted 2 any day!
"so maybe that explains why games these days are no where near as good as games today?"
-Did you even read that sentence??
And your second statement is just ridiculous – you're really going to sit there and say that Crash Bandicoot is better than Uncharted 2?
RLY????
bloody oath!
im 37 and not seen any real signs of losing my reflexes even in the most demanding deathmatch ..im a little more wiser perhaps to people exploiting certain parts of the game way i see it theres another 20yrs of online gaming to be done ..and anyway who's to say what medical benefits this type of gaming has on you….these are uncharted waters!!
I'm 40 and one thing I will admit is that I'm more into 'arcade' games (not necessarily 2D, though GALAGA is a lifetime fave). Though I love the graphics of any good-quality title, I'm also way too used to using a keyboard for 3D shooters…the analog sticks often seem totally unnatural at first, so sometimes I feel frustrated getting used to them on any new title. If there's a PC version of the game, I'm tempted to get it instead.
Dude! Don't give up those horrible analog sticks! I used to feel exactly like you (and I'm 41 and former PC-gamer) but it's all a matter of getting used to that bloody stick. It's doable, trust me. 🙂
Just don't dive straight into the hardcore "stick-mastering" games like most FPS are. They really are depressing at first, being used to the freedom of movement of a mouse.
You commenters/commentators are great.
Last edited by Banky A on 2/3/2010 4:09:45 AM
I'm 37, married, two kids and have been gaming since the ZX Spectrum 48K.
Recently got hold of a lot of my favourite old games from an Abandonware site. Games like Laser Squad, Gauntlet, Lemmings, Elite and Monkey Island and a load of text adventures.
I was expecting a wonderful trip down memory lane. What I got however was a horrific couple of hours of trying to remember how to use the keyboard to navigate, incoherant gameplay, beeps for sound and blocky graphics.
What I think it highlights is that games have evolved in the last 25 years as have gamers.
What we loved and cherished years ago were good for the time and the place but our gaming personalities have evolved so much that it is hardly recognisable to the old days.
Going back to the old DOS games is like trying to read Anglo Saxon. Some things look the same but it is a hell of a struggle!
I *so* agree with you. Some memories are better left untouched 😉
When I have kids they will never be allowed to play M rated games until he or she is 18, Anyways I wonder if all of the crazy weirdo's on PSN talk to their Mom's with their filthy mouths. I just found out that all of the 360 adolescents are joining PSN and that's the reason why someone is always saying that want to rape your Mom!
You know, Sony will 'take care' of people who habitually abuse an open mic over PSN, and they take an especially dim view of folks that use text to send such abusive dribble to others.
I actually typically agree with Pachter – again, I don't know if he's a gamer, but he's a decent analyst.
If you watch the latest Bonus Round on gametrailers he actually says ALOT of things that I agree with….especially more so than Michael McWhertor – I've never seen a more openly Xbox lover in my life – hence the reason I stay away from Kotaku.
On another note – as for the 14 year olds who say nasty things about my mom – I make it my mission to find them, kill them, pick up their weapon, and then kill them again. My mom sends her regards.
Indeed. I find silent revenge (no headset with other players muted), quite satisfying at times.
Silent revenge is unrivaled. Let them eat there words and hear the quite down on their mics.
I've been able to hold my own at the ripe old age of 37, but who knows how long I'll be able to play online games before getting totally frustrated.
What I can't compete with is what I call the coked up little teenagers. Kids who haven't reached puberty and have had so much sugar and caffiene that they might as well have auto aim. Get me in a room with a couple of those and life becomes a living hell.
40 years old now and still climbing. I will be a gamer for life. is there a cool place for us old gamers to game with 30+ old gamers.
At 57, games keep me feeling like I'm almost 18 again(just got to ignore all the promiscuous jailbait that batt's their eyes at me though)LOL
I'm turning 40 this year… been gaming since the Atari 2600. I feel my hand eye coordination is excellent, unless those people on FPS online and Madden are not cheating?!? I don't play online too much anyway. If I had people to play though (add me to friends)…
But my problem is time to play and time to get proficient enough to compete. If I had all day and night to practice, I could do just as well as anyone else who could afford that amount of time and commitment.
I do agree with the state of our youth today… they seem to feel they deserve everything they want with out earning it. Parents have been too lenient, and state laws have not helped. Used to be you would get a paddling… now they take all the tools away from parents, then place the pressure on the parents to stop the bad behaviors. The minute you try to dish out reality and punishment they come after the parent! Kids these days know how to push the right buttons… a kid with intelligence and the urge to make trouble is a force to be reckoned with because they know how parents are bound by the rules.
They give all the protection to kids when they are young, slaps on the wrists for most things, then throw the book at them when they turn 18. I have a 17 year old step-son on probation who is in all kinds of legal problems right now… I just want him to join the military to finish growing up because he has refused to do any of that for the last 10 years I've been trying to teach him. He is the atypical teen, thinks he knows it all/best, self-centered and impulsive, doesn't think he'll get caught or doesn't care if he does because punishment is nothing to him.
Labor camp is a social event, juvenile detention is summer camp… until he grows up he won't get it! Our fear is that he'll develop a lengthy rap sheet by that time and society has changed since my parents youth or even mine… Bottom line, many kids these days have no respect, let alone self respect… they are learning this from our society which has become a "instant gratification/at whatever cost/never mind the implications or fallout" get rich at all expense/greed driven society.
This is too deep… I just wanna talk about games… I love video games.
Bottom line, many kids these days have no respect, let alone self respect… they are learning this from our society which has become a "instant gratification/at whatever cost/never mind the implications or fallout" get rich at all expense/greed driven society.
Pure gold. 100% agreeement.
And I used to think most of the 1980's "Me Generation was f*cked up.
Geeez, what was I thinking????
My Only concern with gaming at an older age, i'm only 22, isn't the gamer itself but the games in general. with the sudden increase of these "ADHD" games, as i like to call them, it seems the industry is forgetting about the older generation of gamers.
Hallo all. this is the first thread that i feel i had to register for and leave a comment!
i am 43 and it appears like so many of us older gamers, its not playing that we are too old for, its the kids aggression. when i am online i can just imagine these little boys pretending to be men by swearing and bad-mouthing. its a bit funny because their voices are usually a little bit too high (the word undescended comes to mind). this comes back to the parenting issues discussed earlier. these kids are in their rooms alone, feeling so proud that they can swear. i love playing and so do my kids, but i monitor them on it – not just think "great i dont have to spend time with the kids as they are playing on the ps3 upstairs til bedtime"!
parents do need to take responsibility, online is so great but equally so dangerous.
as an end comment, thank goodness that at last you can mute the verbal abusers in lobby areas rather than have to listen to them and wait for the game to start. well done MW2, yay!
Welcome in, DarKus!
Good post!
Last edited by BikerSaint on 2/4/2010 3:14:00 PM