This weeks Ask the GameGirls question comes from xboxgamer7. He writes:
How do you respond to people (friends, coworkers, parents, etc) who make the claim that you are too old to be playing video games all the time?
Thanks,
xboxgamer7
Honestly, I don't think I've ever heard that. It has become fairly common knowledge that adults play games. A good portion of games are rated M, meaning minors can't even purchase them. Most games are developed for a target demo of 14-34 year-olds. I've made gaming into a job, I get paid to write and talk about games. No one is questioning me, and I'm really lucky to be in this position.
I usually explain to them that video games are not just for little kids anymore. If anything its more of a form of interactive artwork nowadays with the advanced graphics of the games we're seeing now. My mother even used to ask me "when are you going to grow out of this video game thing" and my response would always be "never".
Luckily, I have never heard anyone say that before. I am surrounded by gamers both in real life friends, online friends and co-workers, so they all understand my obsession. Even my mom stays up late to get in some extra Guitar Hero occasionally, so my family understands the appeal of games as well. If I did ever hear anyone tell me that, I would just giggle. Poor them, they have no idea what they are missing out on.
Hey there Xboxgamer. In all honestly, the people I tend to surround myself with are interested in the same things I am. Having someone tell me "you're too old for video games" usually means they're someone I'm not very close to or friendly with and I ignore them. Although I rarely encounter someone who pushes the subject, if said person is adamant about talking down to me, I can get a more hostile attitude. What can I say? I'm a passionate person and I don't like it when people belittle me.
Honestly, I don't get that too often, most people support my decision and the things I choose to do with my life. Not to mention I work in the gaming industry and all of my friends play games in one form or another. The few times I have gotten that reaction, I simply tell them that playing games is not just my hobby, it is my life. I sell games, I write about games, I make games and I play games. It's not just something I do to kill time, it is lifestyle, and I enjoy every moment of it. I have thought about it carefully and I know this is the path I have chosen. They're just jealous I'm having so much fun along the way, anyways. Great question!
I don't typically get this claim much anymore. I definitely used to when I was in high school. My parents always thought I should be out doing more "normal" things as they called it. I was often limited to only an hour of computer/console use because of this. I would argue that I could be off at a high school party or somewhere else where they wouldn't know exactly what I was doing. Wouldn't they prefer it if I hung around the house and played games? I usually got them with my argument of TV vs. video games because my parents both watch a lot of it. In video games you are at least accomplishing a goal whereas watching TV is pretty brainless. Plus, I was totally improving my motor skills... come on! Family members still kind of brush off my hobby like it is somewhat childish but gaming has given me so many great opportunities and friends. So they just don't even try anymore.
Sadly, my parents thought any age was unacceptable to play video games, so I've developed a pretty solid answer to this question. I would then ask them, "Are you too old to play piano, to sing or dance?" Those are all hobbies that some people continue until they're old and gray. Gaming is also a hobby for me, so it would stand to reason that I can also partake in this hobby for as long as I care to, just like the singers, dancers and pianists of the world. =)
Most people tend to hear this from their parents. Since my dad was the one who started me into gaming, so he never said anything. He was still gaming along side us, so it would have defeated the purpose. However, I do get the question here and there outside of family. I just explain to them that gaming to me is something I enjoy. If you enjoy it, why stop? To me there is no age limit to playing games. Look at the rating system. The game developers wouldn't make games for adults (Mature Rated) if there was an age limit. They make games for anyone who likes to play.
What are some of your game suggestions?
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