At what Point do you stop Gaming?

[redtop91]

I've been curious as to when I might grow out of gaming. I always feel year after year that this is the one where I kick the habit and move on but gaming is a pretty big part of my daily routine and I really can't picture not gaming at least a small part of the day but my question is, is there a point at which one is *supposed* to drop gaming?

[hatchback240]

nah, i dont really think there is a point when youre supposed to stop gaming. there is a point when you cant play games all day like a 12 year old, but growing older doesnt necessarily mean you should have to stop doing something you enjoy. i play games to just kick back and relax, take my mind off things, or just whenever i'm hanging out with the friends and we get some competition going. its a good way to have fun, why should we have to grow out of it? thats my 2 cents anyway

[xekushnr]

You stop when its no longer fun and you dont want to do it anymore. There is no time where you are supposed to "stop" gaming, its not just for kids anymore. There are plenty of titles aimed specifically towards adults. If you're so busy with important stuff that gaming isnt feasible, like with work and kids or whatever, then it probably would be good to give it up. But otherwise, if you're having fun, why quit? It's like any other hobby, as long as you like it, can afford it, and it doesnt interfere with work, social, or family life, why stop?

[redtop91]

I feel that way too. I usually hop on (since I work a weird schedule) after work at about 2:30 AM so I play at night with a friend of mine I've known since elementary school who lives in California so we play pretty late and my mom is always saying that I should grow out of playing games. I normally just ignore her and continue with my door shut but I started wondering maybe I'm the only one who continues to game pretty regularly. Just looking for for affirmation that I'm not a weirdo. Not sure if NICO is the best place to look for that though.

[MinisterofDOOM]

but my question is, is there a point at which one is *supposed* to drop gaming?

No.Not unless it's getting in the way of more important things.

It's not like it's some juvenile, childish, or destructive act. It's a hobby. There's nothing to "grow out of." That's like asking if there's a time when you're supposed to quit enjoying working on cars. What need is there to stop?

[redtop91]

When you think about it in that light it makes perfect sense but from another standpoint, what business does a 20 year old, Junior in college, mechanical engineering major, have playing the same/similar games that entertain 9 and 10 years olds? I just can't picture being married and being 40-50 years old (To Alicia Keys of course) and playing video games. It seems that you should have moved on to better things by then?

[MinisterofDOOM]

Well I certainly understand your point of view, but I don't see it that way.

Like I said, just because games entertain kids, too, doesn't mean they're juvenile or something that should be grown out of. Mario entertains kids. Mario entertains adults. There is nothing "wrong" with adults playing Mario. It's not the same as, say, adults watching teletubbies. Most videogames transcend age classifications.

I FULLY expect to be 90-something and still playing videogames. As long as they're fun for me I'll keep playing them.

I think videogames only seem "unadult" because we haven't seen many from the gaming generations grow very old and still play videogames. 2 generations from now, it won't even prompt a second though to see a 70 year old guy playing games with younger people.

Look at it this way:Card games are fun for kids and adults. But is one expected to grow out of them? And likewise, is one though poorly of for playing card games as an adult?

Games are just a new medium that haven't had the chance to be fully explored that way. Since most gamers look back on childhoods playing games, it's often thought of as a kids' passtime. But it isn't. We (the Atari/NES generation) are adults now. And most of us don't have any plans to stop.

However, giving this some thought does bring to mind one line of thought:There are, really, two different versions of the "gaming generation." There are the ones like me, who grew up playing them and still play Mario and the like. Then there is the Halo/college kid generation. The former are the ones who will be playing games forever. For the latter it's just another fad. So maybe for some it will go away. Not for me, though.

[TrueVillan]

I dont think there should be a need to stop gaming because you're getting "old". I always thought Id stop gaming after highschool, but its something that I do when I have some free time. Its also the only way I can keep in touch with some friends that moved away and stuff. As for stopping when you get to your 40-50s I agree. But my dad is turning 50 in Dec and he still plays the hand held Tetris games lol. I'll put down gaming eventually, but since I still enjoy it why stop you know.

[HashiriyaS14]

Our generation will never "grow out" of gaming.

We are really the FIRST gaming generation. I grew up with 2600 and NES, and I'm the first generation of American who really was raised on videogames.

As my generation gets older, the game companies will just make videogames with content suitable for us while continuing to make stuff for new generations.

My Dad was part of the first generation of Americans to grow up with TV, but he didn't "outgrow" TV, did he?

[Axel Grungy]

i dont think ill ever outgrow gaming. It goes hand in hand with movies and TV for me. Just another way to escape for awhile and waste some time. And is always a good way to get your GF pissed at you, for not giving her attention lol.

[Loki]

When I was standing in line at Toys R Us to get a Wii on the release date I think there was only a handful of people younger than 30, and most of the older folks weren't just buying it for their kids. If you enjoy it, no real reason to grow out of it. It's a hobby like anything else. As long as you're not playing hardcore Barbie's Horse Adventure or something.

[R240sx]

With the video game expading to record breaking proportions i dont see why you would have to quit gaming at all, many studies show that a large percentage of MMORPG players are middle aged females over 30 with families, i dont see why a 20 something year old would have to be worried about it. I personally dont have as much time as before because i go to school, but i know when i graduate ill probably be gaming more often since i'll have more freetime.

[Jager]

lies we all know there are no women on the internet,

mmorpg

men masquerading online roleplaying girls

(joking ladies I know you wont kill me )

, seriously though gaming is not something I will give up, It is relaxing and stimulating to my brain, as well as helping keep my eye hand coordination up, helps blood flow and is fun. i tend to agree with minister on this one, I grew up with games I dont see myself ever not playing something, its my generation

[Slipstream]

Once your list of priorities outgrow the time for gaming. I think I'm at that point now. Considering I sold the ps2 and nintendo, shelved the gamecube, ps1, and have more games still in the shrink wrap for the 360 than I have opened and played. That's including GTA4, even though I bought it as soon as it came out. The have to do list is longer than the want to do list.

[Nick@SickAudio]

This is what I worry about. I have been in the same clan now for 7 years. We have 7 members that are 30 and 3 of them are over 40! I just dont want to be a 45 year old virgin . lol

[Red coupe]

When you think about it in that light it makes perfect sense but from another standpoint, what business does a 20 year old, Junior in college, mechanical engineering major, have playing the same/similar games that entertain 9 and 10 years olds? I just can't picture being married and being 40-50 years old (To Alicia Keys of course) and playing video games. It seems that you should have moved on to better things by then?

Kids like hiking, adults shouldn't hike?

Riding bicicles...totally childish, some one tell Lance to grow up.

Everytime I see some one hanging out at the beach I'm like "WTF grow up *****"

How about pool? most kids like it, but I think its really more of an adult game, kids need to GTFO.

Some things are for kids, some things are for adults....Some things are just enjoyable.

Sure, games used to be kind of childish...but they are to the point where they aren't even designed for kids anymore. My parents and their friends play board games sometimes...And that is totally an "old person" thing to do...but its just getting together with friends playing a game.... Old tech, new tech...or actually playing basketball out side, whats the difference?

[ishkabibble]

is there a point at which one is *supposed* to drop gaming?

When you get old like me.

[gniknave]

The most hardcore gamer I have ever known is my 58 year old co-worker. He was a wife, 2 grown kids and one 17 year old. We get online and play Rockband together, we both play a lot of GT5 Prologue and would play that together if we were able to (fail on their part). We're on GTA4 every night playing online from 10pm til about 1am. Then the next day at work he's always the most enthusiastic when it comes to sharing his GTA4 and GT5 stories. Let's not mention when COD4 came out about 15 guys in our store (a Honda dealership) went out and got PS3's so we could all meet up online. Those guys range from 23-58, mostly in their 30's.

I actually stopped playing video games at age 23, and just picked it back up this past December when I got my PS3 now I'm 27. I had fallen out of the loop of knowing what games are coming out, and what todays systems are capable of. I didn't even know what Blu-Ray was til I got my PS3 w/ the Spiderman 3 movie. The way gaming is now, I don't see myself ever putting it down again. I'm not a hardcore gamer, but I do try to find time in my busy schedule to spend several hours alone playing my PS3.

I'm not much of a television watcher, I don't really watch sitcoms, I rarely watch movies, so I make use of my LCD TV by playing my PS3 on it. Think of it this way, the people that develop these systems, these games, and the technology that goes into them aren't exactly teenagers themselves.

EDIT: Alicia Keys is MY WIFE STAY AWAY!!!

[hatchback240]

The most hardcore gamer I have ever known is my 58 year old co-worker. He was a wife, 2 grown kids and one 17 year old. We get online and play Rockband together, we both play a lot of GT5 Prologue and would play that together if we were able to (fail on their part). We're on GTA4 every night playing online from 10pm til about 1am. Then the next day at work he's always the most enthusiastic when it comes to sharing his GTA4 and GT5 stories. Let's not mention when COD4 came out about 15 guys in our store (a Honda dealership) went out and got PS3's so we could all meet up online. Those guys range from 23-58, mostly in their 30's.

thats awesome sounds like a cool guy. when i was in 5th grade i used to chill at my neighbors house after school, mostly when i forgot my house key. he had done something to his hip or knees or something along those lines that he couldnt be up working all day, nor could he stay sitting for long periods of time either, it was a weird balance. but he passed his time at home playing all three of the tomb raiders on his ps1. we used to play twisted metal together, and destruction derby, he was incredible at gt and gt2, and he was atleast mid 40s then. anyway, moral of the story, the guy was awesome, i'm sure he still plays games to this day. we used to always talk about what was coming out and new in the business, so if anything, he got me more into games than i was before. he's my hero of those days, lol.

[s13jus10]

..NEVER.

/thread.

[Red coupe]

..NEVER.

/thread.

ur 2 old. GB2 Work lol.

[s13jus10]

ur 2 old. GB2 Work lol.

lol I'm only 20

seriously though, gaming is simply a hobby. if you don't have a reason to quit, then don't. if you ever reach a point where you don't like playing video games any more, then stop. simple as that.

and an example of a REASON to quit would be if you can't afford it or have more important responsibilities/priorities.

..like collecting sneakers.......... (I really need to quit )

[Red coupe]

lol I'm only 20

seriously though, gaming is simply a hobby. if you don't have a reason to quit, then don't. if you ever reach a point where you don't like playing video games any more, then stop. simple as that.

and an example of a REASON to quit would be if you can't afford it or have more important responsibilities/priorities.

..like collecting sneakers.......... (I really need to quit )

shoe collections r for women.

The only way to re-deem your self is motorcycle races in GTA some time this weekend or Thursday night.

[s13jus10]

shoe collections r for women.

The only way to re-deem your self is motorcycle races in GTA some time this weekend or Thursday night.

lol exactly the reason why I said "sneakers" and not "shoes" haha. but no joke, I've spent more money on sneakers then I've spent total on my car. I know, it's not healthy lol.

I haven't tried any other multiplayer modes except Hangman's Noose, Turf War, Team Deathmatch, and of course, Free Roam. I've got GT5P to fulfill my racing needs
Modified by s13jus10 at 11:44 AM 5/14/2008

[Red coupe]

lol exactly the reason why I said "sneakers" and not "shoes" haha. but no joke, I've spent more money on sneakers then I've spent total on my car. I know, it's not healthy lol.

I haven't tried any other multiplayer modes except Hangman's Noose, Turf War, Team Deathmatch, and of course, Free Roam. I've got GT5P to fulfill my racing needs

NRG500 + traffic off + one of the faster tracks is damn good stuff man....But most people don't know how to ride the bikes too well, and you can fall off and have you race totally ****ed, so its hard to find people to race against on the bikes.

You just have to lean forward to turn in, and back to get the rear to grab.

I wish you could do the races by your self/vs computer so I could just ride the course with traffic off but nope, I gotta sit around for ever waiting for some one to join (and not quit)

[hatchback240]

i'm always in GTA race looking for a good match, hit me up whenever man i'm not great at the bikes, but i do okay mostly

[Red coupe]

i'm always in GTA race looking for a good match, hit me up whenever man i'm not great at the bikes, but i do okay mostly

Not particularly amazing on them myself but they are fun as hell. I'll add you and look for you some time.

Anyone here, I am done with the story now...so if you see me playing GTA send an invite

[Morph]

I've been curious as to when I might grow out of gaming. I always feel year after year that this is the one where I kick the habit and move on but gaming is a pretty big part of my daily routine and I really can't picture not gaming at least a small part of the day but my question is, is there a point at which one is *supposed* to drop gaming?

Never man. Sure im probally not going to sit on the couch for a week gaming again, but im never going to stop. Stoping gaming for me would be like selling the 240 and buying a prius. Not gonna happen.

[Nick@SickAudio]

I make it about 2-3 blocks then get sent flying another block

[otterman]

I don't see my self growing out of it.

I've def slowed WAAAY down on gaming (because I moved out of my parents and now cant afford to buy every game when it comes out, damn you rent!)

I understand how your mom thinks you should grow out of it, she didn't grow up with it and still see's it as a kid thing.