Pachter Talks About The Aging Gamer
Michael PachterWe 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.
2/2/2010 1:48:03 PM Ben Dutka
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Comments (93 posts)
Imagi
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 4:37:49 PM
11 up, 1 down
to_far_apart
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 7:40:38 PM
As I've mentioned before, this introduction into online gameplay has had an effect on today's youths. This constant fascination of becoming the top ranked, or the best player online has really changed a lot of kids. One could even argue correlations between anger/frustration issues and gaming. I've seen plenty of kids cry or become really frustrated with a game, and it's really a unfortunate site to see. But not all kids are like this however, there are those who do know when enough is enough and find online gaming as more of a leisure activity. Now, it's not only online gaming that has had an affect today, but games overall in a broad sense and the content in which they offer. I'm not sure if you all heard, but a few years back, two brothers were arrested for Grand Theft for breaking in and stealing a car. When asked why they committed such a crime, their responses were vague "I saw it in a Grand Theft Auto Game." There have also been stories of stabbings, shootings, etc because of this influence presented in a game. But it's not only games and the degree of content slowly increasing with time, but a lot has to do with the parents. Very often does a parent buy a video game for their child without checking for game ratings or content within the game, only later on to find their children saying or doing things they would've never thought. Along with parents who don't give their children the proper amount of time to discuss the differences between reality and fantasy/fiction. All these variables, along with many I haven't mentioned (to save you all from boredom lol), have adversely affected the present generation.
Now, I'm not saying that this is only in conjunction with this generation, but it is more prevalent in today's society. I'm not sure about most of you, but when i was young I went out, played soccer, hung out with friends, etc. Only later i played video games for maybe an hour or two. I had hobbies, a life outside of this fantasy world. Now, let me clarify, I'm not saying everyone did the same, I was just mentioning what i use to do. I also don't remember such content in games before, but that's just me, please feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.
As for gaming as we get older, nothing wrong with reflexes or dexterity yet, so all cleared for me! I can always just fall back on some older classics! haha
Sorry everyone, I didn't mean to deviate off topic, I just had to give me two cents on it. I hope you all bear with me! I also hope you all know this is solely opinion based, so don't get to excited with your answers, it's my personal opinion! lol
Thanks again for your time guys, hope I didn't bore or offend anyone! haha
Last edited by to_far_apart on 2/2/2010 7:46:48 PM
6 up, 1 down
Highlander
Wednesday, February 03, 2010 @ 12:00:55 AM
Agreed.
Society in general is gonna have to beg for the older generation to keep working long into their gray years because the birth rate in the nation is so astonishingly low. If we don't work past 70, our pensions will bankrupt the nation by 2030/2040
Last edited by Highlander on 2/3/2010 12:02:31 AM
2 up, 1 down
Banky A
Wednesday, February 03, 2010 @ 4:06:15 AM
You made me cry :'( My tears were not too far apart...
I wish I could just copy and paste you and TheHighlander's stuff and show all the 'kids' I notice these days.
+1
2 up, 0 down
Phoelix
Wednesday, February 03, 2010 @ 10:21:03 AM
I can't help but wonder if what you're thinking about kids today is the exact same thing that your parents said about your generation.
(It only makes sense that as your view on life changes do you see what kids are (and you once were), right?)
I'm probably biased because I'm 20 and included in the generation you're speaking of. I just hate to think that society is going downhill as a whole.
2 up, 0 down
to_far_apart
Wednesday, February 03, 2010 @ 11:35:21 AM
Completely agree.
That's why we see the abundance of older people working as much as they do now. It really is sad to see 70+ year olds working to the extent they are now just to maintain a certain level of stability or like you mentioned, trying to recover from the ever-dwindling pensions.
I would understand if a person that age wants to keep active and maintain a certain routine, because everyone wants to feel useful and needed. But the way the older generation working now is just mind boggling.
@Banky A
Thanks for that comment, it's good to know someone fees similarly to me. I know it's my opinion, but I'm glad someone could relate to it.
Feel free to copy and paste what i wrote, I don't mind. It's just an opinion overall hahah
@Phoelix
I understand where you are coming from.
Honestly there was really no goal or motive expressed in what i wrote. It was just merely opinion based and just something i feel in conjunction with today's society.
I also understand that a lot of what i said could have some similarities to the way i was brought up and what i learned from my parents. But I want you to know, it is a completely biased opinion, because it is my opinion, it is in no way fact, just an opinion one gathers from seeing how society is daily. But I do understand your point and thank you for your comment so i could clarify that is a biased opinion because it is my own. It's just something i wanted to share with all of you.
As for the generation I'm speaking about, it's more geared towards the upcoming youths (13-17) I've noticed that those specific ages are the ones that are really shaping up to be an issue, for countless reasons i could list, but i don't want to bore anyone haha
But again, that's just my opinion!
As for everyone else, I just wanted to thank you all for keeping an open mind and taking time to read what i wrote. I know i went off topic but I just wanted to share some thoughts.
So thank you all for baring with me haha
0 up, 0 down
Darwin1967
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 2:14:43 PM
Reply
8 up, 1 down
Doosharm
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 4:47:34 PM
I'm in the same boat! The reason I got glasses was so I could read all the text in my RPGs. Then again, I probably only need glasses because I stare at the TV too much. Oh well. It's a fair trade-off.
0 up, 1 down
jaybiv
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 2:58:51 PM
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I will give him the sentiment of younger gamers and their anti-profit stance. I think it has more to do with them not have the disposable income to buy everything they want so they scream for more freebies. Some of them do eventually grow out of it.
3 up, 1 down
I C E_COLD
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 3:05:05 PM
Reply
Last edited by I C E_COLD on 2/2/2010 3:05:54 PM
4 up, 1 down
JofaMang
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 3:11:07 PM
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When games were the territory of mostly 6-12 year olds, games were made for them. Why would it be different for all these Gen Y+ as they age to have a market dedicated to pleasing them? Again, I question why his opinions carry so much weight.
0 up, 1 down
bearbobby
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 3:18:52 PM
1 up, 1 down
JofaMang
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 3:22:59 PM
3 up, 2 down
kevyd09
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 3:17:26 PM
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3 up, 1 down
Frenchy17
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 3:40:57 PM
Reply
1 up, 1 down
gumbi
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 4:28:13 PM
5 up, 1 down
Shams
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 8:27:18 PM
0 up, 1 down
SvenMD
Wednesday, February 03, 2010 @ 7:12:21 AM
I certainly feel that our reflexes should still be just fine (since we're mostly all around 30)...but our patience and priorities have changed alot.
1 up, 0 down
Mr Bitey
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 3:56:52 PM
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*looks at Wii sales*
But then again, I could be wrong.
3 up, 1 down
gumbi
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 4:03:25 PM
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On the topic of the impending doom of the aging gamer... hogwash! I've been playing vids for over 20 years and while I may not be able to keep up with the new generation, I don't know if I'd say that it's because I've gotten slower... more like they're just better at it, and get way more time to play and practice. Today's kids have grown up on today's games. Look at the games we learned on, it's just a different world. And don't forget, kids learn faster than adults. It's a fact, especially when it comes to tasks that involve dexterity and coordination. So as games progressively change the younger, more adaptable generation will inevitably pick it up quicker and be better at it. That doesn't mean we're all doomed, yikes.
On a side note; Anybody remember that cool PS9 commercial that came out back when PS2 launched? Well if I'm still kickin in 2078, you can bet your ass this old geezer'll be rockin a PS9!
2 up, 0 down
Jawknee
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 4:15:06 PM
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thank you baby boomer generation. You've taught our children well.
I too wonder how good at games I'll be when I'm old. Bummer. Some times I can tell my relfexes aren't as great as they once were.
Last edited by Jawknee on 2/2/2010 4:43:29 PM
0 up, 1 down
Highlander
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 4:26:13 PM
Last edited by Highlander on 2/2/2010 4:26:22 PM
5 up, 0 down
Jawknee
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 5:57:10 PM
Profits turn into jobs. These stupid kids will realize that sooner or later.
0 up, 1 down
Snaaaake
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 4:36:35 PM
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3 up, 2 down
www
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 4:39:48 PM
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That is, the fact that the older gamer can buy all the games they want cause they have jobs and 13yo smack-talkers always need to beg their parents or relations for games or they keep borrowing, that's a disadvantage to them, they don't get it all. :P
4 up, 0 down
Highlander
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 4:45:23 PM
4 up, 1 down
tes37
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 5:01:37 PM
2 up, 1 down
Imagi
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 4:41:54 PM
Reply
1 up, 0 down
SvenMD
Wednesday, February 03, 2010 @ 7:16:52 AM
But I don't know the last time he actually sat down and played a game for 5 hours 'cause he wanted to.
0 up, 0 down
Highlander
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 4:42:36 PM
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Not sure my reflexes have changed much, though my tolerance for cheap shots has disappeared. I can't be bothered to deal with foul mouth kids who threaten to do things that the writers of Hostel are disgusted by, to me, my wife, parents and pets - all because they lost. I have no patience for any of that crapolla, so I don't use a headset unless I'm playing with friends.
For once I agree with Pachter in this regard. The current wave of games and the evolution of gaming in general is disappointing since the trend is towards more and more action, real time combat and online play. Such games demand above average reflexes, dexterity and hand eye coordination. I would agree that in such games we are ultimately doomed by the slowing of reflexes and loss of dexterity.
But on the other hand, Pachter talks as if these are the only kinds of games we will see from now on. I don't agree with him at all there. The industry is going through a phase of growing, to grow it is appealing to a specific audience - a younger audience. Once this phase is over we may see different kinds of game, even the resurgence of turn based play, as the industry matures again and realizes that not everyone wants to play MW15.
2 up, 0 down
rogers71
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 8:02:36 PM
I will be turning 39 this year and I can still hold my own online. Playing online gets old fast for me though. That is why I cannot wait for games like Heavy Rain, Gran Turismo 5 and Dead Space 2. Something I can kick back and enjoy without hearing all the '13 year old smack talking'.
Pretty soon I will be in my wheelchair watching my son play the games. Oh well.
1 up, 0 down
tes37
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 4:49:40 PM
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I'm sure as developers age there will be some who produce games for our old ancient butts when that time comes.
2 up, 1 down
Hezzron
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 4:58:44 PM
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No, rather the solution lies with pharmaceutical companies. We need some gaming Viagra!
Last edited by Hezzron on 2/2/2010 4:59:38 PM
2 up, 0 down
Deleted User
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 5:07:34 PM
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What's doomed are the discussion sites for video games. Most of them are filled with "smack talking 13 year olds" and older people with the same attitude. Thankfully, there will be good sites like this one but the so-called "big time" sites are forever kid-dominated.
Last edited by n/a on 2/2/2010 5:07:55 PM
2 up, 0 down
foxhound_07
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 5:07:39 PM
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"Long Life 4 all the Gamers dont give up keep playing"
3 up, 0 down
Mystearica
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 5:31:26 PM
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Heck even my colleagues would say that "yeah I used to play videogames when I was in grade 7". Sometimes I feel like crap 'cause the females look down on me for playing games (btw just to dispel some myths... I'm in my final year in Pharmacy school (so I'm not an idiot), average looking, 5'4" - yes short, BMI 22 - so definitely NOT overweight)...
So yeah... but that being said - I'm me and I'll continue to play video games... my current library is probably around 150 games (NO JOKE... I CAN take a picture to prove this!!) ~ 120+ PS2 games, 28 PS3 games and not clue how many PS1 games (in the garage somewhere... did not include them in my 150 count). Ah geez now I think I just went of on a tangent LOL.
Back to topic... in terms of old and aging - I honestly have NO idea if our reflexes or whatever goes bad enough that we can't play games. I'm saying this because if we continue to play games with age - we will adjust and that's how we are as people. On the other hand if you played, stopped, resumed 10 years later... then yeah that may happen
Last edited by Mystearica on 2/2/2010 5:34:08 PM
3 up, 0 down
BikerSaint
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 5:48:59 PM
As an older gamer, I can really feel for you!
it's a shame there's so many hormonally-challenged punks out there, trash talking, sexually harassing, or even race baiting these days. One of the things I indirectly blame it on it is MS By including a free headset with a new console, now even all the 8,9, & 10 year olds have one.
But #1, I have to blame the parent's most of all, those one's who won't(or don't know how to) take control, or lets their kids walk all over them.
I'll make bet that a lot of this crap would NEVER happen a second time if ONLY those same parent's were more responsible by always monitoring their on-line brats & took their consoles away for 3 months as a 1st punishment.
0 up, 0 down
to_far_apart
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 8:33:31 PM
I can't stand the whining, the arguing, the name calling, the threats, it get's old to quick. That's why i try to avoid the online play. Every once and a while I'll play, but I'm very impatient when it comes to that hahah
Last edited by to_far_apart on 2/2/2010 8:34:11 PM
1 up, 1 down
BikerSaint
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 5:33:35 PM
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it seems to me, that Pachter forgot that a lot games these days are more intricate, therefore much harder today than they were back then(not counting today's auto-saving mode) & not just his figuring on anyone's upcoming aging reflexes.
As probably the oldest gamer here on this site(57), I'm not afraid of gaming, nor will I ever be when I've grown even older....except for 2 things, & that's going to be 3when gaming is "all DLC only games", and Mr."DEATH".
But out of these two, I hope that I never get to see the day when it becomes the era of "all DLC only"(not that I'm asking to level up to Heaven any time sooner than way, way, after the next 1/2 century, of course).
And if for some strange reason my Halo's too bent & tarnished for St. Peter to log me in, & he decides I'm gonna be leveling down instead, then I can still have fun playing in a real live game of "Overlord", as the evilest of his evil minion.
HMMMM.....I think the first mortal I'll go after is that frumpy mom, Mary Jo who already thinks games are Satan's work.
Oh Hades....er....I mean, hell....
Just imagine how much fun I can conjur up, just Satanan-izing her blow-dryer alone!
(hysterical laugh fading out that suddenly turns the surrounding air into an goose-pimpling ice cold freezing chillzone2)
HEE,HEEE,HEEEEEEEE..................
0 up, 0 down
SmokeyPSD
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 6:28:32 PM
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3 up, 0 down
BigBoss4ever
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 6:47:21 PM
Reply
Last edited by BigBoss4ever on 2/2/2010 6:48:48 PM
2 up, 1 down
St_Jimmy
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 6:48:33 PM
Reply
Last edited by St_Jimmy on 2/2/2010 6:52:19 PM
3 up, 0 down
archs13
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 8:16:26 PM
"GET OFF MY LAWN!"
1 up, 0 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 7:01:11 PM
Reply
0 up, 0 down
Scarecrow
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 7:35:27 PM
That's the thing
I can understand if you were a top dog in fighting games back in the day and you're not good at them now
Specially fighting games. Doesn't matter how old one is, if one has always been gifted (good) at the game, that'll never go away. Well not 'till you're a senior (65+)
0 up, 0 down
Beamboom
Wednesday, February 03, 2010 @ 4:17:23 AM
Then, eventually I got Unreal for PS3. "Oh yes! Unreal"! I used to dominate the result listings in Unreal some years ago on the PC, surely that would be the game to get me back on track... Say hello to depressive discovery # 2. I sucked so hard it hurt all over. And I came to the conclusion that "I'm too old for that shit".
However, a few months and a handful of gaming hours later things started to change. All of a sudden I mastered missions in GTA where I was utterly stuck earlier. Games that were collecting dust under the label "frustratingly difficult" were rediscovered, and eventually mastered. This autumn I got COD World At War (because of the storyline coop) and with a slight scepticism I tried the online mode... And discovered, hey presto, I was not a total suckage any more! And now, in MW2, I can proudly say that while I am not frequently topping the lists I am definitely well placed in the mid section amongst the vast majority, not anchored at the bottom.
So what am I trying to say here? It all comes down to practising! It really is as simple as that!
As others has stated elswhere in this discussion, the kids does not rock "out of the box", however they practise by playing for hours. Of course they get good then. And while we "old folks" may need a few more hours to get at the same level, it's definitely within reach and not a hopeless case. And for me personally I've got so many fond online memories of games like Doom II, Quake, Unreal & co that I simply did not want to give it up. And neither should you!
2 up, 0 down
yak4life85
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 7:23:24 PM
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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.
2 up, 4 down
Scarecrow
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 7:37:31 PM
AKA Quality
4 up, 0 down
to_far_apart
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 8:21:18 PM
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
5 up, 0 down
Beamboom
Wednesday, February 03, 2010 @ 4:24:45 AM
0 up, 0 down
Scarecrow
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 7:35:54 PM
Reply
4 up, 0 down
to_far_apart
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 8:27:17 PM
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
1 up, 0 down
archs13
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 8:20:58 PM
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0 up, 0 down
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 8:57:47 PM
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You know...we have an AWESOME community. :)
12 up, 0 down
to_far_apart
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 9:00:45 PM
We also have an AWESOME place to come to!
3 up, 1 down
kokoro
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 9:04:29 PM
Reply
Last edited by kokoro on 2/2/2010 9:05:05 PM
0 up, 0 down
Snaaaake
Wednesday, February 03, 2010 @ 9:03:56 AM
And I thought 40 was the oldest and it seems there's some even older than that.
0 up, 0 down
Highlander
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 9:17:35 PM
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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 Highlander on 2/2/2010 9:21:36 PM
7 up, 0 down
to_far_apart
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 9:56:51 PM
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
2 up, 0 down
BikerSaint
Wednesday, February 03, 2010 @ 2:07:39 PM
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.
0 up, 0 down
Highlander
Wednesday, February 03, 2010 @ 11:40:55 PM
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.
1 up, 0 down
to_far_apart
Thursday, February 04, 2010 @ 12:12:48 AM
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!
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maxpontiac
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 10:30:45 PM
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Plus, after reading this thread, I am glad to see the community here has some 30+ gamers!!
2 up, 0 down
___________
Wednesday, February 03, 2010 @ 12:40:03 AM
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give me crash bandicoot warped over uncharted 2 any day!
0 up, 4 down
SvenMD
Wednesday, February 03, 2010 @ 7:34:35 AM
-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????
2 up, 0 down
daizycutter
Wednesday, February 03, 2010 @ 2:52:48 AM
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0 up, 0 down
xnonsuchx
Wednesday, February 03, 2010 @ 4:04:10 AM
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0 up, 0 down
Beamboom
Wednesday, February 03, 2010 @ 4:28:53 AM
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.
1 up, 0 down
Banky A
Wednesday, February 03, 2010 @ 4:08:43 AM
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Last edited by Banky A on 2/3/2010 4:09:45 AM
0 up, 0 down
Gordo
Wednesday, February 03, 2010 @ 4:33:09 AM
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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!
3 up, 0 down
Beamboom
Wednesday, February 03, 2010 @ 6:16:00 AM
2 up, 0 down
dveisalive
Wednesday, February 03, 2010 @ 7:17:55 AM
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0 up, 0 down
Highlander
Wednesday, February 03, 2010 @ 10:02:58 AM
1 up, 0 down
SvenMD
Wednesday, February 03, 2010 @ 7:48:29 AM
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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.
2 up, 0 down
Highlander
Wednesday, February 03, 2010 @ 10:04:09 AM
2 up, 0 down
to_far_apart
Wednesday, February 03, 2010 @ 12:08:50 PM
0 up, 0 down
JPBooch
Wednesday, February 03, 2010 @ 9:26:39 AM
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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.
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KoldStrejke
Wednesday, February 03, 2010 @ 2:01:07 PM
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BikerSaint
Wednesday, February 03, 2010 @ 2:17:07 PM
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THE NTMIDTR
Wednesday, February 03, 2010 @ 6:28:39 PM
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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.
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Highlander
Wednesday, February 03, 2010 @ 11:43:08 PM
Pure gold. 100% agreeement.
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BikerSaint
Thursday, February 04, 2010 @ 1:09:11 AM
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Geeez, what was I thinking????
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main_event05
Thursday, February 04, 2010 @ 11:26:38 AM
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Darkus
Thursday, February 04, 2010 @ 11:45:20 AM
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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!
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BikerSaint
Thursday, February 04, 2010 @ 3:13:34 PM
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Good post!
Last edited by BikerSaint on 2/4/2010 3:14:00 PM
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fluffer nutter
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Tuesday, February 02, 2010 @ 2:07:48 PM