Aging Hardcore Gamers Haven't The Time To Be Hardcore

The stereotype that most hardcore gamers are either loners or below the age of 21 isn't a stereotype. It's just the way things are.

As one gets older and life responsibilities begin to pile up, your time for gaming has to dwindle; it's just a matter of simple math, as there are only so many hours in the day. Provided you don't let the hobby consume your life (which usually doesn't happen to most normal people), most 35-year-olds don't have the time required to be a "hardcore gamer."

And that's true even if you don't go by time as a definition for "hardcore," and I don't. I believe anyone is hardcore if their primary hobby is gaming, but can one even say that when their time is so limited? Can you even have a primary hobby given all the demands you face on a daily basis? This seems like a relatively boring subject until you start to see how this impacts the industry. Even the older gamers, the "hardcore," those who grew up with a certain "old-fashioned" form of interactive entertainment, have less time to play and therefore, they buy less. Hence, a lesser demand for forms of gaming that are dying out.

It's just a natural progression. So for those of you who are around my age going, "hey, there are lots of us who still love side-scrolling action and pure adventure games and turn-based RPGs," I have only one thing to say: No, there aren't. There are lots of us who have fond memories of those game styles and wouldn't mind seeing new products with those old-school mechanics. But we have to admit we might not even be able to play it if it did arrive. We can't compete with the kid in college who has absolutely nothing to do (you'll learn you had nothing to do in college when you get older, kiddies), heading to every midnight launch.

And because gaming is big business, the publishers just don't care about the dedicated who only used to be dedicated and would like to be dedicated again but haven't the time or money to manage it. Sad but true.

Tags: gamers, hardcore gamers, casual gamers, gaming industry

8/19/2012 9:08:52 PM Ben Dutka

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Comments (83 posts)

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duomaxwell007
Sunday, August 19, 2012 @ 9:35:27 PM
Reply

I have to disagree, some of us still do it just fine, im 29 and Im still quite hardcore.. I know two people in their mid 40s that are even more hardcore than me (and that alone is an accomplishment lol)

4 up, 3 down

gumbi
Sunday, August 19, 2012 @ 10:24:53 PM

I'm also 29, and I have a few friends my age who still get lots of gaming time in. However, they're not married and, more importantly, they have no kids. Kids are time goblins. You really don't realize just how much free time you had, until they take it away. Between kids, wife, house, job, etc... I play less than 1/10 as much nowadays as I did up until my early twenties. The desire hasn't faded, in fact it's probably greater, I just don't have the time.

So for me, I thought Ben's article hit the nail on the head, but in fairness that's because it rings very true for me.

6 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Monday, August 20, 2012 @ 12:10:42 AM

Yes duo, are you married and have kids? Are those people in their 40s married with kids? Why am I betting not...?

4 up, 2 down

duomaxwell007
Monday, August 20, 2012 @ 1:38:22 AM

as for those two people in their 40s nope theyre not married nor do they have kids, as for me, not married but taken and live together and my significant other has two kids (from a previous relationship, so theyre not biologically mine) and the 4 of us stay in the same house so, id think that comes close to qualifying as "married and have kids"?

The secret to being 30+ and staying "hardcore" is simple... either a) stay single or b) if youre gonna be in a relationship/date make sure that persons a gamer too...., those guidelines have been doing a wonderful job working all these years lol... it also must work for Highlander too, considering hes married, has a kid AND a white knight chronicles 2 platinum so yet another person whos proof that you can still be "old" and hardcore lol.

0 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Monday, August 20, 2012 @ 9:40:51 AM

That isn't "proof." Exceptions to the rule are never "proof." They just prove the rule, which is obvious with the majority of responses here.

Last edited by Ben Dutka PSXE on 8/20/2012 9:42:03 AM

5 up, 4 down

Underdog15
Monday, August 20, 2012 @ 2:47:45 PM

I think I grew up hardcore. And I definitely played the most amount of video games in my life at university. I still stay tuned into gaming, and I play as much as I can when I've got down time at home. But I gotta be honest... the little dude is a time sponge! A cute one, though. I love every minute of it too. And there is no way I'm giving up the uh... one on one time with the wife, either. And I work, and I'm taking part time courses towards a masters... And I need to stay in shape and healthy too, what with a desk job and all...

So sadly... with age... yes... "life" eats away my gaming time. There was a time when a day could NEVER go by without at least a little gaming. Now... it's a regular occurrence. Heck, last week, I wasn't on ONCE!

As for a gaming wife... not sure I want that. Gaming is my time... and online multiplayer is BRO time.... (Or as we jokingly say, as we are all "attached".... "Gayming night"... the women love that one... *snicker*) But yeah... I think I like my gaming being separate from my personal family and social life. Gaming is my escape for the most part. Although I wish there were more hours in a day for gaming, I'm pretty happy that what gaming I do get in is on my terms and exclusively for me.

1 up, 0 down

laxpro2001
Sunday, August 19, 2012 @ 9:41:09 PM
Reply

I unfortunately fall into this category. I almost have no time to play outside of work and the gym and ny backlog just continues to grow. It's truly a shame. Being a hardcore gamer though is also partly determined by what kind of games you like IMO.

You can spend all the time you want outside of any responsibilities playing COD online... doesn't mean you know sh*t about games.

3 up, 0 down

TGSA
Sunday, August 19, 2012 @ 9:49:40 PM
Reply

I have to agree with Ben, I'm 26, and sometimes it's just hard to play everything I'd like to. Right now, it feels like my gaming tends to be seasonal based on my work schedule. So now, I feel lucky if I can at least play once a week, but come November, I should be able to play more. I know it becomes a lot harder to play once you add kids into the mix.

2 up, 0 down

Nickjcal
Sunday, August 19, 2012 @ 9:54:53 PM
Reply

I'm only 17 and I'm already having time finding time to play. I have time to spend a few hours per week on a review copy and crack away at it on early weekend mornings, but that's about it. Aside from school, covering things at Only Single Player, work and upcoming girl friend, it's a lot to juggle haha. But, in recent years I've also begun to get more and more bored of video games. They're fun for a while, but I usually don't sit for more than 2 hours playing till I get up and do something else. Darksiders II was probably the one game I spent the most time with this year so far putting about 20 hours in to review the game.

0 up, 0 down

cLoudou
Sunday, August 19, 2012 @ 10:32:22 PM

Confused about the "upcoming girlfriend". Did she give you a timetable for when she can be your girlfriend or just wishful thinking?

10 up, 0 down

Underdog15
Monday, August 20, 2012 @ 9:39:07 AM

haha, maybe he's just really confident?

0 up, 0 down

wackazoa
Monday, August 20, 2012 @ 10:19:52 AM

Maybe she's still on order......

Sorry couldn't resist.

5 up, 0 down

AcHiLLiA
Monday, August 20, 2012 @ 11:17:47 AM

pretty sure, thinking about it. If ur a guy and single, whatnot to think about a girl.

0 up, 0 down

AcHiLLiA
Monday, August 20, 2012 @ 11:28:58 AM

Mail order bride, whatever u do stay away from that.

0 up, 0 down

cLoudou
Sunday, August 19, 2012 @ 10:01:29 PM
Reply

I'm a loner and also haven't the time to game like I use to but I still consider myself to be a "Hardcore" gamer.

Last edited by cLoudou on 8/19/2012 10:03:09 PM

2 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Sunday, August 19, 2012 @ 10:15:07 PM
Reply

So true. Between two kids, work, my band and other misc. tasks I'm finding it increasingly hard to spend ample time digging into a game. I have to wait until the babies are in bed. I stay up pretty late to get what time I can into a game. I'm exhausted. :(

8 up, 0 down

maxpontiac
Sunday, August 19, 2012 @ 11:49:34 PM

There is truth in your post sir. With MGS4 getting the Trophy Patch just recently, I started playing that masterpiece again.

Next thing I knew, I had five hours left before I had to go to work. Needless to say, I was exhausted from a lack of beauty sleep! LOL

0 up, 0 down

AcHiLLiA
Monday, August 20, 2012 @ 11:33:07 AM

yah man, it sucks when u lose control of the time.

0 up, 0 down

bluedarrk
Sunday, August 19, 2012 @ 10:28:40 PM
Reply

I'm 27 and I'm still a hardcore gamer. I still go to a few midnight releases not as many as I used too. I typically wait till Friday to pick up the game. I don't have kids yet so I'm sure it will change. All my co-workers go to happy hour every day after work I go home eat dinner and get a hour of gaming in. I do miss lan parties though or just getting together with a group and gaming all night.

0 up, 0 down

gumbi
Sunday, August 19, 2012 @ 10:31:04 PM
Reply

I think you nailed it Ben. I still want to play games just as much (or more) than I ever did. But with the kids and the house and work and everything else in life it's real hard to find the time.

Much like Jawknee above I have trade in sleep for precious gaming hours... and now that "sleeping in" is a distant memory of the past, it can be very exhausting indeed.

2 up, 0 down

Highlander
Sunday, August 19, 2012 @ 10:43:40 PM
Reply

Ben, I think you're missing something in this picture. There is a time between the mid-late 20s and mid-late 30s when other priorities do take over. But as time passes and kids age, they take less time and you have more. I'd also suggest that by the time gamers hit their md-40's to 50, they are quire settled in their life, their career is where it's gonna be, and their kids are getting on for being grown. Leisure time becomes more available. Now, while my 50-something colleagues are working in their workshop sanding a table they are making, or restoring for weeks on end, I'm gaming, and when I get to their age, I'll be gaming then too. It's a generational thing I am sure, but my generation just doesn't spend days and weeks working on carpentry or other similar stuff, or even DIY like the generation before did. So as gamers age through this phase of having a busy life, they will emerge victorious on the other side with plenty of time to put into play.

12 up, 0 down

gumbi
Sunday, August 19, 2012 @ 10:53:37 PM

Very true. It's funny, I'm always joking about all the games I'm going to play when my kids are grown up. Or when I retire. The hobby hasn't lost it's appeal in the last 20 years. So I'm sure in another 20, when I have a surplus of free time again, I'll be gaming. And catching up on all the greats I've missed in the interim :)

2 up, 0 down

BikerSaint
Sunday, August 19, 2012 @ 11:05:11 PM

Only a couple more months before I turn 60 years old(Nov 5th), & I'm gaming now more than ever.

It also helps that I'm single, no kids at home(all grown up), no honey, no job, & no damn money to go out anymore.

Thank goodness I've still got a such a humungous backlog of games in every single one of my collections(even retro) that will probably keep me preoccupied for at least the next 9 years.

But hopefully, I'll find another job before I finally finish that very last game in my backlog, LOL

Last edited by BikerSaint on 8/19/2012 11:08:38 PM

5 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Monday, August 20, 2012 @ 12:12:21 AM

Well, the only way we'll know is when our generation gets older. If we're all still playing games after the kids are grown and gone and we're not hassled with career decisions and stuff, then great. :)

But in the 20s and 30s, it's just too hard for many.

4 up, 2 down

PoopsMcGee
Monday, August 20, 2012 @ 3:05:30 AM

I'm doing all right, I game as much as I want (which I'd easily classify as excessive) and I'm a 34 year old, work-from-home-father of a 1-year old. Yeah, I could definitely use more sleep these days but I could say the same about myself 'back in the day' as well...

...and yeah, I'll hopefully be doin' the same when/if (knock on wood) I'm 50 and 60.

Last edited by PoopsMcGee on 8/20/2012 3:10:54 AM

2 up, 0 down

Ludicrous_Liam
Monday, August 20, 2012 @ 7:18:33 AM

My dad, who is in his fifties, does a lot of carpentry. I always saw it as something he needed to do - and I suppose the kitchen he's doing atm IS actually needed; it's crazy living without a kitchen - but I suppose it's something more recreational to him. He came from a generation in Britain where things needed to be built (after WWII), and education wasn't seen as vital as it is today. Thus, a low-skilled job (in terms of qualifications), such as carpentry, made sense.

I know I'll be gaming when I hit 50 for sure.

1 up, 0 down

Highlander
Monday, August 20, 2012 @ 10:57:30 AM

I agree Ben, during the 20s/30s people are making many of their major life decisions, they are choosing career paths, partners, whether to have a family, house purchases and do forth. It's a very busy and formative time. It's certainly not a time when you need games getting in the way of other things, nor do you need to be making those decisions based on how much time it leaves for gaming...lol. But once that phase of our lives is over, we do have more time, and personally I think that my generation and several generations around me will be avid gamers until there's literally no more time...

1 up, 0 down

Underdog15
Monday, August 20, 2012 @ 2:51:36 PM

Ah yes... I agree highlander...

I will be gaming until the ultimate "game over".

1 up, 0 down

Highlander
Tuesday, August 21, 2012 @ 5:39:21 PM

lol, I'm hedging against Medial science finding a way to extend my game play with extra lives... ;)

0 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Sunday, August 19, 2012 @ 11:35:49 PM
Reply

Unfortunately that's life, but as gaming supplants television more and more people should do alright. The hindrance to this is right there in the image attached to this article. I still see this basic image used as a way to outline immaturity in men, as if having a controller in your hand makes you an irresponsible lout.

My advice: don't have kids.

2 up, 3 down

maxpontiac
Sunday, August 19, 2012 @ 11:43:09 PM

I am sorry World, but to me that's not good advice. The decision to have children was one of the best things I ever did.

No hobby or self entertainment should should impede such a blessing.

6 up, 0 down

cLoudou
Sunday, August 19, 2012 @ 11:55:26 PM

I think more people should take that advice.

3 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Monday, August 20, 2012 @ 12:11:12 AM

Be fruitful and multiply. Best advise ever given.

4 up, 1 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Monday, August 20, 2012 @ 12:13:17 AM

The correct advice is to have kids if and when you're ready (emotionally and financially) and if you feel it's right for both of you.

Beyond that, I'm not into the "you should have kids just because" philosophy.

6 up, 1 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Monday, August 20, 2012 @ 12:19:20 AM

I'm going to have my fun first, don't get me wrong I love kids. Got 4 nieces, 3 are kids and 1 is in the military. Very proud of that. I think for me though I've got to be about 40 when I have em.

2 up, 1 down

wackazoa
Monday, August 20, 2012 @ 10:13:04 AM

Dont wait to long World. Otherwise you wont be able to do all the fun things with them becuase you'll be too old.

4 up, 0 down

AcHiLLiA
Monday, August 20, 2012 @ 11:27:38 AM

"My advice: don't have kids" Saw that on another forum, but it had to involve the outdoor not a pic of a male gaming on the couch and the girl walking away like on this article.

Last edited by AcHiLLiA on 8/20/2012 11:30:23 AM

0 up, 0 down

maxpontiac
Sunday, August 19, 2012 @ 11:38:03 PM
Reply

Great article Ben, it is one that is so true for me personally. My "free" time is nearly gone, yet my desire for gaming is still strong so I don't see myself retiring from this hobby anytime soon.

It's strange really, but it seems these last 5 months or so have been some of the busiest times in life. I am 38 years old and at a crossroads per se, and gaming has to take a back seat. This includes my hobby related internet use as well, although I do visit this website daily.

I will say this though... my craving for online multiplayer is all but gone now. Perhaps I am getting "old" afterall.

0 up, 0 down

Gordo
Monday, August 20, 2012 @ 12:03:27 AM
Reply

When I was young I had the time but not the money. Now I have the money but not the time!

Wife, 2 kids and corporate job tends to leave very little time for gaming.

Have picked up a Vita for that gaming fix but that only gives me 30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes in the evening.

I still consider myself a gamer mind you!

1 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Monday, August 20, 2012 @ 12:22:50 AM
Reply

In retrospect I didn't play squat during the PS2 days. Rockstar and Squaresoft games. I was way into real life, then real life got boring and now I'm back :)

3 up, 1 down

booze925
Monday, August 20, 2012 @ 12:23:51 AM
Reply

Its just life, like a fading interest in your toys when you are no longer a child. When we mature, go to college/work, make new friends and find new love interests, lose family, or find what we want to do with ourselves and our futures the hardcore gamer steadily and imminently becomes the casual gamer. Or in some cases just moves on to other things.
I used to be a hardcore gamer (of my generation) with a huge friends list and countless hours spent on all the CoD's, BF, KZ2 ect. But now I slip on maybe a couple times a week, with 21 on the friends list, most of whom are on Netflix.
Those days are done for me, an ex-hardcore gamer. Games are still a hobby, but not in the big way it used to be.
Life got me, as it does all of us.

0 up, 0 down

Metal Head
Monday, August 20, 2012 @ 2:04:14 AM
Reply

I'm a hardcore gamer with less time to enjoy gaming. My dog and girlfriend are my priority. I will only give up on gaming if Sony is out of business.

0 up, 0 down

Ludicrous_Liam
Monday, August 20, 2012 @ 7:25:51 AM

"My dog and girlfriend are my priority"

In that order? xD

4 up, 0 down

AcHiLLiA
Monday, August 20, 2012 @ 11:20:20 AM

sorry dawg but it's got to be the gf first.

Last edited by AcHiLLiA on 8/20/2012 11:20:54 AM

1 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Monday, August 20, 2012 @ 11:52:27 AM

Nonsense, my Dog is more important than any woman.

4 up, 1 down

CanadianGuy420
Monday, August 20, 2012 @ 4:32:14 PM

the dog always comes first no matter what. period.

2 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Monday, August 20, 2012 @ 4:52:34 PM

Damn right, that's unconditional love right there. Something humans are incapable of.

3 up, 1 down

CanadianGuy420
Monday, August 20, 2012 @ 11:57:16 PM

its a special bond none dog owners just can't truly understand.

unfortunately i lost my boy in 2010 but he'll always be in my heart

0 up, 0 down

AcHiLLiA
Tuesday, August 21, 2012 @ 12:41:39 PM

Well World, I said girlfriend, not just "any woman."
But yah, if I broke up with my gf, it would be the dog getting a lot more love.

Last edited by AcHiLLiA on 8/21/2012 12:43:24 PM

0 up, 0 down

Lawless SXE
Monday, August 20, 2012 @ 2:16:04 AM
Reply

I'd hardly call myself ageing at 21, but I do find myself putting less time into gaming than I did only a few years ago. Admittedly, it was refreshing back then as I'd only just gotten back into it after a VERY long hiatus but that's not really the problem. Work takes up most of my time, and I like to set aside a couple of hours to put into writing as well. That leaves me with me with bugger all time and when you add in the things you need to do to live decently (cooking, sleeping, etc.) my time for gaming is super limited. And then it gets even worse when you get a girlfriend 'cos you lose the weekends.

Life man... sometimes it's a real pain.

1 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Monday, August 20, 2012 @ 11:53:07 AM

Beats the alternative.

1 up, 1 down

OriginalSin
Monday, August 20, 2012 @ 3:40:07 AM
Reply

Well I agree with Ben, I am 33 and have a 19 month old daughter another kid on the way and a wife.... 2 dogs and 2 freakin' cats.... Between my family and work (I have 3 Jobs Btw), I don't get nearly as much time for gaming as I would have hoped... or need for that matter.

So I basically get time to play certain nights from about 9 onwards,. B ut the thing is by then I am soo tire and hardly make it to 12.... and when I do i am even worse off the next morning at 5-5 am when my daughter wakes up and it's time to get her ready and head off to work.

I still enjoy my gaming as much as i did when i was 15 but I don't get nearly as much time as before... And to the kids out there.... baically anyone in school and collage. What Ben said is so true.... You only realize how little you had to worry about once you get older.

Thinking back now the biggest "stress" I had in school/collage was maybe failing an exam or not doing an assignment... And that was it... big f**** deal. Would love to have something that small as my only form of stress at this stage....

1 up, 0 down

Ludicrous_Liam
Monday, August 20, 2012 @ 7:36:34 AM

Funny you say that, I'm getting my results from my GCSEs on the 23rd, and I'm prrreeety sure I'm getting a D (at best) in English. A 'D' would be like, 50/100, and is considered a failure. The reason for that was I read the question wrong, and only realized at end of the paper. However, I know I've screwed up and I can accept it. But yeah...It is my biggest worry in life at this moment in time :P

0 up, 0 down

___________
Monday, August 20, 2012 @ 4:29:47 AM
Reply

oh bull shit utter bull shit!
ok im going now, otherwise im going to blow a gasket and the worlds going to go moldy from all the steam!

1 up, 8 down

Kevin555
Monday, August 20, 2012 @ 4:40:40 AM
Reply

Well aside from an all nighter job & three dogs to feed & walk i manage to fit in a solid amount of gaming time depending on my sleep patterns which can be unpredictable with my work hours. If i am too tired, pale & sunken-eyed after the shift i won't bother, if not I'll play something if i feel like it.

Once I've finished the long shift & attended to the hairy trio, that is usually when i flicker my lantern, don my cloak & descend the stone steps into the candle-lit hallway of my dark, gaming den. ;)

2 up, 0 down

Beamboom
Monday, August 20, 2012 @ 5:14:40 AM
Reply

So true.

My livingroom used to be my gaming dome back when I A) Had a different job meaning I had more spare time, and B) didn't have a kid and a girfriend that were at home all the time.

So nowadays I am planning on recreating my office room in my apartment to become my new gaming dome. Gonna be kinda weird rigging my PS3 on a 27" monitor, but oh well.

And with Steam coming to Linux soon I'll get back to some PC gaming too. Will be great.

Let the gaming commence!

Last edited by Beamboom on 8/20/2012 5:15:51 AM

0 up, 0 down

Sir Dan
Monday, August 20, 2012 @ 8:34:12 AM
Reply

I'm 46 and have 3 kids (ages 9, 7 and 5)and have not finished a game in a long time. The first reason is obvious: kids are a lot of work. The second reason is now that they are a little older, they are hoggin' the PS3! HAHAHA!!! Plus we play together quite a bit (Modnation, LBP, Rayman Orignins - thank god for local multi). It's all good. I just need to stop buying games for a while and I'll get throuogh the backlog eventually.

But to whoever advised not solve the "problem" by not having kids in the first place, I'll have to say having children is a lot more rewarding than a video game.

3 up, 0 down

slugga_status
Monday, August 20, 2012 @ 8:58:10 AM
Reply

Ben hit this one out of the park. Only 28 but with 2 kids (4 and 1) and a fiancee..my game time is very limited. Especially during the week I'll get a hour in if that. The weekends are usually a bit different b/c I can get a lot of gaming in on the late nights..Which reminds me that I need to get back cranking away on my backlog..

Although I can't game like I used to..I know it's a hobby I'll always have..

0 up, 0 down

CrusaderForever
Monday, August 20, 2012 @ 10:04:15 AM
Reply

I am a 42yr old hardcore gamer. I have a 4 yr old that takes all my time. He and I game which has been a true joy. I play "my" games when he goes to bed. I probably play 25% of the time from I use to play. Having my son makes it all worth it. At least I can still experience great gaming! I am only worried about my physical self and that causing me to stop gaming. He is a huge Transformers fan so I am considering get Fall of Cybertron off of PSN today. So far so good! :)

0 up, 0 down

wackazoa
Monday, August 20, 2012 @ 10:12:10 AM
Reply

That sir is why I am avoiding life at all costs.... Now anyone know of a couch I can crash on ?

1 up, 0 down

Amnesiac
Monday, August 20, 2012 @ 10:12:59 AM
Reply

I hardly have time for gaming anymore.
I work way too much.

My friends on the otherhand have found the rainbow bridge around such inevitabilities- They're "Stay at Home Dads"
lucky bastards

Couple that & a Gamefly subscription??

That is the true triforce of power:
Play games for a living while you negate all responsibilities.

Last edited by Amnesiac on 8/20/2012 10:13:46 AM

0 up, 0 down

Fat
Monday, August 20, 2012 @ 10:31:59 AM
Reply

I think I might be Hardcore. Everyone at work calls me a Gamerfag. I have been laughed at for cashing in jobs at "Car Town" in between battles online. I am 47 and I work a full time job during the day and have a job at home assembling electronics. I still find a way to play BF3 online 2-4 hours a night and about 18 hrs on the weekends. The rest of my games don't get played as a result. I have no girlfiend because of the amount of hours I work. No kids and no pets. Got rid of cable last year and gaming started fill in that gap. I got hooked on BF3 and now I don't even want to do my hobbies anymore. I have a 71 Ranchero, 70 Cougar, 7o Maverick, 73 Capri and a 63 Dodge truck all needing some restoation love. Still can't believe BikerSaint has me beat in the age category.

3 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Monday, August 20, 2012 @ 11:53:57 AM

It's amazing how much time you have when there's no TV to watch.

2 up, 1 down

Highlander
Monday, August 20, 2012 @ 12:15:23 PM

What's TV? o_0

2 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Monday, August 20, 2012 @ 1:12:22 PM

Some old square thing with a tube in it.

0 up, 1 down

BikerSaint
Monday, August 20, 2012 @ 2:14:34 PM

Hey fats,

Ha, there's one other guy that comes here that's got my age beat by a month, i think.

But I don't really know if that counts cause he only posts occasionally, LOL.

BTW, I left you a reply about that "The Last Chapter" biker series in that SOA thread that was done a couple weeks back.

0 up, 0 down

Fat
Tuesday, August 21, 2012 @ 12:09:37 PM

@ Bikersaint,Found it on Amazon, I thought it was a newer series, but I will get this for sure. Thanks!

0 up, 0 down

ethird1
Monday, August 20, 2012 @ 11:59:19 AM
Reply

Only people in their 40's or over can be considered, "Old school gamers." Soon we will be called, "The ancient gamers." Ha!

Let me tell you young punks about gaming when I was a kid. WE only had a stick on each side of the screen and a very small square that bounced off of the stick! We played it in the snow and ....blah blah.... I need my meds!

3 up, 0 down

AcHiLLiA
Monday, August 20, 2012 @ 1:13:55 PM

agree, didn't grow up playing the old atari classics.

1 up, 0 down

Highlander
Monday, August 20, 2012 @ 1:16:33 PM

Pre-historic gamers, the ones that remember monochrome consoles that only played pong...and even remember the before time, when there were no games...::shudder::

2 up, 0 down

BikerSaint
Monday, August 20, 2012 @ 2:19:59 PM

ethird1,

I still have my antique, but still working, Telstar Alpha system in my console collection, which has all of the same 4 Pong styled, tennis, Hockey, etc, games.

Last edited by BikerSaint on 8/20/2012 2:21:55 PM

1 up, 0 down

Weaverpsu
Monday, August 20, 2012 @ 12:08:47 PM
Reply

I was never really hardcore but used to play quite often and probably bought/received 4 games a year on average or rented quite often. Now I am married and 32 yrs old. I bought Battlefield 3 and played it about 15 hours. Every time I get a chance, it has been so long, a major update is necessary. Then I end up not even playing it lol. I bought Uncharted 2 and played it once and bought Uncharted 3 and it is still in the wrapper. I play Top Spin 4 maybe once a week, because it is easy to just play one quick online match. I will play the others eventually but man, life has changed for sure! I check sites like these almost daily, as I love video games but i don't seem to have the time or energy to play most of the games I get excited about. (or the money) If Madden is actually good this year, I might buy it, as I skipped the last two years. Good article

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Highlander
Monday, August 20, 2012 @ 12:16:33 PM

I'm still waiting for a Madden with a better franchise mode than the 2008 PS2 version...

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wackazoa
Monday, August 20, 2012 @ 4:13:24 PM

You'll just have to keep waiting Im afraid.

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telly
Monday, August 20, 2012 @ 1:49:19 PM
Reply

My love of the medium is as high as ever, but no question I just don't have the time to play like I used to. I can only see that as a positive though -- it's because I have a career, an awesome girlfriend, great friends, other interests like travel and sports and the means to enjoy them, etc. I have a much more varied and exciting life now than I did when I was a kid with little to occupy my time besides video games and books. I always cherish the time I have to play, and it's almost sweeter since I only really get a few hours a week.

So I agree with Ben, but I'm very happy with the amount of video games in my life now.

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Temjin001
Monday, August 20, 2012 @ 5:23:55 PM
Reply

It's definitely a lot harder for me to get game time in because of family life. Seeing that I now take time out to exercise, things like sleep and nutrition are even more important than it was a few months ago. Staying up late to play games is a recipe for fatigue and a weakened immune system. It seems diabetes is on the rise in America, I don't want to become part of that statistic. Also, it's weird hearing about guys I knew around or about my age having heart attacks.

Anyway, I'm definitely not feeling any less "happy" because of less game time. Life feels pretty fulfilling as it is and I won't try to work against it to force lots of games back into my life. The games have their place for me right now. I'm happy. Life is good. I'm sure as I get older and kids become a bit less demanding, I'll have a little more time to spare to catch up on the games I never got to.

Last edited by Temjin001 on 8/20/2012 5:26:32 PM

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Ludicrous_Liam
Monday, August 20, 2012 @ 5:45:46 PM
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Y'know, I can't really say whether the title holds any truth or not, as I'm not quite a "aging hardcore gamer", as you put it. However, absolutely every single guy that I've added on PSN from this site is NEVER on...seriously. And then, when they are, they're watching Netfilx or something.

I played with Jawknee once upon a time long ago, but I'm pretty sure that's the last time he's played a game xD

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T2X
Monday, August 20, 2012 @ 7:17:00 PM
Reply

Ah well, such is life. I still try to put aside a few hours during the week to play games. You know between getting dinner ready and taking my shower! I consider myself lucky to be able to have the time I do to myself. As I'm a bit older, am married, and have no children. SO we get to spoil ourselves a bit more than average. But, it would've been really nice if I were younger and single nowadays with the very absorbing games that are out now. I love this stuff! Always have, always will, no matter my age. Luckily, so does my wife. Game on!

1 up, 0 down

Mystearica
Monday, August 20, 2012 @ 9:50:51 PM
Reply

I'm 28 - no kids, no man. But I do have a full time job and other responsibilities. I barely have the time to play video games guilt-free.

During my university times - I played guiltlessly and effortlessly (even though I was in a doctorate program)...

Geez imagine if I were in a relationship or had kids... god no. Especially since I'm a chick too.. makes it all that hard - 'cause no matter now many times guys complain their "woman" won't let me game, nag etc... they don't want a gamer for a partner and that's the sad truth (for MOST guys - NOT ALL)

There's also life and how it changes you too. You lack the patience you once had, your responsibilities may weigh you down and let's not forget the after effects of work and politics associated with work.

3 up, 0 down

solidsnakins
Monday, August 20, 2012 @ 10:29:51 PM
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I'm 27 and married with a 15 month old and another on the way, i was pondering all the things this article discussed just yesterday. It does seem like my free time is sucked up, and like others i sacrifice some sleep to get those hours in. Luckily i have a job i can get my gaming time in when i need to. If i didn't have that i would get very little time and its a sad feeling because i still have a strong desire to play. I guess we just have to make time for the things we love as responsibilities add up.

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kntrl_fr3ak
Tuesday, August 21, 2012 @ 7:06:46 AM
Reply

I'm 37 and married. I got a little one on the way. I just bought/built a new home as well. For me since the age of about 30 (my last bachelor year) my gaming time has slowly dwindled down. The only time I get to game is either when my wife does her own thing (like shopping with friends), works late, or gets on the phone with one of her sisters. Not to mention the financial funds allotted to gaming has now dwindled as well. I pretty much have to play COD BF3 multiplayer to get any enjoyment out of gaming. Quick action... I no longer have the time to play a Skyrim, Fallout 3, and such....

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ethird1
Tuesday, August 21, 2012 @ 9:47:50 AM

Kntrl_fr3ak,

Just wait until your kids get older and play sports and get into mischief. lol. No time for games for joo!!

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ethird1
Tuesday, August 21, 2012 @ 9:46:29 AM
Reply

Bikersaint!

I would love to go back and get my old pong system. I cant even remember the name of the system.

But man! I remember the day the atari 2600 came out. It had colors and ... .damn Astroids and Yar's Revenge! Frogger and Pitfall! Star ...mmm cant seem to remember that name. Adventure and that damn tank game. My parents loved playing the old PAcman game on it.

I was mezmerized by it. I dont get that feeling now with the new generation systems.

I feel for the kids of today. If they dont get a game like Uncharted they hate the game. Sometimes its the simple games that rule.

Something Nintendo still hasnt forgot about.

1 up, 0 down

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