32 years old - time to hang up the video games?

[JakeReaves]

I've been asking myself lately if it's time to get rid of the ps3. First of all, I don't play nearly as much as I used to, simply because I work 50hrs/wk and now live with the fiance. She doesn't really complain when I hunker down in front of the ps3 and fire away on my ncaa dynasty for 8 hrs at a time, but then again she isn't exactly thrilled about it either I wouldn't imagine. But I think the thing that's been bugging me lately is that when I do find a spare day to play, a Saturday or Sunday, I end up playing all day and night and doing nothing else. It's not like I'm neglecting my priorities or anything but I guess now that I'm getting older I'm starting to feel guilty about it, because surely there is something more constructive I could be doing with my free time. For example: reading, learning new skills, earning a certification of some sort, maybe trying to come up with some sort of a side gig to generate some extra income, spend more time with the fiance, etc.

I've just felt really guilty lately because the past 2 weekends I've been able to play a lot (and I rarely ever have time to play any more). I mean, at the end of the day all the BCS Bowls and top 5 recruiting classes on ps3 haven't made me a better person in any way. I think I feel guilty because I think I should be striving to make myself a better person rather than playing video games all day like I did in college (between classes of course).

Is it time to hang up the controller and walk away? Anyone with similar thoughts or suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

[PVarck31]

Re: 32 years old - time to hang up the video games?

I don't think you should stop playing videogames because of your age. That's an outdated misconception.

And I also don't think you should stop because of your fiancee. Its not like she's asked you to stop.

I'm 34 and I don't play as much as I used to, but I think you should keep your PS3. Play when its convenient for you and her, and don't feel guilty about it. There are gamers on her in their 60s.

Basically what I'm saying is just play when you can, do whatever else you need to do first, and don't feel guilty about having a perfectly normal hobby.

[JakeReaves]

Re: 32 years old - time to hang up the video games?

I don't think you should stop playing videogames because of your age. That's an outdated misconception.

And I also don't think you should stop because of your fiancee. Its not like she's asked you to stop.

I'm 34 and I don't play as much as I used to, but I think you should keep your PS3. Play when its convenient for you and her, and don't feel guilty about it. There are gamers on her in their 60s.

Basically what I'm saying is just play when you can, do whatever else you need to do first, and don't feel guilty about having a perfectly normal hobby.

Thanks. Needed to hear that. Just feel like I'm wasting some valuable time when I could be doing other things.

[dickey1331]

Re: 32 years old - time to hang up the video games?

I agree with everything PVarck31 said.

Don't stop and don't feel guilty. It's a hobby after all so enjoy it. Just don't let it get in the way of more important things but you seem to already know that

[Jr.]

Re: 32 years old - time to hang up the video games?

Thanks. Needed to hear that. Just feel like I'm wasting some valuable time when I could be doing other things.

Honestly, I've gotten this feeling too. But then I think about what I could be doing instead, and I realize I'm not neglecting anything important. Yeah, I could read a book, but is that really any different? I then realize I was stupid to feel guilty for doing something I enjoy, and it's usually because I think of what others would think about me if they knew what I was doing.

In the end, if gaming makes you happy and doesn't interfere with other important things with your life, then keep on keepin' on!

[Mabster]

Re: 32 years old - time to hang up the video games?

...it's usually because I think of what others would think about me if they knew what I was doing.

That's a good point.

Jake, are you judging yourself and that's the guilt you feel? Or is the guilt from you thinking your fiance is secretly judging you and thinking you should be doing something else?

I know my game time is also my alone time. It's been that way for many years. If I moved in with my significant other and she was watching me play I'd certainly feel different and I might start to think she's thinking I game too much.

PVarck has it right though. It's not an age thing, it's a priority thing.

If you've got other stuff you feel you should be doing and those other things bring more satisfaction then gaming does then by all means pursue other activities. Bottom line though, don't feel guilty for doing something you enjoy.

[trobinson97]

Re: 32 years old - time to hang up the video games?

I do agree that you shouldn't stop just because of your age, that's not really a good reason by itself in my opinion. If you feel like you want to be a better person and video games aren't helping you attain that goal or are keeping you from it, then that's a better reason and maybe you should stop playing them. If gaming makes you feel bad or guilty and you feel like you need something else to make you feel good about yourself then yeah, go do that something else. Follow your convictions I suppose.

[thegut]

Re: 32 years old - time to hang up the video games?

I'm 31 and I will never stop this hobby unless something better comes along. When I first met my wife she did not play video games nor cared for them. Well I spent time to introduce her to different video games until I found what she could get into. Turns out she really loves co op games she can play with me and RPG's. We have played the crap out of the Borderlands games and she loves the Fallout series but really every co op game that comes out we buy and play together.

When now have a PS3, PS4, and two gaming computers to play our PC games together. That my friend is how its done.

[Phobia]

Re: 32 years old - time to hang up the video games?

I wonder if book hobbyist start feeling bad about "wasting" their time reading a book and then start thinking about how they could explore new worlds in a game like Mass effect?!?!

Seriously, do what you enjoy. Enjoy reading a good book, do so, enjoy learning a new trade, get out there and do it. At the end of the day life is a short experience so do what makes you happy, we could all feel guilt about what we could be doing but seriously you work 50 hours a week already when do you get to stop and do something you enjoy.

My 2 cents

[PhilliesFan13]

Re: 32 years old - time to hang up the video games?

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This......

[kingkilla56]

Re: 32 years old - time to hang up the video games?

Just do what you want bro, and keep everything in perspective and moderation; that goes for any hobby.

[KingV2k3]

Re: 32 years old - time to hang up the video games?

I refer to my sports console gaming as "my golf"...

I spend around the amount of time an "avid" golfer would, but a LOT less $$$...



And, BTW:

I STARTED gaming later in life than you are and have been at it for over a decade now...

Keeps me out of trouble...seriously...



Play on, playa...

[Phobia]

Re: 32 years old - time to hang up the video games?

I refer to my sports console gaming as "my golf"...

I spend around the amount of time an "avid" golfer would, but a LOT less $$$...



And, BTW:

I STARTED gaming later in life than you are and have been at it for over a decade now...

Keeps me out of trouble...seriously...



Play on, playa...

Great post King! Spot on and great analogy.

[Knight165]

Re: 32 years old - time to hang up the video games?

Unless gaming is keeping you from taking care of something that should be first and foremost(family....work....looking for work...etc).....I don't see any reason to give it up.
Unless you simply don't enjoy it any longer.

M.K.
Knight165

[24]

Re: 32 years old - time to hang up the video games?

We all grow older but we don't have to grow up in certain aspects . There is nothing wrong with being a little older and playing video games. It's your leisure time spend it how you want to. Don't think about other people's opinions. If you enjoy something than you should do it.