Gear Head

iTrader: (2)

Exactly, a very odd thread indeed.

ScoobyDoo555

It's already happened. We have SEVERAL generations who are now slaves to their mobile devices. Rather than interact directly, they're more comfortable doing it through a screen.

We went to a party last year. All "regular" parents with normal lives. The teens etc wanted to sit at their own table as parents were so uncool to sit with
We kept looking over at them and they ALL had phones/tablets etc..... all talking to each other via tech! It was hilarious to watch, and they were all heavily ribbed for what had happened. They realised the error of their ways and found it a bit embarrassing

But as older teens, I see lots of them (working in an FE establishment) struggling with social interaction. I spend up to 3 yrs, depending on qualification goal, trying to coax them out of this tech bubble. A lot of them find it sooooo difficult.

As for my own stance, I'm a sporty type, although not many surfing opportunities on the Anglo/welsh border But I really enjoy gaming, when I have the time to do it. I don't personally see what the issue is.

Oh and I'm 41.

Devildog

Its not quite the same though, is it? Certainly not for me and I think I can include Matt in this.

I've been a member on here for 15 years in various guises, since getting my Scoob back in 1999. But I'm very much a 9 to 5 Monday to Friday member (ie - my working week) when I'm both at my desk and also seeking a diversion from actually working. I'm very rarely on Scoobynet or any other forum for that matter at any other time.

Scoobynet membership has always had a strong IT bias from the start. Yes, there's more diversity now, but that's a demograph that are more likely to be gamers. As above, younger generations are more likley to keep on gaming into adulthood than those of us brought up with Atari and then Sega Mega Drives

I'll confess to owning a PS2 (the original "fat" one) in the early 2000's on which I used to play Colin McRae Rally and Grand Tourismo for the odd hour here or there when opportunity arose but got rid of it years ago.

No desire whatsoever to get another one. Personally the thought of coming home from work and sitting in one room playing games for hours while Mrs DD does her own thing in another is just odd - and not condusive to a healthy relationship.

Different if you're single/living apart or living at home with parents (at whatever age).

My question for those who are big into their gaming - you married or living with your partner? And how old are you?

Matteeboy

The question arose partly because of the number of threads about games.
I'd expect more on phones, IT, home hifi, etc from grown ups.

Evolution Stu

iTrader: (2)

This nails it for me.
I dont play very often, but when I do its an escape from mundane work and life.

I have three jobs and work 70+hrs a week, I watch very little TV as it bores me but then thats because I like to be out and about where possible and I do like to get out and hike up high a minimum of once every two weeks if not more and yes, I occasionally like to play a game.

Add work to hobbies like this in the daylight hours:



And this in dark hours:


And I cant see what the problem is? (Because there isnt one?)

Gear Head

iTrader: (2)

Well considering how popular gaming is these days with adults, surely that says something.

Why do you need to know gamers age, marital status, favourite colour etc?

I take it that you are assuming that only sad losers with no lives play computer games?

That's what you are really getting at aren't you? And that because you don't, you are some how a better person and more rounded individual?



It is possible that a quick 30 minute game fix 2 or 3 times a week is enough. It is in my case at least.
An hour really is my limit anyway.

banny sti

iTrader: (68)

New low for snet today

Evolution Stu

iTrader: (2)

Im not big into my gaming at all, but for the record, aged 43 and got married last month.



Life and relationships are about balance. My missus is a Paedeatric nurse and starts work at 7am so she likes to be in bed for 9:30pm. Its VERY rare I want to go to bed at that time so I could sit and watch a movie, play a game, read a book, whatever, but it has to be a balance.

If you stop WANTING to spend time together... the end is fast approaching and to be honest, your wasting precious life and should try and fix it or call it a day and both move on.

Matteeboy

No one has said these things but because you're jumping in with your over-defensive armour on, you make assumptions.

Now sometimes I'm on my own with my opinions but for once, I seem to have agreement from others. Playing computer games as an adult strikes me as a bit odd - clearly it's VERY popular and a huge industry but then so are Vauxhall Corsas, MPVs and holidays in Magaluf.

I cannot name a close friend I know that has a games console - we all spend our time being outdoors, at the pub together (although this is rare), at a cafe, whatever. None of us ever "socialises" using a games console. If any of us suggested it, we'd get a look that says "oh dear."

So yep, you're doing no harm (although it's probably not great for you physically), it doesn't hurt anyone (blowing things up for fun is a bit strange though) but it makes enthusiasts get all stroppy if questioned; why is this?

If someone questions being an outdoorsy person (one member did try and equate an outdoor life with being a bit thick; that doesn't really work), so be it.

I just think there's so much "real life" to be experienced, enjoyed, shared and this enormous industry for adult video games just bemuses me. But then so does football and that's rather popular.

Evolution Stu

iTrader: (2)

Admittedly, im with you on that one. lol

Gear Head

iTrader: (2)

Rubbish, you came on here and called every adult that plays computer games 'a bit odd' because you don't understand it.

Why do you have to drive a large engine bmw? It's not great for the enviromebt which you seem to have so much respect for.

I get what you are trying to do and it is more childish than those who you are pointing your finger at.

Matteeboy

I said I "find it a bit odd" just like I don't like One Direction - it's an opinion not a fact.

A large engined BMW? Eh? What about my much smaller engined van; that has way higher emissions than the car and because it's dieseasel, it chucks out countless more pollutants and cause epic noise pollution with it's rattly clamour.

Beef

35 and married for over 10 years, and when I play games my wife (same age) can usually be found playing right alongside me.

No, it doesn't - and I did that deliberately to highlight to you that stereotypical generalisations can be made about any pastime. To try and qualify everyone who is interested in games as being fat blobs and product of bad parenting is as sweeping and inaccurate a generalisation as to claim that all sports fans are simple-minded thugs looking for a fight.

Enjoying gaming isn't an 'all-or-nothing' activity. To be a keen gamer does not exclude someone from being a keen footballer, or a keen cyclist:

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/9...ssional-sports

Different people have different preferences, and it really doesn't have to be any more complicated than that.

Matteeboy

Any evidence of any of us "non gamers" making any of these assumptions?!

You're self stereotyping. I try to avoid it at all costs because it's usually wrong.

Gear Head

iTrader: (2)

So? You still don't 'need' the bmw do you? You drive it because you like it.

Everyone is different and thank f%ck for that.

I run, go to the gym, go karting as often as I can, take my wife and son for long walks at the weekend, go swimming with them, service and work on our own cars, am not over weight, have recently quit smoking and yes, up to 2 hours a week of my spare time is spent playing a racing sim game. Usually in the evenings when the Mrs has gone to bed.

I don't surf as it has never interested me.
I don't go to the pub as I don't like getting drunk.


I guess I could use that couple of hours to better myself such as yourself but if the result of that is anything like you......I think I'll pass.

Judge not, lest ye be judged.

Devildog

Not at all mate. Don't be getting all paranoid on me now

Its you who's said "sad loser" not me. I'm simply questioning how it fits in with life. THanks Stu and Beef for a sensible response

Gear Head

iTrader: (2)

I think you stereo-typed just a tad in post no.6.

Devildog

Not me mate

Devildog

Wise Words Stu

Great picture - Congratulations

banny sti

iTrader: (68)

The only thing I will agree with is that it is a little sad to queue over night for game launch or for that matter any kind of product launch.

Gear Head

iTrader: (2)

Because that how many anti or non gamers feel about the past time.

I don't consider myself a hardcore gamer, but I have spent many hours over the years playing driving games, because I enjoy it.

As I said, it fits in nicely when I play it for a hour or so in the evening.

Gear Head

iTrader: (2)

Completely agree with that.

Beef

Yes - this morning in this very thread:

I imagine the reason enthusiasts get irritated is not some that you are asking, but rather how you are asking: it was your position that gaming isn't something adults do, and that gaming adults are a bit strange. A teetotaller saying you were a bit strange for drinking alcohol would I imagine get short shrift from you.

Like I said previously, gamers don't actually need your approval, even though not all realise that - but provided they're not hurting anyone, why not simply let those with different preferences get on with what they enjoy doing without commentary?

Gear Head

iTrader: (2)

I see it as an alternative to reading a good book. It is escapism, nothing more. Why some people see it as an odd past time, is more to do with their own views rather than the past time itself.

banny sti

iTrader: (68)

That right there ends the thread

Lisawrx

iTrader: (1)

To the best of my knowledge, nobody has felt the need to come on here and create a thread doing that. Why would they? There may well be people posting on this very thread that outdoor activities don't appeal to, but they don't then necessarily feel the need to question why it appeals to others, or verge on insulting those who enjoy such hobbies (in a specially created thread).

Plus, if that was to happen, I'm sure you'd be along to explain why certain activities appeal to you and how just because other people may not find enjoyment in them, doesn't make you in some way odd because you do.

Each to their own. You enjoy getting out and about, and that is fine, but it just isn't for everybody. Some people might be out a lot through their work/interact heavily with others and their form of relaxing is switching off a bit, getting comfy in the house and yes, perhaps a bit of escapism. I would say if someone was taking up every spare minute they had playing games, perhaps that is a problem, but I'd imagine the vast majority of adults that enjoy gaming, probably spend no more than a few hours a week doing it. Can't really see the harm in that tbh.

Oh, and I'm not a defensive gamer, I don't play them, because I've just never been very good.

bigphilbaby

well I am a massive gamer since I was a kid(27 now), I spent hours and hours on my computer and still do, every night at least 3-4 hours, mostly on world of warcraft but also on ps3/ps4 when I fancy,

But I also train 2 times a week, play semi pro rugby, I have full time job and been with my soon to be wife 10 years, and I go fishing most weekends more in summer.

However I think surfing is pointless and boring(and cold) running I hate(again boring), swimming again not a fan however I would not find you odd because you do that, maybe if you had ago you see why millions and millions people play games. Just what people enjoy to do, and some banter is amazing and few broken controllers too

There 7.8 million players playing world of warcraft alone.

Give it ago you might like it

john banks

I bought a PS4 and have bought a handful of games that I've only played once. I don't seem to get it any more. I think over the years with PC games I marvelled more at the development of the graphics rather than the actual games.

fat-thomas

iTrader: (4)

im a virgin but i have a ps4 and an xbox one and live with my mum, i use them 60 hours a week too.
oh and im 44, i dont see the problem

Gear Head

iTrader: (2)

Agree with that. Although game play has improved as well as the simulation aspect i.e. racing games.

I don't get world of war craft or Sims etc but I get the appeal it has to some people.

Each to their own and all.