Curse

Lamont Shadow · Jan 05, 2007, 02:29 PM // 14:29

I think there are several reasons why adults play this game

1: It's one game I can still beat my kids at - my knees don't work so well for basketball or football but my mind and mouse finger still work great. We old dogs have to have some way to keep those young pups in line.

2: Many of us grew up on the old dungeons and dragons before there were complex computer games - heck, when I was in high school the only computers schools had were in the office and had tiny little screens with green lettering. I never touched a computer till I was in graduate school. It is only in the last five years or so that computer games have matured to the point they can begin to match the complexity of dungeons and dragons type games and only in the last 2 or 3 years that high speed internet has really opened up interactive play. So, many of us play because it is becoming similar to the games we always loved.

3: Many of us old guys have seen the growth of the computer during our life. The first "consumer" computers came out when I was in Junior high. The first real PC arrived from IBM the year I began college. Even though I did not use a computer until 4 years later, we all knew the basics of how a computer worked and watched it evolve. As a result, I find I know more about how a computer and its programing work than most kids in their teens and 20's. I find that, while most of them know how to use a program, they do not know what makes up the program in the first place. And so they miss out on what is, for me, half the fun. I really enjoy watching a program like guild wars run. I get a kick out observing how the models work, seeing if I can guess what shortcuts the designers took with skins instead of having to make more complex polygons. Computer programing and program designing are an art form like painting or sculpture. What makes it wonderful is not only its possiblities but its limitations. Just as a painter has to use light and shadow in a limited space to convey a personality in a portraint, a program designer has to figure out how to convey a sense of space and life on a 2 dimensional screen without overtaxing the user's system. Playing a game like guild wars is not just about the goal of the game but about appreciating the details of the programer's art.

4: Now that the kids are grown and out of the house, what else am I going to do with my time? You little twerps wouldn't believe how much time we spent driving you places, making sure you got school work done, cleaning up after you, and doing our best to make your little lives miserable and cramp your style. Once we get you out on your own we suddenly find that we have a lot more time and money then we ever realized when you were around the house. We've got to fill it with something. Ergo, guild wars. That's why the truly dedicated players tend to be older. We have the money for the really good machines, the time to invest in the games and the patience to really enjoy to experience.

Now one last note - to the OP: please do not give personal information such as your age online. I see kids do this in the game too, "hot 13 yr old boy looking for rlgf" etc. There are some really sick people out there, even in a game like guild wars. Until you have a few years on you, you won't realize how many there are or how dangerous they can be. Unfortunately, in my business, I meet them frequently. Until you meet a few, you don't know how twisted they can be or how little information they need about a person to ruin a kid's life. It is really dangerous for a kid to give out personal info like that, even if it is just your age. DON'T DO IT.

Mister Overhill · Jan 05, 2007, 03:13 PM // 15:13

Well, I turn sixty this weekend, and have three kids and two grandkids playing Guild Wars (guess who got them into it?

). I've been a gaming fanatic since the first time I hit that long slide to the bottom in Chutes and Ladders at age five (yes, it really does go back that far).

The kids and I spent a lot of time on board games, and on pen-and-paper games, while they were still under the roof, and now that they are out on their own, it gives us something that we can do together, no matter the distance. My youngest daughter and I teamed up a couple of summers ago, while she was in Scotland for two months.

As a retired business owner (mobile computer tech), lay theologian, and writer, I definitely have a serious side about me, but there is a time to just kick back and have some fun -- and, as an old beach bum and hippie, I've always managed to do just that.

And too, along with the Ginkgo Biloba, gaming helps keep the neurons from retiring en masse.

* Oh, and by the way, I'm not middle aged -- I'm officially an old fart now.

Cebe · Jan 05, 2007, 04:14 PM // 16:14

I've just turned 23 and don't see myself growing out of computer games in a hurry...We're are now of the generation that has grown up with it so we, often unlike our parents, understand the joy and entertainment value you can get out of a PC game...

And, Mister Overhill - older generations playing PC games is cool - I hold a fair bit of respect for older people who have taken the time to play PC games and not just sit back and say "Why do young people just sit there now and play those games....bah humbug"...a little like my own parents.

You can bet their grandparents told them not to watch TV because it rots the eyes, while we will be telling our grandchildren not to use teleporters because they rots your brain...

Diddy bow · Jan 05, 2007, 05:31 PM // 17:31

so adults play games which SEEM to be for kids, kids still do adult stuff to ask 11 year olds why they drink or smoke too

im going to be playing till they servers shut with priest XD

wsmcasey · Jan 05, 2007, 05:48 PM // 17:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by awqaw

well, im just a 13 year old boy so what would i know about being an adult?
so, sorry guys

So at what age are you considered an adult, and when are you considered too old to play games exactly?

I'm 36 with a wife and 2 kids. Maybe when I turn 37 in March I should stop having fun.

I started with atari back in the early 80's and ended up with a PS2, PSP, and 3 computers. I currently play Guildwars with my 12 year old son. We also play Oblivion and Final Fantasy XII.

Does this make me immature?

ElinoraNeSangre · Jan 05, 2007, 08:11 PM // 20:11

Obviously if that's what you think, you may want to spend time around more adults.

I personally think games like GW do best with some adults; overall adults are more prone to conduct themselves maturely (but not always the case - believe me, I've seen plenty immature adults and plenty of mature kids).

Not to mention, isn't it usually adults who *make* video games?

If adults are setting the standard for fun, why wouldn't they be having fun?

Zedd Kun · Jan 05, 2007, 10:23 PM // 22:23

OP =

Deacon Roswell · Jan 06, 2007, 04:02 PM // 16:02

Wait until you are "middle-aged" and you'll understand.
To be honest, I think I see more adults playing then kids/teenagers. It's a great way to blow off steam from a stressful week of work. Some people choose to drink it away, I choose to play GW. It's also much cheaper to stay home and play GW some nights and it's a great way to keep in touch with friends who have moved away. Some parents play with their kids to bridge the gap between generations and show an interest in what their kids like to do for entertainment.
Not all games are made for kids/teenagers. Consider who's making the games. Those aren't kids working for Anet....their adults and they like to play too.

celtic stargazer · Jan 06, 2007, 04:43 PM // 16:43

OK here I go with my 2cents worth....
I am 42 years old and have 2 children: 21yr old son, who is married and he and his wife are expecting their 3rd child in March.....and 24 yr old daughter, who is engaged and expecting her 2nd child in March also. So yep that adds up to Mom/2~~ Grandmother/5 lol..... GAMER^FOREVER. I enjoy Guild Wars as a way of relaxing, some nights after work, but most of the time I only have time on the weekends to play. Most weekends Guild Wars see's "family" playing as my son, his wife and my future son-in-law are all in here together hackin and slashin away. Do I see an end in sight.....hopefully not for many yrs as I plan on teaching my grandchildren the finer points of running a Ranger.....LOL !!!!! BEASTMASTER FTW !!!!!

Str0b0 · Jan 06, 2007, 04:43 PM // 16:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by awqaw

well, i just don't understand why adults and middled aged people play guild wars.
well I'm just a kid but i don't find any reason why an adult would play guild wars (except for anet and other such video game companies)
i mean, WHY would they have any reason to play?
won't they think that playing video games is immature or they think that people playing would have something batter to do and stuff like that?

well thats just what i think

i don't, like, wanna offend anyone

Well I am of a generation that grew up with Nintendo, Atari, SNES, Sega Genesis , basically video games were growing up right alongside me. I'm 26 years old, hardly middle aged yet I know, and I will probably continue to play video games until I'm too old and riddled with arthritis to work a keyboard or a controller. It's what I grew up on and it's a hobby I have continued to enjoy. More and more of the video game market is geared towards adults for one simple reason, kids have no money. If you notice more and more games are steering away from the kid friendly happy storylines that I grew up with in games like The Legend of Zelda and the like and are moving towards more mature themes for a more mature market. The video game generation is coming of age and now we have the money to buy things like high dollar next generation consoles and high end gaming computers. There is nothing wrong about adults enjoying video games, particularly not when so many of them are marketed towards us now and not kids.

Commander Ryker · Jan 06, 2007, 05:26 PM // 17:26

First, I'd like to ask the OP, at what age does someone become "middle aged"? Am I, at 51 middle aged? If so, I say WOOT!!, I'm living to 102!

The very first video game I played was pong, on atari (I think, who can remember that long ago? lol). Later and much older, I moved to the original nintendo and have had all versions of it. I also had the first and 2nd PS and as soon as the price comes down, I will buy the 3rd one.

One of the reasons I love GW is because it is more of a thinking game then some of the other platform games. Yeah, there are times you need to move a little faster but, you don't need to be quick to do jumping and such like in the old Mario games.

The thing I dislike about GW? All the children who feel they have to call people noob or nub (which is totally stupid) to prove they are leet (another one that I dislike) or who swear at others because they think it makes them sound adult.

I am and always have been one of the biggest kids around. Why? Because I didn't have much of a childhood. So now, I'm having my childhood and you know what? It's way better this time because I can buy my own toys!

Xenrath · Jan 06, 2007, 05:27 PM // 17:27

Most video games aren't exactly created by children either. I think you'll find the average (computer) gamer age is probably 25something, and for rpg type games it's actually higher.

Edit: these are specific to the USA though I imagine in general they're not that different in nations where games are typically played

- The average game player is 33 years old and has been playing games for 12 years.

- The average age of the most frequent game buyer is 40 years old. In 2006, 93 percent of computer game buyers and 83 percent of console game buyers were over the age of 18.

- In 2005, 25 percent of Americans over the age of 50 played video games, an increase from nine percent in 1999.

http://www.theesa.com/facts/top_10_facts.php

If anything, the query should be "I just don't understand why those whippersnapper kids are playing games"

alchemistsan · Jan 06, 2007, 05:28 PM // 17:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by awqaw

well, i jsut dont't understand why adults and middled aged people play guild wars.
well im just a kid but i don't find any reason why an adult would play guild wars (except for anet and other such vidoe game companies)
i mean, WHY would they have any reason to play?
won't they think that playing video games is immature or they think that people playing would have something batter to do and stuff like that?

well thats jsut what i think

i don't, like, wanna offend anyone

Ok, if you use this statement 20 years back, then I have agreed to you why adults and middled aged plays video games. But now it is different cause the video games have shifted their attention range starting from teenagers to people above 30.

Don't believe me? Try to look games in more detail, they are getting more and more realistic in order to capture the higher age range.

FYI, adults, in scientific term can be categorized when you reach puberty. So in roughly speaking that adults is considered to people age 12 and above.

So answer my question here, WHY you just dont't understand why adults (12 and above) and middled aged people play guild wars?

P.S: No offense intended here

JediKnight · Jan 06, 2007, 06:02 PM // 18:02

I think most people agree, it is an escape from real life.
How many of you have pictured your bosses head on the first mob you encounter? Running in with only one thought on your mind "you are sooo going down, you slave driving xxxxxx"

I know it helps me relax.

TheDarkGod · Jan 07, 2007, 03:30 PM // 15:30

Frankly, I don't see why it's so hard to understand that an adult would play a video game. First of all, generally all the people who MAKE video games are adults, simply due to the education level required if nothing else. So it should be obvious if they weren't gamers, they'd come up with some pretty lame games.

Secondly, I don't know what your threshold of "adult" is, but I'm 28 years old and have been playing video games all my life. I grew up with a Commodore 64 as the start of a lifelong interest in gaming. So it's natural to me that I will continue playing video games forever, as long as people can keep coming up with video games that hold my interest.

And honestly, I prefer the company of "adult" gamers. There has to be a maturity level and competence level when playing advanced strategies in games like this, and you generally don't get that from a real young player. There are exceptions to every rule, and obviously there are many, many immature and inept adult gamers as well, but I find it very easy to guess a person's age in GW just by being in a group with them because of the way they behave.

Franco Power · Jan 07, 2007, 04:33 PM // 16:33

to the OP:

When you go to school, your mum or dad log on your account and pwn noobs in RA

MaXXiMuSS · Jan 07, 2007, 05:43 PM // 17:43

Im 37 and I know people close to 50 years old play this game. I have always loved gaming. My first online game was MOHAA. I was hooked after that. Besides you meet others with similar interests in online gaming. Not only just making friends online as well.

I forgot to metion.
What entertainment industry is leading the world today??? That answers your question.
Beside I hate watching TV, I think thats a waste of time. I rather be gaming than sit infront of a stupid TV show.
Something my wife never understands. However, all my kids enjoy gaming as well.

lakatz · Jan 09, 2007, 08:04 PM // 20:04

The Admins Bane started a great poll in this section entitled "Poll on you and your chars." which asks gender/char gender and gender/age. Please spread the word to all your guildies and friends in GW to come answer both categories. It closes 1/16/07.

Thanks. This should be fun!

Hanging Man · Jan 09, 2007, 08:12 PM // 20:12

ok....soo....why is this an actual thread? possibly dumbest question i have ever heard seriosuly. even me being 16 realize why adults would play and if adults didn't play I highly doubt there would be as many people playing GW as there is.

LifeInfusion · Jan 09, 2007, 10:09 PM // 22:09

Actually this represents the gaming industry today. Why has the Wii been successful? Why does Nintendo release games like Brain Age?

Older people like to enjoy themselves in games as much as children do. Children may enjoy it differently, but they still enjoy the same game.

An example is in GW when someone that is younger may like the action, whereas older gamers may like the strategic depth akin to Dungeons & Dragons and Magic the Gathering.