to think video games aren't just for teenage boys?

[KassandraOfSparta]

Why does playing video games have such a poor image/reputation?

Numerous threads on here with posters confidently proclaiming that they wouldn't let their children play games, would never date anyone who plays games, would never dream of gaming themselves.

Why is gaming any less "worthy" than sitting watching sport all evening, or soap operas, or painting watercolours or doing jigsaws? Just another form of entertainment, isn't it?

And before anyone pops up saying it's so addictive, well of course anything taken to excess is a problem, whether you're staying up all night with your crochet, jigsaws or tv boxset.

@KassandraOfSparta have you played Horizon Zero Dawn?
Absolutely stunning game! Scenery etc..

Recently played
Kena Bridge of Spirits - Loved

still on AC Odyssey after many many months! Dh is on the next one (Valhalla)

like dipping into little nightmares!

Love all the Tomb Raiders and the Last of Us games

Think this is the best game I've played, but holy God, is it bleak!

Yes it is a bit I guess!!! Lots of cut scenes too . Some were a bit too long.

I have just started the Second HZD

I have done some gaming in my time but not particularly good at it. But I love to watch my adult ds play and often ask him to play so I can watch. I think the art work is often amazing and the technology behind it is just wow. The worlds that you can be taken to, the sophistication of the graphics in a few short years is staggering. I like old school as well.

If I was younger I'd play more, if it had been around like this when I was young I'm sure I'd spend hours on it. Not dexterous and clued up enough these days.

38 and love gaming. My husband and 3 kids are big gamers too. We still get out and about in the nice weather and my kids (who are nearly all teenage now) still hang about with their friends and game every day but when the dark nights draw in they will definitely be on a bit longer than normal once their homework and chores are done, don't see anything wrong with it. I love a bit of sims, animal crossing, sea of thieves, euro truck sim 2 and any racing game. We all have gaming PC's and switches and I even have a racing wheel and pedals. Love to escape after a stressful day at work once tea and bits of housework etc are done!

I'm a woman in my 30s and I have lots of hobbies and gaming is one of them! I'm not into FPS but I love adventures and RPGs, survival, simulation, I love the beautiful stories, worlds and characters. It's not much different from reading a book or watching a film but I get more control which I like and it stops me fidgeting. They say it can be really good for decisiveness and confidence. Though I do think there should be limits as some games can be addictive or not age appropriate but the same thing with movies and books and other hobbies. I game more in the winter when I cant go outside as much. The only thing I don't really like is how you have to look at a screen which I appreciate isnt great for the old eyeballs and it's not really sociable unless you're playing with someone. But definitely wouldn't judge someone for gaming, there are much worse things people can be doing!

It really isn't pointless. It has a lot of benefits.

Your last sentence I really tolled my eyes at. Fuxacke. Talk about speak out out of your behind

Snap. Met on Wow almost 18 years ago I wa 17(vanilla launch) and got together 2 years later. Still play it now. Not raiding anymore but have a mythic+ team in the top 7% in EU. The other 3 members of our team we have also known since launch of vanilla. We play together 3 evenings a week doing mythics and have aright laugh. They are easily our best friends, just as close as family.

That was @Hugasauras

I enjoy gaming and have done ever since I was a small child. My daughter is the same. I date people who also game. It's actually a great way to bond with my child and a fun way to spend time with my partner.

@ForTheLoveOfSleep I used to raid top 100 3 days and I miss it! More just casual mythic plus with friends and DH now. Planning to play the heck out of Wrath classic though. All the nostalgia!

I did the classic thing. MC and BWL way too easy. Not sure I could take the Boring Tundra again in Wrath 🤣

And seriously, oh nos, something is bad because it could become addictive🙄

Yeah agree totally! I think I played Breath of the Wild for around 500 hours (I like to do every single side quest)🤣 - people say games are expensive but they're much better value than say TV series as you get so much value from them

op yanbu

Don’t know about X-Box but PlayStation plus (think it’s called) is pretty good value for a 12 month membership

I love video games. How me and DH bonded in the beginning. I can't play them right now (4 month old DS) but looking forward to when he's older and playing together. kingdom hearts and final fantasy games are my favouritte something with a good story and tons of content.

I love gaming and I'm 34 🤣 had a baby last year so don't get to do it as much but myself and my dp met through fornite . These days I mainly play my switch. Love pokemon and animal crossing and similar games, cosy grove is my latest find. I also read, crochet , do textile art and I sew but my switch is so easy for an hour before bed when I'm wrecked tired. I just really hope that ds is a gamer like his dad and I.

Does anyone know anything about the new Harry Potter game - Hogwarts Legacy? Looks right up my street.

I'm glad for this thread. I beat myself up all the time for gaming being my hobby. I'm single with no children so have lots of free time! But I'm supposed to be spending it going out to nightclubs apparently...

Mid 50s and earlier dug out my ps1. Always go back to that one you can't beat a bit of tomb raider or crash bandicoot. Oh and ff!

Another one here! 33, mum, love ff and Pokémon mainly. My partner doesn't really game but he has his own interests! I hate the stereotyping, under learned to be less embarrassed as I've gotten older. So looking forward to the new Hogwarts legacy game

I'm in my 50's and play WoW most days. I say 'play' but I don't really play. I just pootle around the enviroment picking flowers or fishing.

The only issue I have with gaming is when I see kids unable to concentrate and falling asleep at desks because they’ve been up all night gaming. Like everything else in life it’s fine in moderation.