To start playing video games?

[Daisy523]

I was never crazy into video games like a lot of people around me, but I always played Sims pretty regularly as I was growing up. I stopped playing around the age of 19/20, when I was deep into college and starting my career. It’s been a few years since, and I’m pretty settled in my career and have graduated not once, but twice.

Now that that’s all done with, I’m finding myself with nothing to do. I work and sleep, and don’t do much else. I have severe social anxiety, so going out or partying was never something that interested me, and I’m not too bothered about tv or books. I don’t have any other hobbies I enjoy either. The only thing that looks somewhat fun is picking Sims back up.

Problem is, I feel stuck in the idea that video games (Sims especially) are childish wastes of time. That it’s stupid for me to spend time playing video games when I’m in my mid 20s.

AIBU?

Yes
I spent an hour playing Mario kart today. It was fun. Who cares if it's childish.

YABU
I've just turned 31 and have recently taken to playing Sims 4. I used to love Sims and Sims 2 growing up. No regrets and don't really care if it makes me childish. It's just another way to relax!
Play whatever makes you happy

Well I spent two hours scrolling through tiktok tonight, that's not any more beneficial for me!

I'm mid forties. Like you hadn't played since my 20s. Mostly because I can get a bit obsessive about video games.

Whilst I'm not a Sims fan (my daughter is) we have now accumulated a Wii which we all still play Mariokart with, an Xbox which is mostly my son's, and a PS5 with premium subscription which we all enjoy.

It's great entertainment, it's designed to be great entertainment, it's no "lesser" than reading or theatre.

Thanks! I know it’s a self conscious thing. I grew up in an environment where relaxation was seen as laziness, and if I wasn’t contributing or succeeding at something, I was wasting time.

I think that’s still stuck with me even today. I work full time, pay all my own bills and handle all my own responsibilities, but I still feel like relaxing or having fun isn’t deserved

I'd love to play the sims again!! Do you need a gaming style computer for it?

Gaming is amazing, definitely not a childish waste of time. I still play the Sims often, mainly Sims 3 and I'm in my early 30s. I hope to play for many years to come! 😄

It is still just as stressful as when we used to play on Nintendo though!

My son finds it very funny when I lose my rag playing Mariokart.

I am 30 and love playing games. Do it

Well I’m nearly 40 and I have played video games my whole life. I have all the next gen consoles and play regularly. I always have and probably always will. Gaming is expensive so hardly childish, you need money to do it. And who cares what other people think of your hobbies anyway? All that matters is that you enjoy them. I certainly do not care one jot what anyone else thinks of my gaming, neither should you!

I don’t think so. I found a HP Stream laptop that apparently meets the requirements for it

YABU
Time enjoyed is not wasted time. If you want to give gaming a go, then go for it.

I'm 64, and play Elder Scrolls Online and the Sims 4 - I've played games for decades now and am not planning to stop! Do what makes you happy, and don't worry about what anyone else thinks!

If you want a "productive" game to ease you back into gaming please try 'untitled goose game'

You're literally a goose who has to ruin everyone's day. This is both productive AND HILARIOUS.

That sounds absolutely hilarious!

If you're looking for a hobby as well as gaming please do something fitness related like weight lifting or something else strength based

I just read the tag line and immediately bought it: It is a lovely day in the village, and you are a horrible goose

11/10 - THERE IS A HONK BUTTON

Stray?

Or the black and white one that's all over Instagram?

I'm biased cause we're a gaming household but I'm 33 and still a big gamer. We've got two DC now so spare time is harder to come by, but I still game when I have free time.

I still dabble in Sims occasionally. I mainly play Ark and occasionally the odd newer game.

When I was younger I was mainly into MMORPGs and Tycoon games. Zoo tycoon, roller coaster Tycoon, SimCity, World of Warcraft, Elder scrolls, Fable, Witcher, Command and Conquer, RuneScape. And that's just to name a few.

I'm 52 and my main past time is gaming. I played when I was younger and started again when my son was 9/10 as a way to connect. It's absolutely fantastic for anxiety, just so distracting. If you enjoy it, do it!