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?

Animal Crossing saved my sanity in Covid. Now playing Zelda note and it is SO good. I get to chat to the kids about it and they help me, it’s so beautiful to look at.

Def treat yourself to a switch and do it.

I’ve always loved video games, not just simulation ones. I rarely get a chance to deep dive into them these days but I recently played Final Fantasy 16 and my god it was a fantastic experience, I’m so glad I gave myself some time to enjoy some proper gameplay. People will sneer at it yet recently many of the same people have become absolutely obsessed with The Last of Us or The Witcher (which was originally a book in itself). Escapism is absolutely fine whatever form it takes, as long as it doesn’t take over your life.

I'm 32 and love gaming. I get restless watching television so gaming is great for me as Im participating in the story or have to think strategically. I also have anxiety and it helps me switch off and have a break for a bit.

I play games all the time. I bought a switch and Animal Crossing in lockdown. I'm 42.

I've never played Sims. Which is the best version to get for PS5?

In my opinion Sims is best played on pc, and the second one is the best no contest (#biased). For ps5 you’d be looking at one of the ps4 versions I think, probably 3/4 are the ones available.

See I’ve always found it’s the other way round on here. If a woman starts a post saying she’s a gamer then you’ll get loads who come along and also say that they play and they enjoy it. But if a woman posts to say that their partner is a gamer, he gets called immature, a man child, gets told she should leave him because it’s gross, some people say it gives them the ick. For some reason, male gamers are hated on mumsnet

How interesting! My husbands a gamer also and to be honest, I’d rather he be doing that than womanising or gambling. It’s interesting that gaming gets such a bad rep!

Meant to quote you in my reply above - whoops!

This is a very heartwarming thread!

Honestly I wasn’t expecting this response when I posted. I expected to be told I was being silly and it was time for me to grow up, not be told I should go for it.

I also wasn’t expecting so many wholesome stories of people older than me finding joy in playing games with their spouses and children, or even just alone to relax after a hard day.

Thank you everyone for encouraging me to find joy where I can!

Isn’t it?!
It’s my favorite thread now. I’m so happy I posted last night because I’ve been smiling all morning.

I've got thousands of hours in Sims 4 and have been playing it for years with quite a few additional packs. I tend to go through phases where I play it quite intensely for a few days and then don't touch it for months. I do find it relaxing. I also watch some Sims channels on Youtube when I'm getting ready.

Another game that I love on Xbox is Two Point Hospital. If you ever played Theme Hospital, this is the newer version. It's brilliant.

Hi @Daisy523 you might like the cozygamer subreddit to help you ease back in...Wytchwood is also free this month with Amazon Prime gaming. And I'm here for any PC or VR questions you may have. Welcome home 😁

Nothing wrong with a bit of gaming! I also used to love the Sims :)
I'm now mid 30s with 2 young kids so don't get much time to play but I like a few business management style ones on steam

I've never had a console (parents weren't prepared to pay for one growing up) and I've always felt a bit silly wanting one as an adult, as you say! I might look into a Switch at some point 🤔

I play Mario Kart Tour on my phone which gives me my Mario fix. I love it and play very strategically, nearly 4 years now of daily play 😁
It's free or you can choose to pay £5/month for some extra in-game currency and perks. I even use the Reddit sub to hone my gameplay 😂

Should say, one of our favourite experiences during lockdown was playing all the Mario Kart 8 tracks as a family (Switch hooked up to a home-cinema projector & screen), with delivery pizza. Had to take a break to recharge one of our wireless controllers! We still talk about it.

Also if any of you on the thread are ever in need of a family game actually designed for three players; the "Trine" series is amazing (for slightly older children and/or adults).

DO IT!! I love gaming. Everything from zelda to the last of us, skyrim to fallout and others in between. I love how ot hooks you into the characters, especially these days. The storyline and cinematic scenes are beautifully done and compelling. It's such a great way of unwinding whilst using your brain to solve puzzles.

YANBU and I recommend Stardew Valley - I don’t play many games but it’s my favourite!

@Daisy523 Do it and be happy! But don’t just stop at the SIMS, there’s so many beautiful and emotional games out there.

Nah I will be gaming until the day I die! Can't wait to get old and see my generation of tattooed gamers 😆 It's brilliant escapism and makes real life so much more interesting.

I'm 50 and love my PlayStation. Lone parent stuck at home so it helps pass the time when DD has gone to bed.

Came to suggest this!
Stardew Valley is a great game which you can play at precisely the level you feel like.

Feel no shame OP. Video games are no less valid for anybody to partake in than watching movies or reading books.

I also recommend Outer Wilds (not Outer Worlds), which is an outstanding experience.

I discovered Fall Guys at 60 having not played since original Sonic in 1991! Just enjoy!