Am I too old to start gaming?

[LollipotheCurious]

So, insights appreciated: I’ve been curious about gaming for years but have just never had a chance/opportunity to explore. I’m a boring 50 year old but think I’d really enjoy role playing games. I’m reasonably tech savvy but have no idea how to get started or what I’d really need - and there’s no-one in my environment who seems to have a clue either. I was listening to a recent podcast about various games and Expedition 33 appealed.
So (1) am I being unreasonable to think I could get into gaming and (2) if not, where the hell would I start?

Thanks for any advice and suggestions!

World of warcraft is an excellent fantasy mmorpg (massive multiplayer Online role play game) if you have a computer it's free to download and try out. Thats if you like high fantasy stuff.

DOITDOITDOIT!!!!!!!

I love it and I am also a late starter 😀

My favourite is Zelda which I can happily spend many hours I don’t have playing!

Haven’t tried other games but like the looks of role play ones like Valhalla etc.

There are heaps of gamers on here who will be along soon to give you some pointers, but get out there and do it!!!

Red dead redemption is the only game I play

I'm a gamer too. Mainly using my VR headset, but I do have a gaming laptop too for more cosy vibe type games. Never too old to start! I play with a 70 year old sometimes!

You are never too old. DM got a VR headset in her mid 60s and is on it all the time.

What platform do you want to game on? Gaming consoles are pretty straight forward to get going on. Or something more portable like a Nintendo Switch.

I have no knowledge of gaming at all, but if you want to do it then go ahead and get started! You are never too old for anything. Except gymnastics, perhaps.

My husband and I, both in our fifties, are avid gamers. We're looking forward to retirement to have more time for it. I prefer consoles (PS5/XBOX360), he prefers PC. It's great fun!

Wish I had the time. If you want something that is narratively brilliant and beautiful. Go for the Mass Effect Trilogy. It redifined what a 'game' could be for me.

Do it!!

You are never too old. We actually have a family realm of Minecraft. My parents, us and my children. Multi generational gaming together.

I mean that’s not all we play, but I do think it’s great that we have granny and grandchildren gaming together.

I like games from things like city Skys, theme hospital, prison architect to project zomboid, end zone, payday and a bit of car racing.

Dh is all about cod and Fortnite, the Witcher.

My parents do everything from stardew to Assassins creed.

and we all play Pokemon go on our phones 😅

I’m not a gamer but found myself laughing at this review and wishing I could have a go https://www.theguardian.com/games/2025/oct/23/baby-steps-i-cannot-stop-playing-this-preposterous-game-about-falling-down-a-mountain

It's not my thing as the screen moving makes me feel ill but Dp games on PC
He never found his group when younger but now he has a discord group of people that all love the same style of games all over the UK, USA and I think a few from Germany
Its great hearing them all chat, some of them came to stay with us a while ago, even I'll stick on the headphones for a natter sometimes

They aren't always online together but usually a few of them are on at the same time

Farming simulator
Star citizen
Eve online

I don't know much about it but they all like the games you need to put in the time with

If you are thinking about it definitely go for it

Absolutely this. Queen Camilla has shown age is no barrier to ballet so you can game.

I’m in my sixties, I love Animal Crossing on my Nintendo Switch, I’ve made some lovely islands though I say it myself! Usually play for an hour at bedtime, the music is so relaxing. Better than meditation for me.

In my 50s and I've spent this afternoon playing World of Warcraft. Although TBF I've been playing it for 20 yrs!

My mum plays that she was very mad when the frog wouldn’t leave her island or something 😅 she wanted a new house guest.

Disney dreamlight valley I want to say is one she also loves.

Gaming is a lot of fun and can be done cheap as chips.

Bear in mind though it can be a massive time sink if you get really into it.

If you are into online stuff I don't really know.

But if you want to try offline there are some great games available for peanuts.

I would recommend Witcher 3, GTA V, Dishonored 1&2, Last of Us 1&2 and the Uncharted Games on PS4. With a bit of effort you can probably get a second hand PS4 console and all of those games for under £200 and those games would probably keep you busy for a good 6 months.

DH & I are both into gaming. We’ve got a switch, a ps5 and a gaming laptop as we play various different things. My favourites are planet zoo, sims 4 and red dead redemption 2 (I’ve played rdr2 so many times it’s embarrassing). Go for it! You’re never too old in my opinion

If your mum totally ignores them and talks to all the others, they eventually leave. I did this and they were running up to me and I just blanked them. Can take a while though! Then they walk around with a thought bubble over their head. That’s when you approach them. They tell you they’re thinking of leaving, you agree, and off they pop!

It used to amuse me when I would be on the phone to her and she would be muttering away about the bloody frog, I’d get a random no I don’t want to talk to you, in the middle of our conversation 😂. I’d guess she did get him to leave as I haven’t heard about him for while.

Ill have to ask her about tomorrow haha.

I suggest you dont start with World of Warcraft as the grind is not a good way to start. There are easier games to progress positively without the grind. There are many games pages for you to see what sparks interest and go that way.

Btw I am a Diablo fan (but yes that involves the grind too after a while too).

I’m interested in this too! I played Tomb Raider on the PS right up till the PS changed to 4 or 5 and then it lost me. I LOVED Tomb Raider! Any recommendations for a consol and similar games?

Skyrim for me is the ultimate fantasy role play game. It’s old and came out in 2011 but the world feels unlimited, the scenery and music are stunning and you can mold your character to be whatever you want.

I have been a secret gamer since an old boyfriend introduced me to The Sims in the 90's. I have very fond memories of late nights trying to make them friends, or fall in love! I still hum the music to myself, that music was absolutely brilliant and fit the game beautifully.

Now I like survival games - The Long Dark is an absolute masterpiece, I can't wait for the new one to get released. I like Project Zomboid too, it actually really reminds me of The Sims, only with Zombies and gore!

Interesting … I do have an oculus headset I’ve used for a specific work project… what games could I use with it and what else would I need (I’ve got a Mac laptop - and an older windows pc laptop)? I’m just clueless about getting started!

This is something I’m stuck on - I don’t have the first clue what the best option would be. I’ve got Mac and PC laptops but doubt either are jacked enough for anything too hefty…