New research shows that the number of older gamers between those the ages of 55 and 64, has grown by 32% since 2018. The reason for the increase is unclear, however. But this rise is bridging the gap between the young and older generation.
Video games have a lot of negative stigma over the years. One of the reasons is that most younger generation prefers this as their pastime, in contrast to an older generation who sees playing outside as a ‘real’ hobby. This creates generational distance, lack of connection hence, inter-generational misunderstandings.
Also, because adults in their 50s and up weren’t as exposed to gaming as their predecessors. So, it’s less common to see older generations partake in them.
But new research from the Global Web Index and reported by GamesIndustry.biz shows that the demographic of older gamers has expanded by 32% in more recent years. The study used a sample size of about 19,500 people between the ages of 55 and 64 from various parts of the world for data collection.
Additionally, GWI also shares that 24% of grandparents and parents consider gaming together a form of quality time with the family, which is thanks to the many couch co-op games out there like Overcooked and Untitled Goose Game.
However, there is a growing number of elderly gamers who opt for mainstream games. Some even those stream on Twitch or YouTube. The Skyrim grandma is a woman in her 80s by the name of Shirley Currey. For a long while, she streamed her passion for Skyrim. That is until she decided to take a step back due to trolls and rude people in her chat.
Another elderly woman content creator Food4Dogs has a passion for the Xenoblade Chronicles series. She even purchased consoles just to play the newest installments.
A 90-year-old grandmother from Japan, Hanako Mori got the Guinness World Record as the world’s oldest YouTube gamer. She has been playing games for four decades. Among the games she plays are Call of Duty, Final Fantasy, Super Mario, and even Grand Theft Auto.
Gaming is becoming more accessible for elderly folks with a wide range of controllers and familial support. It seems that more of them will likely partake in gaming in the future.
Source: CBR