Hooked on Video Games like our Grandchildren.

By Gary Geyer

Everything we warned our grandchildren about is happening to us. Would you believe it, we’re getting hooked on video games. (Well, some of us are).

Gray Gamers

Oh God. They have a name for us already — Gray Gamers.

Don’t worry, I’m sure there’s an explanation.

It seems we’re attracted to computer games because they improve personal reflexes and enable us to connect more with our grandchildren. And that’s not all. They also keep our minds active. An extra added bonus is, since they often don’t require a partner to play, it’s perfect for those who live alone or are confined to their home.

Part of a daily routine.

In a 2003 survey, it was found that many gray gamers play almost every day for between one and three hours at a time. Amazingly, some play for up to eight hours.

Survey says…

Surprisingly, the survey found that only 21 percent of gamers were children or teens, 47 percent were in their 20′s, and 32 percent were over 30. Half the oldest group said they were over 35.

Many game developers began to step up their focus on older games after the survey defied expectations that most gamers are geeky, teenage boys. They realized that gray gamers were a growing, and previously untapped market.

There are other signs that gamers are attracting a mature audience. In its own survey, British media analyst Xtreme Information found that half of the those 50+ who own a computer regularly play computer games.

In the United States, studies point to an increase in older gamers. A poll released in August by the Entertainment Software Association in Washington, D.C., found that the average game player is 29 years old, with a full 17 percent of game players over the age of 50, up from 13 percent in 2000.

What won’t they think of next?

The gaming industry is getting wise. They are creating new games that require something unusual. Games that not only require shoot-’em up or blow-’em up, but thinking too.

WW2, redux.

One reason for their appeal to the 50+ audience is because there are more titles that are uniquely appealing to them. World War II games certainly fall into that category, Codemasters, a British company developed a game called Wartime Command that allows players to develop strategies for some of the best-known World War II conflicts.

A new slant on war games.

Store shelves alreay are crowded with Wolrd War II games including the Medal of Honor franchise, which has won fans by focusing more on historic detail than on blood and gore.

The future of computer and video games.

Game companies say consumers can expect to see more “cerebral-type” games and less-violent games as they reach out to older players (and female players).

That fact is, there are all sorts of people playing computer and video games these days. It’s only logical that games will become more and more diverse. They will have to in order to appeal to all generations and all kinds of players. <<