Gaming isn't just for your kid brother anymore... - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

phredgreen · 05-16-2004, 12:52 PM

Quote:

originally found here: http://www.nypost.com/news/nationalnews/24129.htm

MEN & GALS GAME BOYS
By MAXINE SHEN

May 16, 2004 -- Video games aren't just for kids anymore.
Gamers' average ages clock in at 29, according to a new survey - and 41 percent of gamers are women.

The $11 billion video-game industry is trying to target gamers in their 20s and 30s - and the owners of some of New York's hottest clubs now boast video-game consoles for their grown-up clientele.

At nightspot Play in the West Village, hipsters put down their drinks in favor of spending some quality time with the PlayStation attached to plasma screens. Play suggests its customers reserve spots in advance in the PlayStation seating area.

At another hip lounge, Chelsea's Social Club, people crowd around a pair of PlayStations hooked up to giant 50-foot plasma screens when not hitting the dance floor.

"New Yorkers like trendy, edgy things that are right on the crest of what's new, before it goes mass market, and today that definitely includes video games," says Wilson Kriegel, 28, owner of the Village's Game Time Nation, where you can rent blocks of game time on a variety of consoles, all hooked up to 32-inch plasma screens.

"Believe it or not, we have a lot of people that come here on dates, people who are 20 to 33 years old.

"They do the movie experience: The guy lets the girl pick the game, he goes and pays for the hour, they get their snacks and then they sit down and really entertain themselves like they're at a pool hall," says Kriegel.

"It's slightly competitive, but it's more of a flirting environment - you're sitting on a couch, you're like being at home, your joysticks are next to each other, it's a very cozy, friendly environment. It's much more social than going to the movies would ever be."

Game Time Nation also sees New Yorkers who want to host private gaming parties.

So I'll admit it, I'm 24 and semi-addicted to my ps2. I see gaming as something I'll continue doing as an amusement for many more years to come. How do you feel about gaming, especially how games have been more and more geared towards an adult audience? Are there people out there who have put their gaming days in the past? Discuss.

Harshaw · 05-16-2004, 12:55 PM

I play less than I did. But I'm pretty sure I will be playing games till I can't see anymore. Even then I will probably play a few RPG's.

I've always liked multi-player games, so I'm getting more and more excited with the stuff that is coming out.

Edit: It's also nice that as I get older I find myself with more money than I had when I was 12. It makes being in gaming a lot easier.

JStrider · 05-16-2004, 01:14 PM

*looks around picks up his GBA with pokemon and starts playing*

haha i like to play video games a good bit... but on a date... i dunno bout that...

but yah i'll be playin video games in my spare time for the rest of my life... least thats the way its lookin right now...

DelayedReaction · 05-16-2004, 01:28 PM

I think I would enjoy dating somebody who enjoyed playing video games. I just wish I had a PS2 as a kid, since mom and dad took away my Nintendo for talking about it in school too much.

Hrothgar · 05-16-2004, 01:42 PM

I game everyday. It's something I've done for 10 years and I don't see any time soon dropping it. It's a hobby that I am good at and enjoy.

pocon1 · 05-16-2004, 04:14 PM

I'm almost 31 and I am just finishing up Far Cry. Next on my list is doom 3, half-life 2 and Halo 2. I just got my 56 year-old stepfather to start playing computer games. He has spent so much time at home because my mom is sick with cancer. So I gave him Call of Duty. He played it twice through in 10 days. Then he has played Half-life. Now he is waiting to try halo and wants hl2 and the call of duty expansion.

punx1325 · 05-16-2004, 05:08 PM

I was at movies last night and saw a couple playing Dance Dance together. It made me really laugh, I mean you see some people that play that game religiously, but on a date? That's a new low...

Lasereth · 05-16-2004, 05:25 PM

Yeah, many people say that videogames aren't mean to be played after you're 14. Bullshit! Electronic Gaming Monthly's largest subscriber base is ages 20-25. The biggest gaming population is over the age of 20 as well. Videogames are the *only* hobby that has lasted through the years of my life. I'm 20 now, and videogames seem to appeal to me more and more instead of on the diminishing scale.

-Lasereth

rockzilla · 05-16-2004, 06:10 PM

Video games being edgy and on the crest of what's new? I don't know about that. The reason the average gamer is 29 years old is because the average gamer was about 9-10 when the NES hit the market almost 20 years ago.
As those kids grew up, manufacturers changed the subject matter of thier games to match the maturing tastes of these kids who have now grown into adults. Adults who have a lot more disposable income than your average 12 year old kid (like Harshaw mentioned). This is why the video game industry has been rivalling Hollywood in terms of revenue for the past couple of years.
I grew up with video games and although at 25, I don't play as often as I used to, I still enjoy playing when I get together with friends, both male and female.
It doesn't surprise me to see clubs with video game consoles. I've attended and thrown house parties with game machines set up somewhere in the house. It's a great social activity because just like sex, it's still fun even if you're just watching.

charlesesl · 05-16-2004, 06:57 PM

Gaming is one of those things that once you get hooked on you can never get off. As rockzilla have already mentioned, a large portion of the current gamers are people who grew up with NES by their side. As time go on, more kids will be exposed to the world of gaming, so the gamer poplulation will keep on growing. And since hollywood is pretty much out of ideas, I have no dought that the gaming industry will beat the film industry as time go on.

lissa · 05-20-2004, 06:08 AM

I love playing video games.....my bf enjoys it also! He is in the Coast Guard and sometimes he has to stay up all night to sleep the next day in order to go in to work that night....and he will usually play video games all night to keep himself busy and awake...

bigoldalphamale · 05-20-2004, 06:38 AM

28 and played a bombing run match in UT2k3 before i left for work this morning...cant wait for Halo2!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

H12 · 05-20-2004, 08:08 AM

Gaming = great

Girl who plays games = great

Taking a girl-gamer out on a game-playing night = awkward-sounding

flamingpeach · 05-20-2004, 09:27 AM

I just bought a game cube and a gameboy advance. They're a great source of entertainment!

Polyphobic · 05-20-2004, 09:37 AM

I am 29 and grew up with the NES. I still game off and on when I can get a chance.

water_boy1999 · 05-21-2004, 12:25 PM

I am 29. I started with the Atari1600. Then, in no particular order, I graduated to Sega Genesis, Nintendo, Super Nintendo, Nintendo64, Sega DreamCast, Playstation, Playstation2, XBox....

I am sure I missed one or two in there.....

I have actually put the controls away for a little bit but when I see an ad for another game that intrigues me, I will be in the store the next day purchasing it. I am sure I will be doing this for quite a while because it is a good stress release.

benjamin · 05-21-2004, 02:16 PM

Quote:

At another hip lounge, Chelsea's Social Club, people crowd around a pair of PlayStations hooked up to giant 50-foot plasma screens when not hitting the dance floor.

did i read correctly?

50 foot plasma screens?

lol

mr sticky · 05-22-2004, 05:42 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Lasereth
Yeah, many people say that videogames aren't mean to be played after you're 14. Bullshit! Electronic Gaming Monthly's largest subscriber base is ages 20-25. The biggest gaming population is over the age of 20 as well. Videogames are the *only* hobby that has lasted through the years of my life. I'm 20 now, and videogames seem to appeal to me more and more instead of on the diminishing scale.

-Lasereth

Ditto for this 33 year old. I love them as much now, and is something that my four year old and I really love doing together.(he can beat Halo on normal).

Frowning Budah · 05-26-2004, 01:43 AM

I use game playing as an escape. I don't think I want to incorporate it into the rest of my life. Hell I don't even want to play on line games. Just let me be a hermit for awhile.

05-16-2004, 12:55 PM	#2 (permalink)
Harshaw Is mad at you. Location: Bored in Sacramento	I play less than I did. But I'm pretty sure I will be playing games till I can't see anymore. Even then I will probably play a few RPG's. I've always liked multi-player games, so I'm getting more and more excited with the stuff that is coming out. Edit: It's also nice that as I get older I find myself with more money than I had when I was 12. It makes being in gaming a lot easier. __________________ This too shall pass. Last edited by Harshaw; 05-16-2004 at 01:28 PM..

05-16-2004, 01:14 PM	#3 (permalink)
JStrider Poo-tee-weet? Location: The Woodlands, TX	looks around picks up his GBA with pokemon and starts playing haha i like to play video games a good bit... but on a date... i dunno bout that... but yah i'll be playin video games in my spare time for the rest of my life... least thats the way its lookin right now... __________________ -=JStrider=- ~Clatto Verata Nicto

05-16-2004, 01:28 PM	#4 (permalink)
DelayedReaction BFG Builder Location: University of Maryland	I think I would enjoy dating somebody who enjoyed playing video games. I just wish I had a PS2 as a kid, since mom and dad took away my Nintendo for talking about it in school too much. __________________ If ignorance is bliss, you must be having an orgasm.

05-16-2004, 01:42 PM	#5 (permalink)
Hrothgar He's My Girl Location: The Champagne Douche	I game everyday. It's something I've done for 10 years and I don't see any time soon dropping it. It's a hobby that I am good at and enjoy. __________________ The fortunes of war favored Hrothgar.

05-16-2004, 05:08 PM	#7 (permalink)
punx1325 Junkie Location: San Diego	I was at movies last night and saw a couple playing Dance Dance together. It made me really laugh, I mean you see some people that play that game religiously, but on a date? That's a new low... __________________ If something seems too good to be true, then it probably is....

05-16-2004, 04:14 PM	#6 (permalink)
pocon1 Banned	I'm almost 31 and I am just finishing up Far Cry. Next on my list is doom 3, half-life 2 and Halo 2. I just got my 56 year-old stepfather to start playing computer games. He has spent so much time at home because my mom is sick with cancer. So I gave him Call of Duty. He played it twice through in 10 days. Then he has played Half-life. Now he is waiting to try halo and wants hl2 and the call of duty expansion.

05-16-2004, 05:25 PM	#8 (permalink)
Lasereth Knight of the Old Republic Location: Winston-Salem, NC	Yeah, many people say that videogames aren't mean to be played after you're 14. Bullshit! Electronic Gaming Monthly's largest subscriber base is ages 20-25. The biggest gaming population is over the age of 20 as well. Videogames are the only hobby that has lasted through the years of my life. I'm 20 now, and videogames seem to appeal to me more and more instead of on the diminishing scale. -Lasereth __________________ "A Darwinian attacks his theory, seeking to find flaws. An ID believer defends his theory, seeking to conceal flaws." -Roger Ebert

05-16-2004, 06:10 PM	#9 (permalink)
rockzilla Junkie Location: The Kitchen	Video games being edgy and on the crest of what's new? I don't know about that. The reason the average gamer is 29 years old is because the average gamer was about 9-10 when the NES hit the market almost 20 years ago. As those kids grew up, manufacturers changed the subject matter of thier games to match the maturing tastes of these kids who have now grown into adults. Adults who have a lot more disposable income than your average 12 year old kid (like Harshaw mentioned). This is why the video game industry has been rivalling Hollywood in terms of revenue for the past couple of years. I grew up with video games and although at 25, I don't play as often as I used to, I still enjoy playing when I get together with friends, both male and female. It doesn't surprise me to see clubs with video game consoles. I've attended and thrown house parties with game machines set up somewhere in the house. It's a great social activity because just like sex, it's still fun even if you're just watching.

05-16-2004, 06:57 PM	#10 (permalink)
charlesesl Psycho	Gaming is one of those things that once you get hooked on you can never get off. As rockzilla have already mentioned, a large portion of the current gamers are people who grew up with NES by their side. As time go on, more kids will be exposed to the world of gaming, so the gamer poplulation will keep on growing. And since hollywood is pretty much out of ideas, I have no dought that the gaming industry will beat the film industry as time go on. __________________ It did not really matter what we expected from life, but rather what life expected from us. Dr. Viktor E. Frankl

05-20-2004, 06:08 AM	#11 (permalink)
lissa Upright Location: Corpus Christi Texas	I love playing video games.....my bf enjoys it also! He is in the Coast Guard and sometimes he has to stay up all night to sleep the next day in order to go in to work that night....and he will usually play video games all night to keep himself busy and awake... __________________ "Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all." aim-missliss4u02 yahoo: jediz_angel14 hotmail: usagirl2002@hotmail.com

05-20-2004, 06:38 AM	#12 (permalink)
bigoldalphamale Loser	28 and played a bombing run match in UT2k3 before i left for work this morning...cant wait for Halo2!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

05-20-2004, 08:08 AM	#13 (permalink)
H12 I'm not about getting creamed, I'm about winning! Location: K-Town, TN	Gaming = great Girl who plays games = great Taking a girl-gamer out on a game-playing night = awkward-sounding __________________ "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act, but a habit." --Aristotle

05-20-2004, 09:27 AM	#14 (permalink)
flamingpeach hip mama Location: redmond, washington	I just bought a game cube and a gameboy advance. They're a great source of entertainment! __________________ I've eaten my veggies all my life so bring it on, I am educated and strong for the revolution.

05-20-2004, 09:37 AM	#15 (permalink)
Polyphobic Runt Location: Denver	I am 29 and grew up with the NES. I still game off and on when I can get a chance. __________________ <--The great infidel-->

05-21-2004, 12:25 PM	#16 (permalink)
water_boy1999 Fly em straight! Location: Above and Beyond	I am 29. I started with the Atari1600. Then, in no particular order, I graduated to Sega Genesis, Nintendo, Super Nintendo, Nintendo64, Sega DreamCast, Playstation, Playstation2, XBox.... I am sure I missed one or two in there..... I have actually put the controls away for a little bit but when I see an ad for another game that intrigues me, I will be in the store the next day purchasing it. I am sure I will be doing this for quite a while because it is a good stress release. __________________ Doh!!!! -Homer Simpson

05-26-2004, 01:43 AM	#19 (permalink)
Frowning Budah Slave of Fear	I use game playing as an escape. I don't think I want to incorporate it into the rest of my life. Hell I don't even want to play on line games. Just let me be a hermit for awhile.