As Gamers Age, The Appeal of Competition Drops The Most
- Thread starter Lime
- Start date
Good read, thanks.
The older I get, the more I want to play co-op as a form of multiplayer. If it's competitive, it's either local or something strategic, like hearthstone. Hardcore competitive stuff doesn't appeal because it's all a flash in the pan and is usually not something I can revisit for nostalgia down the line because the community has dried up - much less appeal for something I can't go back to.
The older I get, the more I want to play co-op as a form of multiplayer. If it's competitive, it's either local or something strategic, like hearthstone. Hardcore competitive stuff doesn't appeal because it's all a flash in the pan and is usually not something I can revisit for nostalgia down the line because the community has dried up - much less appeal for something I can't go back to.
Greg_le_Casual
Member
I just reached 40.
And I totally agree.
Maybe because limited play time implies you are looking for quality/relaxing time.
So the stress of competition is maybe not the best way to spend the 30 free minutes you have.
And I totally agree.
Maybe because limited play time implies you are looking for quality/relaxing time.
So the stress of competition is maybe not the best way to spend the 30 free minutes you have.
SatelliteOfLove
Member
Its no longer a make or breaker it was for me in my teens and 20s. Ill bust myself to get better but I wont stick with it to "show Those Guys" any more. Its funny; I used to run with some older PKers in Shadowbane who never wanted to have anything to do with buiding or politics. I knew why and now Im starting to FEEL why.
The lack of community self policing or the lack of teeth hurts alot of games. Eventually the cockbags gain hegemony in some cases weakening the joy of even winning.
The lack of community self policing or the lack of teeth hurts alot of games. Eventually the cockbags gain hegemony in some cases weakening the joy of even winning.
bobone
Member
Agreed. I played so much Quake 3 online when it came out. Was absolutely obsessed with Battlefield 1942, and was blown away by CoD 4. But after that I have had zero interest in online competitive games.
I still really enjoy co-op tho, played every Borderlands game at launch, and tried my hardest to like Evolve.
I still really enjoy co-op tho, played every Borderlands game at launch, and tried my hardest to like Evolve.
Imp the Dimp
Member
Yep, gotta agree with this. Same happened to me as well. I was the most competitive up to about 24. It dropped off afterwards.
hersheyfan
Member
I'm 32, and this article pretty much sums up how i roll these days. i generally dont participate in any multiplayer mode anymore, with the exception of fighting games - and even with those, i greatly prefer throwing down with like-minded friends in the same room, instead of battling some dude on the other side of the world (who may or may not disconnect before the fight ends) to raise my "rank", or whatever. just can't be bothered.
being social can be fun with my non-gaming related activities, but when i'm playing, greatly prefer that it be just me versus the game.
being social can be fun with my non-gaming related activities, but when i'm playing, greatly prefer that it be just me versus the game.
I'm probably a fairly good example of this. It's not that competitive gaming isn't fun at all or that it has lost all appeal as I've gotten older, it's just that I can't quite understand the people who so obsessively focus on competitive gaming above all else. Like, they don't even necessarily play fun coop games, it HAS to be against other players or they won't give it much thought. Just feels so weird to limit yourself to just those kinds of games, though I guess they have to if they want to be good at it.
HundredEyeMonk
Member
Same.
I played competitive sports in high school and college.
After college, I got married, had a kid, play in a softball and flag football league. And I still want that competition.
So now I am going to try to get into fighting games. Something I can practice and see/feel tangible results and compete against other players in.
I have always had a competitive spirit and that has always translated in games.
But, I will say, my spectrum of gaming has broadened. I enjoy solo indie games a lot more than I used to, single player FPS games (Metro, Wolfenstein:TNO, Fallout, etc) and can appreciate a good story.
So.. my competitiveness hasn't really fallen off. I just appreciate other types of games now as well.
HundredEyeMonk
Member
One of my best friends and I are at this divide. I have broadened my gaming interest to many co-op games, etc. All he wants to do is play Destiny PVP 24/7.
bob_arctor
Tough_Smooth
Well, I can agree on FPS online. Zero desire to play them anymore. Used to love them, especially CS, but meh. All I imagine now is a bunch of little prick kids talking shit on their mics.
But fighting games generally--and specifically Street Fighter--yeah, you'll have to pry the stick from my cold, dead hands. One on one still gets the blood flowing. Nothing like it in gaming.
But fighting games generally--and specifically Street Fighter--yeah, you'll have to pry the stick from my cold, dead hands. One on one still gets the blood flowing. Nothing like it in gaming.
Acidote
Member
At almost 30, I still have the same drive to be competitive, to be a better player after every match and trying to be better than anyone around. What I don't have is the time to make that happen. I can't focus on my job and have the social life I have while being as competitive as I would like to be. I have to sacrifice something and that's competitive gaming.
I still play a lot of PvP though, I think I will always enjoy it despite knowing I could be much much better if I tried harder.
I still play a lot of PvP though, I think I will always enjoy it despite knowing I could be much much better if I tried harder.
AliasGreed
Member
More than anything this has to do with free time and just general life. When I was younger I could dedicate hours open hours on a game and be competitive and play. Now a days I need to work, then get home spend time and take care of my wife and eventually my kids. Which leaves me with practically 1 day a week to play something.
Your responsabilities grow as you get older and you have less time for things like this. If I had the time I would still be kickking my friends asses in call of duty, star craft, street fighter, etc.
Your responsabilities grow as you get older and you have less time for things like this. If I had the time I would still be kickking my friends asses in call of duty, star craft, street fighter, etc.
MixedBeverage
Member
I'm older than most of you, and I haven't seen much change over time in my attitude toward competitive games. They're fun enough, and I like unwinding with COD MP after work for a bit. But a good session of co-op gaming is enjoyable in a different way, whether it's COD Zombies or a Mario session on the couch, and it doesn't require being in the mood to stomp. Co-op in a competitive setting, like Rainbow Six Siege, is on a whole different level, however -- nothing like it when your team working together crushes the opposition.
It's interesting how they measure engagement with games across different axes -- wish I'd been measuring this every few years to track!
It's interesting how they measure engagement with games across different axes -- wish I'd been measuring this every few years to track!
potatohead
Member
I still play Dota but my motivation to play is so different now.
I don't really care about the winning competitiveness aspect, it's more about enjoying good tactics and good teamwork which is where the game really shines for me. Interestingly enough that style of playing also wins more games which is great.
Other than that don't really play competitive at all, I suck at FPS on any platform lmao. StarCraft II is great fun and so is SF but I'm horrible at both of those
Been almost exclusively RTS gaming in my history for "competitive" gaming.
I don't really care about the winning competitiveness aspect, it's more about enjoying good tactics and good teamwork which is where the game really shines for me. Interestingly enough that style of playing also wins more games which is great.
Other than that don't really play competitive at all, I suck at FPS on any platform lmao. StarCraft II is great fun and so is SF but I'm horrible at both of those
Been almost exclusively RTS gaming in my history for "competitive" gaming.
RealityCheque
Banned
Have to agree. I'm way more interested in good single player games than PVP these days. 10 year ago I was unnaturally preoccupied with my K/D ratio in games like battlefield and COD. I play some Titanfall every now and then but the stat tracking couldn't be further from my mind.
I'm sure they are good games, but stuff like Destiny and the Division hold no appeal whatsoever for me. Even the concept of co-op with friends doesn't draw me in.
I'm sure they are good games, but stuff like Destiny and the Division hold no appeal whatsoever for me. Even the concept of co-op with friends doesn't draw me in.
Cool article, definitely makes sense to me, say at the office especially if I talk to guys older than me, talking late 30s-40s they definitely prefer nice big single player games or more casual experiences as opposed too the multiplayer. I've heard the whole not wanting ti play multiplayer with all these kids kicking their asses thing a couple of times.
ViciousAnchovy
Member
This is interesting. I was never particularly competitive when I was younger, but ever since fighting games made a resurgence, I've been gradually gaining a greater interest in being able to play at a competitive level, so I guess I oppose the trend. Perhaps I would have been more competitive it I had been quicker to grasp the finer points in any of the games I was playing.
DrROBschiz
Member
Outside of compeitive smash with my close friends this is very true
I vastly prefer co op nowadays for multiplayer
I vastly prefer co op nowadays for multiplayer
Miles Quaritch
Member
Sounds about right. I used to love Halo 2 MP, but when MCC came out, I found I just didn't have the time or patience to play it.
Part of me died that day.
Part of me died that day.
D
Deleted member 752119
Unconfirmed Member
I've been kind of off and on with competitive games.
Started out as a kid with mostly single player Nintendo games. Then got into fighting games a bit in high school and college, and some sports games, a few shooters like Goldeneye and some other stuff like Mario Kart etc.
Then I went back mostly to single player for a while through the latter part of college and early part of grad school. Then I got into FPS games for a while starting with CoD4 and Halo 3. I got burnt out on those after grad school and went back to mostly single player and co-op stuff the past 5 or so years.
Now I'm getting into fighting games again. Just got my first stick and have been playing some MKX and USFIV and looking forward to SFV next week! I doubt I'll get super competitive and don't care about entering tournaments etc. I'm just enjoying learning and slowly getting a little better. As long as I can get decent and at least when a few matches per session in the scrub leagues I'll be happy with that.
Started out as a kid with mostly single player Nintendo games. Then got into fighting games a bit in high school and college, and some sports games, a few shooters like Goldeneye and some other stuff like Mario Kart etc.
Then I went back mostly to single player for a while through the latter part of college and early part of grad school. Then I got into FPS games for a while starting with CoD4 and Halo 3. I got burnt out on those after grad school and went back to mostly single player and co-op stuff the past 5 or so years.
Now I'm getting into fighting games again. Just got my first stick and have been playing some MKX and USFIV and looking forward to SFV next week! I doubt I'll get super competitive and don't care about entering tournaments etc. I'm just enjoying learning and slowly getting a little better. As long as I can get decent and at least when a few matches per session in the scrub leagues I'll be happy with that.
Jeronimo Jones
Member
The older I get, the less interested I seem in competitive gaming.
I posted in a recent COD thread how I have been enjoying them less and less since MW. I feel like buying them at release these days is wasting money because I almost exclusively play COD only when a few friends want to.
I have never cared enough to play much Madden or NBA2K online either but I enjoy playing Battlefield and Destiny, though I haven't played either in a few months.
I posted in a recent COD thread how I have been enjoying them less and less since MW. I feel like buying them at release these days is wasting money because I almost exclusively play COD only when a few friends want to.
I have never cared enough to play much Madden or NBA2K online either but I enjoy playing Battlefield and Destiny, though I haven't played either in a few months.
Kabuki Quantum Lover
Member
Yep, I've abandoned competitive gaming (heck, online gaming in general) years ago, outside of a few visits with NHL and Rocket League.
Interesting, it's pretty much the opposite for me but it really depends what the definition of competition is. I was never specifically looking to win. I play WAY more multiplayer games now, and hardly any single player, the complete opposite of when I was younger. I want a social experience when playing games. Co op, MMO, FPS versus, anything really. Single player is typically a been-there done that bore these days imo. Cool article though, thanks for sharing!
I think people are inappropriately attributing reasoning to why this is true as to simply being about aging or skills. I think there is another thing to consider -- people in careers are competing every single day at their jobs ... While students are often in collaborative environments. It kind of makes sense that for your relaxation and down time, you'd choose the opposite of what you deal with all day.
I think a lot of factors contribute to the trend with no singular cause.
I will say, a good, well-designed game will overcome tendancies... A game like Rocket League, for example.
I think a lot of factors contribute to the trend with no singular cause.
I will say, a good, well-designed game will overcome tendancies... A game like Rocket League, for example.
Wasn't just me that noticed that, then. Menopause is a bitch?
Yep. And I think part of the reason for the decline beyond community/reflexes/etc. is that stats now a days are being pushed front and center. If you don't have a 1.00 KDR despite being a top player in terms of points/team contribution, for 90% of people that play for stats: You "suck."
This does not surprise me, as much as I like competitive gaming, as well as games which require a lot of investment do, the lack of time or when I am available to play games, or being online when most people are playing puts me off from even playing them. The Division appeals to me, but I wont bother because it will taken me for ever to level up, and I play mostly at non-peak hours.
As you get older the quality and length of game time gets shorter, when I get chance to game I do not want some whiny kid annoying me, or getting my backside kicked just because I haven't leveled my characters enough, simply because I like playing a number of games or lack time to play them.
As you get older the quality and length of game time gets shorter, when I get chance to game I do not want some whiny kid annoying me, or getting my backside kicked just because I haven't leveled my characters enough, simply because I like playing a number of games or lack time to play them.
Im in my 40s and agree with this, I use to play Team Fortress Classic and CS 1.6 all the time back in the late 90s / early 2000s when I was around 30. I did play TF2 some but not very much, of course at that point I had switched to MMOs but even there I rarely did much PvP. Most of my time was in WoW and in the early vanilla days played some but again it started losing appeal. So when I see a game that is mostly a single player game but has MP, I rarely if ever try the MP side. One of my fav games is TLoU and never even fired up the MP piece
just no appeal. Now games that offer co-op, Ill play with friends but that is rare as well.
MightyHedgehog
Member
I feel that this is generally true for most people as they age due to the factors of older life (more professional/familial/interpersonal activity) and the effect of these same forces on those who you were regularly competing with. Physical ability and the age gap does come into play, too, but it boils down to some combination of money, time, and energy being finite. There's a reason for most highly competitive activities being dominated by the young. Personally, I know I just don't care about heavily competitive play to nearly the degree I once had, but that isn't the same as saying that I don't care about competition anymore.
Lumination
'enry 'ollins
The opposite is true for me. As I play more and more games, the stories, mechanics, etc. start feeling old. That's why I cherish mechanically solid games like the Souls series.
The one place where this is not true is multiplayer competitive games. There are so many angles and updates to games like LoL or MtG that it will never get old. That, and there's nothing quite like playing a game where the opponent is equal or juuuust slightly better than you in skill.
The one place where this is not true is multiplayer competitive games. There are so many angles and updates to games like LoL or MtG that it will never get old. That, and there's nothing quite like playing a game where the opponent is equal or juuuust slightly better than you in skill.
Osu 16 Bit
Member
The opposite was true for me. I reached my peak competitive drive, traveling around the country entering tournaments and playing for hours multiple days a week, from 31-34.