Gaming

The Beauty of Growing Older as a Gamer

Life may go on, but our love for games continues.

August 28, 2025 / by Louigi Balao / 3 mins read

“Gaming is a young person’s hobby.” The number of times this has been said to me and other older gamers is outstandingly annoying. But if you take a step back, it is a hobby created for younger people, but that does not limit its demographic to them alone; all can enjoy it. 

The truth? Yes, your senses may not be what they used to be, and no, you probably won’t keep up with younger players in fast-paced competitive games. But here’s the thing—gaming isn’t just about being the fastest or the best. There’s a quiet beauty in growing older as a gamer, so let’s talk about it. 

 

Stories hit harder in both heart and mind. 

 

From Rockstar Games Official GIPHY

 

You might enjoy a game’s narrative when you're younger, but as you age, certain stories start to mean something. Indie games with deep narratives hit differently, especially those exploring loss, growth, and nostalgia themes. Titles like Spiritfarer or Until Then don’t just entertain—they connect, absorb, and leave you reflecting on your experiences. 

Gaming isn’t just about challenge; it’s about storytelling, and the older you get, the more these stories impact you. Even the simple passing of your trusty horse in Red Dead Redemption 2 can make a grown man cry. 

 

Gaming on your terms. 

 

From PlayStation Official GIPHY

 

I was a broke college student, and I struggled to buy a single game! It took me a bit to buy my first copy of CS:GO, which I believe is quite relatable. But now, as adults, we have the financial capacity to buy the games and devices we genuinely want. Yes, responsibilities take priority, but if there’s a cheeky title we want to play, we can get it. This type of freedom makes gaming quite enjoyable. 

 

Pacing things out. 

 

You no longer need to grind for hours or chase the top leaderboard spots. You game because you want to, not because you have to. Slower-paced, immersive games become more appealing, and titles like Stardew Valley, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, or Elden Ring—yes, I stand by this—become experiences to savor rather than rush through.

 

From Ikeja Official GIPHY

 

Aging as a gamer doesn’t mean giving up—it means experiencing games differently at a different age. 


Whether through deeper storytelling, financial freedom, or playing at your own pace, growing older in the gaming world is something to embrace, not fear. You may not have the fastest reflexes anymore. Still, gaming was never just about speed—it’s about the experience, and with a display like the Xiaomi Curved Gaming Monitor, every moment becomes memorable. So, always keep enjoying, and always keep gaming.


Author

AUTHOR

Louigi Balao

Content Writer

Louigi, better known as Gi, is a content writer for Next Upgrade’s Tech and Gaming sections. In his free time, he enjoys long strolls in his house, loves fantasizing about anime ships that will never bear fruit, and constantly complains about his scuffed Korean backdashes. If you need a quick 3 AM chit-chat, he is your guy. 

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