Is Video Gaming Harder for Adults? Here’s Why It Feels That Way

If you find yourself losing interest in video games as you grow older, you're certainly not alone. But what exactly drives us to put the controller down?

It's safe to say I spent a good portion of my teen years playing video games. From Call of Duty to Minecraft, I played just about every genre out there. However, despite having the latest Xbox console and a whole library of games at my disposal, I rarely play anymore. Just recently, I decided to purchase a new game I’d been waiting months for, only to lose interest within the first 20 minutes.

When I was a teenager, I could play video games for hours on end with no issue. As an adult, even when I have the time, my gaming sessions rarely stretch beyond 20 to 30 minutes. Most of the time when I pick up the controller, I feel like I should be doing something more productive—working on my house or making money. Plus, I don’t feel like sweating through an online game with middle schoolers who are far better than me.

Why Playing Video Games Feels Harder as an Adult

According to All in! Games, many adults struggle to enjoy video games later in life. While the reasons vary, some of the most common ones include the cost of games, a shift in life passions, or simply a change in taste. Many people also struggle to find the time while balancing a full-time job, family responsibilities, and household chores. On the other hand, some may play less simply because there are fewer people around them to play with.

Get our free mobile app

For me, the cost of games has been a significant detractor in recent years. As I've gotten older, it makes less sense to spend $70 on a brand-new game. In essence, my priorities have changed, and I'd much rather dedicate that time and energy to an activity with my wife or improving some aspect of my home. Additionally, my hobbies have changed drastically from when I was younger. I now spend more time outside than I ever did as a teen.

How Can You Enjoy Playing Video Games Again?

While it's okay to part with video games if you no longer have the desire to play, there is a solution to adult video game fatigue. While I’ve given up on many of the newer games out there, I often find myself returning to games I thoroughly enjoyed as a child or teenager. The trip down memory lane is not only nostalgic but also takes me back to a simpler time with fewer responsibilities.

All in! Games recommends not only revisiting games you enjoyed in the past but also embracing your other hobbies. You may find that incorporating more variety into your life allows you to still enjoy video games. In essence, adulthood doesn’t have to mark the end of your gaming days. That said, finding new ways to enjoy the hobby at a different stage in life is likely the key to video game satisfaction.