Are adults who play videogames immature?

Question

This is something of a prejudice that I hold - that anybody over 21 who plays videogames is not completely mature.

I know it's not the case for many people, but still it's something I find difficult to let go.

AmandaYVR · Accepted Answer

I agree with most everyone here who commented. Unless the gaming gets way out of hand and one doesn't have balance in their life, and adult players go around bullying younger players or using them to get some bizarre sort of ego boost about how much superior they are... then, no, gaming really doesn't have anything to do with immaturity. Games have become so much more involved now, in their design and storytelling and features, so it's not surprising, especially in today's pretty sucky world of covid, massive inflation and cost of living, mass social and political divides, that gaming has become a refuge for so many. After all the work, chores, and shit is done and taken care of, people deserve to have a bit of escapism and fantasy away from the often-drudgery of the real world.

I don't respect adults any less for gaming IF it's not the only thing they do with their time, and can have decent, knowledgeable, non-scatterbrained conversations with people about things other than gaming. And they don't shirk invitations to do other things with people sometimes too. People sometimes make friends gaming online, or game with existing friends online, but others are gaming because they have no friends irl, and in the latter case it merely entrenches the person further into loneliness and a sense of isolation. To be fair, people are so flaky and selfish and unfocused these days (largely because of addiction to media), it's no wonder people prioritize their own interests, like gaming, because if others don't appreciate them and act like they care about them and add rather than detract from their life, then why bother. That's another aspect to this. So hours gaming is not about immaturity, but, rather, choices. And the choice to game - or not to game - is about more than just wanting to stay a child. It's really a much larger social question of options and priorities.

Overall, the abuse and misuse by some and the fact that some take it too far, should not limit the responsible and those who partake moderately. (I'm looking at you, China. 👿)

But I think any discussion about gaming also has to include the cognitive aspects. What does it do to the brain? This is something I've researched. I wanted to know, once and for all. Here is my summary:

Do you believe video games are a bad influence on people?

Jennyjenjen_420 · Accepted Answer

If someone is ADDICTED/OBSESSED with video games then yes it could be a sign of immaturity but there may be a bigger picture here. Just like with any addict, there’s a reason behind it psychologically. Usually past trauma and they use their addiction/obsession like a pacifier that a toddler cannot let go of.

If it’s just every once in a while such as because someone has nothing else to do, they took care of all their priorities for the day and it’s a substitute for their boredom then I’d say no it’s not immaturity. They knew to take care of their priorities first. That’s the biggest difference. They aren’t obsessed with video games nor do they think about them 24/7. Some even use video games as a means to the end of their day and use it to relax after a long busy day but that can easily turn into an addiction if not careful. I believe playing video games at least 3-4 times a week in a 7 day period for about 3-4 hours isn't all that bad as long as they took care of their priorities first and it doesn’t show a sign of immaturity.

All in all, if video games is all that someone can think and talk about all day everyday then it’s an addiction/obsession; it’s unhealthy, a sign of immaturity and possible past trauma that they have yet to resolve. On the other hand, if someone can prioritize their life, focus on their priorities and not play, think or talk about video games everyday and/or all day everyday then I’d say that it’s healthy to want to relieve their boredom and relax with an occasional video game and that doesn’t show immaturity.

*Sorry I tend to write stories* 😬😅

WindAtMyBack · Accepted Answer

The people who invented video games were all over 20, and many were middle age or older. Those guys are all in their 60s ad 70s now - some are much older. My father is the one who got me started playing and he'd be over 100 if he was still alive.

There are probably a lot more older gamers than you realize.

I actually think just the opposite. I think parents should not let their kids play video games. They need to be doing other stuff at that age, like being physically active instead of staring at a game. I know a lot of parents around me won't let their kids play games, or only allow a few hours on weekends. The only kid around here who was allowed to play ended up failing school and losing all his friends because all he wanted to do was play games.

People would be better off not playing until they are 30 or so and are a little settled in life with a good job.

Ευδεμονια · Accepted Answer

I sincerely don’t think so. Playing video games can be a way to detach mind from the hectic and stressing daily life, it’s a way to vent a bit and enjoy time with dear persons. I like playing sometimes video games with my best friend, since we played them when we were young m, it’s a way to remind old times and spend a little time together, freeing our minds and putting aside problems for an hour or two.
I comprehend why people can think video games are the expression of immaturity, especially over certain age, but in general psychologists have explained that game dimension shouldn’t be limited only to children, it’s important also in adults. It allows the brain to maintain its elasticity. Think also adult animals use the game dimension in order to do physical activity and to build the group relationships.

RosieMelts · Answer

It doesn’t look well because we tend to see a lot of unfavorable traits with gamers.

I will add this though.

In highschool there are two type of competitive guys, which anyone can notice right away:

Gamers

and

Athletes

Guys/ girls into ‘Xbox,’ staying indoors with their snacks or other

and

Guys/ girls who are into being outside, doing hikes and multiple sports

~This category doesn’t fit all of them, but this is a stereotypical majority.

My question now to you is:

Are there adult athletes/ sports enthusiasts?

Pro or not, there are many adults who continue on in sports, and if it is okay for them to continue doing such activities,

then I see no reason why the other end of the stick- gamers, should be treated any different.

It’s their time, and they spend it as they see fit, of course.

Are the two categories a waste of time? Some may think so. Plenty could say things like “those people could be helping feed the poor” etc.

But

the people who fall into these two categories, naturally occupy their time with whichever seems the most ‘stimulating’ for their brain, and the most “fun.”

I don’t think any one, person, could judge any other single person on the matters of fun/ brain stimulation/ and efficient use of time.

That’s just how I see it.

Smoke-n-Growls · Answer

Nope. Video games are fun and interactive media.

What would be immature is if a grown person has no life outside of video games.

I play video games frequently, but it's only a small portion of my "hobby hours". I work (and have a career with goals and all that), I have two physically active hobbies, I play DnD, and I hang out with friends in real life.

It's immature if a grown ass person can't maintain a healthy and fulfilling life outside of video games. Like my ex boyfriends, who would play nothing but clicker or gatcha games, and had no friends or hobbies.

There's a reason they're exes.

Apple1996 · Answer

Whatttt? No it doesn't make someone immature at all. It's just a fun hobby to pass the time. Some people even make careers out of playing and creating games.

And I've gotten more into video games as a adult since I actually have the money for them now. As a kid my parents couldn't afford to buy games. So for people like me kind of makes sense to play more as a adult.

hahahmm · Answer

I wouldn't use that as a litmus test. It's like saying, "anybody who wears that type of hat is immature." You really have to look at stuff like whether the person takes responsibility for their choices in life. Do they ACT as an adult in how they approach life or not. Although... I'll tell you a secret: the standard applied to women in society is WAY lower than the standard applied to men. So if you're a guy and you think you can do anything in the style of females and not have it bite you in the butt.. you're wrong.

Levin · Answer

Kind of.

Maybe I'm just getting old, but playing video games does something to your brain. And it ain't good. I used to play Call of Duty. Games are overstimulating and cynical. It's like watching porn. Or plugging into the news. Most modern media is part of the same crap and designed to rot your brain and lower your consciousness..

The video games I used to play on me megadrive used to be so much more innocent. But maybe they had the same affect.

But it's all part of the AI-isation and digital enslavement that is the future of humanity.

SoftCliff · Answer

Partially

Yes it's childish, but it doesn't mean you can't be organized, disciplined and hard working when you're not playing. It becomes different when you are neglecting more important things due to being addicted to the gaming.

Anything in excess can be detrimental. Playing video games so much that other areas of your life become affected is a serious issue.

Gaming, watching tv... etc is also immature if you don’t have free time. To play so much that you neglect relationships, school, sociability, work, reading, writing, out door activities, etc… is a sign of immaturity.

Blackcosmo · Answer

As long as they don't just sit around and play video games all day then it's not immature. Playing video games is really no different from watching movies just like what LazerBeam said.

Pinay_ako · Answer

Growing up is mandatory. But video games are forever ♾

JosyJosy · Answer

It isn't. It's just a hobby. I see no difference in being behind a pc for the evening, while the one who judged you for it sits behind the TV during the evening. Like any hobby, just don't let it take over your life and you're fine.

Jamie05rhs · Answer

Well, I personally find it difficult to accept the premise that playing video games would be an appropriate thing to do for someone my age. It just seems so unproductive and meaningless.

But, then again, I have watched porn sometimes occasionally, and I suppose that isn't mature either.

Kreneman · Answer

In today's society, you definitely have let go because Video Games is a Multi Billion dollar industry that affected over Billions of people in the last 40 years. There's Professionals and Expert players that are getting paid a lot of money, There's Game contests that awards competitive players a lot of money all over the globe, There's great games for families of all ages, and you have games that are not for kids, where adults can relate to real things in the real world like NFL (EA Madden), NBA (NBA 2k), NHL (EA NHL), Baseball (MLB Show), Soccer (Fifa), Martial Arts (Tekken), and more especially with graphics that Playstation 3,4,5 & Xbox 360, One, Series plus PC brings.

Danny_dan92 · Answer

That would be like saying all teachers are sex offendors, all cops are dangerous to society. Etc.

It’s determined on a case by case basis.

If you’re a grown adult, still live with your parents, either have a shitty job with no desire to seek a good career or you have no job at all, act like an entitled brat?

All those things or a combination then yeah, I’d say you’re immature.

But if you’re a grown adult, is independent, do not live with your parents, and likes to game a couple or two hours after a long day of work. You can go f yourself lol you do you, I’ll do me

Sirenboobzilla · Answer

Like with everything there needs to be a balance. I love gaming and I love playing co-op games with my boyfriend. But I can't be sitting for hours on end so the time doing it, there's simply too much to do with work, studies, and other responsibilities

SecretsofKB · Answer

I don't think so. I don't play as many games as often as I used to, but it's still a great way to unwind.

LazerBean · Answer

What is the difference between playing a video game for 30 minutes or watching a show for 30 minutes? Both are sitting down and staring at a screen.

TallAnon · Answer

You have to realize that video games are one of the biggest sources of entertainment in the world. For example, thor bjornsson, strongest man in the world, broke an ancient viking record.. Gold ranked in the video game league of legends. Are you going to call him immature? That's just one example, there's billions of people, literally, playing video games. I'm a game developer and we don't even design games for children most of the time, we specifically craft entertainment for adults to like them. Hell, I'm working on a big horror title, I wouldn't recommend kids play it at all.

MCheetah · Answer

No. It's a hobby. That's like saying people who listen to music and watch movies are immature because children do, too. If anything, it's immature to judge a person based on their hobbies rather than their character and responsibilities. If I were to get petty, I'd say anyone who smokes is a loser because they're killing themselves, yet non-suicidal people smoke all the time.

FilmGuy93 · Answer

Not necessarily. Gaming is how a lot of people choose to relax. It's not my idea of a good time, but someone's choice of hobby is not a value statement about the rest of their lives.

93_n_on · Answer

Nah I've always been called an oldsoul and I've been a gamer my whole life. I got people lying and saying I'm military rather than just giving props.
I feel like lowkey people who don't game are kinda jealous of those who do. Like they get mad we enjoy ourselves and destress from gaming.

mattissebfan5 · Answer

Actually most that do are age 18 to 35 and actually video games have benefits hand eye coordination can be greatly improved and strategic video games is actually better than just watching tv show because your involved and keep occupied but most importantly it's fun

Anonymous · Answer

that is true, I know a few people who still plays video games and they're already 30. that is literally all they do and they still live with their parents. I don't wanna be in an environment like that, staying in just laying down on the couch and playing video games, like dude, get out! do something productive.

NathanDavis · Answer

no... but people who think that "adult playing videogames is immature" whoever thinks that way is not only immature themselves but also ignorant

and well, you just said it yourself... prejudice, that sums it up very well

prejudice is 48% immaturity, and 48% ignorance

Wade12345 · Answer

Research has shown that people who play video games are smarter and have better problem solving skills than people who don't play them.

You need a 145 I. Q. to play StarCraft or WarCraft at a competent skill level. Otherwise, you'll be stuck in bronze league or Code F forever and wonder why you never improve.

AsaKyo · Answer

People can be mature and still play video games smh

ZackBan · Answer

The only People who need to grow up are those who think videogames are toys for kids.

Videogames are an art medium and have been for well over 2 decades now.
Just like you never outgrow reading books or watching movies, you shouldn't have to outgrown videogames. You can quit if you want but continuing to play does not retract from your maturity

HSalenko · Answer

The opposite is true: you're possibly more mature. Maturity doesn't mean rejecting every little thing you believe is childish, we were all children once. Maturity is having fun how you see fit, and if your entertainment and fun doesn't hurt you or anyone else then what's wrong with it? If we weren't supposed to like things that are "just for kids" then why do parents have fun playing games with their children? Because no matter what age we always want to play and have fun.

dustybiker · Answer

Context. Is it for work or causal entertainment.. time with the kids.. lots of reasons it’s fine to play games.

BlueScorpio · Answer

Only if that's the only thing they do. But my husband plays videos games and I lije them to. I really want to get that Kirby forgotten land game. It looks so cute and still haven't finished Mario odyssey.

Phoenix98 · Answer

I play video games it’s just something I enjoy doing it helps me relax after a long day at work. Or on a day off I don’t spend hours upon hours doing it but it’s a hobby I enjoy and I don’t find anything wrong with it.

and because my dad also likes to play games it’s a way for us to bond together.

LostGirl9 · Answer

I don’t think so, I’m almost 24 and still play and grew up with my dad playing too. As long as it’s not an obsession it’s fine

msc545 · Answer

A video game is really just a puzzle or series of puzzles that can take different forms. I doubt that you would label a person who enjoyed puzzles as being "immature" for doing so, so it would follow that playing video games does not make one immature either.

Recreation is creative and important to mental health.

HippieVeganJewslim · Answer

Why 21? Wherever that odd number come from? Any mature adult can play video games. Some games are even rated M for Mature (similar to R — under 18 must have an adult with them too see in the cinema). Furthermore, video games are healthy because they require the player to make quick decisions. Just because it’s unpopular doesn’t mean it’s wrong.

ChiTown33 · Answer

I don't think so. I'm not advocating drug use but gaming can be addictive. I think gaming is OK so long as it doesn't get ahold of you. I have an addictive personality. I can't do ANYTHING I enjoy part way. So I have to Regulate my gaming or I'd get too into it. Life is about balance. Back in the day I was a World of Warcraft fiend.

clampfan101 · Answer

There’s nothing immature about liking any sort of game. Games can even be educational. I’ve played video games that have tested my memory, puzzle solving skills, sense of strategy, and even creativity. (I’m not calling any games classes of course, but many can help keep your mind going.)

Amy10223 · Answer

No, I don’t think so…I used to though. I think some use the games to relax or as a way to have fun. I don’t play myself but that’s for the younger generations.

RedStiletto88 · Answer

Only if they are living in someone’s basement and totally unmotivated with their life.

LovingLoverReturned · Answer

I agree. I know it's not true for everyone but it rubs me the wrong way. I'd rather they play sport.

Juxtapose · Answer

I'm 9 years older than you and I can tell you that most gamers are actually my age. Gaming is a hobby for adults, go ahead and look up the average age for gamers.

Sitting on your ass and rotting away in front of a TV is less productive than playing video games. Playing video games increases hand-eye coordination, puzzle solving skills and so on.

TheFlak38 · Answer

The same shit was being said about film when the medium was still relatively new in the 30's and 40's. Video games are another form of entertainment and in some cases can tell a story much better than a book or a film does. My father is 60 years old and can understand this. Doesn't mean he must enjoy them himself.

jennifer_bloom · Answer

Some of the games are fun and it’s good for your brain but it depends on the game cause I hate blood and fighting or gore and hate.

VanguardTitan · Answer

For a real life example, I've got a friend who has a similar ideology that playing games means he's not mature and he's always trying to be super mature in front of people. And he's probably the most immature in my friends circle.
On the other hand, I've got a friend who games a lot, but dude worked as a freelance graphic designer and even gotns job offer before completing his degree. One of the most hardworking mature guys i knew.

Ill_made_Knight · Answer

No. You can over-obsess on a WHOLE lot of things and some folks do. Binge watch a series on streaming service?
There really wouldn't be a difference between those two things. As long as you're taking care of business it's all good

Bluemax · Answer

Only if done to excess. Otherwise it's a good way to check out and destress.

DavidRaul · Answer

I play outdoor sports a lot but i also play FPS such as COD or CS , just to keep my reflexes up to the mark

Andres77 · Answer

No, they’re just trying to escape reality in the least destructive means available (drugs or alcohol or sex).

HighValue · Answer

Nope. Adults that drink alcohol and do drugs are immature, make bad decisions often, and are likely stupid, but playing video games doesn't make someone immature.

LovelyPhx · Answer

No , I used to play everyday with brother and our group of friends. There is only thing that will make me start shit and that's if he doesn't have a job and is being lazy playing all day. Other than that if my dude comes home from work and wants to play the game with his friends then sure idc 🤷🏽‍♀️

ArtemisSilver · Answer

Is reading novels immature? What about listening to music? Dancing?

It's just a pastime, and it's popular to deride because it's associated with working class men of limited means.

Careful your blue blood is showing.

andreasderjuengere · Answer

I define my maturity on my own. No outside infiltration will dictate my behaviour, other than ''capital crime'' laws :)

As long as gaming isn't taking over my life, a game will not alter my personality.

justEric · Answer

I play video games since like 8 and never stopped. I'm now 29. It's a hobby or a passion like any other, there are people who go out to drink, people who collect stuff and people who play video games

Autember · Answer

Video games are mentally stimulating and can be relaxing for some people... just because they are aimed for children doesn't mean an adult can't enjoy them as well!

RobieMon · Answer

No, I play video games and watch cartoons on my free time

Literalbillionaire17 · Answer

No but the ones that are addicted to playing it are

Light909090 · Answer

The military plays video games here’s a Link of a study It’s a long read you can just Skim through it if you want. It gets to many points just read it or don’t I don’t care either way.

OlderAndWiser · Answer

I share you prejudice on this subject, if the person is anything more than an infrequent player of the game.

Rockstarrrrr · Answer

No... It's just something entertaining like watching a movie or listening to music

Snakeyes7 · Answer

It's only a problem if the player is too addicted to the feeling of mock achievment that the game provides.

RavVid · Answer

I don't because I waste to much time on GAG to have another time wasting addiction. But they are fun and why is it immature?

Supermomof3 · Answer

Not at all as long as they make time for work and family

TheSpaceGnome · Answer

No, but people who think being a gamer is a sign of immaturity, are immature.  There is no valid reason for anyone to think otherwise.

Are adults who play videogames immature?

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