No, I haven't lost interest. I still enjoy playing video games.
No, I haven't lost interest. I still enjoy playing video games.
I'm in my 20s and still enjoy gaming, though not all the action-adventure titles I used to love. After work I look forward to playing something, but lately I find myself tired of repetitive button mashing and chasing through environments. I've started preferring slower, stealth-based games like Hitman and interactive stories such as Life is Strange.
I have an idea. A Game Theory (sorry; I might end up leaving soon). The concept: modern AAA games function like large Skinner boxes. Essentially, the main goal is to keep a reward in sight for as long as possible. Even if the actual gameplay is fun, some players become resistant to that kind of endless loop. I'm one of those people. I once invested hundreds of hours in RPGs and progression-heavy titles, but now I can't continue—even when I enjoy the core experience! Assassin's Creed fits this pattern. I appreciate the main mechanics and story, yet the endless carrot rewards lose my interest. Or worse, facing enemies feels pointless if you feel stuck because you haven't leveled up enough...ugh, fine. I've accepted this. So Nintendo: Mario and Zelda games offer a solid dose of engaging core gameplay without the flashy distractions. Occasionally, AAA titles do this too (GTA is one for me, and Red Dead Redemption to a lesser extent). I really want to try Fall Guys—it could give me that relaxing gaming experience if I play it. Dishonored also managed that to some extent, with upgrades tied to story-driven choices like eliminating everyone or doing the opposite.
I don't think age limits this passion. At 46 I'm hooked—15 to 20 hours a week in games like GTA5, Skyrim, X-Plane 11, Fallout 4, Ghost Recon Wildlands and Assassins' Creed Origins. Weekends are my time zone. I’m working from home, living alone, no kids, so the schedule fits perfectly. What matters is you haven’t found another game that really pulls you in. Maybe it’s out there already—like GTA6 or the next Elder Scrolls. I agree with the suggestion to try Valheim if you like survival titles. It’s not as intense as some others but still engaging. If you’re into flight sims, MSFS is a great choice—it’s a realistic recreation of Earth. Check out some YouTube reviews of new open-world titles; something fresh is likely coming. In the meantime, enjoy life too—listening to music, biking outside, taking morning walks. Neighbors often tease me about waking up early, but I say I haven’t slept much!