Dumb question. Yes. Games can be for all ages. I make my gaming productive and my experience with them have led to all sorts of base skills and writing inspiration. My hubs, for example. I do more than just play. I analyze.
I agree here with Bryan. First of all I would like to correct you Bryan that there is no 'dumb' question, there are simply questions that people ask because they do not have experience with the answer yet.
Asking if grown men should play video / computer games, is like asking: Should grown men read books, should grown men watch movies? Video games, like books and movies are a media which is enjoyed with the user controlling their experience. The level of control depends on how the game is meant to be experienced. After dealing with so many people in my life in the two countries which I've lived in Usa, and Sweden, I have taught all of them that the difference between a book, movie, or videogame is very small and I even convinced one of my best friends whom is 58 years old to play a game on their cellphone and they now play it daily.
Everything has pretty much been said on this topic, but I still can't fight the urge to give my opinion/testimony. I'm a 22 year old male gamer. I graduated from college in May, and until I find a job, I've vowed to spend about 8 hours every day searching (it's not easy since I majored in English, but that's another story). When I'm done with my 8 hours, I like to play games, especially online. Interacting with other people and getting to know them through games like World of Warcraft and League of Legends is a big part of what makes them fun. My parents are kind of iffy about me gaming, but as long as I'm putting in the effort to man up and find a job, they didn't complain. Until the other day, when they discovered I was playing at 2 in the morning. But even when I'm not gaming, I like staying up late, like until 2 or 3 in the morning. I still get up at 8 AM to clock in my search hours, so I didn't think that gaming when the rest of my family are asleep was a problem. They did, and.........well, we had an argument the next day.
Yes, I agree with everyone else who has said that in general, gaming is good in moderation. But I will add this: if a person can't control his or her desire to play video games (and I am probably in this group), then even if they take care of their daily responsibilities, I don't think they should be playing. I've been thinking about how my life runs, and it's kinda disturbing how I want to play games all the time. I don't spend an excessive amount of time playing (1-2 hours daily), but I feel like that doesn't really matter in this case: the desire is still there, so the games might have to be shut off for a while.
Oh, and one minor note to the original post: I think what got a lot of gamers upset was that you said "grown men" as if video games were a childish waste of time (I'm not saying you think that, I'm saying that's probably how it was interpreted). Also, since you never said how long your brother spends playing per week (at least, I don't recall you saying that), we don't really have an indicator for what you consider excessive.
Thanks all for an interesting discussion. ^.^
As someone who plays a lot of video games and in his late forties, the real problem that I have is that I know I could be doing something more productive as well as creative, and having a Twitch channel is not exactly what I am talking about unless you have a thematic instructive twitch channel.
In my case, I could be writing a story, article, creating some art, posting random posters on Facebook that cause people to "share" the obvious pandering posts I have created. But this could be said about many hobbies/pastimes. Instead, I am playing Fallout 4 and collecting coffee cups and plates like I am a deranged hobo just to keep my power armor in good repair.
So the real question isn't "should we/grown men still be playing video games" it should really be "What should grown men be doing at all? and secondarily "What makes a grown man?" I could give you my ideas, and tell you all day long where I fall short. I remember back in grade school being called immature by my seventh grade teacher, now I wish I could have responded to her like Jack Nicholson in "As Good As It Gets" by saying "I'm drowning here, and your describing the water."
Final thought: like anything unhealthy, balance is they key, and you can tell when something is out of balance by the consequences. You won't find many in my case. I don't have kids or a wife. I am alone by an act of congress. But maybe that is telling in and of itself.
Very true, balance is the key. Nice nod to Nicholson, very fitting.
Interesting question. My answer: sure, why not? I'm a grown woman and I enjoy building with legos.I like coloring yet too! I think everyone has their thing that helps them unwind, an escape from reality. If the family's needs are met etc. then there's no harm... In my opinion.
There is nothing wrong playing videogames. It may be a hobby for some men.
Guys just sharing, I've found this interesting! Check it out! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXH0FisvFQo
I don't really understand what people mean by "constructive". There isn't really really anything that we are actually "supposed" to do. As long as we are doing something that makes us happy, not anything that seriously harms others, I'd say we are being constructive.
I am a married 25 year old male with a 40+ hour a week job, and I easily play video games at least 20 hours a week. I've been playing games since I was eight and I plan on continuing playing for as long as possible. Video games are no different than reading, watching TV, or any other pastime/hobby. As long as a person is keeping up with their responsibilities, they should be able to pursue their passions during their downtime.
I don't think so that grown men can't play video games as there are many games for adult one. I think games are better if they live alone and it will quite better to spend time by playing all these such types of which can improve theirs problem -solving skills and hand eye coordination. Which may keep them aware and active.
YES. Anyone should play who wants to. It IS constructive because it's fun. However, to address your thoughts, it should have its limits.
I'm 26 and don't have any kids, I stick to my phone like it's my fifth limb. Although I can verify, there are other things that I could probably be doing with my time, like getting fresh air - the biggest complaint I get, for me it's a way to cope with what I am going through.
I have mental issues, and it's hard for me to cope with my battles I fight with myself so I turn to video games like Call of Duty to release some of the stuff that is pent up inside of me.
I always play video games to relieve stress from work. It helps me to avoid a burnout.
It's alright for adults to play video games, as long as it does not hinder with their responsibilities or health. Playing from dusk til dawn is too much. People need sleep too.
Gaming (both video and board) involves many elements of problem-solving, so it's actually good for your brain, at least up to a point. Society should remove the stigma that video games are just for kids/boys; let people enjoy whatever non-harmful pastimes they wish without fear of judgment.
oh my boyfriend is a great fan of console games)) He has a big collection of video games and consoles, sometimes he download emulator https://romsopedia.com/roms/nintendo and play his favorite console game on PC. I also like to play games. Every fridey evening we gather with friends and play console games)) very fun!
How old is your boyfriend? What is it about his favorite console game that holds his attention? How long does he play a game ... and how often?
Just curious.
Is it a tragedy that grown men waste their time and energy on frivolous pursuits when so much needs to be done in life?
and days are short?
and life, though long, can also be short?
Are Men abandoning reality, wives, children, responsibilities?
...Health? Progress toward something worthwhile? Their own evolution?
Are they acting in an irresponsible and foolhardy manner?
Only they themselves can answer these questions.
I just hope they do.
Some are, most aren't. Games are fun, can provide an income, and are overall a positive influence on developing motor functions. I find the majority of those who are vehemently against gaming in general are older, female, and/or generally ignorant of anything further than surface opinion. It's these same ignorant individuals who keep the important issues that need to be discussed hidden behind a smokescreen of non-issues.
Ahem Ahem! Have I heard someone saying something about females here
My younger brother is a full-time gamer, which irritates me tremendously.
Though I have a special dislike for Fortnite, please do not consider this to be a hate speech. Lol!
See this: https://discover.hubpages.com/education … y-fortnite
KLH- "Are Men abandoning reality, wives, children, responsibilities?
...Health? Progress toward something worthwhile? Their own evolution?
Are they acting in an irresponsible and foolhardy manner?"
Only they themselves can answer these questions."
KF- "Some are, most aren't."
- "most" are not answering those questions? This loss of self-mastery is a tragedy. It can't end well.
You copy/pasted your own context and still managed to misinterpret my answer to you. My answer remains the same to every question you asked, some are doing as you think they are, but most are not.
Q.1.) Are Grown Men who still play video games abandoning:
Reality
Wives
Children
Responsibilities
Health
Progress toward something worthwhile
Their own evolution
Addicted?
Q.2.) Are they acting in an irresponsible and foolhardy manner?"
Only THEY t h e m s e l v e s can answer those two questions.
Maybe putting it out there so clearly makes some feel defensive.
Looking at all of the relevant statistics that could correlate with these stated guidelines you've created, the answer is still the same. You're digging for a blanket statement to be true when it just isn't. The people who are choosing to abandon these things exist, and their behavior is aberrant and concerning, but not all grown men who play games, not even most, are able to be placed in this strange category you're placing them in.
Perhaps you've mistaken your context, and did not mean to generalize an entire demographic based on limited perceptions?
-what relevant statistics?
-what stated guidelines?
-what "strange category"?
-what context?
-you wonder if I am generalizing all men
based on (my) limited perceptions."
... so how could I have fuller perceptions?
Hang out more with grown men who play video games?
I do know some and they do all the things mentioned above ... so ...
This is MY only POINT: They (Grown Men) know if they should or should not be playing video games. They alone can say whether they should or should not be playing. Their playing is not the problem.
It (their use of time) is up to them.
Video Game addiction can be a concern, but it's not just adults who suffer from it, nor is it just men.
That said, I think anyone of any age or gender can play Video Games if they don't let it interfere with their lives. Your brother should be more productive, but it's not a "your brother is an adult male" problem. It's a "your brother is a video game addict" problem.
But normally, yes, adult males should be allowed to play Video Games. So should adults of any gender and children of any gender, so long as it doesn't become destructive.
by Simon Cook 7 years ago
What are the pros and cons of letting children play video games?Depending on the expert you listen to Video Games can be good or bad. What are the pros and cons of letting children play video games? What are the parents responsibilities? Should the parent check out the game fully before allowing...
by Aloe Kim 5 years ago
How many hours a day do you spend playing video games?
by Jonas 11 years ago
How do video games effect your kids?There's been a lot of debate about video games and what effect they have or may not have on kids. But what is your experience, with your kids?
by Allen Donald 11 years ago
If you're over 40, why do you still play video games?I'm 44 and not ashamed to admit I own an Xbox and still really enjoy it when I get a chance to play. I think I'm of a generation that grew up with video games and I'll play them until the day I die.
by hotnewmama 10 years ago
How much time should a child be allowed to watch tv/play video games a day?My husband and I disagree about what the answer is. I dont feel kids need to watch tv or play video games, there are so many other things to do in a day! I could see like 30 min every other day... What do you think? Our son...
by NotSoPerfect 11 years ago
Guys, what do you think of girls who play video games?Is it true that guys like girl gamers? Or is that a myth?
Copyright © 2025 The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website. HubPages® is a registered trademark of The Arena Platform, Inc. Other product and company names shown may be trademarks of their respective owners. The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers to this website may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website.
Copyright © 2025 Maven Media Brands, LLC and respective owners.
As a user in the EEA, your approval is needed on a few things. To provide a better website experience, hubpages.com uses cookies (and other similar technologies) and may collect, process, and share personal data. Please choose which areas of our service you consent to our doing so.
For more information on managing or withdrawing consents and how we handle data, visit our Privacy Policy at: https://corp.maven.io/privacy-policy
Show DetailsNecessary | |
---|---|
HubPages Device ID | This is used to identify particular browsers or devices when the access the service, and is used for security reasons. |
Login | This is necessary to sign in to the HubPages Service. |
Google Recaptcha | This is used to prevent bots and spam. (Privacy Policy) |
Akismet | This is used to detect comment spam. (Privacy Policy) |
HubPages Google Analytics | This is used to provide data on traffic to our website, all personally identifyable data is anonymized. (Privacy Policy) |
HubPages Traffic Pixel | This is used to collect data on traffic to articles and other pages on our site. Unless you are signed in to a HubPages account, all personally identifiable information is anonymized. |
Amazon Web Services | This is a cloud services platform that we used to host our service. (Privacy Policy) |
Cloudflare | This is a cloud CDN service that we use to efficiently deliver files required for our service to operate such as javascript, cascading style sheets, images, and videos. (Privacy Policy) |
Google Hosted Libraries | Javascript software libraries such as jQuery are loaded at endpoints on the googleapis.com or gstatic.com domains, for performance and efficiency reasons. (Privacy Policy) |
Features | |
---|---|
Google Custom Search | This is feature allows you to search the site. (Privacy Policy) |
Google Maps | Some articles have Google Maps embedded in them. (Privacy Policy) |
Google Charts | This is used to display charts and graphs on articles and the author center. (Privacy Policy) |
Google AdSense Host API | This service allows you to sign up for or associate a Google AdSense account with HubPages, so that you can earn money from ads on your articles. No data is shared unless you engage with this feature. (Privacy Policy) |
Google YouTube | Some articles have YouTube videos embedded in them. (Privacy Policy) |
Vimeo | Some articles have Vimeo videos embedded in them. (Privacy Policy) |
Paypal | This is used for a registered author who enrolls in the HubPages Earnings program and requests to be paid via PayPal. No data is shared with Paypal unless you engage with this feature. (Privacy Policy) |
Facebook Login | You can use this to streamline signing up for, or signing in to your Hubpages account. No data is shared with Facebook unless you engage with this feature. (Privacy Policy) |
Maven | This supports the Maven widget and search functionality. (Privacy Policy) |
Marketing | |
---|---|
Google AdSense | This is an ad network. (Privacy Policy) |
Google DoubleClick | Google provides ad serving technology and runs an ad network. (Privacy Policy) |
Index Exchange | This is an ad network. (Privacy Policy) |
Sovrn | This is an ad network. (Privacy Policy) |
Facebook Ads | This is an ad network. (Privacy Policy) |
Amazon Unified Ad Marketplace | This is an ad network. (Privacy Policy) |
AppNexus | This is an ad network. (Privacy Policy) |
Openx | This is an ad network. (Privacy Policy) |
Rubicon Project | This is an ad network. (Privacy Policy) |
TripleLift | This is an ad network. (Privacy Policy) |
Say Media | We partner with Say Media to deliver ad campaigns on our sites. (Privacy Policy) |
Remarketing Pixels | We may use remarketing pixels from advertising networks such as Google AdWords, Bing Ads, and Facebook in order to advertise the HubPages Service to people that have visited our sites. |
Conversion Tracking Pixels | We may use conversion tracking pixels from advertising networks such as Google AdWords, Bing Ads, and Facebook in order to identify when an advertisement has successfully resulted in the desired action, such as signing up for the HubPages Service or publishing an article on the HubPages Service. |
Statistics | |
---|---|
Author Google Analytics | This is used to provide traffic data and reports to the authors of articles on the HubPages Service. (Privacy Policy) |
Comscore | ComScore is a media measurement and analytics company providing marketing data and analytics to enterprises, media and advertising agencies, and publishers. Non-consent will result in ComScore only processing obfuscated personal data. (Privacy Policy) |
Amazon Tracking Pixel | Some articles display amazon products as part of the Amazon Affiliate program, this pixel provides traffic statistics for those products (Privacy Policy) |
Clicksco | This is a data management platform studying reader behavior (Privacy Policy) |