Breaking the Stereotypes: Ageism in Video Gaming and the Industry

 

Ageism in video gaming is a real issue, though it's not always openly discussed. It manifests in different ways, affecting both players and professionals in the industry. Here are some key areas where ageism shows up:

1. Ageism Among Gamers

• Stereotypes Against Older Gamers: There’s a common assumption that gaming is for younger people, despite the fact that many gamers from the '80s and '90s are now in their 30s, 40s, and even 50s. The idea that adults should "grow out of gaming" still exists, even though gaming is as legitimate a hobby as reading or watching movies.
• Multiplayer & Competitive Spaces: Older gamers, especially in esports and fast-paced online games, may be seen as "too slow" or "washed up." Some communities have a toxic attitude toward players who aren’t as quick as younger competitors.
• Content Catering to Younger Audiences: Many mainstream games are designed to appeal to younger demographics, sometimes neglecting deeper, more mature storytelling or mechanics that might engage older players.

2. Ageism in the Gaming Industry

• Hiring & Career Longevity: Game development is often seen as a "young person’s job," with many studios favoring fresh graduates over experienced professionals in their 40s or 50s. There's a bias that older employees are out of touch with trends or unwilling to work long hours.
• Crunch Culture: The demanding work culture in the gaming industry often makes it difficult for older developers, especially those with families, to keep up. Some companies subtly push out older employees in favor of younger talent willing to work extreme hours.
• Lack of Representation in Leadership: While some veteran game developers have lasting influence, many struggle to maintain leadership positions in an industry that often focuses on "new blood."

3. The Perception of Older Pro Gamers & Streamers

• Esports & Age Limits: Most esports athletes peak in their early 20s, and once they hit their late 20s or early 30s, they are often seen as past their prime. While some have transitioned to coaching or content creation, the industry rarely provides long-term career paths.
• Twitch & Streaming Culture: Older content creators sometimes face difficulty growing their audiences because younger streamers dominate platforms like Twitch and YouTube. Viewers often prefer younger personalities, assuming they are more "relatable" or "entertaining."

4. Changing the Narrative

• More Mature Gaming Experiences: The industry is slowly recognizing older audiences. Games like The Last of Us Part II, Red Dead Redemption 2, and Baldur’s Gate 3 feature deeper narratives that resonate with an older demographic.
• Representation Matters: More older protagonists, like Kratos in God of War, Joel in The Last of Us, or Geralt in The Witcher, help normalize older characters in gaming.
• Challenging Stereotypes: As the gaming population ages, attitudes may shift, making it more acceptable for older gamers to play competitively, stream, or work in the industry without stigma.

Ageism in gaming is a challenge, but as gaming becomes more ingrained in global culture, older players and developers are finding ways to push back against these biases.