Gaming as an Adult Beginner: My Journey from Skeptic to Enthusiast

My Unexpected Gaming Journey

At 55, I never imagined I’d be crafting survival shelters in a zombie apocalypse or leading valiant inquisitors through epic fantasy realms. For most of my life, video games were a foreign concept, relegated to a youthful pursuit that held no appeal. My own challenges, particularly a lazy eye and a resulting lack of hand-eye coordination, made any thought of navigating complex digital worlds seem utterly impossible. The pixelated adventures of the ’80s never captured my interest, and I certainly didn’t see myself as a “gamer.” This article is specifically for those interested in gaming as an adult beginner.

The Turning Point: Diablo III

About ten years ago, my chosen brothers introduced me to Diablo III. What began as passive observation soon morphed into curious participation, and a whole new world opened up. From helping Kevin as his “oracle” for Dragon Age: Inquisition to eventually conquering multiple versions of the game myself, I tumbled down the rabbit hole.

Embracing New Worlds

Since then, I’ve delved into the rich tales of The Witcher 3, explored historical landscapes in Assassin’s Creed, begun the cinematic Uncharted series, and am currently immersed in the vast universe of Mass Effect. I even fight zombies with my bestie in 7 Days to Die! My journey proves that beginning gaming as an adult is absolutely possible.

An Invitation to New Gamers

This article isn’t just my story; it’s an invitation for any adult curious about gaming, especially those who, like me, might feel “too old” or “not coordinated enough.” Join me as I share the unexpected joys, frustrating woes, and profound discoveries of my late-life dive into the world of gaming for adult beginners, proving that it’s never too late to pick up a controller and embark on your own epic adventure.

The Accidental Oracle: My First Forays

First Glimmers: An Accidental Introduction

My entry into gaming wasn’t a calculated decision; it was a slow, almost accidental immersion, beginning with the flickering glow of a 70” HD screen in our living room. My “chosen brothers,” deep into their latest adventure, introduced me to Diablo III. Initially, I was a spectator, watching them meticulously clear dungeons and amass mountains of glittering loot in a fascinating story.

What struck me wasn’t just the flashy combat, but the sheer visual spectacle and the satisfying cycle of defeating enemies, collecting gear, and growing stronger all the while hunting and defeating the demon lords. There was a rhythm to it, a compelling dance of destruction and reward that piqued my dormant curiosity like nothing had before.

Taking the Controller: A Clumsy Beginning

One evening, Steve handed me a controller. “Want to try?” he asked. My immediate thought was a panicked “No way,” envisioning myself fumbling awkwardly, but something in his calm demeanor, or perhaps just the sheer novelty, made me accept. The first attempts were, as expected, clumsy. My character stumbled, attacks missed their mark, and I frequently found myself overwhelmed. Yet, there was a primal satisfaction in landing a blow, seeing an enemy fall, and picking up a new, shinier piece of armor.

The learning curve was steep, but the cooperative nature of Diablo III was incredibly forgiving. My brothers were patient, guiding me through the chaos, and soon, I was not just surviving but actively participating, cheering for legendary drops, and strategizing about character builds. I’ve now completed Diablo III at least four times alone, and twice with them – a testament to its compelling replayability and the joy of shared victories. This was my proper introduction to gaming as an adult beginner.

The Oracle’s Role: Navigating New Worlds

My next step down the rabbit hole was even more unexpected. While Steve was away on a business trip, Kevin moved on to Dragon Age: Inquisition, a sprawling single-player role-playing game with intricate quests and a massive world. Recognizing my growing interest in the story, he enlisted me as his “oracle.” My mission: to find walkthroughs, unravel quest lines, and decipher optimal choices to assist his progression.

This was a revelation. I wasn’t just observing; I was actively participating in the strategic and narrative elements of the game. I scoured wikis and forums, absorbing the lore, character motivations, and consequences of their decisions. Becoming an “oracle” demystified the genre, transforming complex choices into understandable pathways. It was only a matter of time before I wanted to experience those pathways firsthand, controller in hand.

Deepening the Obsession: Expanding My Gaming Horizons

Embracing Narrative Depth with Dragon Age

My experience as an “oracle” for Dragon Age: Inquisition had unwittingly equipped me with a profound understanding of narrative depth in gaming. When I finally took the reins myself, the floodgates opened. I completed Inquisition at least three times, drawn in by its rich characters, the weight of every decision, the romance possibilities with my companions, and the compelling struggle to unite a broken world. This wasn’t just button-mashing; it was interactive storytelling, where my choices genuinely shaped the game’s destiny and the fates of its companions.

Exploring BioWare’s Worlds

This thirst for deep narratives led me back to Dragon Age: Origins and DA2, immersing me further in BioWare’s intricate lore, before I eagerly anticipated the newest Dragon Age. Even with the mixed reactions of the community, I loved Dragon Age: Veilguard—it still calls to me. It’s a key lesson in gaming for adult beginners: sometimes a game just clicks, regardless of popular opinion.

The Allure of The Witcher 3

It was a natural progression from there to The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Geralt of Rivia’s morally ambiguous world, populated by unforgettable characters and haunting tales, became my next obsession. I completed The Witcher 3 twice, not because I needed to, but because I craved more time in its beautifully rendered, brutal reality. The quests weren’t simple fetch missions; they were often miniature dramas, forcing difficult ethical choices with far-reaching consequences.

Narrative Power in The Witcher 3

From the heart-wrenching “Bloody Baron” questline to simply exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Skellige, The Witcher 3 proved that video games could deliver narratives as potent and nuanced as any novel or film. The satisfaction came not just from combat, but from seeing a complex story unfold, knowing my actions had contributed to its conclusion.

Immersive Sci-Fi with Mass Effect

My journey then took a sci-fi turn with the Mass Effect trilogy. Starting with Mass Effect 1, I was captivated by the sheer scale of its universe and the dynamic relationships I built with my squadmates. Commander Shepard’s saga felt intensely personal, a testament to the power of player agency in these games. Moving through ME2 and currently playing ME3, the emotional investment deepens with each character and every galactic crisis. These games truly showcased the spectrum of gaming for adult beginners, from intense space combat to profound interpersonal dialogue, all threaded through a compelling overarching story.

Venturing into Other Genres

While narrative-driven RPGs became my bread and butter, I also found myself drawn to other genres, albeit with a cautious approach due to my challenges with hand-eye coordination. The Assassin’s Creed series offered a blend of historical tourism and stealth action that proved surprisingly accessible. Assassin’s Creed: Syndicate whisked me to Victorian London, allowing me to explore bustling streets and master freerunning without requiring pinpoint accuracy in every combat encounter.

Further Exploration: Assassin’s Creed and Beyond

Origins then transported me to ancient Egypt, and Black Flag offered thrilling pirate ship battles and vast oceanic exploration. While combat in these games demanded more precision, the option for stealth and the sheer joy of traversing these meticulously recreated historical settings provided ample ways to enjoy them at my own pace. The Uncharted series, which I’ve just started, offers a cinematic adventure akin to an interactive movie, focusing on exploration and puzzle-solving, which my coordination can handle. And for any Batman fan, the Batman Arkham series is a must-play; the atmosphere and detective work are incredible.

A Dive into Cooperative Survival

Within all of these single-player forays came 7 Days to Die, a game that diverged wildly from my usual narrative-driven experiences. This was pure cooperative survival, a gritty, grid-based, sandbox building world teeming with zombies, where every day was a frantic scramble for resources and every seventh day a terrifying horde night. Playing this with my bestie has been a completely different kind of gaming joy. We scavenge for supplies, craft weapons, fortify our base, and strategize about how to withstand the next onslaught. My lazy eye and coordination issues are less of a hindrance here. Success relies more on planning, resource management, and effective teamwork. It’s a testament to the diversity of the gaming world, which offers experiences that cater to different skill levels and provide varied forms of connection.

The Freedom to Choose

It’s worth noting that not every game has clicked with me in the same way. I’ve made forays into the sprawling worlds of The Elder Scrolls and Skyrim, and even tried Diablo IV, but they haven’t drawn me in with the same magnetic pull as Witcher or Dragon Age. And that’s okay! A crucial piece of advice for gaming as an adult beginner is this: you don’t need to complete a game if you’re not into it or it doesn’t resonate with you. There are countless games out there, and your time is valuable. From epic sagas to desperate survival, my gaming horizons have expanded in ways I never thought possible.

The Joys and Woes: A Balanced Perspective

The Dual Nature of Late-Life Gaming

Embarking on this late-life gaming journey has been profoundly rewarding, yet it has presented its share of obstacles. For every triumphant quest completed, there have been numerous moments of genuine frustration. However, the joys experienced through gaming significantly outweigh these challenges. A primary benefit is the incredible escapism and stress relief it offers. After a demanding day, immersing myself in the fantastical worlds of games like The Witcher 3 or engaging in the strategic base defense of 7 Days to Die provides an unparalleled opportunity to unwind. It’s a complete mental escape, allowing everyday worries to recede into the background.

Mental Stimulation and Unexpected Connections

Beyond relaxation, gaming provides substantial mental stimulation. Navigating intricate quest lines, recalling detailed lore, solving environmental puzzles, and strategizing combat encounters or resource management in 7 Days to Die all contribute to keeping my mind sharp and actively engaged. It’s a continuous exercise in problem-solving and critical thinking, particularly beneficial for those new to gaming in adulthood. Perhaps the most surprising joy has been the development of connection and community. Playing Diablo III with close friends transformed what could have been a solitary activity into a shared adventure. Our successes were collective, and our failures often became sources of amusement.

Camaraderie and the Sweetness of Accomplishment

The bond formed while playing 7 Days to Die with my best friend has proven to be even deeper. Together, we’ve confronted countless zombie hordes, celebrated every successful scavenging expedition, and shared hilarious moments when one of us inevitably falls victim to our own freshly laid traps. These shared experiences, whether with family or friends, add a profound layer of camaraderie and joy that extends beyond the game itself.

There’s also a quiet satisfaction in feeling like a part of a larger, welcoming gaming culture, even without extensive involvement in online communities. Furthermore, there’s a powerful sense of accomplishment that comes with gaming. Finishing a lengthy and challenging RPG, such as Mass Effect or Dragon Age, and witnessing the credits roll after many hours of dedication is incredibly rewarding. It represents the culmination of overcoming obstacles, mastering game mechanics, and experiencing a grand narrative to its conclusion. In 7 Days to Die, this sense of achievement arises from surviving a brutal horde night against overwhelming odds or finally constructing an impenetrable fortress.

Overcoming Physical and Informational Hurdles

However, it would be inaccurate to portray this journey as one of constant success. My most significant challenge has consistently been hand-eye coordination, a difficulty compounded by my lazy eye. Precision aiming in first-person shooters or executing rapid, complex combos in action games can still be demanding. To address this, I’ve learned to adapt my gameplay.

For specific games, I consciously choose to play on “story mode” or easier difficulty settings. There is no shame in this; my primary objective is to enjoy the narrative and the game world, rather than focusing solely on demonstrating quick reflexes. In games like 7 Days to Die, teamwork plays a crucial role in mitigating this limitation. While my friend initially took on the role of the sharpshooter, I concentrated on building, mining, and strategically placing defenses. Over the years of playing together, we’ve even switched roles, with me now providing sniper cover while she constructs our fortifications.

In games like Assassin’s Creed and Batman: Arkham series, I often prioritize stealth over direct combat whenever possible, focusing on strategies that align with my strengths within the game’s mechanics.

Another ongoing challenge has been information overload. Modern games, especially RPGs, are vast and intricate. The sheer volume of quests, lore, character choices, and crafting recipes (particularly in 7 Days to Die!) can be overwhelming. While my past experience with complex information systems has been helpful, I’ve also learned to manage this by taking breaks, initially concentrating on the main storyline, and accepting that I don’t need to complete everything at once.

Navigating Frustration and Finding Solutions

Finally, there’s the unavoidable frustration that comes with gaming. Being stuck on a challenging puzzle, repeatedly failing against a boss, or losing hard-earned progress can be infuriating. My strategy for dealing with this involves perseverance, but also recognizing when it’s beneficial to step away for a while, clear my mind, and return with a fresh perspective. Sometimes, seeking assistance from friends or online guides is all that’s needed to overcome a particular obstacle. These challenges, once successfully navigated, only enhance the overall satisfaction of the gaming journey for someone new to it in their adult years.

Advice for Aspiring Late-Blooming Gamers

If my journey from gaming skeptic to enthusiastic adventurer proves anything, it’s that the world of video games is far more accessible and rewarding than you might imagine. For those of you contemplating picking up a controller for the first time, or dusting off an old console, here’s my heartfelt advice for gaming for adult beginners:

Embrace the Journey, Not Just the Destination:

Don’t feel pressured to be a “pro” gamer or to conquer every challenge or even every game you start. The true joy lies in the exploration, the storytelling, and the simple act of learning something new. Your progress is your own. If you feel like quitting a game because it is too slow, too hard, or even just too dull, don’t continue! Try something else! There are so many games and genres out there!

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help:

Just like my chosen brothers guided me through Diablo III and my bestie helps me survive 7 Days to Die, I rely on friends, family, or the vast online communities. Walkthroughs and tutorials are not a sign of weakness. In fact, they can be a lifeline that helps you overcome that seemingly impossible task that has stumped you for days!

Start Simple, or with What Interests You:

You don’t need to jump into the most complex or competitive games. If you’re drawn to in-depth stories, consider a narrative-rich RPG. If you enjoy building and strategizing, a cooperative survival game like 7 Days to Die might be perfect. Find a genre that resonates with your interests, not what you think you “should” play. And remember, as I learned with The Elder Scrolls and Skyrim, it’s okay to try a game and realize it’s not for you, or at least not for you yet. That’s a valid part of gaming for adult beginners.

Adjust Difficulty Settings Without Guilt:

Most modern games offer adjustable difficulty. There is absolutely no shame in playing on “easy” or “story mode” to fully immerse yourself in the world and story without the frustration of constant failure. Your fun is paramount.

It’s Never Too Late:

At 55, with a lazy eye and questionable coordination, I’ve found immense joy and connection through gaming. Age is just a number; curiosity and a willingness to try are all you need to begin gaming as an adult.

Focus on Fun:

If a game becomes unenjoyable, it’s okay to take a break or move on. Gaming should be a source of pleasure and relaxation, not another chore. Give yourself permission to explore and discover what genuinely brings you happiness.

If I Can Do It, You Can Too!

My unexpected journey into video games, which began with Diablo III and continued with the collaborative survival of 7 Days to Die alongside my best friend, has been nothing short of transformative. I’ve discovered rich stories, honed my strategic thinking, and forged deeper connections. I’ve proven to myself that age, a lazy eye, and a perceived lack of coordination are not barriers to entry.

This truly exemplifies gaming for adult beginners. Gaming has become a source of immense joy, mental stimulation, and a unique form of escapism. If my story, from the sidelines to the heart of epic sagas and zombie apocalypse survival, can inspire even one person to pick up a controller, then my quest is complete. What world will you explore next?