After growing up as a typical Gen-X video game enthusiast in the ‘80s, I picked up a PlayStation controller again in my late forties and am still playing strong in my early fifties. Interestingly, I discovered that the Atari 2600—the console that first sparked my love for video games—turned fifty the same year I did (born in 1972 FTW!). This serendipitous milestone has reignited my passion for gaming and even inspired me to start a YouTube gaming channel. 🤓
Flashback: My First (Kinda Cringe) Gaming Channel Video
Gaming Over Forty: A Midlife Crisis? Think Again!
Is it immature to eagerly anticipate weekend gaming sessions with my PS5? If you’re nodding yes, then you might be missing out! Video games offer ageless, timeless fun—excellent for building imagination, coordination, and community. More than that, they provide deep life lessons for those who seek them.
Listen to Jake! | Credit: GenLeChat on Etsy
Embrace “The Suck”: Lessons from Early Game Struggles
The initial levels of a game can feel overwhelming or, more aptly, like “hot garbage.” You might flail and fail while mastering the controls, learning combat tactics, stealth moves, and chasing those elusive XP points. Despite the frustration—evident from the curses my cats have witnessed—embracing these challenges is crucial.
As Jake from Adventure Time wisely says, “Dude, sucking at something is the first step to being sorta good at something.” This mindset isn’t just for gaming; it’s a vital life lesson in perseverance.
The Only Way Out is Through: Navigating Life and Games
Ever thought you were right on top of your checkpoint, only to find you are so not on top of your checkpoint? Whether it’s swimming, climbing, or battling hostile machine dinosaurs, sometimes the path forward is anything but straight.
Life echoes this: it demands laughter, cursing, battling, failing, falling off cliffs, asking for help, and starting over. Remember, the checkpoint is just over the Horizon; the only way out is through.
“The Way Out is Through” | Virtual Photography by Jaye | Horizon Forbidden West
Chase the Flowers: Discovering Unexpected Treasures
Sticking strictly to the main storyline isn’t my style—I’m a wanderer at heart. I relish chasing after those exclamation points, embarking on random sidequests, raiding bandit camps, and saving small villages. More often than not, these smaller quests can lead to DLC content, incredible weapons, and killer new outfits. Embracing unexpected adventures also frequently yields significant rewards, including some delightfully obscure trophies.
“A Moment” | Virtual Photography by Jaye | Horizon Forbidden West
Power in Simplicity: Why Less is Often More in Gaming and Life
Once you’re in the groove, big-time upgrades and shiny new gear become tempting. Yet, sometimes, opting for a smaller, stealthier weapon over a flashy, powerful one is the more strategic choice. For example, my trusty bow and arrow often outperforms more heavyweight weapons. This “less is more” principle isn’t just a gaming strategy—it’s a powerful life lesson on appreciating and maximizing what you already have.
Game On: Embracing the Gamer’s Path in Life
Perhaps even more life parallels are hidden within the pixels of our favorite games—ones I’ve yet to discover. What profound lessons have you learned from your gaming experiences? Share your stories in the comments, and let’s nerd out together! 🤓 Thank you for reading, and as always, Keep Calm and Game On! 🥰💥 ~Jaye
“ILY w/ All My Mermaid Heart” | Virtual Photography by Jaye | Horizon Forbidden West
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