The Rise of Elderly Gaming

Gaming, once seen as a hobby of the elderly, has faced a rather interesting change in recent years. In its latest report, Global Web Index has reported some startling findings. In the past 3 years, the number of gamers aged between 55 and 64 has increased by a staggering 32%.

There appears to be an increasing appetite for gaming amongst an older audience. Whilst younger age groups have seen little change in their number of users, this increase in the elderly gaming is certainly something to take into consideration, and this is something that those looking at studying for a Game Development degree may want to take note of.

What is the Reason for this Increase?

While it can be hard to pinpoint the exact reason for this increase, it is clear that the pandemic may very well have been highly influential in boosting these figures. However, it is likely that there is more to it than that. With the increase in easy-to-access technology, it has never been easier to game. An NPD report published earlier this year showed that there was a 17% increase in the number of mobile gamers over 45.

In general, elderly gamers simply have more free time on their hands, and they are turning their backs on the more traditional pursuits linked to their age group. Gardening and knitting are taking a back seat in favour of more active hobbies or those involving technology. Another interesting statistic highlighted by these reports is that 24% of older adults see gaming together as a great way to bond with the younger generation, and they may even have family members considering a Game Art degree for their future. Some grandparents, confused by their grandchildren’s talk about video games, have chosen to see what it was all about so that they could better understand their world.

Games that Help

One topic that will come up during any Game Development degree is the value of those games that can specifically help with things like brain training. This type of game is great for aiding seniors with their cognitive abilities. Whilst traditional pastimes like completing the daily crossword are great for helping in this way, games designed to train the brain offer a whole new level of brain stimulation. Some of these games may offer a range of complexities whilst others are much simpler. Brain training on any level is proving to be an increasingly popular distraction, as demonstrated by the overnight success of Wordle.

Games Courses at the University Of Bolton – Gaming Technology for the Future

If a career in gaming is something that you are considering, then there are a number of different routes that you may wish to take. A Game Development degree or a Game Art degree are both great options that can really open up your potential and pave the way to an incredibly rewarding career in an industry that shows no signs of slowing down.

At the University of Bolton, we offer a range of games courses suitable for this incredibly diverse technology sector. Our state-of-the-art facilities and specialist lecturers can provide you with the perfect springboard for gaining the expertise and skills that[1]  you need for a career in the gaming industry.

At the University of Bolton, we have been voted 1st in the Northwest of England for 'Satisfied With Teaching' for the second year running*. The university experience, we offer is one that truly encompasses #UniAsItShouldBe. Along with the high standard of education on offer, the welcoming diverse community supports every student, giving them all that they need to succeed.

If you would like to learn more about the university or our game-related courses, we would be delighted to talk to you. You can contact our friendly team of advisors at +44 (0)1204 900 600 or by messaging enquiries@bolton.ac.uk. See our available courses. 

*The Guardian University Guide - 2022, 2021.