When people ask my hobbies, I often hesitate some before saying. Even today, where multiple platforms exist for game playing, there still seems to be this prevalent idea that game playing is for little kids or horny teenage boys. When I say I play adventure games like Uncharted or Tomb Raider or even 1st person games like Call of Duty, I get looks that plainly say "You're not a 15-year-old boy. What are you doing?". When I say I play games like Animal Crossing or Pokemon or The Sims, I either get scoffs from people who don't think I'm a "serious gamer" or comments that say something to the effect of "Well you probably should have outgrown that game".
While I will not get into being a female gamer, as there is not much I can say that has not already been said, there seems to be an issue of playing games that might be initially aimed at younger demographics. This week, Pokemon Go has taken the nation by storm and has been extremely popular especially for college age and above groups. However, if I or others mention it to older adults, it becomes clear that Pokemon should be something for "little kids", especially boys. I have gotten the same feedback especially when I mention Animal Crossing, and I find it troubling.
The Animal Crossing series is a game on Nintendo platforms (The DS, Wii, and Gamecube mostly) where you are a human mayor running a town comprised of animal villagers. There is not much of a plot line, but as mayor, you can build public works projects, plant flowers, and trees, and spend time with your anthropomorphic villagers.
It is rarely an intense game. You can not 'beat' it in the same way you can beat games with final bosses or some end game enemy. But it is an important game, in that it can be a refuge from stress and heartbreak. The villagers in the game can move in and out but they always support the mayor and speak encouragingly. There is no violence in the game at all (unless you count being stung by bees) and the whole game encourages the player to slow down.
While this game series is pretty simplistic and easily accessible for younger players, it is just as valuable to older players. It provides an opportunity to get away and move at your own pace. You're not obligated to do anything in the game and the town can develop as quickly or as slowly as you want.
In a fast moving, violent world, it shouldn't be frowned upon to want to slow down occasionally, and games shouldn't be meant for one age or one time in life. Playing games like Animal Crossing and Pokemon shouldn't be seen as a mark of childishness.They are a refuge, a stress reliever, an anxiety reducer, and can hold an important part in someone's heart.
