While I do think there's probably more younger people across the spectrum playing games than older folk, I still think you can find the person you're looking for. It's definitely become more socially acceptable I think for younger generations it's just become a more normal thing integrated into social life. Oh we can't go out? I'm down for some Minecraft or Animal Crossing, etc. I've known lots of women over the years that were "cool" and "attractive" but were heavy into video games. Older folk in general skew towards thinking they are damaging or juvenile. We had recently pitched a club at my library district, but once it reached the older board people, they didn't understand why one would even pose the idea in such an "institution," totally missing why gaming can be an incredibly nourishing hobby for everyone in some form. But yeah, even at my job I tend to find most older women roll their eyes at the thought of video games (I work with mostly middle aged women 40-60 with a few younger aged folk sprinkled in there). Games as a hobby has become more progressive aiming for all sorts of people, Fortnite, Roblox, Minecraft, etc. have all broken down a lot of walls for younger generations. Obviously misogyny is gonna still exist thanks to how early gaming marketing skewed perspective of video games as well as shooters and their tone being heavily ostracizing to women. Games like Fortnite let you gun down Goku as Ariana Grande, and shit like that does go a long ways to reaching different people.

I wouldn't sweat it too much. Sounds to me like you've found peace in reading through tough times. Maybe that's your new gaming. I personally bounce between things. Read for periods of time, then game, then watch movies/TV. Right now my infatuation is with the new Final Fantasy as I've been wanting a narrative driven game, and it's satiating that craving so far. After I beat this game, I'm going into patient gamer mode for a while, and picking up my dormant guitar that's sat for 10 years. I love music as well, so I want to up my game there and start to learn from scratch. If games fall by the wayside while I explore guitar then it's okay, I will find my way back to them when something strikes my interest. Until then we must follow our urges and let them go where they may.

I can't speak to being a step parent, I'm single and don't desire a relationship right now so I have lots of free time. I just realized over the years that I also don't want to look back and have all my time spent on one hobby that doesn't leave much to show for.

Have fun with the expansion, wrapped it up a few weeks ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. Makes me excited for their third game. Expansion area is packed with amazing detail. Don't forget to fly around in the clouds 🌨️

I've been jumping back and forth between The Finals Closed Beta and Battlebit Remastered when I'm not leveling my sorcerer on Diablo IV.

Outside of that, for demos I played the FF16 demo which blew my wig back. Lusant is another one coming from Don't Nod that I played a small chunk of and quit because I knew it was right up my alley and didn't need to see more, have a feeling it'll be a shorter experience. Then I tried Lies of P, which has busted HDR support on PC, so gonna give it a shot on PS5 today. Overall dug the vibe and combat, the influence from Bloodborne is all over the damn game.

Whoa, can you explain more about this? Seems neat, is it a backup community-run server?

Demo blew me away. Last time I got chills like that from a game was the intro to Last Of Us back when it launched on PS3. Been craving a narrative driven game but didn't expect this one to be so "mature." Really loved the intro and if it reviews well gonna pick up a copy on launch day.

Also I come from frequenting reddit (sorry for the trope), but I saw tons of coverage for the game the last several months. Yoshi P and crew have been pretty good at showcasing what this game entailed. Partially why it's been on my map as someone who usually isn't interested in FF.

I don't know if you have Game Pass Ultimate but you can use a controller and cloud stream the game. Not trying to sound like an advertisement just wanted to let you know it's an option if you don't have access to Series S/X. Last time I tested their cloud service, it wasn't too bad.

May the cautiousness be with you.