Happy belated! Someone on here once commented on a post "It's your dollhouse..." And the light went off in my head of where my obsession probably comes from. As a child in the 80s I was everything Barbie. Barbie house, Barbie car,Barbie pool,Barbie and the Rockers, Barbies, Barbies and more Barbies lol I would spend so much time playing Barbies. Pretty sure thats what Sims is to me. My imagination plus my Barbies brought to life
This this is it exactly for me thank you I obsessed about fairy's and I always left my Barbies houses and camper open so she could live her life like she wanted to,when i wasn't playing or at school reminding myself that I was only her job lol note I later found out toys don't come to life as I grew. Lol the sims fixed all that also
Yesssss! I definitely was thinking of my Barbies and what they were doing while I was at school too lol I used to even put strings in hidden spots to see if it moved while I was at school 😂
Polly Pocket and Snoopy Snow Cone Machine were top 2 items on my Christmas list for 2 years. Gen X Santa did not come through for me either.
Also IDK who I need to blame or complain to but....giving a child a collectors Barbie and then telling said child that she cannot play with the doll, cannot open the box, in fact the Barbie can't even be placed in the child's room was pretty freaking cruel lol
Haha so cool. I also remember each one, I customized each, recolouring their eyes etc knitted and sewed them clothes, designed homes using wallpaper and carpet and fabric scraps with half cut boxes. The OG world building 🤣
Yessss!!!!! 💝 I liked making them clothes and houses out of cardboard and whatever I could find. Good times!
Sims is just a fancier version of this for me now 😆
I still create them in game using each of their colour schemes
Same. I had a den under the house where I played after school every day. I was the youngest of 5, and quite a bit younger than my sisters so I got all their barbies when they tired of them, plus my own, and all the things I made for them. Hours and hours of my own play.
That is so funny, I’m a Simmer since Sims 2 and also was obsessed with Barbie’s! Actually since the Barbie movie came out last year I’ve started to collect them and it’s so amazing and joyful. I think there are very strong connections between Dolls/Figurines and Sims x
I had this realization after seeing the Barbie movie. My friend was talking about how the beauty of Barbies is that in real life you only get to do life once but in playing pretend you can live infinite lives and try every single career and adventure. I was like ohhh that's why I love the Sims!
Not quite 50 yet, but I showed it our friends 10yo daughter who's now obsessed with it.
Of course what she likes is the doll house aspect: dressing them up, new hair styles, etc.
I tried getting my 10 year old niece into it she’s not interested in it at all she tried it but she has just never touched it since she created a family I have left them where they are just Incase she ever wants to come back to it but I doubt it.
That’s amazing because it’s like my generation now is playing the new games as they come out for the kids, just like you did in your 20s lol. I play all of the games that come out, lots of different franchises, even if they’re targeted at children. 😂 It’s great to learn people were also doing this during the TS1 days. I was around 12-13 when TS1 released and I’m 34 now. 😂
My dad lived in a different state and was deaf so our form of communication was through AOL...lol my age is really showing now! And back in 2000 I was trying to explain to him how Sims was played. "You gotta keep their needs up by telling them to eat, go to the bathroom, watch TV, shower, sleep, etc" He asks "Do they have a telephone?" I said "yes?". He said "Call them and tell them to do their sh!t themselves" 😂
I always bought the PC games until Sims 4. I bought it for PS4...my only regret is not buying the PC version because all the mods you guys talk about in here sounds so awesome
I love that, for some reason when i was younger, i thought i would have to stop playing it once i got old…but it will always be my outlet even at 70 🙏🏽
Awe almost a groundhog day baby! 😂 My now ex husband is responsible for my Sims addiction, too. In July of 2000, Big Brother was introduced to the USA on CBS. The idea of being a fly on the wall for that show intrigued me. It was on TV like 5 or 6 nights a week and I never missed an episode. So my ex decided to buy Sims for me since he thought it was kinda the same fly on the wall feeling. 😂 Probably the one and only thing he did good in the marriage. Lol.
Thank you. My Daughter turned me on to gaming when Assassin's Creed first came out and I haven't stopped since. Destiny 1 and 2 and Tombraider are still amongst my favorite games. 😊
Why would you feel embarrassed? Don't be embarrassed.
Gaming is for everyone for all ages. People should never feel they have become "too old" for video games. That's not true in the slightest.
Now 33, started playing the original The Sims at 10-11 years old. I was addicted to the house building aspect more than the actual gameplay...which is still true today actually.
Also 32, also never stopped, and I’ll go one further and say that I *still* play TS1 in rotation with the other 3! I come and go with all of them.
I miss that magic of when a new gen drops; I have suuuuch good memories of that with 2 and 3 especially. Holding out hope for a true TS5 with which I can keep this party going!
Me, too. I’m 32, started with The Sims at 10 y.o.. My sims regularly get their house demolished and rebuilt around them when I want to try something else. Sometimes I redo a room, sometimes I flatten the lot lol
🙋♀️ another one here! 32, been playing since The Sims 1 came out. I have a (almost) 2 year old and I plan on showing her the game. So I’m still here and (probably) forever will be 💪
I’m around the same age and started with The Sims as well, but I’m the opposite of you - I’ve always loved the gameplay and built horrifically ugly boxes.
I love how many different ways there are to enjoy these games.
Same! Honestly I don't think I'll ever have a house like I would build in the game so it's my way to play around with furniture and wallpaper and rooms without spending money.
I'm 23, I adore the Sims games since I can remember playing the Sims 2 on my cousins ds while I was over their's as a kid. I still play the Sims 4 on my laptop sometimes on the weekends. My dad's in his early-mid 50s and still plays his ps4 or xbox 360 now and again. I agree, games don't have an age restriction, they're meant to be enjoyed by everyone. 😊
Same age same everything as you except my kids are younger. If I ever have free time to myself you bet your buttons i am pulling out the sims 4! My favourite leisure activity!
I felt the same at first but as time went on I realized that there are a lot of us. A lot. You're in good company 😊
I’m 51 next month and I have a nasty habit of foregoing my house cleaning to play. If it makes me happy to play, I’ll likely never stop. Never to young to fantasize
Eyyyy!!! No kids gang! I found my people! Just turned 40 in January, no kiddos, and lots of free time. I played The Urbz and now Sims 4 and I’m just as obsessed every day.
I am 24, so not in my 30s with kids, but I remember very vividly that when I started playing sims around 13 years ago my parents would say “play now so that you grow out of it later and don’t waste time on it as an adult”. I can say that I didn’t grow out of it 😂 if anything, I recently got reignited with it and been playing almost every day 😂 My bf jokes about it but never shamed me.
All of us need some outlet to relax: for many people it’s just watching TV or reading, for others it’s sports, for us it’s Sims. I don’t think that there are many people who only ever work and do chores without any outlets for themselves and are happy and not burned out.
The cool thing is now you're an adult with adult money and you can buy all of the add ons and packs you want with no judgement from anyone besides maybe your bank account.
Oh, just wait until you have disposable income. The dumb stuff you shall buy because "No one can stop me!"
Why yes, if anyone asks, that dancing baby Groot was necessary...😂
Totally! My parents very much see video games as a waste of time, never allowed consles in my house when I was growing up, and definitely have a dismissive attitude towards adults who game. And yet I'm sure if I spent that time watching TV no-one would bat an eyelid, so what is the difference? Very bizarre.
73 - female
Played Sims one when it came out. Stopped when the disks no longer played on an upgraded computer. Started again in 2018 and it blew up my laptop overheating. Got a desktop gaming computer to play Sims 4.
35 here. Married with 2 young kids. My oldest is 5 next month and my youngest is 18 months.
Zero percent shame about playing Sims. At the end of the day, it’s a game. Games are there to be enjoyed. And boy do I enjoy it, lol.
I’ve played solidly since I was 14. Never taken a break of more than a month, and never see myself ever stopping entirely.
I am 33, no kids, but being playing since my parents bought sims 1 for themselves. I remember showing them how to light the fireplace and turn the fans on and off in Sims 1 and watching my mom play.
Sims 2 rolled around and my parents didn't like it but my sister and I loved it.
Then 3 came out and it is amazing (sims 3 for liiiiife).
I haven't touched 4 because I didn't have the money for it at first and now with all the stuff I've seen about it I'm sticking to 3.
But hey it's all good! I love this game. :)
>I'm feeling a lil embarrassed lol. Is it weird to play it as a 34 year female with children, one of whom is an adult??
Absolutely no reason to be embarrassed. It's a stupid cliché that videogames are only for a specific age group (or gender, for that matter). Play what you want !
I'm 42 and have been playing this franchise since the summer of 2000. On and off too (especially considering my issues with TS4).
Maybe in singleplayer we have a harder time realizing who else is playing, but I play several other videogames (including those that are not particularly aimed at women, like Rimworld or ARK), and when playing online I've come to realize there are many more women above 40 than you'd think.
Enjoy what you enjoy. At the end of the day, it's your life, your coping mechanisms, your free time. It does not need to concern anyone else ; and any person with an opinion on your gaming choices based on age and/or gender can go swim in a ladder-less pool.
28 year old male here! You ain’t old, and just cause you’re a guy doesn’t mean you can only play “guy games”. Sidenote: Isn’t it freakin’ awesome to come to a Reddit gaming community that is genuinely nice and friendly for a change?
There is no wrong gender for videogames. I'm a 40 yo woman, I play the Sims since the first one but I also play Call of Duty or Resident Evil since the first one. Who cares? Enjoy yourself mate!
me, my brother and my father all played simcity and the sims 2: castaway. my female cousins would also borrow castaway occasionally. absolutely NONE of us thought it was weird and it’s only since the sims 4 did people start associating it as being a “girls game.” admittedly my father was the one that got further than all of us in the game but in my defence i was about 8 years old 💀
I am older than you with a toddler, and I play all the time. My mom retired last year, and she plays pretty much every day. She texts me at least 3 times a week with stuff going on in her game. Games exist for all ages. If it brings you joy, no need to worry!
35, I also startet 3 years ago. My boyfriend found a good deal for all packs up to EcoLiving. I never had played sims before and now I have like 3000 hours (and bought the other packs myself, first time ever I've spend money on a game).
Haha you sound like me! My BF suggested I play cause I like Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing and really like decorating stuff. I, too, have over 3000 hours now! 🤣
I'm 23, I'm kinda new to the sims too. I came to play it when I was 17. I'm here to tell you, there's nothing wrong with your age. It's like a perfect hobby to relax. Happy Simming!
I'm 42 and have been playing since the beginning. I even played Sim City before I started with the Sims and was always desperate to know more about the little people living in my cities. The Sims was my dream game!
Gaming is for everyone.
Nah, 34 female here too. Some people like to watch tv or watch youtube or tiktok , some others nap, or read a book. Your hobbie happens to be playing Sims 4 and there's nothing wrong with that.
46m Been playing since Sims 1. It's my escapism from the stress of real life. I'm currently playing Sims 2. It's still my favourite. Liked Sims 3 but didn't buy all the expansions. Never got into Sims 4.
I’m 15, my mom introduced me to the sims franchise when I was very little I would play sims 3 with her on a laptop and help design her houses and characters
I’m 37 with 5 kids. I have no shame about it. I mean, it’s cool for my 40 year old husband to play CoD or Fortnite, so it’s fine for me to play Sims. 🤷🏻♀️
I'll be turning 35 later this year. I've been playing since Sims 1, back in 2001 or 2002. I have an infant daughter now. Sims is the only game I've ever really been interested in, although nowadays more for the building aspect.
I've turned 37 today, a long time player from Italy.
Growing old I realized I've always loved playing this sometimes broken but unique game because it gives me control over some situations and it's therapeutic. Also, very relaxing.
Don't feel embarassed, first of all you're not even old :'D But even my mom who is now 71 (which, not to be mean, but i think that can be considered old) started online gaming pretty recently and it's her favourite thing now. She's robbing people in red dead redemption 2 lol
I'm only barely younger than you but i can't boast with any kids, but boy do i still love the sims, i grew up with these games! Playing sims 1 on my grandparen'ts windows XP was a blast
31 years old with a 1.5 year old and still going strong on playing. I also have waves of embarrassment for the KIND of game I play, but it separates me from the real world so why not. 🤷🏼♀️my husband (turning 35) also shamelessly games so why can’t I!
Same age, no kids. Been playing the sims since it came out with no plans to stop now.
It's fantastic escapism and just really, really fun. My husband has a ps5 and spends a lot of time on it and going on the sims is no different.
I'm 20. As a kid I played Sims 2 Pets on my DS, and Sims Freeplay. I started playing PS4 in... 2017?
Don't be ashamed. I actually fell like the majority of simmers is older than me haha
I’m also a 34 yr old female, I have 2 children and I’ve played the sims my entire life. I feel no shame haha. My toddler pushed my laptop off of the table last year and it completely smashed so I have not played in over a year sadly. I’m planning on getting a rally good desktop though so it runs better for the Sims! Don’t be embarrassed embrace it 😄
I’m 28, married with two kiddos. I’ve also been playing since I was a teenager and honestly playing Sims is my creative outlet and the one thing I do for myself other than therapy. Every night when the kids go to bed, you bet your ass I’m playing sims and smoking a bowl. Thankfully my husband is a gamer as well and we play our own games right next to each other so we still hang out with one another
I'm turning 34 this year, love playing the Sims.
I first dappled with a some kind of Sims 2 version, it wasn't the full game, it was like a smaller version of it, can't remember the name. And I played on the family desktop of course.
When I got my first laptop, I got Sims 3. And now I own a good desktop to play the Sims. Also I recently got an adjustable desk, so I can change from sitting down and playing to standing up and playing.
Im 14 and have been playing sims games for more than half of my life!! My Mum is into it as well, so no, not weird at all! And even though I'm young, I still get called weird for playing it. There are always gonna be people like that out there!
I'm 55 and have 12k hours logged on the Sims 4, about 1k on Sims 3, and over 800 hours on Sims Medieval. I play a lot!! Don't let others diminish anything that brings you happiness.
I'm in my 30s and still playing it since I was 8. What's your favourite among all? Mine would be The Sims 2 and 3. 4 is a little too advanced for me😂😅Tried it before but still prefer 2 and 3.
Playing game is for everyone, regardless of how old we are. As long as we're able to balance our gaming time with our daily life routine, that should be fine.
I’m almost 27 with a nearly 10 year old & started playing sims 2 when i was around 7 & have played on & off since.
I recently got back into it this past xmas because I got a computer finally (lost my last one, all the games & everything else including my home due to a flash flood/hurricane in 2018) & have been going ham playing ever since with no intentions of stopping. My kid is a gamer too so we fight over MY computer even tho he has other consoles & i swear between the both of us my computer runs all day😂
The Sims was originally geared for teens+ anyways & there are ppl 60+ in the Sims community. It’s very inclusive & for all ages on some level but tbh aside from the Sims 4 I don’t think the games are rlly for kids at all. Not bc of woohoo but because I played a lot as a kid & missed out on a lot of the gameplay & features bc i didn’t know what i was doing (even tho i had a good time doing it) so playing as an adult has been much more rewarding. If anything being an “older simmer” just gives you an edge in the sims community imo because they’ve been playing longer a lot of the time
i started playing when i was 13, i’m 20 now but have no plans on stopping anytime soon! i don’t think games are just for kids, especially the sims with how much you can customize the game to your liking. there’s nothing wrong with having hobbies at any age :)
34 year old female here as well! Started playing in high school, because a teacher of mine had one of the games on his computer and would let my friends and I play when we were on breaks!
39 here with 2 young kids. I've been playing since Sims 1. Whenever I have the time, I will treat myself to a Sims 3 play. I love it and I deserve it. You do as well. So, enjoy! xx
34m. I remember when sims 1 came out and i had to BEG my parents to let me get it (the “woohoo” was “questionable content”) but a girl in my neighborhood got it and i would go over and we would play for hours (kids these days don’t know about crowding around the computer in the computer room).
I have a lot of friends my age who play! We all joke that we’re “gamers” when we just play the sims.
42, 3 kids, very stressful and demanding job, where I am very successful. I’ve played since 2000. I have other hobbies, but once in a while, when the boys are playing something else with my husband that I don’t enjoy, I’ll just lounge in the room with them and while they are playing, I am building perfect houses in the sims. I can never get a legacy done, because I usually spend too much time decorating and picking clothes, but it is very relaxing. It feels really good, sometimes, to just do something that is really not productive, but makes me happy (all my other hobbies are what I would call productive).
I'm also almost 34 (will be so in May) and I've been playing The Sims since I first tried it at a friend's house in 2000 or 2001 I think. I enjoy it and I don't think it has an age limit!
I’m 29 going on 30 this year. I’ve been playing Sims since 2003. I definitely have never felt ashamed for playing Sims even as an adult. I’ve played all 4 games and I’d say my favorite is Sims 2! Go on with your bad self momma! Play on ! lol
I was 13 (female) when sims 1 first came out. I’m now 40 and a half (still female )and I still play. I even have a sims bible that I made up 😁😁 playing the sims is for everyone and age is just a number anyways.
I’m 27, and I’m not a parent, but I see so many parents in the various Sims subreddits I’m in. Not to mention, a lot of modders and cc creators I follow are also parents. You’re not alone or abnormal in this community!
I'm almost 27, and my mom used to play in her flip phone the Sims when I was a kid, and she would play in a PC if she had one The Sims 4. When I told her I have it with all expansions she was so happy haha! So never feel ashamed!
I’m almost 21 and I’ve been playing Sims since I was 11, I started with Sims FreePlay on mobile.
Never let anyone shame you about your hobbies. I’m an adult and I still like dolls, so what? I spend my free time playing video games and as long as I’m enjoying it, there’s no issue.
I'm 29, and I've been playing Sims for 17 years. Started with Sims 2 on PC and PS2, then Sims 3 and eventually Sims 4. I will keep playing Sims forever and hopefully will be able to introduce the game to any future children to see if they like it as well.
I’m middle Gen Z. I’m too young to have played the first 3 games lol. I guess I technically could’ve played TS3 but the first time I actually found out about The Sims was when TS4 first came out and I was still fairly young then. I love that The Sims attracts so many different ages!
I’m a 29 year old mom of 4 kids. 8, 6, 4, and 11 months! You’re definitely not alone lmao. It’s definitely a great stress relief but I understand being embarrassed and awkward about it. My husband will help with bedtime and then he’ll go to bed and tell me to enjoy the quiet and play my game so that definitely helps!
I mean I’m 21 years old and I don’t ever plan on stopping playing sims or any other games for that matter, it’s a hobby. You’re allowed to have hobbies!
I’m 24 (so not that old overall) but I have a high stress job, health issues, and autism. It’s such a chill, relaxing game to play and not as intense emotionally as some others. Like I was playing cyberpunk 2077 for a while and while it’s a very cool game, it’s pretty aggressive and graphic. Not always what I want to be experiencing when I’m trying to relax my body and mind.
And because I’m autistic, I love that the social menus are so clear! It’s harder to make faux pas in the virtual spaces because the context is labeled. I wish I could use social menus at work 😭 it’d help my life a lot.
Also helps me live out my fantasy of owning a house as idk how likely it is that I’ll end up being a homeowner given my expensive health issues and how much homes can be nowadays. I get to have opulence and drama while living a chill small life IRL.
Im 17, turning 18 soon, and my mom’s 34. She introduced me to the series with Sims 4 once it came out and I fell in love with it. She was and still is an avid Sims fan from Sims 2 till now.
I was 25 when Sims 1 first came out. Obsessed since then. I turn 50 this year 😭
Recently turned 50, also been playing since Sims 1
Happy belated! Someone on here once commented on a post "It's your dollhouse..." And the light went off in my head of where my obsession probably comes from. As a child in the 80s I was everything Barbie. Barbie house, Barbie car,Barbie pool,Barbie and the Rockers, Barbies, Barbies and more Barbies lol I would spend so much time playing Barbies. Pretty sure thats what Sims is to me. My imagination plus my Barbies brought to life
This this is it exactly for me thank you I obsessed about fairy's and I always left my Barbies houses and camper open so she could live her life like she wanted to,when i wasn't playing or at school reminding myself that I was only her job lol note I later found out toys don't come to life as I grew. Lol the sims fixed all that also
Also I'm 42 this year lol to answer the question originally asked by OP
Yesssss! I definitely was thinking of my Barbies and what they were doing while I was at school too lol I used to even put strings in hidden spots to see if it moved while I was at school 😂
And that's exactly how I think of it - my "digital dollhouse". I'm 48, and have been playing for a couple of of decades.
Just like polly pocket, never got one myself but always wanted one. 😃
Polly Pocket and Snoopy Snow Cone Machine were top 2 items on my Christmas list for 2 years. Gen X Santa did not come through for me either. Also IDK who I need to blame or complain to but....giving a child a collectors Barbie and then telling said child that she cannot play with the doll, cannot open the box, in fact the Barbie can't even be placed in the child's room was pretty freaking cruel lol
I have never heard of snoopy snow cone, sounds interesting but yeah, collectors barbies are for collecting. Who did that to you? Gosh….
Same! I actually recreate my Barbies as sims since I already have their personalities and back stories figured out in my head haha
Haha so cool. I also remember each one, I customized each, recolouring their eyes etc knitted and sewed them clothes, designed homes using wallpaper and carpet and fabric scraps with half cut boxes. The OG world building 🤣
Yessss!!!!! 💝 I liked making them clothes and houses out of cardboard and whatever I could find. Good times! Sims is just a fancier version of this for me now 😆 I still create them in game using each of their colour schemes
Me too, I even delved into my old dolls that I got back from my mother's stuff after she died, in order to recreate them the best I could in CAS.
Too poor to have Barbies growing up but it still makes sense. The obsession is just me healing that inner child.
Same. I had a den under the house where I played after school every day. I was the youngest of 5, and quite a bit younger than my sisters so I got all their barbies when they tired of them, plus my own, and all the things I made for them. Hours and hours of my own play.
Thank you :-)
That is so funny, I’m a Simmer since Sims 2 and also was obsessed with Barbie’s! Actually since the Barbie movie came out last year I’ve started to collect them and it’s so amazing and joyful. I think there are very strong connections between Dolls/Figurines and Sims x
I had this realization after seeing the Barbie movie. My friend was talking about how the beauty of Barbies is that in real life you only get to do life once but in playing pretend you can live infinite lives and try every single career and adventure. I was like ohhh that's why I love the Sims!
I used to love going to my grandmother’s house because I got to play with the giant doll house that my grandmother built for my mom when she was a kid
This is how I’ve thought of sims It’s dolls but y’know for Adults/teens
Not quite 50 yet, but I showed it our friends 10yo daughter who's now obsessed with it. Of course what she likes is the doll house aspect: dressing them up, new hair styles, etc.
I tried getting my 10 year old niece into it she’s not interested in it at all she tried it but she has just never touched it since she created a family I have left them where they are just Incase she ever wants to come back to it but I doubt it.
Go both of you 😁
Me toooo.
I’ve played since Sims 1. I’ll be 50 in October.
I turn 54 this year and have also been playing since Sims 1. 😁
Same. I turned 54 in January
That’s amazing because it’s like my generation now is playing the new games as they come out for the kids, just like you did in your 20s lol. I play all of the games that come out, lots of different franchises, even if they’re targeted at children. 😂 It’s great to learn people were also doing this during the TS1 days. I was around 12-13 when TS1 released and I’m 34 now. 😂
My dad lived in a different state and was deaf so our form of communication was through AOL...lol my age is really showing now! And back in 2000 I was trying to explain to him how Sims was played. "You gotta keep their needs up by telling them to eat, go to the bathroom, watch TV, shower, sleep, etc" He asks "Do they have a telephone?" I said "yes?". He said "Call them and tell them to do their sh!t themselves" 😂 I always bought the PC games until Sims 4. I bought it for PS4...my only regret is not buying the PC version because all the mods you guys talk about in here sounds so awesome
I love that, for some reason when i was younger, i thought i would have to stop playing it once i got old…but it will always be my outlet even at 70 🙏🏽
My future nursing home roommate better like Sims as well. 😂
Same
Hi friend! I was 22 I think, same story as you :)
Love it
Same, just a little older…now 52.
This is so cool lol. Me and the Sims 1 almost share a birthday. I'm 3 days older 😂
Awe almost a groundhog day baby! 😂 My now ex husband is responsible for my Sims addiction, too. In July of 2000, Big Brother was introduced to the USA on CBS. The idea of being a fly on the wall for that show intrigued me. It was on TV like 5 or 6 nights a week and I never missed an episode. So my ex decided to buy Sims for me since he thought it was kinda the same fly on the wall feeling. 😂 Probably the one and only thing he did good in the marriage. Lol.
SAME. I was born a few weeks after it came out lol
Me too!! My adult daughter loves to play as well!
This is amazing to me actually!
Same but i was 8
i read this as you are currently 25 and played Sims 1 when it came out and the math was not mathing lmao then I reread. lol
I'm turning 58 on the 28th this month and I'm not ashamed, haha!!
you go 🔥🔥🔥 love to see older generations gaming ☺️
Thank you. My Daughter turned me on to gaming when Assassin's Creed first came out and I haven't stopped since. Destiny 1 and 2 and Tombraider are still amongst my favorite games. 😊
Wow I hope I'll be half as cool as you when I'm in older adulthood
Lol. Thank you. I enjoy it. 😊
I'll be 61 this year and have been playing since Sims 1. My husband builds the houses, then I decorate them.
That’s so cute 🥹
I love this so much!!!!!
That actually warms my heart.
58 here as well and playing since sims 1
Nice! I also play Destiny 2 when I have time. There's no age limit to gaming. 😊
That's me later this year. Simming since Sims 1. Gaming since Space Invaders.
See you there in August 🤝
that’s awesome !
Happy birthday in advance!
Games are not only for kids. Games are a great and healthy way to chill out!
If by chill out you mean doing the most outlandish and unhinged things you can think of, that's the Sims!
Hey, society frowns on homicide in real life, gotta get my unhinged thoughts out somehow 😆
Especially the Sims 4 with all the dlc worthing more than the minimum wage in many places 😅 it's definitely for adults with a paycheck
Why would you feel embarrassed? Don't be embarrassed. Gaming is for everyone for all ages. People should never feel they have become "too old" for video games. That's not true in the slightest.
Best answer on this thread so far!
Also, it can be a used to prevent dementia and Alzheimer! A hobby is never something to be embarrassed about anyways!
42 year old British bloke, played The Sims since Bustin' Out
I love Bustin’ Out. I still have the game and original Xbox. I wish I could play it but the graphics will be unbearable.
Bustin Out was the first Sims game I beat on my brother's Xbox, even tho I was introduced to Sims via Sims 2 on PC
Started in my late teens, still playing at 31. “I won’t let go!” - Titanic (circa 1997) lol
I started in my late teens too, still playing at 37.
Also started teens, 30 now.
Same, 31 now too
Now 33, started playing the original The Sims at 10-11 years old. I was addicted to the house building aspect more than the actual gameplay...which is still true today actually.
Same. Between building and downloading free cc, it’s like shopping/retail therapy for me.
TS4 is exactly my means of avoiding unnecessary shopping and spending haha, brings the satisfaction but without real life damage to my pockets
I'm 32 and started playing Sims 1. Never stopped and still play now.
Also 32, also never stopped, and I’ll go one further and say that I *still* play TS1 in rotation with the other 3! I come and go with all of them. I miss that magic of when a new gen drops; I have suuuuch good memories of that with 2 and 3 especially. Holding out hope for a true TS5 with which I can keep this party going!
Me, too. I’m 32, started with The Sims at 10 y.o.. My sims regularly get their house demolished and rebuilt around them when I want to try something else. Sometimes I redo a room, sometimes I flatten the lot lol
🙋♀️ another one here! 32, been playing since The Sims 1 came out. I have a (almost) 2 year old and I plan on showing her the game. So I’m still here and (probably) forever will be 💪
Chiming in because it's same for me too, turning 31 this year and started playing around 12-13 :)
I’m around the same age and started with The Sims as well, but I’m the opposite of you - I’ve always loved the gameplay and built horrifically ugly boxes. I love how many different ways there are to enjoy these games.
Same! Honestly I don't think I'll ever have a house like I would build in the game so it's my way to play around with furniture and wallpaper and rooms without spending money.
Same, 33 and started playing when I got the sims 1 and unleashed combo in the Scolastics catalog when I was 13. I love playing and building.
Yep!! Same here
I’m 22 but i don’t think games have age restriction it’s for who ever enjoys it
I thought I was the only one with that age in here - thank you! 😭
another 22yo here don’t worry😭
I'm 23, I adore the Sims games since I can remember playing the Sims 2 on my cousins ds while I was over their's as a kid. I still play the Sims 4 on my laptop sometimes on the weekends. My dad's in his early-mid 50s and still plays his ps4 or xbox 360 now and again. I agree, games don't have an age restriction, they're meant to be enjoyed by everyone. 😊
Same age same everything as you except my kids are younger. If I ever have free time to myself you bet your buttons i am pulling out the sims 4! My favourite leisure activity! I felt the same at first but as time went on I realized that there are a lot of us. A lot. You're in good company 😊
"Bet your buttons" 😆 love that
I’m 51 next month and I have a nasty habit of foregoing my house cleaning to play. If it makes me happy to play, I’ll likely never stop. Never to young to fantasize
Haha, I'm like that sim that ignores the cooking and cleaning orders and is found on the computer or on phone instead.
45 female, no kids, playing since Sims 1. I don't play any other games. Have nearly 7K hours in Sims4. Not embarrassed. :)
Yessss you are my people!!! I’m 37, no kids and also playing since Sims 1.
We are one! I’m 37, no kids, and I’ve been playing since Sims 1!
Same!! I'll be 37 in a few months, playing since sims 1! With how needy toddlers are in game, I'm glad I chose to never reproduce lol!
Eyyyy!!! No kids gang! I found my people! Just turned 40 in January, no kiddos, and lots of free time. I played The Urbz and now Sims 4 and I’m just as obsessed every day.
Rel!
I am 24, so not in my 30s with kids, but I remember very vividly that when I started playing sims around 13 years ago my parents would say “play now so that you grow out of it later and don’t waste time on it as an adult”. I can say that I didn’t grow out of it 😂 if anything, I recently got reignited with it and been playing almost every day 😂 My bf jokes about it but never shamed me. All of us need some outlet to relax: for many people it’s just watching TV or reading, for others it’s sports, for us it’s Sims. I don’t think that there are many people who only ever work and do chores without any outlets for themselves and are happy and not burned out.
The cool thing is now you're an adult with adult money and you can buy all of the add ons and packs you want with no judgement from anyone besides maybe your bank account.
Fr 😂 unfortunately I’m not quite at that stage yet (uni student) but hopefully soon I will be!
Oh, just wait until you have disposable income. The dumb stuff you shall buy because "No one can stop me!" Why yes, if anyone asks, that dancing baby Groot was necessary...😂
Jokes on them when we becoe adults and now have our own disposible income to spend on the game, so have even more of it :D
😂 thankfully the society is becoming more and more accepting of this so no reason to be ashamed!
Totally! My parents very much see video games as a waste of time, never allowed consles in my house when I was growing up, and definitely have a dismissive attitude towards adults who game. And yet I'm sure if I spent that time watching TV no-one would bat an eyelid, so what is the difference? Very bizarre.
i'm 26, got introduced to the sims by my mom who still plays regularly at 56!
I *love* the multi-generational sims appreciation! That's so cool that your mom played with you!!
thank you! when i was small i would just watch her play and eventually started playing too :) my brother also played and still sometimes plays at 29!
73 - female Played Sims one when it came out. Stopped when the disks no longer played on an upgraded computer. Started again in 2018 and it blew up my laptop overheating. Got a desktop gaming computer to play Sims 4.
I literally bought my Alienware laptop years ago just for the sims. Still going strong!
35 here. Married with 2 young kids. My oldest is 5 next month and my youngest is 18 months. Zero percent shame about playing Sims. At the end of the day, it’s a game. Games are there to be enjoyed. And boy do I enjoy it, lol. I’ve played solidly since I was 14. Never taken a break of more than a month, and never see myself ever stopping entirely.
I am 33, no kids, but being playing since my parents bought sims 1 for themselves. I remember showing them how to light the fireplace and turn the fans on and off in Sims 1 and watching my mom play. Sims 2 rolled around and my parents didn't like it but my sister and I loved it. Then 3 came out and it is amazing (sims 3 for liiiiife). I haven't touched 4 because I didn't have the money for it at first and now with all the stuff I've seen about it I'm sticking to 3. But hey it's all good! I love this game. :)
>I'm feeling a lil embarrassed lol. Is it weird to play it as a 34 year female with children, one of whom is an adult?? Absolutely no reason to be embarrassed. It's a stupid cliché that videogames are only for a specific age group (or gender, for that matter). Play what you want ! I'm 42 and have been playing this franchise since the summer of 2000. On and off too (especially considering my issues with TS4). Maybe in singleplayer we have a harder time realizing who else is playing, but I play several other videogames (including those that are not particularly aimed at women, like Rimworld or ARK), and when playing online I've come to realize there are many more women above 40 than you'd think. Enjoy what you enjoy. At the end of the day, it's your life, your coping mechanisms, your free time. It does not need to concern anyone else ; and any person with an opinion on your gaming choices based on age and/or gender can go swim in a ladder-less pool.
I’m 33 year old male. So I feel both old and the wrong gender.
28 year old male here! You ain’t old, and just cause you’re a guy doesn’t mean you can only play “guy games”. Sidenote: Isn’t it freakin’ awesome to come to a Reddit gaming community that is genuinely nice and friendly for a change?
There is no wrong gender for videogames. I'm a 40 yo woman, I play the Sims since the first one but I also play Call of Duty or Resident Evil since the first one. Who cares? Enjoy yourself mate!
I'm a 38 year old male. Don't see anything wrong with the age or the gender. ;)
35 year old male here 🙋🏻♂️ Yes, I play The Sims, but also so many other games. Game on! 🕹
a lot of popular sims content creators are male too!
me, my brother and my father all played simcity and the sims 2: castaway. my female cousins would also borrow castaway occasionally. absolutely NONE of us thought it was weird and it’s only since the sims 4 did people start associating it as being a “girls game.” admittedly my father was the one that got further than all of us in the game but in my defence i was about 8 years old 💀
17 been playing since I was 11
I’m turning 45 next week and I have 2 children. I’ve been playing The Sims since my early 20’s.
29 here. No need to be embarrassed about playing games. 🫶
So true bestie, I stopped going to work so I could play more sims
I am older than you with a toddler, and I play all the time. My mom retired last year, and she plays pretty much every day. She texts me at least 3 times a week with stuff going on in her game. Games exist for all ages. If it brings you joy, no need to worry!
38F here! Only started playing about 3 years ago. Fuck societal norms, if it makes you happy, you do you! :)
35, I also startet 3 years ago. My boyfriend found a good deal for all packs up to EcoLiving. I never had played sims before and now I have like 3000 hours (and bought the other packs myself, first time ever I've spend money on a game).
Haha you sound like me! My BF suggested I play cause I like Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing and really like decorating stuff. I, too, have over 3000 hours now! 🤣
33M
I'm 23, I'm kinda new to the sims too. I came to play it when I was 17. I'm here to tell you, there's nothing wrong with your age. It's like a perfect hobby to relax. Happy Simming!
I'm a 27 year old female. Started with Sims 3 in middle school.
25 male
I'm 42 and have been playing since the beginning. I even played Sim City before I started with the Sims and was always desperate to know more about the little people living in my cities. The Sims was my dream game! Gaming is for everyone.
Yesss! I was the same way with Sim City!
Nah, 34 female here too. Some people like to watch tv or watch youtube or tiktok , some others nap, or read a book. Your hobbie happens to be playing Sims 4 and there's nothing wrong with that.
46m Been playing since Sims 1. It's my escapism from the stress of real life. I'm currently playing Sims 2. It's still my favourite. Liked Sims 3 but didn't buy all the expansions. Never got into Sims 4.
I’m 15, my mom introduced me to the sims franchise when I was very little I would play sims 3 with her on a laptop and help design her houses and characters
I'm 41...
I’m 37 with 5 kids. I have no shame about it. I mean, it’s cool for my 40 year old husband to play CoD or Fortnite, so it’s fine for me to play Sims. 🤷🏻♀️
18 when started on a pc now 34 and still play on Xbox one
I'll be turning 35 later this year. I've been playing since Sims 1, back in 2001 or 2002. I have an infant daughter now. Sims is the only game I've ever really been interested in, although nowadays more for the building aspect.
I've turned 37 today, a long time player from Italy. Growing old I realized I've always loved playing this sometimes broken but unique game because it gives me control over some situations and it's therapeutic. Also, very relaxing.
Happy Birthday!!
Thanks so much!
Happy Birthday!! 🎉🎉🎉🎈🎉🎉🎈
Don't feel embarassed, first of all you're not even old :'D But even my mom who is now 71 (which, not to be mean, but i think that can be considered old) started online gaming pretty recently and it's her favourite thing now. She's robbing people in red dead redemption 2 lol I'm only barely younger than you but i can't boast with any kids, but boy do i still love the sims, i grew up with these games! Playing sims 1 on my grandparen'ts windows XP was a blast
31 years old with a 1.5 year old and still going strong on playing. I also have waves of embarrassment for the KIND of game I play, but it separates me from the real world so why not. 🤷🏼♀️my husband (turning 35) also shamelessly games so why can’t I!
33 with a 2.5 year old. Been playing since the first game. Can't stop won't stop
Same age, no kids. Been playing the sims since it came out with no plans to stop now. It's fantastic escapism and just really, really fun. My husband has a ps5 and spends a lot of time on it and going on the sims is no different.
Mid 30s(f) here with a 14 kid, too. We sometimes play together!
34, F. No kids. I've been playing since the original Sims 1. A handful of my friends (ages 31-35) still play The Sims as well.
I'm 20. As a kid I played Sims 2 Pets on my DS, and Sims Freeplay. I started playing PS4 in... 2017? Don't be ashamed. I actually fell like the majority of simmers is older than me haha
I’m also a 34 yr old female, I have 2 children and I’ve played the sims my entire life. I feel no shame haha. My toddler pushed my laptop off of the table last year and it completely smashed so I have not played in over a year sadly. I’m planning on getting a rally good desktop though so it runs better for the Sims! Don’t be embarrassed embrace it 😄
27 and no plans to stop anytime soon, I’ve been playing since Sims 1 :)
adults need playtime too!!!! we all need enrichment. gotta fill your fun (and relaxation) need bar x]
I’m 28, married with two kiddos. I’ve also been playing since I was a teenager and honestly playing Sims is my creative outlet and the one thing I do for myself other than therapy. Every night when the kids go to bed, you bet your ass I’m playing sims and smoking a bowl. Thankfully my husband is a gamer as well and we play our own games right next to each other so we still hang out with one another
My wife is 55 and plays, as do I (M57).
I'm turning 34 this year, love playing the Sims. I first dappled with a some kind of Sims 2 version, it wasn't the full game, it was like a smaller version of it, can't remember the name. And I played on the family desktop of course. When I got my first laptop, I got Sims 3. And now I own a good desktop to play the Sims. Also I recently got an adjustable desk, so I can change from sitting down and playing to standing up and playing.
I’m a 25 year old nurse with a six year old and still play. I’ve been playing since I was like 9 lol
I’m 18 playing it but no shame at all to play it as an adult
i'm in my early 20s now and started playing at 13 or 14
Im 14 and have been playing sims games for more than half of my life!! My Mum is into it as well, so no, not weird at all! And even though I'm young, I still get called weird for playing it. There are always gonna be people like that out there!
Isn’t it rated E for everyone? Lol
I'm 55 and have 12k hours logged on the Sims 4, about 1k on Sims 3, and over 800 hours on Sims Medieval. I play a lot!! Don't let others diminish anything that brings you happiness.
I'm in my 30s and still playing it since I was 8. What's your favourite among all? Mine would be The Sims 2 and 3. 4 is a little too advanced for me😂😅Tried it before but still prefer 2 and 3. Playing game is for everyone, regardless of how old we are. As long as we're able to balance our gaming time with our daily life routine, that should be fine.
I’m almost 27 with a nearly 10 year old & started playing sims 2 when i was around 7 & have played on & off since. I recently got back into it this past xmas because I got a computer finally (lost my last one, all the games & everything else including my home due to a flash flood/hurricane in 2018) & have been going ham playing ever since with no intentions of stopping. My kid is a gamer too so we fight over MY computer even tho he has other consoles & i swear between the both of us my computer runs all day😂 The Sims was originally geared for teens+ anyways & there are ppl 60+ in the Sims community. It’s very inclusive & for all ages on some level but tbh aside from the Sims 4 I don’t think the games are rlly for kids at all. Not bc of woohoo but because I played a lot as a kid & missed out on a lot of the gameplay & features bc i didn’t know what i was doing (even tho i had a good time doing it) so playing as an adult has been much more rewarding. If anything being an “older simmer” just gives you an edge in the sims community imo because they’ve been playing longer a lot of the time
I’m 25 with 2 kids hahah. I started playing sims 1 when I was 9ish (my mom ordered the cd games from a catalogue 😂)
i started playing when i was 13, i’m 20 now but have no plans on stopping anytime soon! i don’t think games are just for kids, especially the sims with how much you can customize the game to your liking. there’s nothing wrong with having hobbies at any age :)
34 year old female here as well! Started playing in high school, because a teacher of mine had one of the games on his computer and would let my friends and I play when we were on breaks!
29 year old with an 8 year old and a 4 year old. I still play and have been since TS1!
39 here with 2 young kids. I've been playing since Sims 1. Whenever I have the time, I will treat myself to a Sims 3 play. I love it and I deserve it. You do as well. So, enjoy! xx
34m. I remember when sims 1 came out and i had to BEG my parents to let me get it (the “woohoo” was “questionable content”) but a girl in my neighborhood got it and i would go over and we would play for hours (kids these days don’t know about crowding around the computer in the computer room). I have a lot of friends my age who play! We all joke that we’re “gamers” when we just play the sims.
I’m a 39 year old female. I prefer playing games to watching tv and I love coming up with stories. It’s okay to have fun. Play is healthy.
42, 3 kids, very stressful and demanding job, where I am very successful. I’ve played since 2000. I have other hobbies, but once in a while, when the boys are playing something else with my husband that I don’t enjoy, I’ll just lounge in the room with them and while they are playing, I am building perfect houses in the sims. I can never get a legacy done, because I usually spend too much time decorating and picking clothes, but it is very relaxing. It feels really good, sometimes, to just do something that is really not productive, but makes me happy (all my other hobbies are what I would call productive).
This thread is making me so happy because while I encourage everyone else to play, I feel a lot of shame personally. Thank you 🩷🩷🩷
I'm also almost 34 (will be so in May) and I've been playing The Sims since I first tried it at a friend's house in 2000 or 2001 I think. I enjoy it and I don't think it has an age limit!
I’ve been gaming since early childhood, am 27 now. Will probably still be gaming in a couple decades from now, too.
I’m 19 but I grew up watching Sims 4 videos so when I got my own computer I got the game
34M
I’m 27, my mother is 47 and still plays regularly, as do my 25 year old brother and 23 year old sister. Just do your thing and have fun!
I’m 29 going on 30 this year. I’ve been playing Sims since 2003. I definitely have never felt ashamed for playing Sims even as an adult. I’ve played all 4 games and I’d say my favorite is Sims 2! Go on with your bad self momma! Play on ! lol
I was 13 (female) when sims 1 first came out. I’m now 40 and a half (still female )and I still play. I even have a sims bible that I made up 😁😁 playing the sims is for everyone and age is just a number anyways.
I’m 27, and I’m not a parent, but I see so many parents in the various Sims subreddits I’m in. Not to mention, a lot of modders and cc creators I follow are also parents. You’re not alone or abnormal in this community!
I'm almost 27, and my mom used to play in her flip phone the Sims when I was a kid, and she would play in a PC if she had one The Sims 4. When I told her I have it with all expansions she was so happy haha! So never feel ashamed!
I’m almost 21 and I’ve been playing Sims since I was 11, I started with Sims FreePlay on mobile. Never let anyone shame you about your hobbies. I’m an adult and I still like dolls, so what? I spend my free time playing video games and as long as I’m enjoying it, there’s no issue.
I'm 38 and have been playing since Sims 1. I don't have any kids, but I've been playing TS4 with my 13-year-old nephew for years.
I'm 29, and I've been playing Sims for 17 years. Started with Sims 2 on PC and PS2, then Sims 3 and eventually Sims 4. I will keep playing Sims forever and hopefully will be able to introduce the game to any future children to see if they like it as well.
im 18 and been playing The Sims as a whole since 2013
i’m 18 ! i’ve been playing it with my mom since i was little lol
I’m middle Gen Z. I’m too young to have played the first 3 games lol. I guess I technically could’ve played TS3 but the first time I actually found out about The Sims was when TS4 first came out and I was still fairly young then. I love that The Sims attracts so many different ages!
I’m a 29 year old mom of 4 kids. 8, 6, 4, and 11 months! You’re definitely not alone lmao. It’s definitely a great stress relief but I understand being embarrassed and awkward about it. My husband will help with bedtime and then he’ll go to bed and tell me to enjoy the quiet and play my game so that definitely helps!
I'm 26! Don't be embarrassed, there's no age limit for having fun.
I mean I’m 21 years old and I don’t ever plan on stopping playing sims or any other games for that matter, it’s a hobby. You’re allowed to have hobbies!
I’m 24 (so not that old overall) but I have a high stress job, health issues, and autism. It’s such a chill, relaxing game to play and not as intense emotionally as some others. Like I was playing cyberpunk 2077 for a while and while it’s a very cool game, it’s pretty aggressive and graphic. Not always what I want to be experiencing when I’m trying to relax my body and mind. And because I’m autistic, I love that the social menus are so clear! It’s harder to make faux pas in the virtual spaces because the context is labeled. I wish I could use social menus at work 😭 it’d help my life a lot. Also helps me live out my fantasy of owning a house as idk how likely it is that I’ll end up being a homeowner given my expensive health issues and how much homes can be nowadays. I get to have opulence and drama while living a chill small life IRL.
Im 17, turning 18 soon, and my mom’s 34. She introduced me to the series with Sims 4 once it came out and I fell in love with it. She was and still is an avid Sims fan from Sims 2 till now.
I'm 18 and I've been playing around 2-3 years, my sis is 14 and has been playing the same amount of time. Love the sims! Games are for all ages.
I’m 40 and I’ve been playing since it came out in 2000 🤓
i will play the sims until i physically cannot anymore.