How Gaming Changed in My 30's

When I was a kid, video games were my world. From Pokémon to RuneScape to World of Warcraft, each game shaped my childhood in unique ways. World of Warcraft, in particular, was the pinnacle of my gaming experience—I poured countless hours into it, more than I care to admit. Back then, gaming was all about fun and, later, about being the best. That competitive drive stayed with me through my early twenties.

Now, in my thirties, my relationship with games has evolved. While my passion for gaming remains strong, the reasons I play have shifted. It’s no longer just about winning or achieving; it’s about learning and growth. Recently, I’ve revisited RuneScape (OLD SCHOOL 😉), and the experience feels entirely new. With software developers turning it into an open-source project, the game now offers features that challenge me to think differently and explore creative possibilities. Seeing what others have contributed to the game has been inspiring and has opened my eyes to new ways of interacting with it.

These days, I find joy in activities like working the auction house—buying and selling items for profit. It’s fascinating because it feels like a sandbox for real-world skills I’m hesitant to test with actual money. RuneScape has become a safe space for experimenting and learning without fear of failure.

Adopting a growth mindset has transformed how I approach not just games but life itself. I now see every experience as an opportunity to learn something new. This shift feels profound, and I wonder if this is what people mean when they talk about the wisdom of the golden years. For me, gaming has become more than a pastime—it’s a tool for personal development and discovery.

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- Mike