Buzz
More than just entertainment, the charm of senior gamers captivates audiences, garnering regular support and followers.
The gaming industry is rapidly evolving; games are no longer just for fun but also serve as stress relievers and lucrative sources of income. Elderly gamers initially choose gaming as a pastime, often fostering positive community relations. Some even attract hundreds of thousands of fans and earn recognition from Guinness World Records.
Hamako Mori (Gamer Grandma), 92 years old
Born in 1930, Hamako Mori, also known as 'Gamer Grandma,' is a Japanese YouTuber and esports enthusiast. She has been playing video games for over 40 years. Mori's YouTube channel debuted in 2015, initially uploading up to four videos per month.
Mori is lauded for her gaming skills, defying age barriers and becoming an internet sensation. In May 2020, she was recognized by Guinness World Records as the 'Oldest Gaming YouTuber' at 90 years old, playing titles like Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V), Call of Duty, Dauntless, and Dark Souls 3.
'After living this long, I feel more than ever that gaming for such a long time has been the right choice. I am truly enjoying my life - it's truly rosy' Mrs. Mori shared with the media from the Guinness World Records Organization.
Shirley Curry, 86 years old
Often affectionately referred to as the 'Skyrim Grandma,' Shirley Curry (born in 1936) is not only a skilled gamer but also a famous YouTuber with nearly 1 million subscribers. She used to work as a secretary at a candy factory and collaborated for a few years at Kmart.
Introduced to playing Civilization II in 1996 by her son, the nearly 90-year-old female gamer also entered the gaming world. In 2011, she also opened her own YouTube channel to upload gaming videos. This elderly gamer is so beloved that the community petitioned for her inclusion in the next installment of the series, and Bethesda Softworks has promised to feature her as a character in The Elder Scrolls VI.
In early 2022, Mrs. Curry suffered a stroke while sleeping and forgot part of her gaming skills. However, she is gradually recovering and still feels hopeful.
Doreen Fox
Doreen Fox has been gaming since the 1980s using her grandson Gareth's Nintendo console. After two strokes in 2008, she believes that gaming helped her to continue living and thriving.
Some of Doreen Fox's favorite games include Grand Theft Auto and Call of Duty. Besides gaming, she also enjoys knitting and gardening.
Scott Smith, 56 years old
Scott “SirScoots” Smith (born in 1966) is one of the most prominent figures in the industry and was honored with a 'Lifetime Achievement' award at the Esports Awards 2019. He has served as a host, analyst, and veteran gamer with over 16 years of Esports experience.
