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My mother, the gamer

My mother stopped by on her way back from a short vacation that she spent with several relatives last week. I noticed amongst all the clothing and shoes, a tub containing her Christmas gift, a Nintendo Wii. I was surprised and asked her why she brought it. She said she thought everyone could have fun and play together, but no one had.

What makes this scenario a mind twist for me is that this was me as a child, carting my console to every family vacation and gathering. My mother is in her mid-forties, so she doesn’t fit the “look-elderly people like to bowl without leaving their living room” story you’ve seen on every local media publication.

This may be beating a dead horse as much as the elderly Wii story did, but it’s wonderful to see the entertainment choice spreading throughout the demographics. In many of the more casual games on Xbox Live, I run into house wives quite often, as they kill time during the day.

A friend of mine got her mother into World of Warcraft and ever since has had to deal with a barrage of questions as the eager novice levels up her character. Maybe they wouldn’t be spending as much time together without the mutual interest in the game. It would be very interesting to see a study on the changing role of gaming in the family. Is a social aspect developing where the family can play together and enjoy it, beyond the child at the tv? It will be fun to see where it goes. Until then, I know I can enjoy a game of Wii Sports against my mother and everyone will have a good time.