I am 42, and I have been playing RPGs and video games for most of my life. When I was young, gaming was a way for me to express my imagination, develop my storytelling skills, and build friendships.
As I got older, in addition, gaming helped me to alleviate the stress of school and jobs. I met most of my college-era friends through gaming, including the man who would become my husband. It also helped me pick up some marketable computer skills, coding for MUSHes and such.
Now, I am a mother of two special needs teens. My daughter suffers from depression and anxiety; gaming helps her to manage stress. My son is on the autistic spectrum; gaming helps him to work on socialization in a relaxing way. And having fun playing together is something that helps strengthen us as a family.
-Sarahjane C.
United States