“GG!”: These Taiwanese Grandmas Got Game in E-Sports!
Taiwanese grandma Chiang Yi-Shu reveals how video games can help seniors keep their mind sharp.
We always thought video games were just for kids. But these grandmas proved they got game! According to Taiwan News, 65-year-old Grandma Chiang Yi-Shu along with several other seniors debuted in their first E-sports League of Legends Tournament — a game that relies heavily on reaction, map awareness, and research on how the characters behave. Although armed with “little knowledge about computers”, Chiang Yi-Shu discovered gaming’s benefits and shared that it helped “stimulate the mind and help with dexterity”.
Debunking some myths about e-sports
It’s concerning and confusing to many families how E-sports made a name for itself, let alone for grandmas and grandpas. But as Chiang Yi-Shu discovered, it’s something that needed “determination and a will to win.” According to AP news, she joined Hungkuang University’s Hungkang Evergreen Gaming Team, trained for five hours a week, and even traveled by train to get to the university in Taichung.
But their team isn’t the only one composed of seniors. Silver Snipers, another professional E-Sports team, is also composed of several granddads and grandmas. They compete in international tournaments for Counter-Strike: Global Offensive — another game that demands steady hands and reaction time. They won the DreamHack 2019 tournament after Lenovo decided to expand the age range.
It’s time we are more open about the benefits of E-Sports and Video Games
Back in the day, we believed that video games were the main reason why our kids grew up violent. But studies have begun to prove otherwise, even with the WHO saying that video games helped ease the damage of the pandemic. And although kids are usually the ones who play video games, it’s obvious that grandmas and granddads can enjoy it just as much as they do. Although Chiang Yi-Shu’s team didn’t make it in the Saturday tournament, it’s time to forget the typical Mahjong-playing stereotype. These grandmas prove that even seniors deserve a respectful “GG” (“Good Game”)!
More about e-sports and gaming and how it affects families:
Is Gaming Really Bad For Kids? Here’s What Parents Need To Know
How To Prevent Video Game Addiction in Kids
A Gamer’s Guide On How Teens and Kids Can Cope With Gamer Rage
