Hilda Knott: Epic Girl Gamer

[Badnik Mechanic]

So about a week ago, the BBC had a story on BBC Breakfast about how 'experts' were predicting that in 2013 the number of 'Girl Gamer's' would vastly out number boys. The reason being is that with games now appearing on tablets and mobile devices, gaming is far more accessible and as a result more and more women are now playing games compared to the numbers a few years ago.

 

Well... the BBC had a 'phone in' in which the audience could email, tweet and ring up to give their opinion on games... what was surprising was not the number of girl gamers who called.

 

It was the age range of the people who called.

 

Today the BBC ran a follow up story which was just broadcast on the lunchtime news. They focused on Hilda Knott. This is her gaming set up. I've pointed out her game collection and her PS3

 

 

Hilda Knott describes herself as a 'Girl Gamer.' She owns a brand new PS3 (one of the super slim models), is a member of playstation plus, regually plays GTA, Disgaea and also has a Playstation move and plays Sorcery.

 

That is her 65inch HD TV which is in her living room. Currently her PS3 is hooked up to it, but she says she's been gaming for years so it stands to reason she has other consoles. I've pointed out her game collection and PS3 system, it's quite a nice set up. And here she is!

 

Oh did I not mention that Hilda Knott is 85 years old?

 

Yup. Hilda is an 85 year old gamer (going to be 86 next month) who plays games because according to her it helps keep her mentally active. The screen size is because it helps with her eye sight.  She enjoys solving puzzles and other brain teasers, however she usually uses her iPad for that!

 

She's been playing games for 40 years and her favourite part of playing games isn't just for the mental stimulation, she also enjoys finding new things, getting to the next stage or event and finishing it. Another reason for her enjoyment is figuring out solutions and tactics and learning how to do them, and when. 

 

Also she doesn't game alone, she has a friend who is in her 90's and they play GTA together. Whilst we don't see her collection, from what she says it seems that she plays fighting games as well as adventures.

 

The BBC Breakfast report is here.

 

The lunchtime news segment is here.

 

... ... ...

 

Can we invite this lady to SOS? Or make her an honorarry member or something!? She's awesome!

 

No really, I'm not just posting this because 'oh it's an epic old lady playing games' but listen to what she said.

 

'They help keep me mentally active'

 

'I enjoy learning new things and learning when and how to do it.'

 

'I play with my friends and familly.'

 

She's not anything like the stereotype which is normally painted by the media with regards to gamers. If anything she's a really good example as to why gaming is a good hobby for people and why it's not the big bad wolf that some people want it to be.

[pppp]

This.....is the best piece of news i've heard in a while. This lady is awesome and a clear example of how games can appeal to anyone. Miss Knott, i salute you

[TheOcelot]

As long as she doesn't play Sonic 06, as that might just finish her off  !

 

Seriously though, good for her. As for mental stimulation, gaming is probably a great idea.

Edited January 21, 2013 by Nightwing

[Tori Himemiya]

An old lady playing Disgaea, a game that spends hours to do.

She might had spent 40 years to level grinding perfection but she definitely get my vote for most hardcore gamer.

I'd hate to fight her in Street Fighter. D:

[\gunther]

What a cool woman. She must be the oldest Disgaea fan in the world.

 

Reminds me of another elderly woman was into games that EGM wrote about several years ago, except a bit less vulgar and more positive for the medium (i.e.: She had a short temper and would yell at Ashley from RE4 and call her a whore, apparently).

Edited January 21, 2013 by JunkoEnoshimapan

[Tori Himemiya]

What a cool woman. She must be the oldest Disgaea fan in the world.

Reminds me of another elderly woman was into games that EGM wrote about several years ago, except a bit less vulgar and more positive for the medium (i.e.: She had a short temper and would yell at Ashley from RE4 and call her a whore, apparently).

To be fair after saving her ass only to watch her die and hearing "LEON HAAAAALLLPPPPP!" for like half the game will make you wanna hate Ashley.

The suit of armor is a godsend though.

[Autosaver]

Speaking of the rise in girl gamers...

 

IIRC, more females bought Animal Crossing (which has been the #1 selling game in Japan) than males.

[Crash]

This is amazing! I think the facts that it keeps the brain active needs to be remembered and told to all the people who blame video games. Heck, I've even heard that the Queen has a Wii!

[KrazyBean]

If she really wants to exercise her brain, she should try to speedrun some Sonic Unleashed daytime levels