Jason Schreier

Kirk, why don't you read this next one?

Okay, this one comes from Kate who writes, Hey, TripleClick, I wanted to write in with some great news, all caps, after listening to your previous mailbag episode in which you chatted about getting worse at gaming.

As you get older, I'm happy to report that I am in my mid-40s and I am most definitely getting better at gaming by the day.

I've always struggled with games requiring a lot of hand-eye coordination, particularly platformers.

I was the kid who fell into the first hole in the ground in Super Mario every single time.

I have avoided almost all platformers preferring RPGs and turn-based strategy.

However, a while back I tried out Animal Well after hearing about it on your podcast.

That game really rocked, and I found that the environmental puzzles and general vibe were so cool that I was willing to really practice some of the movement techniques in the game to push through it.

Jumping up and up on all those bubbles, it seemed impossible to me at first, but I figured it out.

I was very proud of myself when I rolled credits on that game.

Now I find myself playing Hollow Knight, something that I never would have expected.

I've explored most of the map, I think, and I'm finding it incredibly difficult, but well worth the effort, of repeating difficult platforming sections and bosses until I master them.

It took me over 100 tries to beat Hornet, but it felt so freaking amazing when I did it.

There is no way I could have progressed in either of those games in my 20s or 30s.

What changed?

I really doubt that my physical reaction times have improved, but I do think I'm just in a better place to appreciate and enjoy the process of learning these games.

I'm more patient and I give fewer fucks.

The excellent design of both titles is certainly helpful too.

Have any of you experienced something like this before?

All this to say, keep gaming, you geezers.