Age Stereotyping in the Game Context: Introducing the Game-Ageism and Age-Gameism Phenomena

Abstract

Digital games are frequently described as media that can be crucial in strengthening rela-tionships, enhancing cognitive skills and providing social support. Although considerable empirical research on the use of digital games in youth and stereotypes on gender or eth-nicity has been widely covered, there have been few studies on age stereotyping in the game context. In addition, this type of stereotype – game-ageism is likely to negatively affect age identity and intergroup communication amongst players, which could hinder to bridge the gap between different generations. Drawn on a literature review, this position paper introduces the concept of game-ageism as an age stereotype that is still set in our game culture. It also seeks to remedy this problem by suggesting an opposite ideological movement – age-gameism that refers to widening the audience of the game industry to all ages. In general, this paper offers a contribution in the field of media and society by high-lighting the need for developing games for all ages, encouraging a positive age identity, enhancing intergroup communication and a heterogeneous game culture.