Marriage and Gaming

My wife thinks video games are a waste of time, but I love playing. To me, gaming is a hobby and something I can do for entertainment, stress relief, and connecting with friends. It's just a part of me. I'm trying to find games that she will play with me so that she can understand a little bit of what I experience. I can get her to play Wheel of Fortune, which is fine, but it doesn't quite cut it. She'll play Mario Kart 64 with me and her family when we have family gatherings, so I know she enjoys that, but I only own a PS3 and PS4. Are there any games that you guys can think of that I can get her to try? Maybe any ideas for how she can be more open to gaming?

why do u have a wife? what does she do thats fun lol, srs question

These days there are just so many different types of game experiences available that I'd be surprised if you couldn't find at least -something- she might like. For example, my wife really enjoys tablet games. Something that she can quickly pick up and put down or play while watching TV. Monument Valley, Bejewelled, and other similar games. She also enjoyed the old King's Quest series (up to 4) when she was younger as well as other old Sierra games. At one point she rediscovered Rogue (the original "Rogue-like", lol) on my PC and just about every day when I'd get home from work she was already on the computer playing Rogue.

Obviously, I have no idea what your wife would like but I'd be surprised if there weren't -something- out there that she'd enjoy enough to be motivated to play on her own. Just don't be disappointed if they aren't the exact same games that you enjoy. While my wife isn't a gamer, she appreciates that I have my own "nerd" tendencies just as she does. I wire up the whole house for automation and put media server access in every room, she sews/knits/crafts and has an encyclopedic knowledge of history. We are both nerds, but we don't have to be the same kind of nerd to appreciate each other.

-Byshop

You Don't Know Jack maybe? Its a trivia game.

I'm fortunate my wife understands my gaming. She also plays tablet games. I spend time with her outside gaming. It can be done.

!5 Years ago:

HER.-

" Another game ? "

"Another console ? "

"A bigger TV ?"

ME.-

"Well, look at it this way hunny, I could be out there with my friends drinking, gambling and whoring like my father did and making your life miserable, this way you have me here where you can watch me all the time you want."

Nowadays

ME.-

"Hunny, I´m going to Gamers ( Mexico´s equivalent to GameStop ) to see what´s new"

HER.-

"Sure dear, have fun ! "

Excuse me, but you didn't find a good wife. If she doesn't love gaming dump her right away(if you're a hardcore one) although differences attract.

You can get Beach Buggy Racing for the PS4 - its a pretty fun MarioKart clone.

Also for the PS4 is Hasbro Game Night with Scrabble, Risk, Monopoly and Trivial Pursuit.

However, if you're spending all your free time playing games and not spending much time with her, you might want to reconsider what's important in your life.

Appreciate the suggestions. I will say I'm not a hardcore gamer. I like to play here and there, but definitely have a life outside of gaming. I think she would go for the board game/trivia games. I'll also look into Beach Buggy Racing.

We're definitely a "opposites attract" couple, for those who made that comment. Happily married, just would like to try and get her into a bit of gaming!

Monopoly that causes more accidents, deaths and brake ups then just playing video games. :P

Did you hide your gaming habit from her prior to marrying? Seems like she would have understood that your gaming hobby was part of the package. Or maybe she expected you to change? Oh foolish women, you can't "fix" us (as if we need fixing MUAHAHAHAH!).

Just be honest with her, maybe set limits for yourself, but most importantly be open about it and talk about it. You don't want to resent each other.

Is it something in particular, or just gaming in general? Do you have kids, or are you trying? Most new/expecting mothers I know don't want video games within ten miles of them.

A woman that doesn't respect gaming as a hobby, is not a woman worth marrying.

well, imho your first mistake is trying to make her like gaming, it is a preference and if you like it and she doesn't that is ok, i assume (which mainly tends to end up in mistakes but for the sake of conversation let's do) there are thing that she likes, in which you have no interest, imagine her trying to make you like those things.... a relationship is not a perfect harmony, it is based on personal preferences and agreeing to disagreeing along with giving each other space to breathe... if you both truly love each other you have to respect the other's hobbies, taste, friendships, etc. and not suffocate your significant other with for her incomprehensible demand such as "you have to like gaming"...

Marry someone who likes games, I suppose.

Split screen PvP in Tetris can warm a lot of people up to the idea of gaming. She probably already knows how to play Tetris. She probably thinks she's better at it than you... Not sure what the PS3/4 options are for it but worth a try.

I feel bad for you, man. I'm fortunate my wife loves gaming as much as I do. You can't force someone to love your hobbies. Just ask that they respect it. And if she at least plays Mario Kart, that's a good start.

Maybe I should just get the N64 with Mario Kart 64 and let that be our game.

And for what it's worth to some of you, I love my wife even though she doesn't enjoy gaming with me. We'll stick to our board games, walks, and love of new foods :)

Again, I appreciate some of the suggestions!

I like it. Stick w/ what works. Get her playing Golden Eye and then move on to other FPS...

Same here. My wife understands my gaming habits. I don't let it interfere with our marriage or spending time with our children.... the latter specifically due to the fact that my children are usually sitting next to me watching me as I play.