The Rise of 'Unc Games': Why the Video Game Industry Must Cater to Older Players
In a recent exploration of women's experiences in multiplayer video games, a thread on the subreddit for Bungie's latest live shooter, Marathon, caught attention. A feminine-presenting player shared, "I've played a lot of shooters, and as a feminine-presenting player tbh it's often a struggle. I've heard all the 'get back to the kitchen' jokes... But Marathon has been completely different, guys. I haven't had a single issue, people have been incredibly kind and helpful... The community feels genuinely welcoming to everyone." The top-voted reply? "Benefit of being an unc game."
What Exactly Is an 'Unc Game'?
The term "unc"—short for uncle—is a semi-disparaging Gen Z label for individuals over about 30, originating from AAVE slang. "Uncslop" refers to games beloved by this older generation, often titles from the 1990s or 2000s, such as Knights of the Old Republic or World of Warcraft. An unc game is thus a game predominantly played by millennials and older gamers, with Marathon serving as a prime example. This cultural milestone marks a point where video games have existed long enough for older titles and players to become a distinct, sometimes embarrassing, demographic.
Emanuel Maiberg's article for 404 Media further delves into Marathon's unc credentials, highlighting a generational divide. As gaming evolves, older players often favor slower-paced shooters and 12- to 15-hour cinematic narrative games, while younger audiences gravitate towards frenetic, aesthetically overwhelming experiences. This eternal generational cycle should be embraced, not shunned.
Why Developers Should Embrace the Unc Demographic
The gaming industry's relentless pursuit of profits has led to a pivot towards expensive live-service games or exploitative free-to-play models, jeopardizing sector sustainability. Meanwhile, the unc demographic—older, time-poor, but wealthier—has long supported traditional business models. Uncs buy consoles and are accustomed to spending money on games. Adult gamers represent a profitable segment; roughly 50-60% of all gamers are over 30, with the average age now at 41. Circana data reveals that 97% of console purchasers in the US last year were over 25.
While some argue this signals a failure to reach younger audiences, older gamers are not disappearing—they continue playing into their 50s, 60s, and beyond. It's acceptable to create games explicitly for this demographic, mirroring practices in other cultural spheres. Gaming has become intergenerational, with outlets like Time Extension and developers such as Digital Eclipse thriving on retro game interest. Weekly releases often homage 1990s and 2000s aesthetics, and many content creators remember classics like Banjo-Kazooie.
What to Play: Darwin's Paradox!
An old-school platformer with superb modern stagecraft, Darwin's Paradox! feels like a playable family-favorite film. It features a troublesome octopus sabotaging a suspicious megacorp and uncovering secrets. The game includes long stealth sections, insta-deaths, and challenging checkpointing, alongside fun abilities like camouflage and ink. Despite its difficulty, excellent animation and humor make it compelling. Available on PS5, Xbox, PC, and Switch 2, with an estimated playtime of about five hours.
What to Read: Industry Updates
Xbox's new boss, Asha Sharma, noted in an internal memo that Xbox Game Pass has become too expensive, hinting at potential price drops or ad-supported versions. In film news, FromSoftware's Bloodborne is being developed as an animated film by Sony Pictures, produced by YouTuber Jacksepticeye. Additionally, 4A Games will reveal Metro 2039, the next installment in its post-apocalyptic series.
Question Block: The Future of Game Pricing
A reader asked if Grand Theft Auto VI might be the first £100 game, given economic conditions. Adjusted for inflation, Nintendo 64 cartridges would cost £97 today, making £100 less outrageous considering production costs. While PS5 and Switch 2 games often retail for £60-70, the £80-100 mark remains a mental barrier. Games will likely offer varied price points, from £10-15 indie titles to £80-100 blockbusters, ensuring accessibility through subscriptions and sales.
If you're approaching middle age and fear being left behind, take comfort: unc games are here to stay.
