Submitted on: 06/10/2008 by
Chris Sanner
Most gamers hope they will still be alive to enjoy life at 66-years-old much less feel chipper enough to still play video games in their spare time. For MaddenMania user poundtherock, this is the story of his life.
A father of three children as well as a grandpa to one, poundtherock is one of the most unique gamers that can be found throughout the Operation Sports Network. So far, poundtherock holds impressive wins over many players at MaddenMania, some less than one-third his age.
How did poundtherock come to play video games? As with most things in life, poundtherock discovered computers and games through his job as a disk jockey.
“Wow!” poundtherock said. “In '85, I got interested in computers when a radio station I worked at started doing their billing on one. I then bought a little unit that played a cassette [only one I remember was a Buck Rogers game]. I’m not sure on the name because I have owned a TI99, a Commodore Vic-20 and 64 and two 128s; an Adam; a Zeos. You get the picture.”
During the past few decades, poundtherock has watched video games grow up from simple concepts to the highly realistic simulations of today. With those highly realistic simulations come the obvious mentally sharpening benefits. Poundtherock uses his hobby of playing video games as a tool to help keep sharp mentally.
“Most importantly, when I bought the PS2, I knew that it would help keep the mind alert and hands and fingers nimble, although reaction time diminishes regardless,” poundtherock said.
Poundtherock’s life is a unique story separate from most people from his generation where participating in online communities is rare, much less playing games online. So what motivates poundtherock to avoid settling down and enjoying the quiet life filled with coffee drinking sessions at the local diner?
“Spending a lot of time at home, video games and game forums was an avenue to travel without leaving the house,” said poundtherock. “You may never actually meet that person you encounter, but many become "cyber" friends for life that would take your back in a second.”
Poundtherock said he also believes that more people in his age generation don’t do what he does due to the wrong mindset.
“Having said that, most people, for whatever reason, get into 'I'm growing old and this is how I'm suppose to do it' routine, which does not include what the 'young' are enjoying,” poundtherock said. “And maybe there is a little bit of the age discrimination factor, which I have encountered very little of, especially after I have kicked their ass in a game of Madden.”
Poundtherock’s task each time he comes online, which is something he does exclusively for league games, is to attempt to compete against people half his age. This is something which poundtherock has had mixed success with.
“My stick skills will never be like a kid's, but I can hold my own most of the time and get lucky and win some,” poundtherock said.
It is best to not take poundtherock lightly if you play him as poundtherock plays in the 2-2-0 league at MaddenMania, which features some of the top players from around the sim-style communities such as MaddenMania.
Take poundtherock’s successful conquest of young 16-year-old forum member umfer -- a mere 50 years younger than poundtherock -- who he defeated in an online game of Madden 35-14.
Between the wins and the losses, poundtherock has had many moments he will never forget while spending his time at MaddenMania. His favorite memories span from the accidental lateral which led to a touchdown against fellow MMer krulmichael to participating in the 2-2-0 league last season.
However, his most memorable moment was when his actual age was disclosed on MM.
“The most fun was when my age was revealed in the forum,” poundtherock said. “Everybody was freaking, and some still don't believe it. Had to upload my driver’s license showing my birth date.”
Poundtherock is one of the many gamers looking forward to Madden NFL 09, although with his elder statesman status, poundtherock has approached the whole next-gen hoopla with a unique point of view.
“From what I've been reading and hearing, I am really looking forward to the '09 game,” poundtherock said. “'07 and '08 were growing years. And I never really expected EA/Tiburon to move from CG to NG without growing pains. That step was enormous, especially with the PS3. I guess it's the age thing, personally, where one doesn't get too excited if things don't happen overnight, lol. I think '07 and '08 will be forgotten for the most part when the game drops.”
Like most coaches in the NFL, poundtherock has a very specific goal which he wants to achieve this year, 10 wins online.
“With Madden, I have a goal of 10 wins in any combination, league and/or nonleague games, which would be a first,” poundtherock said. “It really depends on the team I get in the 2-2-0 league, providing I have the honor of getting selected again.”
Poundtherock has one lesson he would like to share with all sports gamers, which is to never stop gaming.
“Whatever you do, don't put the controller down and walk away,” poundtherock said. “You will regret it.”
“I have heard many on MM say, 'I will play Madden until they pry my cold dead fingers from the controller.' And I say to them, go for it!“
“But that won't be the case with me. My wife has orders that she is to have me buried with the controller in my hand and the PS3 by my side.”
-Chris Sanner is the Executive Features Editor at Operation Sports and is also the former Editor of the OS Network site MaddenMania. He can be reached at [email protected].
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