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Using a piecewise regression analysis, we find that age-related slowing of within-game, self-initiated response times begins at 24 years of age.
Feel like you're slowing down yet? If so we can start over from the top while you catch up.
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We find no evidence for the common belief expertise should attenuate domain-specific cognitive decline. Domain-specific response time declines appear to persist regardless of skill level.
Being "good" at it won't save you, sorry.
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Finally, an exploratory analyses of other age-related differences suggests that older participants may have been compensating for a loss in response speed through the use of game mechanics that reduce cognitive load.
But hey you can compensate somewhat.
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After 24, the expected slowing due to an additional 15 years of age amounts to about 15% of the speed enjoyed by professional players over bronze ones. That is, the effect of age, even in what most consider young adulthood, can be expected to offset a sizeable proportion of what has taken older players hundreds or even thousands of hours to achieve.
Even more good news...
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Experience nevertheless allows one to compensate for these declines indirectly. In our study, older players appear to hold their own despite their declines, perhaps by decreasing their cognitive load through the use of simplified strategies or improved use of the game interface.
Come to think of it I've standardized my keybinds across different classes and MMOs so there's less thinking involved and I can respond quicker...
So are you an aging gamer finding yourself compensating?
Yes, no good kids these days rush everywhere and make a mess of things.: | 2 (12.5%) | |
No, I'm still as young and quick as I always was. Now where's my Viagra?: | 1 (6.2%) | |
I usually just drink until I can't tell the difference.: | 10 (62.5%) | |
I don't play video games.: | 0 (0.0%) | |
Your poorly thought out choices failed to capture the extent of my feelings on this subject.: | 3 (18.8%) | |
Total: | 16 |
Feel free to share thoughts, hints and tips. We're all in this together and willing to wait while you work through the mental lag.