The question caught me completely off guard. “Sir, are you the teacher who platinumed Elden Ring?” It came from a student I barely knew, during a brief supervisory duty. Normally, I keep my personal life separate, building rapport first. But his genuine enthusiasm, and the dwindling minutes of the period, prompted a deviation from my usual reserve.
“Yes, that would be me,” I replied, a smile playing on my lips. “I’ve also platinumed many other FromSoftware games.” His reaction was immediate – a jaw-dropping moment of disbelief followed by an enthusiastic, “That is so awesome, sir!” In those final moments before the bell, we connected over the shared experience of Elden Ring, his struggles still fresh, and my accomplishments already sealed.
I discovered my “gaming exploits” had spread through the student body. Word of mouth amongst my regular classes had elevated me to something of a legend. It was a surprising, and frankly, humbling realization. I’m 53 years old, a chemistry teacher for over three decades, and finding this unexpected connection with my students was profoundly rewarding.
For years, I’ve carefully balanced a professional relationship with my pupils, offering guidance while maintaining appropriate boundaries. But as classes matured, and trust grew, conversations naturally drifted towards shared interests. Gaming frequently surfaced, revealing a surprising number of students captivated by immersive, single-player experiences.
Discussions ranged from the epic scope of God of War Ragnarök to the intricate lore of the Assassin’s Creed series, and the demanding challenges of XCOM 2’s DLC. It wasn’t just the students, either. I regularly exchange gaming recommendations with the school’s head teacher, a few years my senior, who finds solace in playing single-player games on the easiest difficulty setting – a perfect way to unwind after a long day.
It’s a testament to the universal appeal of gaming, transcending age and experience. Young players often share similar tastes with those of us who’ve been gaming for decades, and mature gamers can still rise to the occasion when faced with demanding challenges. I even find myself in closely contested local versus matches with my twelve-year-old son, a rivalry fueled by good-natured frustration.
Recently, I confided in a particularly trusted class that I’d earned my 50th platinum trophy. I kept them updated on my progress through Ragnarök on the notoriously difficult “Give Me God of War” setting. Their response? My legendary status, they assured me, had reached stratospheric levels.
Ultimately, gaming is a source of enjoyment for everyone, regardless of age. It’s a shared passion that can bridge generations and create unexpected connections. It’s a reminder that the thrill of overcoming a challenge, or simply losing yourself in a captivating world, is timeless.
