Oldest Participant: 94 Years Old! Could the Senior-Focused Gaming Tournament "GeeSPORTS," Held at Expo Osaka, Be the Answer to an Aging Gamer Population?
Note: the original Japanese article can be found at:
https://www.4gamer.net/games/991/G999107/20251004005/
Editorial Department: Nobu | 2025/10/05 22:30 (UTC)
At the “Festival Station” venue of the 2025 Osaka International Exposition, the Senior eSports Tournament “GeeSPORTS Championship Final” took place on October 1, 2025. This event was organized by GeeSPORTS Expo Executive Committee, a group in which Digital Hearts Holdings holds a capital stake.
Although describing it as an “eSports tournament for seniors” might sound dull at first glance, the fact that six teams collectively totaled 1,751 years of age (average team age: 291!) or that there was even a participant aged 94 made it far more intriguing than expected. Seeing how energetic and confident this 94-year-old player truly was—far exceeding any preconceived notions—was genuinely surprising and brought great enjoyment.
Image Gallery No.064 thumbnail / Highest age: 94! Is the senior-focused gaming event “GeeSPORTS” held at Expo Osaka a future solution for aging gamers? Image Gallery No.061 thumbnail / Highest age: 94! Is the senior-focused gaming event “GeeSPORTS” held at Expo Osaka a future solution for aging gamers?
The day was sunny and warm—so hot that short sleeves were sufficient, even in October. Image Gallery No.003 thumbnail / Highest age: 94! Is the senior-focused gaming event “GeeSPORTS” held at Expo Osaka a future solution for aging gamers? Image Gallery No.004 thumbnail / Highest age: 94! Is the senior-focused gaming event “GeeSPORTS” held at Expo Osaka a future solution for aging gamers? Image Gallery No.005 thumbnail / Highest age: 94! Is the senior-focused gaming event “GeeSPORTS” held at Expo Osaka a future solution for aging gamers? Image Gallery No.006 thumbnail / Highest age: 94! Is the senior-focused gaming event “GeeSPORTS” held at Expo Osaka a future solution for aging gamers?
The organizing committee aims to address challenges posed by an aging society through entertainment-based approaches. They designed games that can be enjoyed regardless of age-related physical decline, defining them as senior eSports—“GeeSPORTS.” The goal is to harness the new potential of gaming, helping seniors experience excitement, purpose, and confidence.
Additionally, this event sought to exchange ideas with various individuals and organizations through eSports competition, testing the possibilities of games for promoting health maintenance, cognitive prevention, social participation, and intergenerational interaction.
They even produced special cheering merchandise and distributed them to attendees. Image Gallery No.008 thumbnail / Highest age: 94! Is the senior-focused gaming event “GeeSPORTS” held at Expo Osaka a future solution for aging gamers?
Historically, when discussing seniors and gaming, conversations often focus on cognitive prevention. Indeed, it’s increasingly common to see older adults playing games like “Tsumujikake” on smartphones (in fact, the author’s own mother is one of them).
But this phenomenon is no longer limited to just today’s senior generation. Since the release of the Family Computer in 1983 and Super Mario Bros. in 1985—marking the rapid household adoption of gaming consoles—40 years have passed. At that time, games were mainly seen as children’s gifts; those who first experienced them then are now approaching their 50s. Within just another decade, it’s easy to imagine a growing number of senior gamers.
While comparing newcomers starting gaming in old age versus long-time gamers aging is not straightforward, there’s no doubt that dedicated spaces for seniors engaging with games will become essential. This event may serve as one such model case. Having covered the proceedings firsthand, we now present our report.
Development of a Game Title Designed to Be Easily Understood by Seniors
Image Gallery No.007 thumbnail / Highest age: 94! Is the senior-focused gaming event “GeeSPORTS” held at Expo Osaka a future solution for aging gamers?
The title used in this tournament, “Gerogue,” was specially developed for GeeSPORTS. Set in the year 2072, where technology dominates human bodies, it follows a group of individuals known as “Gerogue”—those who reject technological control and age naturally—fighting back against such oppression.
The game is an action shooter featuring 3-on-3 team battles. Players control one of three distinct units with different abilities, aiming to destroy the enemy base. While direct combat between units is possible, the key mechanic lies in collecting “fusion energy” on the field and synchronizing to press two buttons simultaneously—just like rock-paper-scissors—with perfect timing. When successful, players merge into one of three robot forms based on compatibility.
The robots are overwhelmingly powerful, capable of easily breaking through enemy base defenses. Once the base’s durability is reduced enough, a special move can be activated, requiring all three team members to press buttons in sync again—resulting in complete destruction and victory.
Image Gallery No.011 thumbnail / Highest age: 94! Is the senior-focused gaming event “GeeSPORTS” held at Expo Osaka a future solution for aging gamers? Image Gallery No.010 thumbnail / Highest age: 94! Is the senior-focused gaming event “GeeSPORTS” held at Expo Osaka a future solution for aging gamers?
Players use only one lever for movement and two buttons—one for attack, another for special abilities. Given the participants’ age group, having a simple, easy-to-play game specifically designed for this event makes perfect sense.
Still, getting three seniors to press buttons simultaneously in sync seems challenging at first glance—making communication essential and teamwork highly tested.
Game environment photo: Movement has slight inertia, requiring some adjustment and practice. Image Gallery No.012 thumbnail / Highest age: 94! Is the senior-focused gaming event “GeeSPORTS” held at Expo Osaka a future solution for aging gamers?
On the other hand, as people who grew up with gaming reach old age, games like Gran Turismo series—already used in eSports—could be adapted into competition formats (e.g., race only on standard vehicles) and become highly viable. In fact, it wouldn’t be surprising to see senior professional players emerge.
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Teams All Over 90; the Unprecedented eSports Event with a Youngest Age of 65 and Oldest at 94
The six teams competing in GeeSPORTS were composed of three members aged 65 or above, selected from businesses and organizations supporting this event.
Team Niigata: Come on NIigata! (Niigata Prefectural Senior Club Federation)
Team Osaka: Gakken Group (Gakken Coco Fan)
Team Osaka: Genki Group (Sanga Japan West Division)
Team Kyoto: Kameoka City Welfare Corporation
Team Tochigi: White Heron (Kamikawa Town Social Welfare Council)
Team Hyōgo: Granda Kōnan (Medical Care Services)
Some teams had a fourth reserve player. Matches followed a knockout format: the final was best-of-three, while all others were best-of-one.
The event was hosted by eSports commentator Keshin-san (left), with guest appearances from “Shunshun Clinic P,” a comedian and physician from Yoshimoto Entertainment (center), and “Obaachan,” an 78-year-old performer in her seventh year of career. Image Gallery No.020 thumbnail / Highest age: 94! Is the senior-focused gaming event “GeeSPORTS” held at Expo Osaka a future solution for aging gamers?
Image Gallery No.062 thumbnail / Highest age: 94! Is the senior-focused gaming event “GeeSPORTS” held at Expo Osaka a future solution for aging gamers? Image Gallery No.065 thumbnail / Highest age: 94! Is the senior-focused gaming event “GeeSPORTS” held at Expo Osaka a future solution for aging gamers?
In the first round, Genki Group (with oldest player 94 and youngest 92) faced Come on NIigata! from Niigata. Come on NIigata! achieved fusion early and gained an advantage in gameplay. Although they failed once during their final special move due to timing mismatch, a second attempt succeeded—securing victory.
Image Gallery No.022 thumbnail / Highest age: 94! Is the senior-focused gaming event “GeeSPORTS” held at Expo Osaka a future solution for aging gamers? Image Gallery No.023 thumbnail / Highest age: 94! Is the senior-focused gaming event “GeeSPORTS” held at Expo Osaka a future solution for aging gamers? Image Gallery No.024 thumbnail / Highest age: 94! Is the senior-focused gaming event “GeeSPORTS” held at Expo Osaka a future solution for aging gamers? Image Gallery No.025 thumbnail / Highest age: 94! Is the senior-focused gaming event “GeeSPORTS” held at Expo Osaka a future solution for aging gamers? Image Gallery No.026 thumbnail / Highest age: 94! Is the senior-focused gaming event “GeeSPORTS” held at Expo Osaka a future solution for aging gamers? Image Gallery No.027 thumbnail / Highest age: 94! Is the senior-focused gaming event “GeeSPORTS” held at Expo Osaka a future solution for aging gamers?
Audience reactions included laughter at unusual commentary rarely heard in regular events. Image Gallery No.021 thumbnail / Highest age: 94! Is the senior-focused gaming event “GeeSPORTS” held at Expo Osaka a future solution for aging gamers?
In the second match, Gakken Group faced Granda Kōnan. Gakken Group achieved robot fusion early and advanced directly to destroy the base—securing victory. So far, teams that managed to form robots first have won each time, making speed of fusion a decisive factor?
Image Gallery No.028 thumbnail / Highest age: 94! Is the senior-focused gaming event “GeeSPORTS” held at Expo Osaka a future solution for aging gamers? Image Gallery No.029 thumbnail / Highest age: 94! Is the senior-focused gaming event “GeeSPORTS” held at Expo Osaka a future solution for aging gamers?
Image Gallery No.030 thumbnail / Highest age: 94! Is the senior-focused gaming event “GeeSPORTS” held at Expo Osaka a future solution for aging gamers? Image Gallery No.031 thumbnail / Highest age: 94! Is the senior-focused gaming event “GeeSPORTS” held at Expo Osaka a future solution for aging gamers?
In the first semifinal, Come on NIigata! faced Kameoka City Welfare Corporation. Come on NIigata! successfully fused and attacked the enemy base early, but Kameoka also achieved fusion in response—destroying Come on NIigata!’s robot and reversing the tide. Kameoka then pushed into the enemy base to win.
When both teams achieve fusion, the losing side must wait a considerable time before re-fusing again. This suggests that once fused, one must remain vigilant against enemies.
Image Gallery No.033 thumbnail / Highest age: 94! Is the senior-focused gaming event “GeeSPORTS” held at Expo Osaka a future solution for aging gamers? Image Gallery No.034 thumbnail / Highest age: 94! Is the senior-focused gaming event “GeeSPORTS” held at Expo Osaka a future solution for aging gamers?
The second semifinal featured Gakken Group versus White Heron from Tochigi. White Heron achieved fusion first, attacked the base continuously, successfully activated their special move—and won in a swift, lightning-fast attack.
Image Gallery No.035 thumbnail / Highest age: 94! Is the senior-focused gaming event “GeeSPORTS” held at Expo Osaka a future solution for aging gamers? Image Gallery No.036 thumbnail / Highest age: 94! Is the senior-focused gaming event “GeeSPORTS” held at Expo Osaka a future solution for aging gamers?
Before the final, an exhibition match was held between professional eSports teams DetonatioN FocusMe and FENNEL. Intense robot-on-robot combat showcased a passionate battle worthy of pros. Image Gallery No.038 thumbnail / Highest age: 94! Is the senior-focused gaming event “GeeSPORTS” held at Expo Osaka a future solution for aging gamers? Image Gallery No.037 thumbnail / Highest age: 94! Is the senior-focused gaming event “GeeSPORTS” held at Expo Osaka a future solution for aging gamers? Image Gallery No.040 thumbnail / Highest age: 94! Is the senior-focused gaming event “GeeSPORTS” held at Expo Osaka a future solution for aging gamers? Image Gallery No.041 thumbnail / Highest age: 94! Is the senior-focused gaming event “GeeSPORTS” held at Expo Osaka a future solution for aging gamers?
Due to the age of participants, staff were present on stage. The stage itself, along with backstage stairs and cables, presented several obstacles—highlighting that attendee care from organizers is a crucial challenge. Image Gallery No.052 thumbnail / Highest age: 94! Is the senior-focused gaming event “GeeSPORTS” held at Expo Osaka a future solution for aging gamers?
In the final, White Heron faced Kameoka City Welfare Corporation. Both teams had advanced impressively—exchanging robot attacks in a tense back-and-forth battle. In the decisive third set, after one win each, White Heron destroyed Kameoka’s base and claimed victory as the first-ever GeeSPORTS champions.
Image Gallery No.042 thumbnail / Highest age: 94! Is the senior-focused gaming event “GeeSPORTS” held at Expo Osaka a future solution for aging gamers? Image Gallery No.043 thumbnail / Highest age: 94! Is the senior-focused gaming event “GeeSPORTS” held at Expo Osaka a future solution for aging gamers? Image Gallery No.044 thumbnail / Highest age: 94! Is the senior-focused gaming event “GeeSPORTS” held at Expo Osaka a future solution for aging gamers? Image Gallery No.045 thumbnail / Highest age: 94! Is the senior-focused gaming event “GeeSPORTS” held at Expo Osaka a future solution for aging gamers?
The runner-up, Kameoka City Welfare Corporation, received a trophy and ¥300,000.
The champions, White Heron, received a trophy and ¥500,000.
Guest opera singer Yosuke Miyamoto performed the theme song of “Gerogue,” titled “Inochi no Uta.” Image Gallery No.049 thumbnail / Highest age: 94! Is the senior-focused gaming event “GeeSPORTS” held at Expo Osaka a future solution for aging gamers? Image Gallery No.050 thumbnail / Highest age: 94! Is the senior-focused gaming event “GeeSPORTS” held at Expo Osaka a future solution for aging gamers?
At the end of the event, it was announced that the second GeeSPORTS would be held in autumn 2026. While this event served primarily as a debut showcase, one hopes future editions will see even more seniors from across Japan participating and making the tournament even more vibrant.
Still, given that this project is currently driven mainly by private companies (at least for now), establishing some form of viable business model remains inevitable. Although it’s still unclear at present, with successive events like the second and third iterations, a sustainable business plan may emerge—ensuring all parties involved—the organizers, players, facility staff, and audience—are happy and that this project endures long-term.
Is a Social/Community Space Necessary for Seniors to Start Gaming?
At the venue, we spoke with Professor Hiroshi Okamoto from the Graduate School of Medical Management at Shikoku University of Health Sciences—an accredited psychologist who had observed the development process of “Gerogue” in its prototype phase.
Professor Hiroshi Okamoto, Graduate School of Medical Management, Shikoku University of Health Sciences Image Gallery No.054 thumbnail / Highest age: 94! Is the senior-focused gaming event “GeeSPORTS” held at Expo Osaka a future solution for aging gamers?
From a cognitive psychology standpoint, most functions decline with age—but knowledge and “skills currently usable” remain largely intact. Consider driving: while cognitive judgment may deteriorate, leading to risky behavior, core traffic rules and fundamental driving skills are not lost (which ironically makes them dangerous). This is why deciding when to surrender one’s license becomes a complex issue.
On the other hand, acquiring new skills declines sharply with age. Thus, participants in this event were likely unfamiliar with gaming previously; learning an entirely new game and competing at such a level could be seen as a significant personal discovery.
The reason? While younger individuals might master a skill after just one or two practices, older adults may require up to 100 repetitions—yet most give up before reaching that point. Asking someone to repeat the same content 100 times would be exhausting for anyone.
However, when practicing socially—as in senior facilities—one is compelled to continue with peers. Thus, new skills can eventually be acquired. Professor Okamoto emphasized: it’s not just “start playing games,” but rather “play together” in a social setting that will become the key going forward.
Additionally, we asked about the relatively high number of female participants. While this may seem coincidental, he suggested it might reflect that more women utilize senior facilities (in part due to longer average life spans). He also predicted that future senior eSports would be dominated by women.
Regarding gender differences in ability, while they currently exist among professional gamers, these gaps diminish with age—suggesting that gender disparities in senior eSports may eventually vanish.
This discussion led us to consider the importance of designing games for seniors with female players in mind. Professor Okamoto shared an anecdote: during early prototype testing, older participants initially failed to grasp the concept of “shooting.” But when told it was a “beam,” they responded immediately—pressing buttons excitedly and saying “Beam!” He speculated this stems from differing mental models across generations—and even between genders—which will be crucial in future development.
Looking ahead, as today’s gamers age, we may see a shift beginning with those who grew up with 60s–70s invasion games, followed by the generation that had Family Computers at home during their youth. Around the next decade or so, attitudes toward gaming could dramatically change. How much infrastructure can be built within this window will become critically important.
Interview with Team “Gakken Group” – A 370-Year-Old Ensemble
Midway through the event, we had a brief opportunity to speak with members of Osaka’s “Gakken Group,” one of only two teams where all four players were over 90. Although they lost in the second round (though not without securing one win!), their vibrant energy and confidence left a lasting impression. We managed to gather a few words about their experience and journey—here’s what we learned.
4Gamer:
Thank you so much for taking time despite your fatigue today. Let’s start with the person on the left—could you briefly share your name and age? Your real name is fine, no need to be formal.
Benz 93:
Yes, Benz 93.
4Gamer:
So you’re 93?
Benz 93:
That’s right.
4Gamer:
You really have that old-school dad vibe!
Kiyoho:
I’m Kiyoho. I’m 94.
4Gamer:
Ninety-four?! You don’t look a day over 70…
Kiyoho:
Lately, I’ve been forgetting things—really troubling me.
4Gamer:
Just saying “forgetting” at your age is already impressive. Even I struggle with memory lately…
Amari-lis:
I’m Amari-lis. I’m 93.
4Gamer:
So far, we have 93, 94, 93—none of you look like that at all! You’re all born around 1932, before the Pacific War even started. Honestly, it’s astonishing.
To be honest, I always pictured people in their 90s as barely able to stand—yet not a single one here fits that image. So maybe there’s someone else?
Kikuhina:
I’m Kikuhina. I’m 90.
4Gamer:
Oh! The youngest!
Kikuhina:
Just a little bit (laughing).
4Gamer:
So, 93, 94, 93, and 90—totaling 370 years. Amazing…
How are you all related? Are you friends from the same facility or part of a club together?
Amari-lis:
These three (pointing to the other women) live in the same place—a care apartment.
4Gamer:
So, do you need care services?
Kikuhina:
Yes (laughing). Some days we’re bored stiff.
Amari-lis:
That’s why I want a life where we don’t have to sigh constantly.
4Gamer:
Beautiful words.
Amari-lis:
So the deputy director thought of various activities—haiku, chorus singing.
Kikuhina:
We also do colored pencils and calligraphy. Recently, she created these clubs, so our schedules are super busy now.
4Gamer:
So many things to do—that’s wonderful!
Kikuhina:
The deputy director puts in a lot of thought—truly grateful for her efforts.
4Gamer:
But why did you choose computer games specifically? You’re not used to them, are you?
Amari-lis:
Of course not.
Kikuhina:
Still, they went through all the trouble to pick us. So I thought: “We must give it our best!”—and decided to join.
4Gamer:
Very positive attitude! Other teams also have many women participants.
Kiyoho:
There are men too—but not many, really.
4Gamer:
Yes, fewer men. Maybe women are less resistant to new things?
Kikuhina:
Exactly—we still have curiosity (laughing).
4Gamer:
Even with curiosity, it’s probably hard at first.
Kikuhina:
At first, I didn’t understand anything! But by the third time, I started doing this (demonstrating rapid button presses).
Once I began to get it, it became fun—and I forgot my sore hands!
4Gamer:
You were hammering away too hard (laughing).
But seriously, impressive. I’m in my mid-50s—within our industry, that’s considered “elderly.” Yet we’re still going strong!
Amari-lis:
Nowadays, men are also young-looking—young guys dress well and look great.
4Gamer:
Still, I’ll keep pushing!
Back to the topic: We’re from a generation that had no resistance toward games—so you all belong to an even older cohort. You likely never saw or touched a computer game before.
Kiyoho:
Yes, we didn’t.
4Gamer:
So what motivated you to give it a try?
Kikuhina:
Well, since we started playing that thing…
4Gamer:
That thing?
Kikuhina:
What was it called again… (laughing)
Someone nearby:
The Switch!
4Gamer:
Ah! The Switch! What did you play on it?
Amari-lis:
Tennis.
4Gamer:
Right, tennis. Exactly—games with familiar rules like tennis, bowling, racing, or baseball are easier to enjoy on consoles. But this game was completely different—did that cause any confusion?
Amari-lis:
That’s why it was fun!
4Gamer:
Exactly—unquenchable curiosity.
Kikuhina:
Yes! Curiosity!
4Gamer:
Would you like to keep playing in the future?
Benz 93:
Definitely.
Kiyoho:
Yes, I think so. It’s fun!
Amari-lis:
I want to stay healthy and live well—until at least 100! But more than that, as long as I’m alive, I’d like to keep living meaningfully. If my life ends with a clean stop, that would be ideal—but for that, avoiding being bedridden is important.
Kiyoho:
Also, you have to use your brain—so I live thinking that way.
4Gamer:
And this is a team game—you talk together, make strategies, and use both hands and minds.
Kikuhina:
Today we did “3-2-1! Boom!” (Editor’s note: pressing buttons simultaneously to transform into robots)
Amari-lis:
Yes.
Kikuhina:
If you don’t synchronize well, it won’t work. So I truly feel that winning one game was a moment of genuine connection with all three of us.
4Gamer:
Did you train much?
Kiyoho:
We did.
Kikuhina:
About three days.
4Gamer:
Three days—perfect timing!
Benz 93:
But if we play too long, our hands hurt—we were told that.
4Gamer:
That’s true…
Kikuhina:
We even used Salonpas patches on our hands.
4Gamer:
You’re way too motivated (laughing).
Amari-lis:
But lately, so many new things keep appearing—amazing! When I watch TV, I’m like “Wow, this is out now?”
Kikuhina:
This time was truly a first-time experience for us. We had such fun—we’re glad we did.
4Gamer:
Your curiosity and openness are incredible.
Kiyoho:
Without curiosity, you can’t stay energetic.
4Gamer:
As a man, I can relate—many men seem resistant to such things.
Kikuhina:
Why?
4Gamer:
They think “I’m too old for child’s play.”
Amari-lis:
Exactly—“Do what you must, and it will happen. If not done, it won’t come true” (a quote from Yashima Domain’s feudal lord Uesugi Takaakira in the Edo period). So as long as we’re alive, I believe everyone should keep challenging themselves.
4Gamer:
With that attitude, you might live to 200!
Amari-lis:
My son would probably hate me (laughing).
4Gamer:
How old is your son?
Amari-lis:
He’s 66 now.
Kikuhina:
Wow—same age as my kid!
4Gamer:
No surprise there (laughing).
But honestly, hearing that games are helping you all brings me joy as someone in the industry.
Kiyoho:
Please keep working hard and open new paths for us in this field.
Amari-lis:
Absolutely. Please do!
4Gamer:
Thank you—I’ll pass your message on to the organizers (laughing).
We’d love to see all of you again next year at another event—thank you so much!
Actually, talking face-to-face with them was mind-blowing—their responses came back faster than I could process. “Are they really over 90?” My brain couldn’t compute it. They’re even older than my parents’ generation, who used to yell at me for playing games all day when I was a kid. These seniors completely shatter the stereotypes of frailty, difficulty in conversation, or early dementia.
Seeing these people in their 90s understand, enjoy, and compete in computer gaming is truly astonishing—and as someone working in the industry, it’s deeply rewarding to see that games are directly helping real people. I can’t wait to meet more vibrant seniors like them next year. (Kazuhisa)