The latest generation of gamers has always had gaming systems. They never knew a time when cell phone games and playstations didn’t exist- something that many gamers didn’t have when we were younger. As a result, I find it interesting talking to my younger cousins about their favorite games. At the same time, they find it interesting that I didn’t have video games until I was their age, something they can’t really wrap their heads around. Video games and similar forms of entertainment have always been involved in the lives of our younger generation. It’s odd to think they will be a generation gap because those who always had video games and those who did not.

I can still remember when the Internet was a new thing to me; all I knew about it was that I could play games on it. For games themselves, I never grew up with access to a Nintendo 64 or a Playstation at all times. I never knew about such systems existing until I went into a Best Buy when I bought my Game Boy Color with my First Communion money. Some gamers got to see the progression from 8-bit sprites to almost photorealistic scenery in as little as 25 years. Even further back, some gamers saw the transition from arcade gaming to home system console gaming.

But nowadays, kids can have access to any quality of graphics in the blink of an eye. As a result of this, it seems that younger counterparts are forgoing quality in the pursuit of the next big release, as opposed to carefully picking out a game from your carefully crafted library that you’ve collected over these years.

I’m “old” enough to recall the fantastic worlds of Super Mario 64, yet I sit here and discuss the brand new 3DS, with releases of even more incredible worlds just around the corner. A part of me has become cautious of the future though. Games are no longer released with minimal fanfare and a short commercial on TV. Some games were never even shown on TV — you had to be a big fan or have access to gamer magazines (remember magazines, guys?) to get the scoop on rumors from deep within the industry. These days, the mere act of a game’s release is enough for celebration in game stores and with the youth of this generation.

Blogs and YouTube videos gobble any such talk up, giving people the information they want in a matter of seconds. Even after the game is released, reports of people finding hidden easter eggs, as well as how to complete the game, can be found everywhere from GameFAQs to Reddit in less than a week after the game is out. Back in the day, secrets weren’t known by everyone.

Secrets had to be earned. You found that secret room by yourself, without the Internet. Missingno? I heard about that from kids on the playground. Remember the PokéGods, anyone? Pikablu? You didn’t know if a source was fake or not, because there was no Internet to go check. Oh sure, they may have been a few sites dedicated to such lore, but they were prone to error as well. It was you, your game, and your rumor mill.

These days, rumors and hoaxes can be debunked instantly, as my generation learned how to spot a fake screenshot or rumor back in the day. It’s so hard to fool such a huge demographic anymore. I miss those days when release dates, rumors, and all information were precious mysteries to all gamers. You could write about your discoveries, share them with your friends, and be the popular kid in school — “Hey, that’s the kid who solved the secret messages in the Ruins of Alph!” The gamer who uncovered those secrets was lauded as a hero amongst his peers.

There are some good things to come out of this new generation of gamers. Both males and females have games that much more gender neutral, like Professor Layton or the Sims. The playing field is now much more level, making that step into gamer culture, regardless of gender. It’s great to see my cousins, two boys and two girls, equally enjoy Super Mario Brothers Wii in its four-player glory. Games are the great equalizer these days; anyone can pick up a game and play it with no problem. Veteran gamers can do the same and play with our inheritors with ease. This has certainly eased the generation gap, as we can relate to youths much more easily. “What’s your favorite game?” is an easy way to get to know someone nowadays.