88-year-old “Gamer Grandpa” shatters age stereotypes, claims Guinness World Record as oldest male gaming streamer
Fuzhou, China — At an age when many might opt for quiet retirement, 88-year-old Yang Binglin, affectionately dubbed “Gamer Grandpa,” has redefined what it means to embrace passion later in life.
The Chinese octogenarian recently secured two Guinness World Records: Oldest Gaming Streamer (Male) and Oldest Videogames Bilibili Content Creator (Male).
His journey from oil and gas engineer to gaming icon underscores a powerful message: gaming transcends age, and seniors can thrive in digital spaces traditionally dominated by the young.
From Oil Rigs to Virtual Worlds: A Second Act in Gaming
Yang’s story begins far from the glow of computer screens.
Hailing from Fuzhou, Fujian, he spent decades contributing to scientific research and engineering in southern Sichuan’s oil and gas drilling sector before retiring in 1996.
Seeking hobbies to fill his time, he initially turned to table tennis but soon discovered a deeper fascination with video games.
What started as casual play with “small games” evolved into a full-fledged obsession with narrative-driven adventures like Tomb Raider, Resident Evil, and Sniper, as well as intricate puzzle titles.
His collection now boasts over 500 games, a testament to his dedication. Embracing technological advancements, Yang acquired the latest Xbox and PlayStation consoles, including a PS5 gifted by Sony and his legion of young fans.
“The PS5 symbolizes their love and respect,” Yang remarked, highlighting the intergenerational bonds forged through gaming.
Discipline, Routine, and a “Window to the World”
Yang’s success is rooted in meticulous discipline. His daily schedule, unchanged for years, balances physical activity, household chores, and structured gaming sessions:
- 6:00 AM: Wake up and prepare breakfast
- 7:30 AM: Play table tennis
- 9:30 AM: Grocery shopping
- 12:00 PM: Post-lunch nap
- 3:00 PM: Dedicated gaming time
- 9:30 PM: Bedtime
“Day after day, never changing. Except when traveling,” Yang quipped.
His approach extends beyond play; he documents strategies, completion times, and insights in notebooks, treating gaming with the rigor of his engineering past.
For Yang, gaming is more than entertainment—it’s an educational portal.
Despite limited travel, he explores global cultures and histories through virtual worlds.
His grandson, Yang Yihuan, noted, “Games serve as a window for him to understand diverse landscapes and histories. Even without real driving experience, he masters virtual races effortlessly”.
Family Support and a Challenge to Ageism
Yang’s gaming journey is a family affair. His wife, two children, and grandchildren wholeheartedly support his passion.
“They’ve never objected,” he said, adding that his grandchildren encouraged him to pursue the Guinness title after learning of an overseas female applicant vying for a similar record.
His record-breaking feat is not just personal triumph but a societal statement.
“I wanted to show that seniors can contribute to gaming,” Yang emphasized, challenging stereotypes that paint gaming as a youthful pursuit.
His Bilibili channel, launched four years ago, has amassed over 280,000 followers, many of whom are young gamers inspired by his authenticity and wisdom.
Advice to Young Gamers: Balance and Patience
While Yang champions gaming’s virtues, he urges moderation.
“Prioritize responsibilities first. Ideally, wait until retirement to fully immerse yourself,” he advised.
He believes games harbor “wisdom and life philosophy,” urging youth to extract lessons applicable to careers and personal growth.
His grandson echoes this sentiment: “Grandpa doesn’t indulge excessively. His self-discipline—allocating specific times for gaming—is key”.
Legacy and Future Aspirations
Yang’s Guinness recognition has deepened his sense of purpose.
“It’s an honor,” he said, pledging to continue guiding young gamers through his blog.
He hopes his story inspires game developers in China to innovate, creating consoles and titles that blend entertainment with enlightenment.
A New Paradigm for Aging
Yang Binglin’s tale is more than a feel-good headline—it’s a cultural reset.
In a global gaming industry valued at billions, his presence challenges ageist norms and redefines retirement.
As streaming platforms like Bilibili diversify their demographics, “Gamer Grandpa” stands as a beacon of inclusivity, proving that passion knows no expiration date.
