Man, 88, honored as the oldest gaming vlogger

Yang Binglin, an 88-year-old video game enthusiast, affectionately known as the "Gamer Grandpa", has been honored with the Guinness World Record for being the oldest video game vlogger on Bilibili. (Photo provided by Interviewee)

In an inspiring achievement, an 88-year-old video game enthusiast, affectionately known as the "Gamer Grandpa", has been honored with the Guinness World Record for being the oldest video game vlogger on Bilibili, a prominent video sharing platform in China, according to Jimu News, a news portal based in Hubei province that reported on the achievement on Jan 29.

The record-holder, a resident of Sichuan province named Yang Binglin, ventured into the world of video game vlogging four years ago on Bilibili. Garnering the admiration of over 280,000 followers, his passion for gaming and determination to share his experiences have made him a beloved figure among the gaming community.

After concluding his career in oil and gas drilling research and engineering in Sichuan in 1996, Yang embraced hobbies such as table tennis and electronic gaming. He transitioned from smaller games to more complex titles such as Tomb Raider and Call of Duty, amassing a collection of over 500 game discs from his explorations of video game stores nationwide.

In Yang's own words, becoming a vlogger has brought him a sense of honor. He treasures the interactions with his thousands of young fans and expresses gratitude for the heartfelt gift of a Playstation 5 console he received from his followers. While emphasizing the importance of balancing gaming with studying or working, he advises young gamers to immerse themselves in the activity by making plans and schedules.

Despite his profound passion for video games, Yang maintains a balanced lifestyle, engaging in activities such as playing table tennis at 7:30 am and going grocery shopping at 9:30 am. He spends three hours gaming each day, starting at 3 pm, and retires for the night at 9:30 pm.

To his grandson, Yang Yihuan, the "Gamer Grandpa" remains young within the gaming world and shows an eagerness to explore new technologies.

The senior's love for treasure-hunting games also allows him to virtually experience various cultures and historical settings.

"Grandpa does not excessively indulge in gaming despite his passion; he maintains a strict sense of self-discipline, specifically setting aside time for gaming each day and diligently taking notes on game strategies," Yang Yihua said.

Upon learning of his Guinness World Record, Yang Binglin expressed his desire to continue contributing to the gaming community, particularly in guiding the younger generation. He hopes to witness the emergence of new generations of gaming consoles and games in China, believing in the valuable wisdom embedded within gaming for children to enjoy.