When it comes to entering adulthood, one of the first things that we leave behind is our hobbies. As we set up our careers and establish ourselves as valuable colleagues, reliable friends, and productive members of society, a lot tends to fall by the wayside.
But one of the first things that many adults do in their late twenties is rediscover some of those forgotten hobbies. Gaming tends to be one of the first pastimes that people start exploring once again. After all, it’s is one of the most accessible sectors in the entertainment industry.
Now that mobile gaming has taken off, as well, it’s easier than ever before to explore new titles, download some interesting games, and start playing. But not all games will suit the interests and needs of adult players. In other words, you might need to look around a bit to learn about what types of games you like now.
If that’s the case, then get started with these five titles. They’re some of the most popular in the world for adults who want to unwind after a busy day.

Poker
As the world’s most popular card game, poker is high on the list for many gamers. It offers a great balance between posing an intellectual challenge and casual downtime. If you’re unfamiliar with the game, you can learn poker basics in a few different ways, such as through written guides, streaming channels, or even masterclasses.
Poker is a great option for those who want a hardboiled mental challenge. If your brain has trouble shutting off after a busy day, poker can focus your mind and help you relax.
Word Games
Playing word games is an excellent way to enhance your cognitive skills. To start with, it can help to expand your vocabulary and knowledge. It can also help improve your memory, improve your thinking and analytical skills, and keep your brain healthy overall. You can also take advantage of a word unscrambler, as this will help you to learn faster and learn more in a shorter amount of time. It is also a great tool to have to hand when training for games and competitions.
The Sims
Poker is the headiest game on this list. However, if brainy challenges aren’t your thing, then focus on having a bit of fun instead. The Sims is a well-known simulation game that lets players create a life for their fictional avatars—down to the most minute detail.
The Sims is great for anyone with a laptop who doesn’t necessarily want to delve into the gaming world. Simply download and set up the game, then start a casual adventure. You can also choose from a dozen different expansion packs, including themes ranging from romance to pets.

ABZÛ
If you’re a little more comfortable exploring the gaming world, then check out Abzû. This title is visually stunning, letting you sit back and enjoy a world of rich graphic design. Specifically, Abzû takes players underwater into an alien planet that’s full of colorful wonders.
That’s about it. Players simply explore a surprising and novel world of underwater delights. They can swim with whales and sharks and interact with other creatures using sonar devices. Though it sounds simple, the visual design really is top-notch—you won’t be able to look away.
Candy Crush
If poker is too heady for you, and The Sims is too involved, and ABZU is too open-ended, then stick with a tried-and-true classic like Candy Crush Saga. This game is easy to access—just head to the mobile app store and download it now.
From there, all you need to do is start matching three or more symbols. The straightforward gameplay has made it a casual hit around the world. However, you’ll also level up along the way, unlocking new levels and themes as you progress to newfound match-three heights.
Fluid Simulation
If you’re an artistic or creative individual, you might want to focus on a game that lets you flex those imaginative muscles. Fluid Simulation is a great option because it’s available on mobile. This game simulates the creation of ‘fluid art’, which involves pouring acrylics onto canvases and layering them.
Sound abstract? That’s the magic of it. Players start out with a blank canvas, then can select paints and light treatments to craft masterpieces. But the physics of the game are based on pouring, which means you’ll need to think outside the box to create your next favorite art piece.
Final Thoughts
Optimize your gaming space
One key part of effectively playing games and being more successful can come down to your gaming space. If you have an untidy space, filled with clutter, covered in rubbish, full of distractions, and too cramped to be comfortable, then this is going to inhibit your cognitive abilities while gaming.
A space like this is going to make you feel stressed and overwhelmed, even if you don’t recognize it at first. An easy way to improve your cognitive skills and in turn, your gaming, is to ensure you have a space that you can easily focus in.
Tidy up the space, get rid of rubbish, and declutter it. Personalize it so it is a safe space you look forward to spending time in. You can also customize it with information and tools about the games you like, so you have access to information easily. Ensure your setup is comfortable and you are able to keep a good posture throughout your gaming hours. These are all indirect factors of your cognitive skills.
So what do you think? Will you try any games as a new hobby?