# Mid-Aughts Play The nostalgia cycle shrinks to include kidult play that references the mid-2000s. By [Armida Ascano](https://www.trendhunter.com/Armida), Chief Insights Officer | Published Oct 18, 2017 | Category: [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/life-stages) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/midaughts-play ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.8/10 - Evidence articles: 3 ## What is the Mid-Aughts Play trend? **Mid-Aughts Play:** The concept of Millennials trading in a traditional approach to adulthood for one that prioritizes experience and play is transforming to include young Millennials, and even older members of Generation Z. This is manifesting through adult board and card games that references mid-2000s nostalgia. This demonstrates the increased pace of change, as the nostalgia cycle begins to shrink to include more recent cultural movements. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 3 featured examples - Articles from: Jul 25 to Oct 16, 2017 - Published: Oct 18, 2017 - Patterns: [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Tribalism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/tribalism), [Nostalgia](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/nostalgia), [Youthfulness](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/youthfulness) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Themes within the Mid-Aughts Play trend ### Nostalgia Cycle Shrinking As the nostalgia cycle begins to shrink, businesses can focus on creating products and services that cater to recent cultural trends. ### Augmented Reality Gaming Businesses can capitalize on the rise of immersive gaming experiences by creating augmented reality products and services, which allow users to experience the gaming world in a new and innovative way. ### Adultification of Play The shift towards prioritizing experience and play is a trend that creates opportunities for businesses to create more games and activities that cater to an older audience. ## What the Mid-Aughts Play trend means for industry ### For Gaming The gaming industry can capitalize on the rise of nostalgic and immersive experiences by creating more games that cater to current cultural trends and employ innovative technologies. ### For Entertainment The entertainment industry can create experiences that tap into the current trends of nostalgia and play to attract a wider audience and provide unique experiences for customers. ### For E-commerce The e-commerce industry can take advantage of the rise of adult-themed games and activities by selling and marketing products that are catered to older age groups. ## Workshop question How can your company better prepare for the increased pace of the nostalgia cycle? ## Trend signals for Mid-Aughts Play Trend score 3.8 out of 10, from popularity 67%, activity 40%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 67% - Activity: 40% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Mid-Aughts Play trend 3 featured examples from Jul 25 to Oct 16, 2017. - [Magical Escape Rooms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/harry-potter-escape-room): This Harry Potter Escape Room Takes Participants Through an Adventure (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: Opportunity to attract Harry Potter fans with themed attractions and experiences that enhance their travel and leisure experiences. - [AR Card Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/augmented-reality-card-game): Yu-Gi-Oh! Has Been Reinvented as an Augmented Reality Card Game (Category: Tech) Implication: Innovation in AR and mixed-reality gaming provide opportunities for game developers to explore new gaming experiences - [Magical Literature Card Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cards-against-potter): 'Cards Against Potter' Puts a Wizardly Spin on the Game (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Manufacturers can capitalize on the popularity of popular entertainment franchises by creating themed merchandise like card games. ## Recent trend clusters - [Constructible Franchises](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/constructible-franchises) (Life-Stages) - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Life-Stages - [Retro Graphic Tees](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nostalgic-graphic-tees) - [Screen-Free Kids Phones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/screen-free-kids-phones) - [Edible Oil-Based Lubes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coco-lube) - [Women's Health-Focused Probiotic Supplements](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/womens-health-probiotic-capsules) All articles: [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages)