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# Nostalgia Geek
As people age, icons that age with them keep them engaged.

By [Brian G Randles](https://www.trendhunter.com/Brian), Trend Hunter | Published Sep 21, 2009, updated Nov 19, 2009 | Category: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/technology-trends-and-gadgets)
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/video-game-nostalgia-as-gamer-generations-age-they-make-the-characters-icon

## Key Figures

- Trend score: 5.1/10
- Evidence articles: 7

## What is the Nostalgia Geek trend?

**Nostalgia Geek:** Every generation has media figures and icons that resonate with them and influence their decisions; however, as generations grow older, their interests in entertainment, pop culture and games change too, unless these innovations and mediums mature and develop with them over time.

## At a Glance

- Evidence: 7 featured examples
- Articles from: Jun 21 to Aug 14, 2009
- Published: Sep 21, 2009
- Patterns: [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection)
- Megatrends: [Nostalgia](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/nostalgia), [Youthfulness](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/youthfulness)

## Audience

- Gender: 70% men, 30% women
- Primary generations: Millennial
- Top markets: North America, Europe

## Themes within the Nostalgia Geek trend

### Nostalgia Marketing

As people age, companies can use nostalgia marketing to keep them engaged with brands, products, and icons from their past.

### Reimagining Icons

Redesigning classic characters in new ways can create new and exciting experiences for fans, as well as attract new audiences.

### Gaming-Themed Food

Creating food and snacks based on popular games can provide a fun and unique experience for gamers and non-gamers alike.

## What the Nostalgia Geek trend means for industry

### For Entertainment

As technology and trends change, entertainment companies and creators need to offer new and innovative ways to keep fans engaged.

### For Fashion

Fashion designers and brands can use iconic characters, games, and other pop culture references to create unique and eye-catching designs and products.

### For Food & Beverage

Innovative food and beverage companies can create new products and experiences by incorporating popular games and characters into their offerings.

## Trend signals for Nostalgia Geek

Trend score 5.1 out of 10, from popularity 74%, activity 70%, freshness 8%.

- Popularity: 74%
- Activity: 70%
- Freshness: 8%

## Examples of the Nostalgia Geek trend

7 featured examples from Jun 21 to Aug 14, 2009.

- [Video Game Portraits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/greg-de-stefano-video-game-mario): Greg de Stefano Brings "Super Smash Bros: Brawl" to Life (Category: Fashion)
  Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunities exist for digital artists to revolutionize the creation of realistic video game character portrayals.
- [Untooning Video Game Characters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/anthony-jones-mario): Anthony Jones Designs Real-Life Mario, Luigi, Bowser & Princess (Category: Tech)
  Implication: Untooning can provide opportunities for gaming companies to create new and more immersive gaming experiences for players.
- [People as Video Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/patrick-runte-photography): Patrick Runte Captures Cute Gaming Images (Category: Fashion)
  Implication: The art industry can benefit from using technology to create innovative visual experiences, such as utilizing real people as video game characters.
- [Tattooed Gamer Soles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tattooed-soles-mario-and-luigi): Mario and Luigi Are Inked On the Bottom of a Person's Feet (Category: Art & Design)
  Implication: Tattoo parlors can tap into the demand for unique and unconventional tattoos by offering specialized services and designs.
- [Velcro Game Clothes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/clothes-you-can-play-with): The Prize Pony Tic-Tac-Toe Tee Lets People Play With You (Category: Fashion)
  Implication: Opportunities for clothing brands to incorporate interactive elements into their designs and create unique, engaging products.
- [Gamer Cupcakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mii-cupcakes): Mii Cupcakes are Perfect for Wii Parties (Category: Tech)
  Implication: Bakeries can offer customizable treats such as personalized cupcakes as a unique selling point for events and parties.
- [Classic Game Recreations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nintendo-mini-classics): Nintendo Mini Classics Bring Back Memories in Digital Form (Category: Tech)
  Implication: Innovative gaming companies can create updated versions of classic games to cater to retro gaming enthusiasts.

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All articles: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech)
