Skyrim Grandma Bids Farewell to YouTube After 15 Years

Shirley Curry, widely known as “Skyrim Grandma,” announced her retirement from creating content related to The Elder Scrolls series in a heartfelt video posted on her YouTube channel on September 29, 2023. The 89-year-old gamer revealed that after nearly 15 years of sharing her adventures in the fantasy realm of Tamriel, she has decided to step back from uploading gameplay videos due to a loss of enjoyment in the process.

In her announcement, Curry expressed her gratitude towards her loyal followers but noted a change in her audience demographic. “All I get is, ‘Hi, grandma. I love you, grandma.’ That isn’t what I was spending my time on making and uploading videos for,” she stated, highlighting a disconnect between her original intentions and her current viewer interactions.

Curry Reflects on Her Journey and Legacy

Throughout the video, Curry maintained a calm and reflective demeanor as she recounted her journey on YouTube. She acknowledged the bonds she formed with older viewers, noting, “Those I will still appreciate hearing from.” For those interested in her legacy, she shared that tech enthusiasts had created a mod that features her as a character within Skyrim itself, allowing players to interact with her in-game. “If any of you older ones that I really want to talk to don’t have me… you can go to Nexus and type in Shirley Curry,” she mentioned, encouraging fans to explore this unique tribute.

While Curry plans to cease her Skyrim uploads, she intends to keep her YouTube channel active. She indicated that she would occasionally share her thoughts on topics such as religion, inviting her older audience to join her for discussions. “Once in a while, I might give a Bible verse that either has me confused or that I think is really interesting,” she explained.

Curry candidly admitted that she had run out of inspiration for new gameplay stories, stating, “I’m tired. I’m not having any fun with it anymore.” Her previous attempt to engage with the game Oblivion Remastered this year had left her feeling frustrated, further solidifying her decision to retire.

Fan Reactions and Community Support

Curry’s announcement drew an outpouring of support from her fanbase, many of whom described her departure as “the end of an era.” Comments flooded in, with one fan stating, “Looking forward to your next upload,” while another lamented, “Saddest day for all of the Skyrim community.”

Many older gamers expressed their appreciation for Curry’s contributions to the gaming landscape. One viewer remarked, “The YouTube algorithm has failed me! As a woman in my late 40s who recently discovered Skyrim… I guess that just means I can binge your VODs.” Others highlighted her influence, noting that nearly 370,000 people had downloaded the mod that includes her character, a testament to her impact on the gaming community.

As she transitions away from her role in the Skyrim universe, Curry leaves behind a legacy filled with joy and camaraderie. Her fans continue to rally around her, reminding her of the profound connection she has forged over the years. “You are loved and inspiring to lots of people that watch your content,” one supporter shared, encapsulating the sentiments of many who have followed her journey.

Shirley Curry’s departure marks the end of a significant chapter in gaming content creation, but her influence will undoubtedly resonate in the hearts of her fans and the gaming community for years to come.