Kids step aside as mums take the controller in Ready Gamer Mum and battle for $50k

Despite clocking up hours on video game NBA 2K together, Ben is surprised by how different stepmum Pam’s experience felt under pressure.

“It was interesting how something the kids found so easy was like speaking an alien language to the parents.”

But Pam’s strategy is to “have a blast together even if we go down in flames”.  

Oliver has competed at the highest levels of gaming, while Sam’s experience begins and ends with Snake on a Nokia.

“I find it hard to sit still, so being tethered to a console feels like a hostage situation,” she jokes.

Despite his competitive nature, Oliver says his focus is simple: “I’m more invested in Mum having fun than winning.”

Romy entered the competition hoping for one-on-one time with his mother.

“It has changed my opinion of my Mum – she is much better at gaming than I thought she would be,” he says.

Rachel, meanwhile, gains insight into her son’s world.

“It’s much harder than I imagined. I know now why you should never interrupt a gamer while they are locked in,” she laughs.

In her youth, Breeze was a gamer girl, but she gave it up once she became a parent. So Ayla thought this was the perfect chance to encourage her back into it, sharing, “This show is meant for my mother and me.”

Both agree their close bond will be the key to success.

“Ayla and I are very intuitive with each other’s feelings and understand our limits,” Breeze tells.

As a self-described “old-school gamer”, enrolment policy advisor Rebekah saw the competition as “bonding time with my mātaamua [eldest] and hopefully kick his butt at something he is good at.”

Bevan isn’t making any promises about the outcome, but says, “Our aroha and strong bond will give us the edge.”

Though Justis is the pro in the family, when DJ and hairdresser TinTin heard the ad, she knew this was her chance to make her TV dream a reality.

“I was like, ‘OMG, New Zealand needs me!’ Knowing what a gamer Justis is, I knew we had to give it a go for a super-fun, crazy experience.”

Naylor admits she much prefers cards to video games, but joined for one reason: “My son asked me to and he said it would be fun.”

Leaton, however, saw an added bonus.

“Putting Mum through the wringer inside my domain is a gift, especially since she somehow puts up with me.”

Media operator Zarni is happiest behind the camera, but has stepped into the spotlight to showcase his mum.

“Everyone I talked to said I have to do it because Mum would be great on television.”

Now, despite never having picked up a controller before, Sandra is a convert.

“There were lots of surprises. Mums who have never played should give it a go!”

Having only ever played Pac-Man, mum of five Lisa was stunned when her son signed them up. But she quickly gained appreciation for his patience.

“He repeated instructions without getting frustrated at me, which I can imagine was difficult.”

Mathew just valued the time together, admitting, “I prefer actually playing to coaching.”

With Liam living in the US for the past four years, Janelle signed up for some much-needed time together.

“It reminded me how much I enjoyed gaming and it’s made me more interested in my children’s gaming again too,” she says.

For Liam, watching his mum tackle the challenges offered a new perspective.

“Watching Mum stress was a reality check for how I think about myself while I play games.”