Shirley Curry, better known online as the beloved “Skyrim Grandma,” has announced that she is finally retiring from creating new Elder Scrolls content on her YouTube channel. After nearly fifteen years of uploading playthroughs, stories, and explorations of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Curry has decided to step away as she approaches her 90th birthday. 
For her fans, this marks the end of an era in gaming culture, as Curry has been a unique and heartwarming presence in the community since long before YouTube gaming became mainstream.
In a video titled “My Goodbye to Skyrim”, Curry explained that she no longer finds joy in producing Skyrim-related videos. “Every time I try a new idea, maybe I’ll do one or two with a new character, but then I’m bored again,” she said with honesty that resonated deeply. What began as an exciting creative outlet has become, in her words, a routine that no longer inspires her. She added that while the fan messages of affection like “Hi Grandma, I love you” were sweet, they no longer provided the kind of stimulating feedback she once cherished. Instead, she misses the deeper conversations about lore, mechanics, and storytelling that originally drew her to sharing her adventures online.
Curry has stepped away before, only to return after a break, but this time her words carried more finality. She recommended that anyone still longing for Skyrim Grandma in the game could download the popular fan-made mod that immortalizes her as a follower within Skyrim itself. For those who want to continue following her online, Curry pointed to her Bible study YouTube channel, where she plans to remain active. While she didn’t mention her future cameo in The Elder Scrolls VI – a promise Bethesda made years ago – her silence on that subject only reinforced that she is focusing on her own peace and passions rather than waiting for a game that may still be far off.
Shirley Curry’s influence goes well beyond her subscriber count or her average video views. To many, she represented a powerful reminder that gaming is not confined by age, and her long dedication to Skyrim made her an icon in internet culture. Her decision highlights the reality that even the most beloved hobbies can lose their magic when repeated endlessly. As she herself admitted, playing the same game for fifteen years – even one as vast as Skyrim – eventually feels like running out of new paths to walk. Fans have pointed out that many other creators face the same burnout when overly tied to a single game, and in Curry’s case, the sense of disconnect with her younger audience likely deepened the fatigue.
Her departure has sparked an outpouring of mixed emotions. Some celebrate her extraordinary run and the joy she spread, while others lament the loss of one of gaming’s most unique voices. There’s also a bittersweet irony that while many elderly people crave affection and connection, Curry’s overwhelming tide of “I love you Grandma” comments left her feeling more isolated than before. What she truly valued were meaningful exchanges and being part of a community that challenged her thoughts – not simply being adored as a novelty.
Still, there is immense respect for her achievement. Few could imagine dedicating over a decade to a single game and building a persona embraced by an entire gaming generation. For many, it’s inspiring to see someone nearing ninety still engaging with digital worlds, whether it’s Skyrim or something else. Curry’s story is both a celebration of passion and a cautionary tale about the limits of doing the same thing for too long. As she closes this chapter, she leaves behind a digital legacy that will remain embedded in Skyrim itself, thanks to the modding community, and in the hearts of the countless people she entertained and inspired. Whether or not she ever makes another gaming appearance, Shirley Curry has already proven herself as one of the most remarkable figures in the history of online gaming.
1 comment
she shoulda tried other rpgs like fallout or eso, skyrim only for so long makes u hate it eventually