How Old Is Wade Watts In Ready Player One

So, there I was, scrolling through my social media feed the other day, when I stumbled upon a post that made me raise an eyebrow. Some kid was bragging about how they'd just beaten the high score on a game from the '80s. I mean, I'm not that old, but even I remember when games were still a novelty, and the idea of someone born in this millennium playing them was mind-boggling. It got me thinking about Ready Player One, and how old Wade Watts, the protagonist, would be today. Let's dive in, shall we?

Wade Watts: A Brief History

For those who haven't read the book or seen the movie, Wade Watts is the hero of Ernest Cline's Ready Player One. The story is set in 2044, and Wade, our main man, is just 18 years old. Now, I know what you're thinking, "But, Ready Player One was published in 2011! That means Wade would be in his 30s by now!" Well, hold onto your OASIS avatars, because we're about to get into some timey-wimey stuff.

When Was Ready Player One Set?

As I mentioned earlier, the story of Ready Player One unfolds in 2044. But here's where it gets interesting: the book was published in 2011. That means Cline wrote the story in a future that's now our past. Isn't time travel fun? So, if Wade was 18 in 2044, that means he was born in... wait for it... 2026. Yes, you read that right. Wade Watts is a millennial. Or, as I like to call them, the 'why can't I have a million dollars for doing nothing' generation.

Now, I know what you're thinking, "But, you, old-timer, you're making this way more complicated than it needs to be!" And you're right. I mean, who cares about the exact year Wade was born? The point is, he's a kid from the future who loves retro games, and that's what makes him so darn relatable. Even if he is a millennial.

Ready Player One Wade Watts

So, How Old Is Wade Watts Today?

Alright, let's do some math. If Wade was 18 in 2044, and it's now 2022 (yes, I know, I can't believe it either), that means Wade would be... drumroll... 4. Yes, you heard it here first, folks. Wade Watts is a preschooler. I mean, can you imagine little Wade, with his chubby cheeks and tiny hands, trying to beat Adventure on his Oculus Rift? It's adorable, isn't it?

But seriously, folks, the age of Wade Watts is just a fun fact. What really matters is the story he tells, and the world he inhabits. A world where pop culture reigns supreme, and the line between reality and virtual reality is blurred. A world that, in many ways, feels like our own. So, whether you're a baby Wade or a grown-up Wade, there's something in Ready Player One for everyone. Just don't ask me to explain time travel again. My brain hurts.