Auditing My 2023 FOMO Video Game Purchases + Collecting Plans for 2024

Поділитися
Вставка
  • Опубліковано 28 лип 2024
  • I hope you enjoyed how I went about this topic! If there's interest in a similar video for next year I'll try to keep better records of my video game purchases so I can expand on some of the spending habit markers beyond what I covered in this video.
    Let me know if you would like a reoccurring series for this! Or if there's anything in similar you would like me to cover in the future.
    You may have also noticed the audio/visual is a little different. I'm still learning how to use the new equipment I purchased semi-recently but I hope you like the little improvements I've managed to make so far. Hopefully next time I'll figure out a better way to balance out my lighting and/or exposure levels lol.
    And lastly I mentioned this briefly towards the end of the video but my eyes are doing much better now! I'm wearing glasses for the time being as a precautionary measure. Thank you all for the well wishes :)
    Budgeting Video: • How I'm Able to AFFORD...
    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases through these affiliate link.
    Games Mentioned in Video:
    Anno Mutationem (Switch)
    Final Fantasy Rebirth Deluxe (PS5): amzn.to/48J1J3q
    Trails of Cold Steel 3/4 (PS5): amzn.to/48F9h7f
    Trails into Daybreak (PS5): amzn.to/3RQBl0T
    TSUKIHIME: A piece of blue glass moon LE (Switch): amzn.to/41LdeFs
    Baldur's Gate 3 Deluxe (PS5): us.merch.larian.com/en/produc...
    Shelves featured in the background:
    8-Tier Shelf With Circular Displays: amzn.to/41Q5lgp
    5-Tier Corner Shelf: amzn.to/3BKU8TF
    12-Tier Open Shelf: amzn.to/3MroS0X
    DISCLAIMER: I've listed US Amazon affiliate links in this description. This means that if you purchase a product using these links I may receive a small commission. No pressure to use these links but they are one way to help support the channel.
    If you would like to support the channel please check out:
    My Ko-fi page for single donations/tips
    ko-fi.com/orbalology
    ____________________________________________________________
    For those who may be curious about what my channel name means, it's a play on the magical energy technology system used in one of my favorite series: The Legend of Heroes/Trails/Kiseki games. Pronounced: or·bal·ol·o·gy :)
    If you are a viewer of this channel please do NOT contact me with trade, sale, or gift inquiries. I have no plans to open a public P.O. Box for fans to send things to me.
    The following are the only social media accounts I'm active on
    X/Twitter: / orbalology
    Instagram: / orbalology
    Threads: @ orbalology
  • Ігри

КОМЕНТАРІ • 418

  • @pauls713
    @pauls713 6 місяців тому +81

    If your buying schedule goes down, I'm sure a lot of us would be happy to have more videos where you share your thoughts on whatever you're playing, or on general developments in gaming. Good luck with the job transition .

    • @orbalology
      @orbalology  6 місяців тому +1

      Thank you!

    • @nicole-ruggiero
      @nicole-ruggiero 6 місяців тому +2

      Was just going to comment this! Definitely would love to hear your reviews on the games you already have! Also, BG3 is awesome. Not sure if you've played or made a video yet but definitely check it out, would love to hear what you think

  • @ryanrdlps
    @ryanrdlps 6 місяців тому +74

    Your transparency is incredibly refreshing. I think it can be the specific niche that you can build your brand around. Excited to see more! I wish I took your dedication to "saving" for what you want instead of my habbit of sliding the appropriate credit card for whichever shop I'm buying from. Great advice here!

    • @annonjames2433
      @annonjames2433 6 місяців тому +4

      Not to late to change bad habits

    • @orbalology
      @orbalology  6 місяців тому +6

      Thanks! And I agreed with the other commentor, it's never too late to make small incremental changes to our habits :)

  • @n8ivegogo1
    @n8ivegogo1 6 місяців тому +38

    This is unreal & unheard of
    I NEVER thought I’d see a UA-camr be so real & forthcoming, but that’s what I like about Emily’s vids. There’s no BS
    It’s just her in front of a camera & that’s the beauty of it. Keep up the great work‼️

  • @backlogbusters
    @backlogbusters 6 місяців тому +32

    Really appreciate the transparency! And hearing what you’re excited/saving for this next year! I’m inspired to go look at my spending for last year even though I’m a little scared to analyze it haha

    • @orbalology
      @orbalology  6 місяців тому +8

      Thanks! And I totally agree that seeing all the numbers added together is certainly very intimidating! But if you choose to go through this exercise I hope you can find it just as helpful :)

  • @anthonycomeaux1804
    @anthonycomeaux1804 6 місяців тому +37

    Limited print retailers (and even regular retailers) have really cranked the FOMO marketing and release strategies to 11 in recent years. Its so sad because it personally makes collecting less enjoyable and makes me feel dirty for supporting such unethical practices. It has driven me to collecting less, which is good, but just a sad state of affairs
    Edit: you are spot on with VGP. I like them given that you get some second/third chances to get a game that may not be so easy to come by, but they lean HEAVILY on "oh it's a limited reprint that is going for crazy amounts of money on the secondhand market, so buy now because we are going to run out". You see the game sell out initially and think "I'm glad I got it since it really sold out", and then not much later it's magically available again.. and again .. and again... And on sale....
    It's hard to fault VGP specifically for that practice since Best Buy and other retailers are all doing the same thing these days as part of release strategies to drive initial preorders/sales, but it is dirty

    • @jarathen1625
      @jarathen1625 6 місяців тому +5

      Also VGP charges up front no matter when the order actually ships, which feels scummy.

    • @NumberOneHorseDrowner
      @NumberOneHorseDrowner 6 місяців тому +2

      Every game has limited print runs, the only difference is most are hidden. Lots of limited print run games are not particularly expensive 6 months or so after they are released. The only reason these games have physical versions is because of limited print run companies, and the only options they have are guessing how many copies to make, or accepting pre-orders and making that many.

    • @orbalology
      @orbalology  6 місяців тому +2

      Yeah, I don't think VGP is necessarily the one to blame, but publishers themselves for relying on these print on demand practices. VGP is a small business so they can only commit to so many copies they know will sell at a given time.

    • @anthonycomeaux1804
      @anthonycomeaux1804 6 місяців тому +1

      @@orbalology yeah that makes sense. Just strange to see how commonplace it has become with the likes of BestBuy, target, etc. but I guess that strategy works best for them , but just isn't great in terms of customer experience

  • @leolightfellow
    @leolightfellow 6 місяців тому +19

    Lot of great games in there. Lot of money spent too. Good on you for being so transparent.
    (The glasses look good on you, btw.)

    • @TheDaglers
      @TheDaglers 6 місяців тому +1

      I see you are fellow man of culture aswell. Glasses on girls are op.

  • @wolfuz
    @wolfuz 6 місяців тому +5

    I agree with you that there isn't a lot of transparency when it comes to hobby expenses, and you really bring out the awareness to be responsible about it! Thank you for your commitment! Very nicely done, Emily!

  • @arsenblackwell
    @arsenblackwell 6 місяців тому +2

    I bought the Nintendo Switch in January 2022. It was a shopping frenzy. Between that year and last. I put together my collection that mostly consists of RPG games just like you. Considering only the switch games i bought 150+ games. I spent a little more than 7k in that without considering what I spent on PS4, PS5, even Xbox 360 and some PS1 games. Finally, more than 30+ Nendoroid figures, I think I spend a total of approximately 10k, all together. This year I ´m saving and investing I hope i continue my puchases more consiusly because that was really crazy. I have a game backlog for many years XD

    • @orbalology
      @orbalology  6 місяців тому

      Best of luck with tackling your backlog, and curbing your spending! Hopefully we both can make progress on these goals :)

  • @OfficialBo420
    @OfficialBo420 6 місяців тому +3

    These types of videos are amazing to me, because being someone who is about to be on their own, but who is also smart with saving money, you take all the little details into consideration (the average ,median etc) also your monthly purchases is how I keep track for the year! Ppl can really learn a lot from these kinds of videos

  • @aliali-ce3yf
    @aliali-ce3yf 5 місяців тому +1

    this is fantastic. more transparency in finances is fantastic. wish more people did these kinds of videos. the problem with social media is it feeds into people chasing unrealistic or potentially unhealthy goals

  • @baldchinchilla
    @baldchinchilla 6 місяців тому +2

    I love any time you do spread sheet breakdowns. It's a really interesting approach to looking back at your collecting.

  • @sandwichsupernova
    @sandwichsupernova 6 місяців тому +2

    Thank you for sharing. Really appreciate your sincerity and the good vibes. Stay awesome and have a wonderful 2024!! 😊

  • @kevinmccartney4906
    @kevinmccartney4906 6 місяців тому +2

    I appreciate your methodical approach to looking over the last year and planning for the next. Zooming out and looking at the numbers to help decide a course of action can feel empowering! Thanks for your honesty and openness.
    Continuing to wish you luck with the job transition! You sound prepared for it and that's also admirable. 🎉

  • @raul4121
    @raul4121 6 місяців тому +2

    Thanks for the transparency! I actually have the same goal as you this year so it's nice to hear that there is someone else out there with the same goal around a hobby I really enjoy.

  • @GreatShinob1W0lf
    @GreatShinob1W0lf 6 місяців тому +1

    I freaking love this idea Emily thank you for doing this and sharing. I have the same issue and am excited to keep up with your process

  • @75Golgotha
    @75Golgotha 6 місяців тому

    Thanks for sharing! While I don't have the same collecting mentality I do enjoy seeing your process, and in turn it helps me think about what games I am purchasing through the year. 😁

  • @willieko
    @willieko 6 місяців тому

    Love the breakdown! As cool as it has been seeing your shelf grow, I think it's great you're taking a break to assess your financial priorities, especially now that your UA-cam backdrop is nicely filled :)

  • @ScottReviews
    @ScottReviews 6 місяців тому

    I really love this idea of spreadsheeting the purchases. Thank you for this!

  • @MagentaMilk
    @MagentaMilk 6 місяців тому +1

    Came for the RPG talk, left feeling motivated to get my finances in order 😅

  • @SoloBoardGamingKnight
    @SoloBoardGamingKnight 6 місяців тому +1

    I never really experienced FOMO until I got into board games. Many times, board games only receive one very limited printing run.
    With video games, I still purchase a lot but mostly just for the Switch. This year, I really have to practice self-control. Like you, having a channel can influence our purchasing decisions. Personally, I will most likely focus on playthroughs, learn 2 plays and review copies.
    Good luck with your new job and I wish you much luck in 2024!!

    • @johnathanrhoades7751
      @johnathanrhoades7751 2 місяці тому

      My GOODNESS yes…the Kickstarter/Gamefound environment of games is insane. I have almost entirely cut board game spending as I am really happy with my current collection, but the FOMO was insane.

  • @thanksgivingh6185
    @thanksgivingh6185 6 місяців тому +1

    I like your approach. kind of makes the whole allocating fundings/savings a game out of the whole process, adding a bit of fun and enthusiasm in a way.😅 👍

  • @BlueLilyMA15
    @BlueLilyMA15 6 місяців тому +2

    Thanks so much for doing this video Emily!! I think it’s really important to talk about this topic. I myself bought over 100 games this year and I can see that some of them were definitely FOMO and a few were just bad decisions. I’m really going to try harder this year to curate my collection more thoughtfully, focusing on the series (trails, tales, fire emblem and xeno) that bring me joy 🥰

    • @orbalology
      @orbalology  6 місяців тому +1

      Ah, great series to choose to focus on this year. Best of luck with all your collecting goals :)

  • @karllong1570
    @karllong1570 6 місяців тому +1

    A great video worth the wait and all your effort I love how you tally up all the details it’s really eye opening and such a good idea thanks for sharing and you look fabulous in your glasses also just a little notice ☺️🙏🏻

  • @Buba92
    @Buba92 6 місяців тому +1

    Thanks for the refreshing video again. I'm also aiming to continue with scaling down on purchases this year, along with playing some specific titles amongst other things.
    Also... joining the praise; your transparency is really amazing & appreciated. I can't fathom why you'd get bad comments... you don't deserve it, I think you've been amazingly helpful in the space & brave.

    • @orbalology
      @orbalology  6 місяців тому +1

      Thanks! I wish you the best with your buying & playing goals this year :)

  • @cbpowell83
    @cbpowell83 6 місяців тому

    Cutting out those limited print games will help. I realized a couple years ago I was having a lot of FOMO purchases with these companies and buying things that I never even touched. Reassessing and prioritizing what I want to collect has helped me out a lot. Where I was collecting a lot of Switch, PS4, retro games, limited edition box sets, and vinyl, I all but cut out all PS4, retro, and LE box sets and focused on Switch and vinyl. Within Switch I broke it down further to only games of series I knew I liked or the genres (RPG and platformers) that I love. I spend much less on just random stuff and now I basically have a finite list (around 40) that seems attainable, where after I'll just need to pick up titles as they release. This more focused approach has made the collecting even more fun. The only thing that's gonna throw a wrench in is when that Switch 2 comes out.

  • @michaelbalcazar3990
    @michaelbalcazar3990 6 місяців тому

    Great insight here! Really have me thinking about how much I truly spend on my hobbies/my budget! Sidenote - you have the best background music! Especially the trails music you use!

    • @orbalology
      @orbalology  6 місяців тому

      Falcom/Trails music is the best :)

  • @Igenitts
    @Igenitts 6 місяців тому

    Thanks to you Emily, I’m going to keep track on how much I spend on games this year. I’m trying to break the habit of caving in to fomo.

  • @vicoussoulja
    @vicoussoulja 6 місяців тому +1

    Thanks for sharing, I have never gotten into mass collections. My sunk cost comes from my sport car. Though it doesn't align with collecting, it shares some paths. Very informative and helpful!

  • @SigmaChicken09
    @SigmaChicken09 6 місяців тому

    Heck yeah great video appreciate your transparency

  • @missmandia
    @missmandia 6 місяців тому

    Watching your videos on financial planning and review in the context of this hobby is always so refreshing (and motivating)! I love this style of video, thanks for sharing & being so open about your budget! 😊

    • @orbalology
      @orbalology  6 місяців тому

      Thanks, Mandy. I'm glad I can share passion for collecting and finances in the same space with these types of videos :)

  • @glorg
    @glorg 6 місяців тому

    I really appreciate this type of video. I honestly don't think that I've seen another collector discuss the financial side of the hobby like you have recently. It's really refreshing seeing someone doing this! Great video and happy new year, Emily!

  • @ploopachooptv
    @ploopachooptv 6 місяців тому

    Just wanted to say that your channel is the reason I am finally giving the Kiseki series a try this year! Thank you for always sharing your gaming opinions and love for games with us. Curated Collecting seems like a really effective way to keep games you want to display for sentimental value or because you will actually play them. Anyways, I am off to go play more Trails in the Sky FC!

  • @onlygoodgamesofficial
    @onlygoodgamesofficial 6 місяців тому

    Great video 👍🏻 you make me feel slightly better about how much I spent in 2023 lol. Keep up the awesome & informative videos!

  • @cozyfeji
    @cozyfeji 6 місяців тому +2

    I definitely relate a lot to this video! This year I definitely want to slow down and really think about what games I want in my collection!

  • @jordanwilliams8266
    @jordanwilliams8266 4 місяці тому

    I love this kind of content. This is one of the more fun parts of collecting for me. To assess my spending habits at the end of the year and to find areas to improve.
    I've been also working on curating and culling my collection over the past few years to refine it.
    I dont have the time to play every game, so I cut back on buying quantity and have shifted to focusing on games I REALLY want to play, and then use some extra money for the next gen Nintendo console, CEs for future games I really want, and figures (There's still a Mio scale figure, Eunie figma, about 4 Persona 5 figures, and Adol and Dana figures from Ys VIII)

  • @ColdNightsGaming
    @ColdNightsGaming 6 місяців тому +2

    Great insight, Em! I burned through my gaming budget quicker than ever this year, so I feel the heat, too. Lovely video as always! ✨

  • @davidhall2018
    @davidhall2018 6 місяців тому +1

    I think that your “sinking fund” approach is a very good one. It can be hard enough keeping my on FOMO in check. Especially when it comes to pre-orders. But I’ve been trying to do my own sort of budgeting similar to a sinking fund. You have an amazing collection and I hope that you’re able to continue expanding i!

  • @Ric_93
    @Ric_93 6 місяців тому +2

    Thank you so much for being so transparent! Really loved how insightful and detailed the video was. I've also been logging my purchases and getting all sorts of data from it (fellow PhD here 😂 I can't help it!), I used to have a mega Excel sheet, I've recently transferred the data to Notion and it's so so great! (I now feel kinda inspired to film a similar 2023 audit video myself... 👀)

    • @orbalology
      @orbalology  6 місяців тому

      Definitely make an audit video if you're willing! It would be interesting to see how you would approach it :)

  • @YukeWeiss
    @YukeWeiss 6 місяців тому

    I was really good this year and only purchased about 4 games physically. I also found 2 of the Ratchet and Clanks on PS3 (the side games) for extremely cheap. Digitally I went a bit nuts when the 3DS store shut but they don't take up shelf space. My goal was to try and become backlog neutral or positive and I did in fact reduce it all in all by finishing a few 3DS games I had.
    Wishing you well for your 2024 goals!

  • @CarbonKingZach
    @CarbonKingZach 6 місяців тому

    I love the spreadsheet, as someone who is in finance and also a collector I can relate, even though I haven't taken the step to make my own yet lol.
    Good luck with the career change, I am preparing for one myself, hoping all works out for the best!

  • @hekidayo
    @hekidayo 6 місяців тому +1

    Hell yeah financial literacy and gaming!! Great idea for a video and thank you for sharing so many details. It can boggle the mind how once we can afford spending on a hobby, we can be shocked by how much if we don’t track it!

  • @Gravy1255
    @Gravy1255 6 місяців тому

    YES more videos! I love your content so much.

  • @Mack.Tracks
    @Mack.Tracks 6 місяців тому +1

    I really appreciate the insight. Thanks!

  • @type2red
    @type2red 6 місяців тому

    Love this video thank you so much Emily.

  • @suoutatsuya
    @suoutatsuya 6 місяців тому

    I hope to save and be critical/mindful of what I buy for my hobbies in 2024 :]
    Happy new year!!! I always love your videos ^^

    • @orbalology
      @orbalology  6 місяців тому

      Happy new year! Let's hope it's kind to us so we can both achieve our 2024 goals :)

  • @fyrin4837
    @fyrin4837 6 місяців тому

    This is an amazing video! I appreciate transparency with going over your recent collection and doing some self-awareness to find out that FOMO definitely affect your game purchases. I've recently did the same thing for gaming hardware that I've purchased in 2023. I wish you luck on improving your spending habits and on your new career path!

    • @orbalology
      @orbalology  6 місяців тому

      Thank you, best of luck with your collecting goals for 2024 :)

  • @JoeNayDoh
    @JoeNayDoh 6 місяців тому +1

    You know we're in for a good video when Emily starts breaking out the spreadsheets lol
    Great video. I agree that it's always a good idea to wait on new releases (even though that's where I always get it with FOMO), especially with some many games pushing $70 now. Always good to wait for a sale and hopefully any necessary patches the games needs will be out by the time you pick it up

  • @Vandalizer1413
    @Vandalizer1413 6 місяців тому

    I enjoy the financial breakdown you provide. It’s very unique here on youtube! Keep up the great work!

  • @wilmer7826
    @wilmer7826 6 місяців тому

    Happy new year! I like your glasses! They're really cute :)

  • @midithi
    @midithi 6 місяців тому

    I need to do a sinking funds sheet, wow. This is amazing. Thank you for sharing this with us.

  • @djdavis1420
    @djdavis1420 6 місяців тому +1

    The fact that you mentioned Xenosaga at all gives me so much hope! I know it's still a pipe dream, but a pipe dream is still a dream!

    • @orbalology
      @orbalology  6 місяців тому +1

      I hope all the little teasers & references they keep dropping will lead up to something!

  • @SaintAlphonzo
    @SaintAlphonzo 6 місяців тому

    This is super helpful. Thank you for sharing.

  • @luissandovaljr
    @luissandovaljr 6 місяців тому

    Thanks so much for being so open with us. It's interesting because I've never assessed my own habits and I'm spread across Video Games, comics, Warhammer 40k, and reading. I think I need to do this for myself. You've got a great collection and I admire your willingness to avoid FOMO. It's hard. lol. So glad to see a video from you today!

  • @DavidNomNom
    @DavidNomNom 6 місяців тому

    This transparency is appreciated and helping me with my own budgeting for 2024. Fully agree with the idea of pulling back on new game spending and focusing on clearing out the backlog, especially after such a stellar year for gaming!

    • @orbalology
      @orbalology  6 місяців тому

      Last year was pretty wild, and it's looking to be similar this year!

  • @josecarlos11
    @josecarlos11 6 місяців тому +1

    Excellent video! It’s good we all do self reflection once in a while. I’m very satisfied with my collection so I only buy maybe 10 games a year now. But no judgement because it’s a fun hobby. Also FOMO is a real thing and something we should all recognize. Anyways this is why we appreciate this channel, I hope you continue to grow!

  • @jarathen1625
    @jarathen1625 6 місяців тому

    I like this. It's a fun hobby that also requires an admission that there will never be any kind of time to play it all, so we need to be cognizant of what we're doing, why we're doing it, and how to do it responsibly. I like this angle and approach.

  • @Mike55690
    @Mike55690 6 місяців тому

    These videos, well all your videos really, but topics like this specifically are always so thoroughly put together, stellar job Emily!
    You really have helped me curb some unhealthy spending habits, all the while looking back at my own collection and seeing where i can cut down, to spending habits alike!
    Also, your videos are always worth the wait, you deliver consistently every single time, all the while covering topics that are both enjoyable but interesting/helpful as well!
    This year i am most definitely cutting down on limited to collectors editions unless it's for game series that are my favorite, as opposed to before where i just wanted them for the sake of owning them which is a waste of money lol. Regardless, wishing you all the best this year and i look forward to all you have in store for us! :)

    • @orbalology
      @orbalology  6 місяців тому +1

      I hope we can both achieve our goals this year, Michael. And thank you again for the thoughtful comment :)

  • @jdzspace33
    @jdzspace33 6 місяців тому +1

    I really like this approach. I need to adopt this myself, i don't even pay attention to the smaller games i buy, only the "hunts," aka the collector's edition.
    But i probably bagged more than my share of hunts last year

  • @grimm-dawg
    @grimm-dawg 6 місяців тому

    Happy ny 🥂 thanks for the entertaining videos

  • @naomibrist3312
    @naomibrist3312 6 місяців тому

    Thank you for sharing! I agree that talking about the financial side of hobbies is a very important aspect. Hobbies are intended to be fun, not cause financial burdens.
    This year my major goal is to play more games than I buy. I hope to achieve this by 1. Being more intentional with my purchases, I've made a priority list similar to your sinking funds list you shared. 2. In general focus weekend activities more around playing games than game hunting. I recognize that is when I have a tendency to go game hunting and seemingly always end up finding "great deals" I can't pass on. Reducing these kinds of outings will definitely help.

    • @orbalology
      @orbalology  6 місяців тому +1

      These are good strategies! Best of luck with achieving your goals this year :)

  • @jobojoe1
    @jobojoe1 6 місяців тому

    This is great thank you!

  • @OpenGrave
    @OpenGrave 6 місяців тому +1

    Love the finance mixed with collecting. More please.

  • @6thstanza700
    @6thstanza700 6 місяців тому

    I hope the new job is the one that you were a finalist for!! I love the transparency in this breakdown, you're the only gamer youtuber that does this, thank you so much!

  • @ddkixk
    @ddkixk 6 місяців тому

    I need to take notes from you about making a spread sheet for sure in 2024.

  • @feversgv
    @feversgv 6 місяців тому +3

    loving the glasses ! 🤓

  • @zebbie09
    @zebbie09 6 місяців тому

    Thanks for posting this video. I need to cut back on purchases too. My backlog is utterly ridiculous. Thankfully, I get most of mine discounted by 20 percent or deeply discounted even further.

  • @cashtwonine
    @cashtwonine 6 місяців тому

    Great video as always, Emily! I love that you strive to be transparent about budgeting and ensuring needs are met before spending on hobbies. I also hope all is well with your eyes!
    This year, I want to put a good dent in my backlog, but I also would like to spend more time reading than last year and attempt to learn a new language.
    Happy New Year!

    • @orbalology
      @orbalology  6 місяців тому +1

      I wish you the best with your goals! I bought a Kindle over black friday so I'm hoping to fit more reading in this year as well :)

    • @cashtwonine
      @cashtwonine 6 місяців тому

      @@orbalology Nice! Good luck to you this year as well :)

  • @folkdude01
    @folkdude01 6 місяців тому

    I’m glad I watched this video for because it is a good topic to talk about, budgeting for your hobbies, it’s definitely something I’ve been thinking about the last couple years. Also, I liked the categorizing in your video and it reminded me that I didn’t necessarily need excel to do a spreadsheet, I could just use Google Sheets which sounds like a good project for me to do this month. I collect video games and movies and I think I did okay overall last year with FOMO but I’m still a work in progress with a hefty backlog. Big goal of mine for the year is to get through 35% or better or the backlog which I hope isn’t too scary whenever I do the spreadsheet. Looking forward to seeing your progress in future videos, cheers!

  • @MrValkilmer35
    @MrValkilmer35 5 місяців тому

    Hey I love your transparency and collecting videos. My current issue is I have a huge backlog and don't play the games as fast as I can buy them. So I'm hoping to curb my game buying in 2024 and follow through playing through some of my backlog before i buy new games.

  • @AphonsoLuis
    @AphonsoLuis 6 місяців тому

    Your videos are really fantastic and you are covering topics that few, if any, people talk about. Sometimes it gets annoying the amount of videos that almost everyone makes with the old theme of "look at the number of games I bought! I'm the best! I have so many games!" The reality, however, for most people, the amount of money we spend on games always has a huge impact on our lives and it is very easy to get into a spiral of addiction where we start buying, buying, buying, and we don't stop. Last year I started controlling the number of games I buy and I only bought 67 games. In my worst phases of FOMO I bought more than 100 games in a single month.

  • @Lemonade_Stand_
    @Lemonade_Stand_ 6 місяців тому +1

    You're a brave woman. Personally i prefer the ignorance is bliss approach when it comes to my spending habits.

    • @orbalology
      @orbalology  6 місяців тому

      I guess I like to live dangerously lol

  • @Edde0425
    @Edde0425 5 місяців тому

    I just came across your channel and have to say that i love you. In the gamer type of way :) amazing collection you have going on and the content is just as good.

  • @WolfPhoenix0
    @WolfPhoenix0 6 місяців тому

    Awesome transparency, Emily! I bought plenty of Switch games in 2023 and splurged quite a bit on the Steam Winter Sale, ha ha.
    I also highly recommend using a spreadsheet to keep track of your gaming backlog. It's helped me organize everything nicely though it's also a constant reminder that there's so much left to play. 😂

    • @orbalology
      @orbalology  6 місяців тому +1

      I may have to incorporate some spreadsheets for backlog completion! I've been looking at Notion too as a way to organize and log everything too :)

  • @Franzgoesberserk
    @Franzgoesberserk 6 місяців тому

    Great video and transparency. Very encouraging for tracking expenses. At the end of last year I realized I spent a lot of money on videogames.. I wasn't able to track it, but I do know it was a quite a lot. I made myself a challenge of spending $0 on videogames this year because I'm saving money for other life projects. Plus I'll have more time to focus on my backlog. So far it's working

  • @Gaming-Enthusiast
    @Gaming-Enthusiast 6 місяців тому

    Great advice, massive inspiration to us smaller content creators 👌👌

  • @christophermonzon8883
    @christophermonzon8883 6 місяців тому

    Great video. With so many video games it's easy to get distracted. Lately, I'm only buying games that I know I will love 100% (that is a small handful of games being released). It takes me a looong time to beat games so I know I will never run out of a good game jewel to go get lost in

  • @vorpal22
    @vorpal22 6 місяців тому

    I hear you... my fomo from last year was out of control for the first half of 2023. I managed to thankfully rein it in for the second half of 2023 and be more discerning. I'm running out of room for my collector's editions. 😅 I'll give in to my favourite franchises, but I'm not going to just buy a CE of a game that I likely won't end up playing.
    You always make me rethink my collecting strategy and reflect on my collection! As others have said, your transparency is refreshing and your passion for collecting and putting a lot of thought into it is inspiring.

    • @orbalology
      @orbalology  6 місяців тому +1

      Glad to hear you were able to rein it in in the second half of last year! I hope I can show more restraint this year as well, though the new eastasiasoft otome VN that was announced I think is going to be my first disruptor lol.

  • @RE-LOOIE
    @RE-LOOIE 6 місяців тому

    I really enjoyed this video and love the idea. I'm an IT Auditor and I know I could do a MUCH better job keeping track of my game-related purchases throughout the year 😅 This is definitely something I'm going to do this year :)
    It's been a real treat tuning into your videos over the course of last year, Emily. Between work and the general stresses of life, it's nice to have a channel to watch that's both informative and relaxing to watch. Looking forward to your videos here in the New Year!

    • @orbalology
      @orbalology  6 місяців тому

      Thank you so much, Rusty! I've enjoyed being able to collaborate & interact with you this past year as well :)

  • @omyguzman1796
    @omyguzman1796 6 місяців тому

    Great video, thank you 😉 big help to keep my expenses in check 😅
    For 2024 already preorder CE's for Persona 3R, FF7 Rebirth, Grand blue fantasy and Unicorn Overlord, and of course Falcom is taking my money on anything they release hoping for YS X soon. I hope Monolith soft dont show anything until next gen.
    Looking good with the new glasses 😊

  • @LynnMooney
    @LynnMooney 5 місяців тому

    I think most of us can understand the struggle. So many games come out and picking and choosing what to buy can be quite difficult. Especially some of the niche games on Switch. I have to track for the Y's series, Trails, Atelier, etc. to name a few. Great video, I liked seeing your game plan for 2024 expenses. :)

  • @dwade03marion07
    @dwade03marion07 6 місяців тому

    Hello Emily! First off, belated Happy New Year! Hope 2024 will be a great year for you, from your personal life, to your collecting life! :D
    This is such a fascinating insight to how you collect, and how you audit them! Once again, love the spreadsheets hehe! While I would personally never do this, it's great on how it would things would look like, with percentages and everything.
    Extra comments: 1. Will never really like most of the companies to do limited prints, that rely on FOMO HEAVILY to get to you buy, that take a long ass time to fulfill your orders, the extra contents aren't even worth the price a good chunk of the time (at least from what I've seen), etc. amongst other gripes I have with them.
    2. Your video inspired me to check and see on how many games I bought in 2023. It was around 30-40 games, with half of them being retro games, and a decent chunk of them just re-releases of older games (I.E. Baten Kaitos, Rhapsody), very few actual 2023 releases. That's perfectly fine by me 😂

    • @orbalology
      @orbalology  6 місяців тому

      Ah, Baten Kaitos is one I meant to buy last year... it's been slightly discounted on VGP & playasia these last couple of months so I may have to make an order soonish lol

    • @dwade03marion07
      @dwade03marion07 6 місяців тому

      @@orbalology I will definitely say it's super worth it! :D My perosnal GOTY! Though, I think you already know it, it's a long ass game lol, so be prepared to sink a good amount of time to it, I know you have that backlog to go through XD

  • @flippingtheswitch
    @flippingtheswitch 6 місяців тому

    Back at it with another infinitely useful video for the community! I can definitely relate to this and would be terrified to add it all up, so you have more courage than I! Video games and Doordash need an audit for sure lol! Think I will do one this year!

    • @orbalology
      @orbalology  6 місяців тому +1

      It's super scary adding things all up, but should hopefully provide some invaluable insight. If you decide to make an audit for this year & share it I would love to see how you decide to go about it :)

  • @ak2112
    @ak2112 6 місяців тому

    Started the video and I was just staring at how many switch games you have... and then at 4 minutes in, you address that you have a ton of switch games. I love it 😅

  • @model.citizen.ps3
    @model.citizen.ps3 6 місяців тому

    your collection is spectacular. i love jrpgs

  • @Jenergyyy
    @Jenergyyy 6 місяців тому +5

    I too struggle with major FOMO but also love the chase of a good deal. I have a similar new release goal for next year where I'm going to try to wait for new releases to drop in price. The problem is, I too enjoy niche titles that have low print runs 😅

    • @orbalology
      @orbalology  6 місяців тому +1

      The deal chasing is a major weakness of mine too. Let's hope we can both achieve our goals this year!

    • @Jenergyyy
      @Jenergyyy 6 місяців тому

      @orbalology Fingers crossed haha Happy New Year!

  • @tehflyingpanda5847
    @tehflyingpanda5847 6 місяців тому

    Thank you for this 🥲 being a video game and kpop collector, this was a wake up call to slow down lol

    • @orbalology
      @orbalology  6 місяців тому

      Agreed, it's difficult being a video game & kpop collector, so I def feel your pain lol

  • @DrGamingPlays
    @DrGamingPlays 6 місяців тому +1

    I started getting back into collecting again a little over two years ago, and your channel was the first collecting one I started watching (and then some others). My resolution is to reduce the amount of things I get just because it looked so cool on another channel because that really put me over budget. There are really only about five or so CE's that I am getting this year (though what will happen if Xenosaga CE Remasters are announced, lol). Thank you for the insight!

    • @orbalology
      @orbalology  6 місяців тому

      I wish you the best with your collecting goals, hopefully we both don't go over budget this year!

  • @BeyondBrii
    @BeyondBrii 6 місяців тому

    I really need to scale back too, just on general hobby spending (especially on impulse!). Thanks for this video, I should track mine too and finally build up savings

    • @orbalology
      @orbalology  6 місяців тому

      Building up an emergency fund & savings goals is super important! Hope you can make progress on all your goals this year :)

  • @timmymeredith7499
    @timmymeredith7499 6 місяців тому

    Hi Emily hope you had a great Christmas and New Year last year was an amazing year for video game releases I really went over budget myself I have a backlog you would not believe looking forward to my final fantasy rebirth coming in February

    • @orbalology
      @orbalology  6 місяців тому +1

      There were so many great titles that came out last year! My amazon wish list is still super long with 2023 releases I have yet to pick up. I fear 2024 will be similar, but hope I can resist buying too many that I won't be able to get to anytime soon 😅

  • @BespokeSlipp
    @BespokeSlipp 6 місяців тому

    I’m excited for my video game resolution this year: to gradually start figure collecting! And it couldn’t have began better. I caved and put in a preorder for the FF 7 Rebirth Sephiroth collector’s edition from Square’s site. The shipping was only $10, which is substantially less than I’ve ever seen it. Hefty purchase however, so I’ll have to really hold off on other pickups unfortunately.
    It’s so awesome to see you spreading financial literacy/transparency Emily. Truly is such an important aspect of all of our lives, and needs to have a larger presence. Thanks so much for sharing your budget. I’d love to see more videos, and I’m going to start tracking this year as well.
    VGP’s holiday sales were great, but I’m a little annoyed as I bought some reprints (both Persona Q 3DS games), and the Opus Collection, that both were marked down $10-15 just a few weeks after delivery. No worries though, now I know to wait this year until the holiday season for most things. I still love you VGP if you’re reading! Lol

    • @orbalology
      @orbalology  6 місяців тому

      Oh man, the FF7 Rebirth CE with Sephiroth statue looked awesome, hope it's as amazing in person!! Which other figures have you been eyeing? 👀

  • @qualitea_individual
    @qualitea_individual 6 місяців тому +1

    As someone who is definitely trying to stop spending as much on games this year, I super appreciate this! Thankfully outside of a few select titles, there’s not TOO much I feel like I need to buy this year yet so I’m hoping that’ll help😂 Great video, Emily!!

    • @orbalology
      @orbalology  6 місяців тому

      Thanks Alex! Let's hope any upcoming releases that will be announced later won't be too tempting, for both of our sakes!

  • @justinu1182
    @justinu1182 6 місяців тому +1

    I feel like we had a very similar 2023 with regards to Switch collecting 😂😭 I went in hard on limited/FOMO and reprint purchasing and I feel like I haven’t even opened half of them. I really need to get better about that this year… you know, after chained echoes drops, of course.
    I’m a big spreadsheeter, but I generally use Pricecharting for my collection cataloging. I really wish I had started tracking what I paid for things from the beginning, it bothers me for some reason to not have that complete picture.
    Thanks as always for the transparency! Great video! Like the glasses by the way, it’s a good look

    • @orbalology
      @orbalology  6 місяців тому +1

      Hopefully we both can resist all the Switch physical FOMO this year 🙈 I've been thinking for this year I want to track the amount spent per game as well, not only for my records but in case I have to resell some items it would be good to have an accurate value for tax purposes.
      And thank you! :)

  • @johnathanrhoades7751
    @johnathanrhoades7751 2 місяці тому

    I have been finding the “You Need a Budget” app really helpful this last month! The first part of the year was a little hot and heavy with the purchasing myself.

  • @MrDesertdogg69
    @MrDesertdogg69 6 місяців тому

    Great video..The whole FOMO I know I've spent a lot in the past years. I've pretty much slowed down on my purchases. On top of collecting video games was also spending on movies, comics and statues/figures. I've either slowed down on a certain hobby or just don't collect for it. When it comes to buying new games...I just wait for a price drop..but their are some games that don't drop in price so if I want a certain game I either pay the full price or just pass on it. And I use to be into Collector's editions..but not anymore..has to be something that I'm really interested in..another thing is having the space for it. Thanks for sharing I enjoyed the video.

  • @Erabiont
    @Erabiont 6 місяців тому +2

    I think I might be kinda done worrying about collecting physical media so much. I'll get what I really want within reason. Digital prices on games when on sale can sometimes be 10 times less than the overinflated physical market, and at the end of the day all I really care about is playing the game I'm interested in. Currently I'm trying to save more money for important life goals, and game collecting will really get in the way of that.

    • @BespokeSlipp
      @BespokeSlipp 6 місяців тому +1

      I hear you, I’ve started to lean this way as well. Shocked myself this year and decided not to get a Switch OLED (still rocking the launch IPS Switch), but instead a Steam Deck OLED. Steam/PC games have insane sales, so they’re offsetting the price of the Deck!
      I did however preorder the FF 7 Rebirth collector’s edition, and absolutely will buy the Switch 2 (when an OLED variant is released) so I’m still somewhat hooked haha

  • @sonoftheredfox
    @sonoftheredfox 6 місяців тому +5

    I love spreadsheets. They just make help everything clear and take all the emotion out of things so you can make informed decisions and plans. Plus I like typing in the data (I'm weird like that). What you said at 20:50 though is probably the most important thing in the whole video.
    I just finished Chrono Trigger for the first time a couple of weeks ago. It was the PC port (which gets slammed by some people) but I enjoyed it. I think I'm going to go back and finally finish OG FFVII.
    Sweet glasses BTW 😁 Hope your eye is feeling better though. I'm guessing too that the job change you're speaking of is for that one you mentioned in your last vid that you were interviewing for? If so, congratulations!

    • @orbalology
      @orbalology  6 місяців тому

      Spreadsheets are the best lol. And thank you, I haven't received an official offer from the job I was interviewing (it's a very long process full of bureaucracy). But a job transition is happening regardless this year because my postdoctoral fellowship is ending :)

  • @AltarOfGaming
    @AltarOfGaming 6 місяців тому +1

    good audio finally 😁love the title btw haha!

  • @tonightyou1388
    @tonightyou1388 6 місяців тому

    I really enjoyed this. Analyzing data and finances are always interesting to me. Right now I only have plans to purchase FF7 Rebirth and the Trails into Daybreak CE new this year. I'm sure more will pop up as the year goes on but limiting new purchases is definitely something I'm doing now as well. But I have purchased the Estelle figure and the Joker figure already.

  • @ColoringatVees
    @ColoringatVees 6 місяців тому

    This was really a nice video and it reflects to my own spending habits for gaming (which is also to much 😅)
    Maybe I'm happy that I didn't put them in a sheet, although it makes you more conscious about your budget !
    And don't mind the haters, people are just urgh sometimes. Your genuine followers appreciate your honesty !❤

  • @mob_status
    @mob_status 6 місяців тому

    Hey Emily!
    Oh my word, your video left me speechless.
    I love the transparency you brought to this video. It is unfortunate that though we are all adults, some of us, including me, don't know how to "balance a sheet" i.e. budgeting. This video really hit me the reality check that our hobbies have a cost and companies have taken advantage of that. I was so impressed, even to the point of jealousy, about how you utilized Google Sheets to keep a record of every video game you bought in 2023. That is SUCH a universal skill to know for any hobby!
    If there comes a time where you don't have an idea for a video, please feel free to make content on budgeting! Like how to use google sheets or how you are setting up your 2024 records. I feel that you hit something good with this video. I honestly would love to see more!
    Emily, you are fearless. Happy New Years & the glasses look great on you!!

    • @orbalology
      @orbalology  6 місяців тому

      Thank you, and happy new year!!