Don't want to stress about having a backlog. Don't have a backlog. This ties partially into why I hate live service games. Because were used to games as products, as ideas in tidy boxes. My photography instructor said something very wise that rather than worrying about traveling the world and all the missed moments to capture she would much rather have 15 excellent photos a year to feel fulfilled than thousands of average ones.
The concept of a backlog and how you perceive it is also in your head, it's something you can control. I can look at a shelf of games I haven't played yet as an overwhelming burden or an invitation to a new adventure. I look at my shelf as a library or (more fun for me personally) like I'm perusing through a Blockbuster all over again for a game to rent for the weekend. I've made great progress playing games this year and eventually I'll have played a lot of these, if not all! The quote from your photography teacher is great.
Great video. I feel that gaming is way more enjoyable when you just sit back and play what you want, instead of giving into the pressures of social media. people treat their gaming backlog like it's a full time job and "needs" to get finished, which i feel can stop a person from enjoying a game. i have a lot of games i want to play, but have accepted i won't be able to play all of them and that's ok. because what's important is to have a good experience/fun with games i do play, rather than stressing about the games i haven't got to!
I absolutely agree with you! It's way easier to just enjoy games (approach them looking for things to enjoy) and play what you want to play... I'm actually working on a video on that very topic. Just let the societal pressure go and play what you want to play. Hope you'll tune into that one once it's out, I'm really happy with how it's been developing!
Understanding this got me to develop my attitude towards games. My goal while playing them isn't simply to have fun as I can do that with a lot of games, but rather to enjoy an experience. There are a lot of games on my backlog, but simply running through them wouldn't be satisfying. At the same time there are plenty of games I'd love to revisit but that goes against my first point. The middle ground is taking on a new game, dedicating a certain period of time to competing it 100% or as close as possible and then never touching it again and moving on to the next. The only exception to this being online games I play with friends. Regardless, great video as always.
Part of what I try to do in addition to all that is to see if I'm in the right mood/mindset for a particular game (if I'm spoiled for choice and have endless free time). If that makes sense.
I don't do exactly what you do but I think what you're describing is an excellent approach. I tend to bounce between 5-6 games and then one will really hook me in and I usually see that one through, or at least like 90%. I've just always been like that, and I know that would probably infuriate others, but it's how I operate. Finding what works for you was what I was trying to get at with this video, so I'm glad it resonated with you!
YES! Mood and mindset are a big thing. Sometimes I want to be engrossed in this wonderful JRPG world with deep lore and colorful characters. Sometimes I want to revisit gritty Gears of War, blood and guts and muted color pallettes and all. Sometimes I want something carefree and nonchalant. Sometimes I want something mindless and action-heavy. Sometimes something deep, like Disco Elysium. You never know.
Aero the Acrobat is a very good game ! 🙂 ( It is tiring to see reviews feeling necessary what is not, ratings, and often forgetting what is, appreciation; because what is meaningful is what a work bring of good in a time of need, so the game you like at the right moment may be the best !). 🙂
I honestly really like the first one! that's why I bought a physical copy for myself, for the memories! I grew up with that game and I still really enjoy it. I like his attitude, the spin jump and star throw are really interesting abilities.
I stopped seeing the point of having a backlog. Realistically I’d never finish it, it would feel too much like a chore and I’d play out of obligation rather than choice which is a load of bollocks. From past experience, a lot of the games I played were rushed, left me burned out and didn’t retain in my memory because I was too focused on the endgame in order to reach my ‘quota’ - which is absolute madness. Also, what I wanted to play yesterday might not be something that I’d like to play today, and if I forget about a game without looking at a backlog then there’s a good chance it wasn’t that important to begin with. Just play what you want at that point in time. Don’t force it if you’re not in the mood and don’t have the time. Don’t overload your ‘currently playing’ to say that you’ve played a certain game. It’s okay to not finish a game - I love you, Pacific Drive, but playing any more of you will burn me out and ruin the experience. Edit: to add to this, I now find that I’ll either want to do other things with my time, or play shorter and more casual experiences such as racing/fighting/indie games. Also God of War’s Valhalla has overtaken my need to ever replay the main game (which I’ll never replay due to burnout) as it’s solely focused on gameplay and doesn’t require a 30 hour playthrough to beat.
I totally agree with you, it sounds like I'm reading a reflection of myself right now. To echo your point about God of War, I've also been finding myself writing a lot about how much a game respects your time in my future video scripts and stuff and have realized how important that is to me. To a lot of people, gameplay hours you can get out of a game is the most important thing, but I much prefer quality over quantity. I recently did a review of Granblue Fantasy Relink, which is about a 20 hour campaign with an "endless" post game grind type of model. I have stopped after the campaign for the most part, but I don't feel cheated. In fact, I love how "lean" that game felt -- zero fat. We praise that with titles like Chrono Trigger, why don't we do the same nowadays?
@@humblemudgames See, that’s just it. Games are trying to be too big - adding content for the sake of content, open world BS, mandatory walking sequences, dragged out stories etc - it’s just too much and it’s exhausting. I actually rushed through God of War Ragnarok to avoid spoilers, but at what cost? These kinds of games shouldn’t go over 20 hours IMO, or should at least split into two smaller games. Personally I’m happier with a fulfilling 5-10 hour game that I’ll replay over and over, rather than a 30-50 hour game which is essentially a dopamine rush checklist. Look at Portal - that game is 3 hours and is still a certified banger which didn’t need to be any longer. Even on the opposite end of the spectrum - games like Elden Ring (or anything by FromSoft for that matter) and Baldur’s Gate 3 are completely worth the time investment and are a rare combo of both quality and quantity. I kinda wish that we’d see more games like Spider-Man Miles Morales - it was perfectly condensed and didn’t outstay its welcome, and although it had that standard open world content you’d expect, it only took about 20 hours to platinum - and I don’t even platinum games.
I love video games, but I'm a working adult. I will sometimes go weeks without playing. Other times, I will go at it hours a day if a game catches my attention and if there's time. Currently, I beat all games I wanted and taking a video game break. I know I will be back shortly with the hobby.
Breaks are totally healthy and encouraged! I also am a working adult and I have lots of hobbies, gaming being one of them, so you'll sometimes see gaming or guitar or whatever get ignored for big periods of time as well. But I come back eventually when the time is right, like you said. Sounds like you're balancing things well.
I have absolutely been there. Sometimes I don't have the energy to play so I might look up some hidden gems instead. 🤷♂️ It can be tough at times. What I do to kind of ease into it, get in that gamey headspace, is play something that's easy to jump into and jump out of. Like a warm-up game, usually arcadey. Impaler, Doom, Downwell, the original Super Mario Bros, grinding some levels in a JRPG, etc. Just something to get the juices flowing and then I usually get an idea of what I want to move onto after that.
I know that feeling that Nine Sols game coming out is something I will probably get and then let it sit in my dragon horde until I feel like playing it. Now one thing with me is im still very picky about what I buy I wont buy a game unless im sure I will play it and I have been playing videogames for almost three decades and know what I like. Even if a game is on sale I will research it to see if its even something I will play if it isnt I move on I dont care how cheap it is if its not in a genre I like or looks boring moving on.
Thanks so much! I am out of the country right now but when I get back, I can't wait to watch that Phantasy Star Offline video! I recently experienced that for the first time in 2023.
Came to this same realization recently, backlog of games after a year of humble bundle was giving me choice paralysis, just need to play what you enjoy and give up on trying to complete the backlog. Same goes for TV shows.
Life is easier this way and it's easier to enjoy things this way too. I view my "backlog" as a library, or like going to a Blockbusters back in the day, lol. "What do I want to check out this weekend and give a try? Digimon Survive? Okay, done!"
It seems I constantly need to remind myself that my backlog list is merely a suggestion, not a mandatory chore as you said. When the EPIC store first launched, it offered the first regional pricing for my country. Naturally, I went on a buying spree during their sales. It was all fun and games until Reddit convinced me that EPIC would inevitably shut down while Steam reigned supreme. So, I crafted a list and promised myself to finish all these games that I bought from EPIC before it inevitably shut down. Initially, it was enjoyable, but the joy gradually faded as I prioritized "getting my money's worth" over having fun. In retrospect, I realize I optimized the fun right out of the experience. Typically, I play games striving for near completion, tackling side quests, hidden areas, collecting weapons, and the like. This time, however, I found myself rushing through main campaigns just to check titles off my list. A conversation with a friend served as a wake-up call. He simply asked, "Aren't you supposed to be having fun with games?" It dawned on me that I was fixated on the perceived wasted money, neglecting the most valuable resource: my time. Thinking about it now, it seems rather silly - a grown man fretting over video games. After all, I can't even count the number of times I've wasted money on a bad meal or movie, so why the intense focus on video game expenditures? And the example of Greasy burger is spot on, my latest example is ditching god of war 2 hours in for 360 game called NeverDead, it had very low critic reviews but I really enjoyed it and finished it. Anyway great video as always dude, keep them coming.
It sounds like you and I have gone through a lot of the exact same thought processes. I overanalyzed and optimized everything enjoyable out of games for a bit there, and then I had to step back and think about how I enjoyed them as a kid. I thought to myself, "it's weird that your favorite games of all time are all JRPGs, yet you haven't played one in years. Let's change that". For me, I had to kind of go back to my roots and pick games that resonate with me. And yeah, greasy burger games are great too! I'm playing Earth Defense Force off and on, it's a mindless alien bug killing game (basically a proto-Helldivers 2 but not nearly as deep and involved, more arcadey) and it's been a great release for me from other, heavier games!
I see what you're saying. if you have the means, I think it's important to support developers on modern games you like. but if you're talking about previous-gen stuff... yeah, I've seen Skies of Arcadia and Fire Emblem on the GameCube going for $200 each for example, and when you're buying them secondhand like that, you're not supporting the devs anyway. also, thank you!
very good outlook, i think it's telling that your list of games at the end was split pretty evenly between things you completed purposefully, spontaneously completed, and played but put aside to experience something else. just going in with a tentative plan and going with the flow from there! i think i've been blessed to have never had a backlog mindset. i don't have a list of games i want to complete, i only buy a game if i want to play it right then, and i stop playing a game if i just don't feel like i want to pick it up. there are times i feel like i wish i had more "under my belt" when it comes to completion, but it's spawned from a nonsense feeling of street cred more than it's about what i actually want to do. just play what you feel like you wanna play!
Thank you for all of this! growing up, I had a lot of friends who definitely had completionist mindsets and I think that influenced me subconsciously. around the Xbox 360 era when achievements first started becoming really popular, I would catch myself feeling bad if I didn't get every achievement or complete a game 100%, but I think deep down I knew I was going against the grain of how I wanted to actually enjoy games and letting myself be influenced by others. Now that I've just sat down with myself and figured out exactly how I want to play games, I've enjoyed myself so much more. And funnily enough, the way I'm playing now is a lot more similar to how I just used to play games naturally as a kid. Go figure.
Dropping a comment so the algorithm can do it's job, and also because I want to finish watching this. I'm a little too anxious right now for the topic, and I need to get to sleep.
I spent Saturday playing Astro Bot with my kiddo and then started Demon Stone for the first time 😅 my personal backlog is... Unrealistic. Also, Demon Stone is pretty cool.
You know why reading this is hilarious to me? I am playing Astro Bot with my fiance during the day and after she goes to bed I boot up Champions of Norrath. Very similar to your game, and both games came out the same year. how wild is that?
@@CatalystOfFire lol yeah it's built off the same engine as Dark Alliance I&II but honestly, I'm enjoying Champions of Norrath more. I grew up with DA2 so I figured that would always be my favorite but Champions is better paced imo
I dont pressure myself to finish games right away anymore I still havent finished Baldurs Gate 3 im in act 2 and I took a break I will finish the game this year.I also have Resident Evil 4 remake still untouched waiting to be played,Pikmin 4 still havent touched.Tons of jrpgs I havent touched.Indie games I havent touched. I have been on a retro gaming kick lately and im focusing my attention on them once that wears off I will go back to my modern games. Were all going to pass on one day while amazing games are out I know I wont get to play them all and thats okay.I dont need to force myself to finish everything right now and I will play when the feeling is there games arent a job their a hobby.
I agree with you completely, and yeah I go through phases too. There was a week where I was playing nothing but TurboGrafx 16 games even though I had some new PS5 and PC stuff waiting for me.
Just in case you thought you were the only one who made a spreadsheet to manage your backlog, you're not! I do it too (Though I think there's actually a website that can basically do the same thing). Plus I also recently played through A Link to the Past during a flight on a whim.
Oh awesome! Yes, someone told me recently about a site called Backloggery. I just use my notes app as I find new stuff I'm interested in and then move it over to the spreadsheet once I have the chance. I mostly go with the flow though lately and have a pretty decent idea in my head of what I want to play. Also LTTP flight bros, okay!
The problem starts when you see your games as a backlog. This creates stress which is exactly the opposite of the playing games philosophy. Once I noticed that I changed the word backlog to collection/library. My collection is a testament of my love of the media and not a source of frustration. Every game I want or might want to play is there for me, waitting for the right time. Its way better to discover games to play organically that viewing them as a to do list.
I agree with you entirely. I was telling my fiance literally yesterday that, though I really loved the first Shenmue, now is not the time to play Shenmue II. I know it'll be awhile before I play the next one because I need to be in a certain mindset for it. I have started to look at what I have more like what you said, a library of adventures waiting to happen. It might sound dumb, but I even sometimes think of it like a Blockbuster. Let's see what we have on the shelf and grab what looks interesting to try out for the weekend. No pressure.
@@humblemudgames You are right. Good games are always good, so there is no right or wrong time to play them. That is the mentallity of someone who truly loves this medium. I loved Shenmue 1 and I played it about 20 years after its initial release. And like you I gave myself some time before starting Shenmue 2. Thats a good way to avoid burnout on an otherwise great experience. Its like picking a movie to watch. I like horror movies, action movies, comedies and dramas. Its all about what I am in the mood for. Picking Final Fantasy instead of Breath of the Wild does not mean I like one more than the other. Breath of the wild will get its time. Great video by the way I really liked your points.
@@dimitristsipis4841 I played Shenmue for the first time in 2023 and it was my favorite game I played that year! And you're totally right. I think at the end of the day if you're enjoying yourself that's all that matters.
@@dimitristsipis4841 I agree with those being two different hobbies. To add to that, I also think tinkering/modding/emulating is almost its own thing too. I get a lot of enjoyment out of softmodding various systems and I have even done it for friends too because I enjoy it and enjoy seeing the joy it gives them. There are lots of "sub-hobbies" within the "main hobby" of gaming. Speedrunning would also be another candidate.
i don’t really experience fomo when it comes to gaming. there are way too many toxic, overly opinionated, and elitist perspectives in the gaming community. i think part of the reason i play video games is to get away from people. im probably in the minority though.
You know, I actually agree. Every now and then I just delete Reddit off of my phone and I have a lot better of an experience with games once I tune out all the other opinions that can cloud my judgment. I could probably get a lot more views and grow my channel more if I got caught up in current events/drama and such on games, like the recent Helldivers 2/Sony controversy, but I have so much more fun and feel so much better being in my own little world talking about games I care about. People seem to like this video though, talking about the industry at large/gaming culture, so maybe I need to keep exploring that. It's a double-edged sword for sure, being in-tune with the general gaming populace, who tend to get really heated about things. On the flip side, I discover more games and get bigger ideas when I follow what's going on and try to connect the dots.
Sometimes I feel the urge to play every new big release but there’s games like FF7 Rebirth I forced myself into because of hype and it turns out I don’t like it at all… I played P3R and really enjoyed it but I’d rather replay older games than play rebirth tbh… There’s still this urge to keep up with trends but if I don’t like it, is it even worth it.
I'm sorry Rebirth didn't do it for you. Maybe it'll be better if you wait a bit and try it another time, when the hype isn't as fresh. I almost got P3R but I have the original on my Vita so I ultimately decided against it. You said it yourself! Maybe you should go back to some older games you missed out on!
Even at the end of your video you're still talking about games you 'completed' in 2023. You still haven't overcome your completionist mentality. Me: Shall we go to the park and play? You: OK, but what are we going to complete at the park? Me: Nothing. We are going to play. Don't worry, I'll show you....
I also put a note in that same section saying that by complete, I didn't necessarily mean 100% completion. Most of them I just "beat", I guess you could say. I only included that section in case people were curious if I did even beat any games because I wanted to show that you can & will likely beat at least some games even if you're not trying to be a completionist. The list of games I just played over 2023 for enjoyment and didn't beat is much larger than the list of games I beat. I even showed several examples throughout the video of many games I played and enjoyed, but didn't beat for whatever reason. All of the games I beat in 2023 were games I beat because I enjoyed them, not because I was trying to fulfill some goal of completionism for the sake of completionism.
I think there is value in playing a game when it first releases, especially on a high profile, well-received release like Baldur's Gate 3. I'm sure many have loved and are loving to be a part of that conversation right now while it's fresh. That's what I was trying to relay in my video. Not necessarily picking up something just because it's new.
I watch Femtrooper here on UA-cam and she says she does like, one Yakuza game and one Dragon Quest game a year basically to keep from being burnt out. I think that's a very good practice.
Don't want to stress about having a backlog. Don't have a backlog. This ties partially into why I hate live service games. Because were used to games as products, as ideas in tidy boxes.
My photography instructor said something very wise that rather than worrying about traveling the world and all the missed moments to capture she would much rather have 15 excellent photos a year to feel fulfilled than thousands of average ones.
The concept of a backlog and how you perceive it is also in your head, it's something you can control. I can look at a shelf of games I haven't played yet as an overwhelming burden or an invitation to a new adventure. I look at my shelf as a library or (more fun for me personally) like I'm perusing through a Blockbuster all over again for a game to rent for the weekend. I've made great progress playing games this year and eventually I'll have played a lot of these, if not all!
The quote from your photography teacher is great.
Great video.
I feel that gaming is way more enjoyable when you just sit back and play what you want, instead of giving into the pressures of social media.
people treat their gaming backlog like it's a full time job and "needs" to get finished, which i feel can stop a person from enjoying a game.
i have a lot of games i want to play, but have accepted i won't be able to play all of them and that's ok. because what's important is to have a good experience/fun with games i do play, rather than stressing about the games i haven't got to!
I absolutely agree with you! It's way easier to just enjoy games (approach them looking for things to enjoy) and play what you want to play... I'm actually working on a video on that very topic. Just let the societal pressure go and play what you want to play. Hope you'll tune into that one once it's out, I'm really happy with how it's been developing!
Understanding this got me to develop my attitude towards games.
My goal while playing them isn't simply to have fun as I can do that with a lot of games, but rather to enjoy an experience.
There are a lot of games on my backlog, but simply running through them wouldn't be satisfying. At the same time there are plenty of games I'd love to revisit but that goes against my first point.
The middle ground is taking on a new game, dedicating a certain period of time to competing it 100% or as close as possible and then never touching it again and moving on to the next. The only exception to this being online games I play with friends.
Regardless, great video as always.
Part of what I try to do in addition to all that is to see if I'm in the right mood/mindset for a particular game (if I'm spoiled for choice and have endless free time). If that makes sense.
I don't do exactly what you do but I think what you're describing is an excellent approach. I tend to bounce between 5-6 games and then one will really hook me in and I usually see that one through, or at least like 90%. I've just always been like that, and I know that would probably infuriate others, but it's how I operate. Finding what works for you was what I was trying to get at with this video, so I'm glad it resonated with you!
YES! Mood and mindset are a big thing. Sometimes I want to be engrossed in this wonderful JRPG world with deep lore and colorful characters. Sometimes I want to revisit gritty Gears of War, blood and guts and muted color pallettes and all. Sometimes I want something carefree and nonchalant. Sometimes I want something mindless and action-heavy. Sometimes something deep, like Disco Elysium. You never know.
Aero the Acrobat is a very good game ! 🙂
( It is tiring to see reviews feeling necessary what is not, ratings, and often forgetting what is, appreciation; because what is meaningful is what a work bring of good in a time of need, so the game you like at the right moment may be the best !). 🙂
I honestly really like the first one! that's why I bought a physical copy for myself, for the memories! I grew up with that game and I still really enjoy it. I like his attitude, the spin jump and star throw are really interesting abilities.
Well said sir. You have definitely echoed some of my own thoughts. Keep forging your own path and sharing the journey.
I've got so much more on the way that I'm excited to share. Thanks for watching 🙏
I appreciate how down to earth and honest this script is. Easy to empathize with.
I really appreciate that! This was one of the first videos I made, so that means even more considering!
I stopped seeing the point of having a backlog. Realistically I’d never finish it, it would feel too much like a chore and I’d play out of obligation rather than choice which is a load of bollocks. From past experience, a lot of the games I played were rushed, left me burned out and didn’t retain in my memory because I was too focused on the endgame in order to reach my ‘quota’ - which is absolute madness.
Also, what I wanted to play yesterday might not be something that I’d like to play today, and if I forget about a game without looking at a backlog then there’s a good chance it wasn’t that important to begin with.
Just play what you want at that point in time. Don’t force it if you’re not in the mood and don’t have the time. Don’t overload your ‘currently playing’ to say that you’ve played a certain game. It’s okay to not finish a game - I love you, Pacific Drive, but playing any more of you will burn me out and ruin the experience.
Edit: to add to this, I now find that I’ll either want to do other things with my time, or play shorter and more casual experiences such as racing/fighting/indie games. Also God of War’s Valhalla has overtaken my need to ever replay the main game (which I’ll never replay due to burnout) as it’s solely focused on gameplay and doesn’t require a 30 hour playthrough to beat.
I totally agree with you, it sounds like I'm reading a reflection of myself right now. To echo your point about God of War, I've also been finding myself writing a lot about how much a game respects your time in my future video scripts and stuff and have realized how important that is to me. To a lot of people, gameplay hours you can get out of a game is the most important thing, but I much prefer quality over quantity. I recently did a review of Granblue Fantasy Relink, which is about a 20 hour campaign with an "endless" post game grind type of model. I have stopped after the campaign for the most part, but I don't feel cheated. In fact, I love how "lean" that game felt -- zero fat. We praise that with titles like Chrono Trigger, why don't we do the same nowadays?
@@humblemudgames See, that’s just it. Games are trying to be too big - adding content for the sake of content, open world BS, mandatory walking sequences, dragged out stories etc - it’s just too much and it’s exhausting. I actually rushed through God of War Ragnarok to avoid spoilers, but at what cost? These kinds of games shouldn’t go over 20 hours IMO, or should at least split into two smaller games.
Personally I’m happier with a fulfilling 5-10 hour game that I’ll replay over and over, rather than a 30-50 hour game which is essentially a dopamine rush checklist. Look at Portal - that game is 3 hours and is still a certified banger which didn’t need to be any longer. Even on the opposite end of the spectrum - games like Elden Ring (or anything by FromSoft for that matter) and Baldur’s Gate 3 are completely worth the time investment and are a rare combo of both quality and quantity.
I kinda wish that we’d see more games like Spider-Man Miles Morales - it was perfectly condensed and didn’t outstay its welcome, and although it had that standard open world content you’d expect, it only took about 20 hours to platinum - and I don’t even platinum games.
This video was so well done
Thank you so much, that means a ton. I hope to make better and better stuff with time.
I love video games, but I'm a working adult. I will sometimes go weeks without playing. Other times, I will go at it hours a day if a game catches my attention and if there's time. Currently, I beat all games I wanted and taking a video game break. I know I will be back shortly with the hobby.
Breaks are totally healthy and encouraged! I also am a working adult and I have lots of hobbies, gaming being one of them, so you'll sometimes see gaming or guitar or whatever get ignored for big periods of time as well. But I come back eventually when the time is right, like you said. Sounds like you're balancing things well.
I spend more time looking for games to eventually play than actually playing games
I have absolutely been there. Sometimes I don't have the energy to play so I might look up some hidden gems instead. 🤷♂️ It can be tough at times. What I do to kind of ease into it, get in that gamey headspace, is play something that's easy to jump into and jump out of. Like a warm-up game, usually arcadey. Impaler, Doom, Downwell, the original Super Mario Bros, grinding some levels in a JRPG, etc. Just something to get the juices flowing and then I usually get an idea of what I want to move onto after that.
I know that feeling that Nine Sols game coming out is something I will probably get and then let it sit in my dragon horde until I feel like playing it. Now one thing with me is im still very picky about what I buy I wont buy a game unless im sure I will play it and I have been playing videogames for almost three decades and know what I like.
Even if a game is on sale I will research it to see if its even something I will play if it isnt I move on I dont care how cheap it is if its not in a genre I like or looks boring moving on.
Liked and subbed, my dude - very interesting thoughts and cool to hear 😊
Thanks so much! I am out of the country right now but when I get back, I can't wait to watch that Phantasy Star Offline video! I recently experienced that for the first time in 2023.
Came to this same realization recently, backlog of games after a year of humble bundle was giving me choice paralysis, just need to play what you enjoy and give up on trying to complete the backlog. Same goes for TV shows.
Life is easier this way and it's easier to enjoy things this way too. I view my "backlog" as a library, or like going to a Blockbusters back in the day, lol. "What do I want to check out this weekend and give a try? Digimon Survive? Okay, done!"
It seems I constantly need to remind myself that my backlog list is merely a suggestion, not a mandatory chore as you said.
When the EPIC store first launched, it offered the first regional pricing for my country. Naturally, I went on a buying spree during their sales. It was all fun and games until Reddit convinced me that EPIC would inevitably shut down while Steam reigned supreme. So, I crafted a list and promised myself to finish all these games that I bought from EPIC before it inevitably shut down. Initially, it was enjoyable, but the joy gradually faded as I prioritized "getting my money's worth" over having fun.
In retrospect, I realize I optimized the fun right out of the experience. Typically, I play games striving for near completion, tackling side quests, hidden areas, collecting weapons, and the like. This time, however, I found myself rushing through main campaigns just to check titles off my list.
A conversation with a friend served as a wake-up call. He simply asked, "Aren't you supposed to be having fun with games?"
It dawned on me that I was fixated on the perceived wasted money, neglecting the most valuable resource: my time. Thinking about it now, it seems rather silly - a grown man fretting over video games. After all, I can't even count the number of times I've wasted money on a bad meal or movie, so why the intense focus on video game expenditures?
And the example of Greasy burger is spot on, my latest example is ditching god of war 2 hours in for 360 game called NeverDead, it had very low critic reviews but I really enjoyed it and finished it.
Anyway great video as always dude, keep them coming.
It sounds like you and I have gone through a lot of the exact same thought processes. I overanalyzed and optimized everything enjoyable out of games for a bit there, and then I had to step back and think about how I enjoyed them as a kid. I thought to myself, "it's weird that your favorite games of all time are all JRPGs, yet you haven't played one in years. Let's change that". For me, I had to kind of go back to my roots and pick games that resonate with me. And yeah, greasy burger games are great too! I'm playing Earth Defense Force off and on, it's a mindless alien bug killing game (basically a proto-Helldivers 2 but not nearly as deep and involved, more arcadey) and it's been a great release for me from other, heavier games!
I emulate and pirate games and I think if I’m not going to buy the games anyway then it’s not hurting the devs
Also you’re underrated ❤
I see what you're saying. if you have the means, I think it's important to support developers on modern games you like. but if you're talking about previous-gen stuff... yeah, I've seen Skies of Arcadia and Fire Emblem on the GameCube going for $200 each for example, and when you're buying them secondhand like that, you're not supporting the devs anyway.
also, thank you!
I can't play everything? Challenge accepted.
Also, nice video! very well produced!
Best of luck to you! 🫡 Thank you so much for the kind words!
what a pleasant video. thank you!
"You'll NEVER Play Everything You Want--" Watch me!
HA! I commend your effort! Onward!
very good outlook, i think it's telling that your list of games at the end was split pretty evenly between things you completed purposefully, spontaneously completed, and played but put aside to experience something else. just going in with a tentative plan and going with the flow from there!
i think i've been blessed to have never had a backlog mindset. i don't have a list of games i want to complete, i only buy a game if i want to play it right then, and i stop playing a game if i just don't feel like i want to pick it up. there are times i feel like i wish i had more "under my belt" when it comes to completion, but it's spawned from a nonsense feeling of street cred more than it's about what i actually want to do. just play what you feel like you wanna play!
Thank you for all of this! growing up, I had a lot of friends who definitely had completionist mindsets and I think that influenced me subconsciously. around the Xbox 360 era when achievements first started becoming really popular, I would catch myself feeling bad if I didn't get every achievement or complete a game 100%, but I think deep down I knew I was going against the grain of how I wanted to actually enjoy games and letting myself be influenced by others. Now that I've just sat down with myself and figured out exactly how I want to play games, I've enjoyed myself so much more. And funnily enough, the way I'm playing now is a lot more similar to how I just used to play games naturally as a kid. Go figure.
Dropping a comment so the algorithm can do it's job, and also because I want to finish watching this. I'm a little too anxious right now for the topic, and I need to get to sleep.
This summer, I’m setting a goal for myself to complete a my first full playthrough of the Dragon Age trilogy.
Good luck!
I spent Saturday playing Astro Bot with my kiddo and then started Demon Stone for the first time 😅 my personal backlog is... Unrealistic. Also, Demon Stone is pretty cool.
You know why reading this is hilarious to me? I am playing Astro Bot with my fiance during the day and after she goes to bed I boot up Champions of Norrath. Very similar to your game, and both games came out the same year. how wild is that?
@@humblemudgames that's basically dark alliance, right? I remember playing it and getting murdered because I didn't have Internet 😂
@@CatalystOfFire lol yeah it's built off the same engine as Dark Alliance I&II but honestly, I'm enjoying Champions of Norrath more. I grew up with DA2 so I figured that would always be my favorite but Champions is better paced imo
@@humblemudgames Okay yeah, that sounds awesome!!!
I dont pressure myself to finish games right away anymore I still havent finished Baldurs Gate 3 im in act 2 and I took a break I will finish the game this year.I also have Resident Evil 4 remake still untouched waiting to be played,Pikmin 4 still havent touched.Tons of jrpgs I havent touched.Indie games I havent touched.
I have been on a retro gaming kick lately and im focusing my attention on them once that wears off I will go back to my modern games.
Were all going to pass on one day while amazing games are out I know I wont get to play them all and thats okay.I dont need to force myself to finish everything right now and I will play when the feeling is there games arent a job their a hobby.
I agree with you completely, and yeah I go through phases too. There was a week where I was playing nothing but TurboGrafx 16 games even though I had some new PS5 and PC stuff waiting for me.
Just in case you thought you were the only one who made a spreadsheet to manage your backlog, you're not! I do it too (Though I think there's actually a website that can basically do the same thing). Plus I also recently played through A Link to the Past during a flight on a whim.
Oh awesome! Yes, someone told me recently about a site called Backloggery. I just use my notes app as I find new stuff I'm interested in and then move it over to the spreadsheet once I have the chance. I mostly go with the flow though lately and have a pretty decent idea in my head of what I want to play. Also LTTP flight bros, okay!
The problem starts when you see your games as a backlog. This creates stress which is exactly the opposite of the playing games philosophy. Once I noticed that I changed the word backlog to collection/library. My collection is a testament of my love of the media and not a source of frustration. Every game I want or might want to play is there for me, waitting for the right time. Its way better to discover games to play organically that viewing them as a to do list.
I agree with you entirely. I was telling my fiance literally yesterday that, though I really loved the first Shenmue, now is not the time to play Shenmue II. I know it'll be awhile before I play the next one because I need to be in a certain mindset for it. I have started to look at what I have more like what you said, a library of adventures waiting to happen. It might sound dumb, but I even sometimes think of it like a Blockbuster. Let's see what we have on the shelf and grab what looks interesting to try out for the weekend. No pressure.
@@humblemudgames You are right. Good games are always good, so there is no right or wrong time to play them. That is the mentallity of someone who truly loves this medium. I loved Shenmue 1 and I played it about 20 years after its initial release. And like you I gave myself some time before starting Shenmue 2. Thats a good way to avoid burnout on an otherwise great experience. Its like picking a movie to watch. I like horror movies, action movies, comedies and dramas. Its all about what I am in the mood for. Picking Final Fantasy instead of Breath of the Wild does not mean I like one more than the other. Breath of the wild will get its time. Great video by the way I really liked your points.
@@humblemudgames And on another note I believe being a collector and being a gamer are wo different hobbies that coexist.
@@dimitristsipis4841 I played Shenmue for the first time in 2023 and it was my favorite game I played that year! And you're totally right. I think at the end of the day if you're enjoying yourself that's all that matters.
@@dimitristsipis4841 I agree with those being two different hobbies. To add to that, I also think tinkering/modding/emulating is almost its own thing too. I get a lot of enjoyment out of softmodding various systems and I have even done it for friends too because I enjoy it and enjoy seeing the joy it gives them. There are lots of "sub-hobbies" within the "main hobby" of gaming. Speedrunning would also be another candidate.
i don’t really experience fomo when it comes to gaming. there are way too many toxic, overly opinionated, and elitist perspectives in the gaming community. i think part of the reason i play video games is to get away from people. im probably in the minority though.
You know, I actually agree. Every now and then I just delete Reddit off of my phone and I have a lot better of an experience with games once I tune out all the other opinions that can cloud my judgment. I could probably get a lot more views and grow my channel more if I got caught up in current events/drama and such on games, like the recent Helldivers 2/Sony controversy, but I have so much more fun and feel so much better being in my own little world talking about games I care about. People seem to like this video though, talking about the industry at large/gaming culture, so maybe I need to keep exploring that. It's a double-edged sword for sure, being in-tune with the general gaming populace, who tend to get really heated about things. On the flip side, I discover more games and get bigger ideas when I follow what's going on and try to connect the dots.
80% of games suck anyway.
Honestly there are so many masterpieces for every console that U would be content with the Switch/PS5 Gen was the last.
Eh, I think there are so many good games, and sometimes I enjoy playing "mediocre" titles too. I'm still finding new stuff to enjoy every week
Sometimes I feel the urge to play every new big release but there’s games like FF7 Rebirth I forced myself into because of hype and it turns out I don’t like it at all…
I played P3R and really enjoyed it but I’d rather replay older games than play rebirth tbh…
There’s still this urge to keep up with trends but if I don’t like it, is it even worth it.
I'm sorry Rebirth didn't do it for you. Maybe it'll be better if you wait a bit and try it another time, when the hype isn't as fresh. I almost got P3R but I have the original on my Vita so I ultimately decided against it.
You said it yourself! Maybe you should go back to some older games you missed out on!
What if I outsource some games to a third world country. Then I may get through everything.
I mean if you paid me enough, I'd do it for you
Even at the end of your video you're still talking about games you 'completed' in 2023. You still haven't overcome your completionist mentality. Me: Shall we go to the park and play? You: OK, but what are we going to complete at the park? Me: Nothing. We are going to play. Don't worry, I'll show you....
I also put a note in that same section saying that by complete, I didn't necessarily mean 100% completion. Most of them I just "beat", I guess you could say. I only included that section in case people were curious if I did even beat any games because I wanted to show that you can & will likely beat at least some games even if you're not trying to be a completionist. The list of games I just played over 2023 for enjoyment and didn't beat is much larger than the list of games I beat. I even showed several examples throughout the video of many games I played and enjoyed, but didn't beat for whatever reason. All of the games I beat in 2023 were games I beat because I enjoyed them, not because I was trying to fulfill some goal of completionism for the sake of completionism.
If you care about the game being newly released something is wrong with you.
I think there is value in playing a game when it first releases, especially on a high profile, well-received release like Baldur's Gate 3. I'm sure many have loved and are loving to be a part of that conversation right now while it's fresh. That's what I was trying to relay in my video. Not necessarily picking up something just because it's new.
Don't burnout on Yakuza games (like I did) but I'm sure when you play 0 you'll love it.
I watch Femtrooper here on UA-cam and she says she does like, one Yakuza game and one Dragon Quest game a year basically to keep from being burnt out. I think that's a very good practice.