Gaming in the Sands of Time: Navigating the Ocean of Video Games

In the rapidly evolving landscape of video games, gamers are constantly faced with an overwhelming array of choices. With over 800,000 video games in the world, excluding mobile shovelware and unofficial fan games, the sheer volume can make any player's head spin. As a self-proclaimed midcore gamer, I've faced the daunting reality of having more games than time, a sentiment many gamers can relate to. This realization brings us to the core dilemma of modern gaming: You just can't play everything, no matter how much you might want to. Let's delve into why, through familiar scenarios and personal reflections, we often find ourselves stuck in this gaming paradox.

The Shiny New Game Syndrome

Imagine this: You're deeply engrossed in a game, halfway to completing it, and suddenly, a new, highly anticipated game drops. The fear of missing out kicks in, driving you to abandon your current quest for the new adventure. This pattern repeats, leading to a backlog of half-finished games, forgotten stories, and mechanics. The cycle of chasing the latest release often results in wasted hours and a sense of unfulfillment, as we leave behind a trail of incomplete experiences.

The Perils of Burnout and Unfinished Business

Another familiar scenario involves returning to a game you abandoned, only to realize you've forgotten everything. Starting over seems like the only option, but it feels like a daunting waste of time. This, coupled with the potential for burnout from playing sequel after sequel, can lead to a disinterest in franchises we once loved.

A Journey Through the Souls Series

My personal journey with the Souls series encapsulates the challenges and rewards of persevering through difficult games. Initially turned off by the unforgiving difficulty, I found inspiration in others' perseverance and eventually conquered the Soulsborne games. This experience taught me a valuable lesson about gaming and personal preferences. Not every game is for everyone, and that's perfectly okay.

Accepting Our Gaming Limits

The vast diversity in video game genres means there's something for everyone, but also that not every game will appeal to every player. From micromanagement city builders to sprawling RPGs, the time and attention required by these games can be overwhelming. Recognizing our limits and preferences is crucial in navigating the sea of gaming options.

The Multiplayer Game Time Sink

Multiplayer games, with their addictive cycle of competition and progression, can consume vast amounts of time. My experience with Apex Legends serves as a cautionary tale of how a single game can dominate your gaming life, leading to burnout and a reevaluation of how we spend our time.

Reflections on Time and Gaming

As we ponder the limited time we have and the vast array of gaming experiences available, it's important to consider what we truly value in our gaming journey. Games are meant to evoke emotions, challenge us, and take us on impossible journeys. Yet, with the fleeting nature of life, the question of how to best spend our gaming time remains ever-present.

In closing, while we may not be able to play every game, the experiences we do choose to invest in can significantly shape our lives. As we navigate the vast ocean of video games, let's strive to make each gaming moment count, embracing new experiences and accepting that, in the end, not everything was made for us. And who knows, maybe in the time we have, we'll find new favorites, conquer challenging games, and create lasting memories.

For those curious about the full insights and personal anecdotes shared in the original video, you can watch it here.