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I think I'm losing interest in playing video games
- Thread starter OraleeWey
- Start date
Pretty much this. Over the last 6 months or so, gaming has become less and less of a thing I focus time and money on. I still play mind you, just short sessions here and there. And you know what? That's fine. I'm doing a lot more things, and focusing on certain interests I long neglected. I think i'll always game, but done are the days where things take a backseat to that particular hobby. Needed more variety in life, and I think I made the right choice.
neurosyphilis
Definitely not an STD, as I'm a pure.
This is normal. It happened to me twice, and I feel like I'm going to go through it again for a third time. This year and last year has been lame for me in terms of gaming. Hopefully 2016 is better. But with games like Uncharted 4, Horizon Zero Dawn, The Last Gaurdian, Persona 5, and Quantum Break its looking good for next year. (of course most of those will be delayed).
Just find another hobby other than gaming as a backup. For me I like fishing and going to the shooting range. And also plan on getting back into dirt biking in the future.
Just find another hobby other than gaming as a backup. For me I like fishing and going to the shooting range. And also plan on getting back into dirt biking in the future.
RoninChaos
Member
This is the truth. The biggest thing to happen in the latter half of last Gen and this Gen are games that are super bloated and padded out. You have a 10 hour intro basically to get to the meat of the games. It's not enjoyable and it wastes your money and your time.
Also realize that you don't have to play everything. In conjunction with knowing which games waste your time, you should start examining which ones will take too much time in general. For instance, I don't really play RPGs anymore because they're usually padded time wasters. I'm also at the point where I have open world fatigue. Ubisoft and companies like it create checklist games. They create these huge words with all kinds of collectibles and time wasters but they're rarely fun so I stopped buying games like that as well.
Get out of the triple A cycle as well. Some of the most fun I've had in recent years are with indie games because they tend to not have a lot of filler. They're straight to the point. Stuff like Rocket League and Shovel Knight are just amazing to play and they don't waste your time.
Basically start being very selective and it becomes a lot easier to enjoy games again because you aren't investing time in time wasters.
Life is dynamic, it's normal. Interests, schedules, priorities, they all change, especially during adult life.
Once you stop quantifying and stop worrying about it, it's no longer a problem. If you stop playing games, who cares, why is that even a worry if you feel like investing your time in something "better" ( It could also be the other way, going from something else to gaming, just saying).
I've been on and off gaming many times, and it's perfectly fine. You are not supposed to have a flat line in life, hobbies are what you do when you feel good about doing it.
Gaming shouldn't be anyone's only hobby btw. A tip is to have several hobbies
Once you stop quantifying and stop worrying about it, it's no longer a problem. If you stop playing games, who cares, why is that even a worry if you feel like investing your time in something "better" ( It could also be the other way, going from something else to gaming, just saying).
I've been on and off gaming many times, and it's perfectly fine. You are not supposed to have a flat line in life, hobbies are what you do when you feel good about doing it.
Gaming shouldn't be anyone's only hobby btw. A tip is to have several hobbies
CaptainofIndustry
Member
I'm kind of going through the same thing right now. For me, it's more to do with responsibilities with my family and work. I don't have the time like I used to. I could probably play for an hour after the kids are asleep but I'm so tired after work, I just don't feel like playing anything. I'll often choose to read instead because it helps me relax.
Handhelds really saved me from this. For a long time (maybe 2 years) I could only play games in 30-45 minute intervals. I found that the great suspend and resume functionality on the Vita and 3ds saved me.
I might still need that function, as my PS4 usage has increased greatly since they added it.
Just take a break OP, or try a different game in a genre you don't usually play.
I might still need that function, as my PS4 usage has increased greatly since they added it.
Just take a break OP, or try a different game in a genre you don't usually play.
It's a hobby, something to do with your free time. Do what you want with your free time. If gaming is not that at this moment then don't do it. There's no rule saying that you should always be playing games. I have never gotten tired of gaming, but I have sometimes a few month period where I don't play a single game because I'm focusing on another hobby because I'm really feeling that at that moment in my life. Then there'll come a few month period where I'm not touching that other hobby because I'm really feeling games. The "secret" is to have more than one hobby.
you're about to become significantly richer, assuming your next hobby is cheaper.
The Real Napsta
Member
Came to give this advice.
Sgt.Pepper
Banned
I think a lot of people get burn out because it is time consuming and they mostly stick to one game. Most likely a multiplayer game that it is easy to pick and play like counter-strike.
No shame about it.
No shame about it.
DustyVonEric
Member
Wait! Before you go, OP...
For just $59.99, you can try critically acclaimed Sony Exclusive Bloodborne. It has rekindled the love of games for many who long for the gaming days of old.
For just $59.99, you can try critically acclaimed Sony Exclusive Bloodborne. It has rekindled the love of games for many who long for the gaming days of old.
CaptainofIndustry
Member
Humdinger
Gold Member
If you're not enjoying it, what's the point? It's your leisure time to spend in whatever way you choose. Go find something you enjoy doing more. Maybe the urge to play games will return, and maybe it won't.
I've lost a lot of interest in games over the years myself. It's only the rare game that really captures my imagination.
I've lost a lot of interest in games over the years myself. It's only the rare game that really captures my imagination.
CybernatonEvolution
Member
Even though I game on weekends, and have of those turn into (trying to) study sessions, I still have the urge to play video games intensively for long periods as long as I get the chance to. Backlog games are harder to approach and progress in them though.
As for social obligations, I actually try to avoid them sometimes when I feel like I didn't play for a while.
As for social obligations, I actually try to avoid them sometimes when I feel like I didn't play for a while.
This. Don't play anything until November 10th.
This is good advice, but I wouldn't stick to euros, because they can be dry and boring unless you are simply into engine optimization exercises. But board gaming in general, along with card games and video games is more than enough to keep the nerd in me satisfied , and if you have friends who are also into them, playing games in the same room or around the same table is one of the best feelings ever.
I'm going to echo what many others have said -- it's totally ok. Don't beat yourself up over it. People's interests change and the degree to which people like said interests change too. Either you'll bounce back, or you'll settle into the new routine and be ok with it. Either is ok!
socksfelloff
Member
I just " quit video games for good" over the summer. Now that it's cooling off outside and summer plans are over I'm back headfirst into gaming.
My friends call me the ric flair of gaming. I've quit gaming and sold off my stuff more times then I can even remember.
Take a break. Come back when you want to.
My friends call me the ric flair of gaming. I've quit gaming and sold off my stuff more times then I can even remember.
Take a break. Come back when you want to.
Sheriff_Battlesnake
Banned
My bout with depression was a deep and long one. Same thing, though. I couldn't hold interest in anything for more than 5 minutes before deciding just watching short easy videos while I could play with my phone was easier. My mood started improving these last few months and now I'm way into games again.
I found the same thing, a few years ago. However, I know I'll always love the simple act of play. I diversified the forms of play I was encountering by picking up board games (Catan first, more serious stuff after) and stuff like D&D with my friends. I find that I get my social play from board games and still get really neat experiences from video games to, albeit in smaller doses. I also try to split my video game time between AAA stuff and smaller indie games. I've had so much fun playing random games on itch.io and so forth.
I also found that taking a vacation from GAF for a while helped dial back a lot of the negativity I was constantly exposing myself to. I've always been a really positive person on here (most of the time, anyway), but I found that trying to keep up with all of the news and an overload of super-negative opinions on here was bringing my love for video games down.
So, in short, my advice is: try playing less video games, but play more social (board) games with friends and don't worry so much about the daily going-ons in video games media and GAF. You're not playing half of these games you're reading about, so what's the point, right?
This is also fantastic advice. I only really have the capacity for one game these days. I've also found that, if I'm not enjoying it, I just stop. I was playing MGS5 and after 70 hours, my interest and appreciation really took a nose dive so I just dropped it, full stop. I don't care anymore. Life's too short to play stuff you're not having fun with, IMO. I'm saying I'll watch the rest on YT but I don't even think I'll do that much.
---
Having a chance to read through some other great replies, I'd also really recommend picking up reading, film, and the loads of great TV shows that have sprung up in the last decade. I've dabbled a bit and it's really been nice to get out there and enjoy different forms of media that do some things (story!) better than games.
I also found that taking a vacation from GAF for a while helped dial back a lot of the negativity I was constantly exposing myself to. I've always been a really positive person on here (most of the time, anyway), but I found that trying to keep up with all of the news and an overload of super-negative opinions on here was bringing my love for video games down.
So, in short, my advice is: try playing less video games, but play more social (board) games with friends and don't worry so much about the daily going-ons in video games media and GAF. You're not playing half of these games you're reading about, so what's the point, right?
This is also fantastic advice. I only really have the capacity for one game these days. I've also found that, if I'm not enjoying it, I just stop. I was playing MGS5 and after 70 hours, my interest and appreciation really took a nose dive so I just dropped it, full stop. I don't care anymore. Life's too short to play stuff you're not having fun with, IMO. I'm saying I'll watch the rest on YT but I don't even think I'll do that much.
---
Having a chance to read through some other great replies, I'd also really recommend picking up reading, film, and the loads of great TV shows that have sprung up in the last decade. I've dabbled a bit and it's really been nice to get out there and enjoy different forms of media that do some things (story!) better than games.
Sir Griffith
Member
Diablo III: Reaper of Souls got me back into gaming a little while back, maybe try that if you haven't already.
George Oscar Bluth II
Banned
I haven't been very interested in games for a long time now. Last game I bought was Deus Ex: Human Revolution Director's Cut over a year ago.
I'm only looking forward to:
Deus Ex: Mankind Divided
The Last Guardian
Mirror's Edge: Catalyst
Star Wars Battlefront if launch and reception is good.
I was excited for Mass Effect: Andromeda, but it looks like it will be a big timesink and I'm not bothered for that. Actually not all that bothered for RPGs anymore.
I'm only looking forward to:
Deus Ex: Mankind Divided
The Last Guardian
Mirror's Edge: Catalyst
Star Wars Battlefront if launch and reception is good.
I was excited for Mass Effect: Andromeda, but it looks like it will be a big timesink and I'm not bothered for that. Actually not all that bothered for RPGs anymore.
Coulomb_Barrier
Member
You should refine your tastes as you get older to a select few titles, and don't waste time on crap.
Gaming takes precious time out of your life and leaves you with nothing to show for it. So limit your time with it to the best games, so at least you can have a mighty time wasting away hours.
Gaming takes precious time out of your life and leaves you with nothing to show for it. So limit your time with it to the best games, so at least you can have a mighty time wasting away hours.
Messofanego
Banned
Very rarely does the business side affect my enjoyment of games but maybe that's because I buy very few AAA games in a year. The only ones I bought this year were Witcher 3 and Wolfenstein The Old Blood. The rest are pretty interesting indie or smaller games (The Beginner's Guide, Invisible Inc, Not A Hero, Underdale, Grow Home, Dropsy, Life Is Strange, Sunless Sea, etc) that happen to be 8 hours or shorter which fits with my life.
It's ok. You don't have to PLAY videogames. Heck a lot of GAFers don't, they either talk loads about gaming or hang out in Off-Topic only
JudgmentJay
Member
I'm enjoying them more than ever to be honest. I played a bunch of older masterpiece-tier games this year. Shadow of the Colossus, Ico, Resident Evil, Super Metroid, and Metroid Prime being the best of them. Playing those games was pretty special and made me appreciate the hobby even more.
This year has been pretty amazing for video games as well. Bloodborne, The Witcher 3, and Ori and the Blind Forest are all 10/10s in my book.
There's also a lot to look forward to. Bloodborne DLC, Dark Souls 3, Fallout 4, Odin Sphere Leifthrasir, Kingdom Hearts 3, Final Fantasy XV, The Last Guardian, Final Fantasy VII Remake, and Zelda WiiU off the top of my head.
I've been gaming for almost 30 years and I've never felt the desire to take a break.
Take some time off, OP. Gaming shouldn't be a chore. I stopped gaming a bunch for a few years and got a lot of other things done. I can feel that I am in a wave of hype that won't end until KH3, but once that's out I expect my gaming time to decline. Thankfully, KH3 won't be out anytime soon.
petran79
Banned
Even a decade ago there was an alternative if you were tired of video games.
Just spend a few coins in arcade games every weekend. You'd combine a night out and video games. Video games that way would be a part of enjoyment instead of feeling forced to play
diffusionx
Gold Member
Gaming really is nothing more than a hobby, and hobbies come and go depending on circumstances in life. I barely played games in college, but after college when I got a 360 I played at on of games. Even for the last year I finished maybe 2 games. I'm playing more of them now but it's definitely not very high on my to-do list.
TheBlueBomber
Member
I'm actually the opposite, the older I get the more I enjoy gaming really, it's a good way to keep my mind occupied (I have severe depression and anxiety, and I overthink and stress over nothing when I'm not keeping myself busy)
Northeastmonk
Gold Member
Age can do it. You find some things as though not what they once were. Many times it feels like gaming was a fad because the games come and go.
Like last gen seemed stronger than this gen, but this gen has some great games. You don't have to be a nonstop gamer. In fact as an adult it doesn't work like that because you have to pay your bills and if you want to start a family then there's that.
I had some drouts like a few years ago. There was nothing that good to play and I went back to fighting games or older games. I'm close to 30 here in a few weeks and I play about once a day.
I just don't play what other people are playing. I like lots of genres and games from years ago. I like imports and games on older consoles.
I would say my enjoyment is greater than it ever was, but I'm not putting in 5 hours into a MMO or something with multiplayer.
I have had days where it seemed as though it's all passed me by, but then I realize that it's not that way. I can still enjoy a video game without feeling too old.
That's what's weird. You have to grow up and maybe take some time to see what it is you want. I put it down for a while and I came back within a week or so.
The industry doesn't like to carry someone because they make money, so the hype is almost like a drug or a fad to some people. It's good when it's good and when it's not, no one cares.
I'm hyped for Fallout 4!! Does anyone else care? No. Would they be sad if I didn't play it? No. Would a million other people play it, make social media comments, and gloat about it? Yes.
How worthless do you feel about that? I guess what I mean is that you have to find a real reason or enjoyment for video games or it feels pointless. You need an enjoyment because the industry loves to move on and they don't care for their strugglers. It's a business and they don't have to be that way.
Are you a fan? Are you seriously a fan? It's not worth the money if you aren't. Believe me, you aren't the only person feeling hurt by spending money.
I try not to regret things, but sometimes it's like you believed a bunch of lies. Maybe you just need to take a break, see what you enjoy, and what not.
Does this worry you? There's a lot you can do to build your life because gaming is like another entertainment. The fads and hype can be artificial and damaging if you don't understand that. You don't want to be a broke gamer or buy games just so someone else gets rich.
The people who enjoy it are just fine, but there's a lot to consider if you aren't enjoying it and you're spending money on it. That's bad.
It can suck when you once thought there was passion and you realize you probably were just there for the moment. I'd just give it time.
I'm almost 30 and there's things I stay away from because it hurts some of my enjoyment, but I think that's always been there. When you're young you think you have this excuse to do everything and anything. You don't think about what you need at times.
Edit: I think some people in the industry get their games and stuff free and they might not feel the burden like you or I do because of their social status, so there's that too. If you don't enjoy it now, but you enjoy it when other people make it look good then that's fine.
It just isn't doing anything positive for your life. Just remember that. If you don't know what it is then just think harder about it or back off.
Use your time wisely and remember to save money for the future.
Like last gen seemed stronger than this gen, but this gen has some great games. You don't have to be a nonstop gamer. In fact as an adult it doesn't work like that because you have to pay your bills and if you want to start a family then there's that.
I had some drouts like a few years ago. There was nothing that good to play and I went back to fighting games or older games. I'm close to 30 here in a few weeks and I play about once a day.
I just don't play what other people are playing. I like lots of genres and games from years ago. I like imports and games on older consoles.
I would say my enjoyment is greater than it ever was, but I'm not putting in 5 hours into a MMO or something with multiplayer.
I have had days where it seemed as though it's all passed me by, but then I realize that it's not that way. I can still enjoy a video game without feeling too old.
That's what's weird. You have to grow up and maybe take some time to see what it is you want. I put it down for a while and I came back within a week or so.
The industry doesn't like to carry someone because they make money, so the hype is almost like a drug or a fad to some people. It's good when it's good and when it's not, no one cares.
I'm hyped for Fallout 4!! Does anyone else care? No. Would they be sad if I didn't play it? No. Would a million other people play it, make social media comments, and gloat about it? Yes.
How worthless do you feel about that? I guess what I mean is that you have to find a real reason or enjoyment for video games or it feels pointless. You need an enjoyment because the industry loves to move on and they don't care for their strugglers. It's a business and they don't have to be that way.
Are you a fan? Are you seriously a fan? It's not worth the money if you aren't. Believe me, you aren't the only person feeling hurt by spending money.
I try not to regret things, but sometimes it's like you believed a bunch of lies. Maybe you just need to take a break, see what you enjoy, and what not.
Does this worry you? There's a lot you can do to build your life because gaming is like another entertainment. The fads and hype can be artificial and damaging if you don't understand that. You don't want to be a broke gamer or buy games just so someone else gets rich.
The people who enjoy it are just fine, but there's a lot to consider if you aren't enjoying it and you're spending money on it. That's bad.
It can suck when you once thought there was passion and you realize you probably were just there for the moment. I'd just give it time.
I'm almost 30 and there's things I stay away from because it hurts some of my enjoyment, but I think that's always been there. When you're young you think you have this excuse to do everything and anything. You don't think about what you need at times.
Edit: I think some people in the industry get their games and stuff free and they might not feel the burden like you or I do because of their social status, so there's that too. If you don't enjoy it now, but you enjoy it when other people make it look good then that's fine.
It just isn't doing anything positive for your life. Just remember that. If you don't know what it is then just think harder about it or back off.
Use your time wisely and remember to save money for the future.
Yeah, I'm hoping things get better too. It's robbing me of all motivation to really do anything. I've just sort of sat here at my computer doing nothing for weeks now and mostly just talking here, wherever or listening to music. Simpler stuff that don't require much of anything to really do.