GAF, do you even like video games?

Be honest, do you even like gaming anymore?

  • Of course!

  • I do, but wish I had more time to play

  • Eh, I come in and out of the hobby

  • I liked games made before 10-15 years ago

  • I only really like a specific genre/game/series

  • I’m just here to troll

  • Does mobile count?


Results are only viewable after voting.
I love videogames with a good story and likeable characters. But I lack the time to play a lot because of family, friends, other hobbies and the job. Luckily, we have so many recent videogames stuffed with woke and DEI garbage, ugly characters, bad design decisions and terrible stories, that I don't have the feeling of missing out. I finish 1-2 games per year and that's okay.
 
The only dark age of videogames for me was the PS360 generation when developers focused more on making games more immersive than fun and Nintendo was off in waggle world with the Ellen audience.

I'm really happy with the state of gaming on Nintendo consoles these days.
 
kicked out from job at 50, i'm playing even more in this period

mostly 6th console generation (PSP included) retrogaming and PC indie games
like talk and badge, talk and badge :)
 
Over the last 2 months I played one of the best metroidvanias I've played
c163101f33b4b32e626af62560bde26650249517.gifv


Then I went on to play one of the best JRPGs I've played
clairsoboscgif03.gif


And now I'm playing one of the most fun 3D platformes I've played since like Mario Galaxy
1*gh0CvPb9Uqvj6dUD3p8i2A.gif




Gaming is great right now, fuck the haters.
The only people I constantly see complaining are those that literally only care about graphics and those that apprently can't enjoy games if they aren't made by a Sony first party studio.

Fuckin A.
 
Of course. I bitch about garbage, or games that i like, but would like to see improve. So me compaining doesn't mean that i am doomer that doesn't like anything lol.
 
I still do like gaming, but to me most AAAs of the last 10-15 years are generic, bland, boring, bloated or too woke. Or all of it. I enjoy AAs and Indies much more while i used to ignore them late 90s-2010 and only played AAAs.
 
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Is there a lore reason why OP is asking if we like videogames in a videogame forum? Is he mentally challenged?
 
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Love 'em!

But I also have kids to take care of etc. these days so time is very limited.
 
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Go into an OT, that's where people are discussing the games they are playing.
In a way OTs are the problem. They leave so much open space for the other threads that would otherwise just cycle through to 3rd page oblivion.

Yeah there would be entire pages of threads on certain new games but that's only a problem for organization freaks
 
If I was all in on only PS5 this gen I'd probably be bitter 24/7 too. At least they have all those sales threads I guess. PS used to have a lot more of a fun culture in the company including regular showcases. I think a lot of negativity trickles down from the top.

Why though?
If you are all in on only Ps5 you are still getting the vast majority of the best and most popular games. Why would I enjoy stuff like Baldur's Gate 3, Elden Ring, Expedition 33, Animal Well, Infinite Wealth, or Nine Sols less just because they aren't exclusive? Now we are even getting MS games like Forza Horizon, Indiana Jones and Gears.

If anything it's the other way around. If you already have a gaming PC and you already got access to all of these games and you only bought a Ps5 to play exclusives on I could see you being underwhelmed.

Ps5 isn't the best console ever and doesn't offer much as a secondary platform. But as a relatively affordable machine to do most of your gaming on, it's not bad.
 
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I love them, and I think some of the best games ever have been made very recently. I believe there are great games in every era and I'm excited for the future. I've also been on forums for a long time, and I believe the reason why you perceive more toxicity is actually pretty simple. There just IS more to complain about. The industry has gotten larger, we have more gamers than ever, more games than ever, and we live in strange times where the world is just going through all sorts of complex issues and these companies just end up pulling awful stunts in all sorts of ways that most people just flat out do not want. For some it's the woke content, for others it's monetization. Others aren't content when devs change course (like the recent changes for Khazan and Lies of P). Naturally when you have a bigger industry you will see decisions being made more often than not that will inevitably put off members of the gaming community, especially on enthusiast forums like this one.

That doesn't have to mean that people inherently stopped enjoying games. Sometimes I really have to groan when I see comments from people that seemingly demonize others for simply voicing dissatisfaction with a game. Without people voicing their opinions we will not get better games. If you are tired of seeing negativity maybe it's time to take a break from forums. This isn't supposed to be a jab or something, I mean it.
 
Of course I love games. But there are other genres beside the infinite stream of first/third person action games we are being constantly served, and they don't get a lot of attention.

So when I watch an event like the Xbox PS5 this is an Xbox Games Showcases 2025, I just can't find anything of interest for me. Wake me up when something like Shiren the Wanderer, Shining Force, Crazy Taxi, Jet Set Radio or Panzer Dragoon will once again be the star of a show.
 
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Why though?
If you are all in on only Ps5 you are still getting the vast majority of the best and most popular games. Why would I enjoy stuff like Baldur's Gate 3, Elden Ring, Expedition 33, Animal Well, Infinite Wealth, or Nine Sols less just because they aren't exclusive? Now we are even getting MS games like Forza Horizon, Indiana Jones and Gears.

If anything it's the other way around. If you already have a gaming PC and you already got access to all of these games and you only bought a Ps5 to play exclusives on I could see you being underwhelmed.

Ps5 isn't the best console ever. But as a relatively affordable machine to play all sorts of games on it's pretty good.
That's mostly why I keep my PS5 around…I might lost interest on their exclusives but third party devs still delivering great games I can play on PS5.
 
Some people here love video games AND they love complaining. It's not mutually exclusive 😂
 
Join us, OP

 
I fucking love gaming.

I spend a good chunk of my spare income on it with no shame. It's my favorite hobby and my getaway from work and the stress of daily life.
I also love the social aspect of discussing the technical aspects of games and hardware with likeminded users on here.

My nuanced take is I may disagree with the way the industry is heading (moving towards digital-only, $80 games that don't even have the game on the disc/cart, consoles continuing to paywall online play & cloud saves) but at no point am I going to punch a hole in the wall and "qUiT GaMiNG."

I will simply continue to vote with my wallet. I do not sub to PS+. I do not buy $70-$80 ports of old ass games. I do not support woke trash. I do not buy overpriced GPUs.

Voting with my wallet also means I buy physical games new (never from LRG and only if it has the game on it & playable offline ofc) whenever I can, and put my money where my mouth is and support the games I love so that if it doesn't sell well, it sure as hell ain't my fault. Case in point: I bought Doom: The Dark Ages Premium Edition at full price on PS5. Zero regrets as it's a phenomenal, well-designed, well-optimized game from a talented studio. I often find myself wishing I had done the same for other high quality games I enjoyed such as the excellent Dead Space remake.

Call me crazy but if GTA VI and Metroid Prime 4 are $99.99 each, I'm still buying, because I know each game will deliver.
Would I pre-order for early access? Absolutely, for these two games. I've been wrong before about games and been let down, but that's life.

My current PC/PS5/NSW2 set up will last me until 2030 easy. I'm having a good time working on my backlog while I wait for the good stuff to hit later this year (Metroid Prime 4, baby).
 
Why though?
If you are all in on only Ps5 you are still getting the vast majority of the best and most popular games. Why would I enjoy stuff like Baldur's Gate 3, Elden Ring, Expedition 33, Animal Well, Infinite Wealth, or Nine Sols less just because they aren't exclusive? Now we are even getting MS games like Forza Horizon, Indiana Jones and Gears.

If anything it's the other way around. If you already have a gaming PC and you already got access to all of these games and you only bought a Ps5 to play exclusives on I could see you being underwhelmed.

Ps5 isn't the best console ever and doesn't offer much as a secondary platform. But as a relatively affordable machine to do most of your gaming on, it's not bad.
Don't get me wrong, if you are all in on PS5 you have plenty to play all day. I just see a lot of people on PS here are deeply unhappy. Not happy with the communication, showcases, or 1st party content. I dont see unhappy Xbox or Nintendo fans on here that much honestly, even with Xbox declining on hardware or Nintendo taking most of the last year off to prepare for Switch 2. Something about the Jim Ryan era is making people focus on sales and ccu, negativity and complaining more than before. IMHO. I think there just isn't as much of a fun vibe and it sets the tone. PC gamers also seem pretty happy and chill most of the time. Thats just what I see. Why is the big question. PS is dominating and you still see it. Its almost all they talk about.
 
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Join us, OP

Man, I really need to post an update in that thread. I've beaten like 15-20 more games since my last update.
 
Loving games does not mean you can't ever be negative about different parts of the industry.

Snark, snide and sarcasm have always been a part of gaming discourse. I don't think most people are as serious in their hate as it might come across. But seeing as this is a written medium tone and tounge-in-cheek might not always come across clearly.

This is the most fun gaming space on the interwebs IMO. ❤️
 
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Watching Concord go down in flames is honestly one of the most entertaining spectacles I have ever witnessed in my life as a gamer. That was more entertaining than actually playing most video games.

Suicide Squad, Dustborn, Forspoken, etc were also pretty hilarious. I got a lot of joy and satisfaction out of them.

Maybe I am just a bitter, hate-filled old man, here to revel in the negativity.


Seriously, I'll never shit on a game if it's made by passionate gamers doing what they love. But I will definitely enjoy seeing something fail if it's made by people who hate their audience and/or it's some soulless trend-chasing slop.
 
Is there a lore reason why OP is asking if we like videogames in a videogame forum? Is he mentally challenged?
Well, I explain it in the OP but to make it clearer for you there have been a rash of threads recently that are either very transparent attempts to shit on a game or call it a failure (see: AC Shadows, Doom TDA). Neither of these games are "bad" (they are complete games that work well, have no DLC/season passes and technically competent and offer what was advertised) but yet there was a very desperate attempt to dance on their graves and say "HAHA".

There have also been threads about "is this the worst gen ever?!"


While this thread is also half-joking, I've legitimately been asking myself some days "…does anyone here even like video games anymore?"

Loving games does not mean you can't ever be negative about different parts of the industry.
I never said people shouldn't be critical at all. Stuff like MindsEye, absolutely deserves all the flack and criticism it's getting. But I swear I've read and seen more negativity about games that are significantly better (see my earlier examples). Furthermore, positive discussion about enjoying games seem less and less common.

I suppose it's like the old saying goes though: "No one hates Star Wars more than Star Wars fans"
 
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Is there a lore reason why OP is asking if we like videogames in a videogame forum? Is he mentally challenged?
Because GAF become overly negative towards video games which I also made me question if enjoy playing games anymore.

There is big difference between criticism and just down right being doom gloom and currently GAF is beyond that.
 
Because GAF become overly negative towards video games which I also made me question if enjoy playing games anymore.

There is big difference between criticism and just down right being doom gloom and currently GAF is beyond that.

Well, I explain it in the OP but to make it clearer for you there have been a rash of threads recently that are either very transparent attempts to shit on a game or call it a failure (see: AC Shadows, Doom TDA). Neither of these games are "bad" (they are complete games that work well, have no DLC/season passes and technically competent and offer what was advertised) but yet there was a very desperate attempt to dance on their graves and say "HAHA".

There have also been threads about "is this the worst gen ever?!"


While this thread is also half-joking, I've legitimately been asking myself some days "…does anyone here even like video games anymore?"

Why are you guys answering me so seriously. My message was just a joke lol
 
I still like games, I'm playing Fallout London almost non stop, but I liked and played more games over 10 years ago (not 15) as there was a lot more games made that for me were better and more numerous, like SP Fallout's and TES, Witcher 3, Dishonored's etc,

I know new entries are coming but not as quickly as they use to and also its been a long time, too many Gaas as well in the last 10 years for my tastes.
 
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I do still love videogames, it is my favourite pasttime for 30+ years!

However, Western AAA is stuck in a rut, same as the Hollywood film industry.
Not because of woke, as many here tend to think, but because of corporations being so risk-avert.

Indies and asian devs are keeping the industry alive (in artistic sense) and to them I am immensely grateful.
 
I love video games - that's never changed. I like them enough that I've worked in the business for over a decade at this point and started my own company to focus on them. But I think it's because I like them so much that I'm more negative about modern releases, and I think that's the case for a lot of people. It's easy to see "what could've been" and to identify insidious cash-grabs from a mile away, and there are a lot of those these days. As well as a lot of eye-rolling decisions from clueless execs who have never held a controller in their life. It's because I like games and care about the industry that I personally feel the need to call a spade a spade. What do any of us gain from being permissive about bad games and bad behavior? I think having lofty expectations is important for pushing the industry forward. That naturally leads to a lot of negativity at times which - yes, I'm very aware that I'm kinda negative, people - but it comes from a positive place.

The other side of the coin is, when something like the Switch 2 comes out and I think they've nailed it, I will gush about that shit endlessly. I'm super enthused about the system, the games I'm playing on there, and I'm optimistic about the future. I can absolutely be happy about games, but the industry has to hold up their end of the bargain sometimes, too.
 
I share this sentiment completely. When visiting this forum, way too many of the comments I see are people more or less saying:

- "Absolute garbage"
- "Trash"
- "Pass"

With barely any substance or nuance. Which I don't understand. Why even bother engaging with stuff you don't like or you aren't interested in?
I can't even begin to try to put myself into a headspace like that.

Every day this forum reminds me of this Ricky Gervais kit:

 
I have experience in the industry.

I'm like a wine taster.

I love high-quality video games, and I criticize games that don't reach that quality.

In addition to video games, I love being a relic hunter, video game-related items that are unique, hard-to-find, or of good value.
 
Well, I explain it in the OP but to make it clearer for you there have been a rash of threads recently that are either very transparent attempts to shit on a game or call it a failure (see: AC Shadows, Doom TDA). Neither of these games are "bad" (they are complete games that work well, have no DLC/season passes and technically competent and offer what was advertised) but yet there was a very desperate attempt to dance on their graves and say "HAHA".

There have also been threads about "is this the worst gen ever?!"


While this thread is also half-joking, I've legitimately been asking myself some days "…does anyone here even like video games anymore?"


I never said people shouldn't be critical at all. Stuff like MindsEye, absolutely deserves all the flack and criticism it's getting. But I swear I've read and seen more negativity about games that are significantly better (see my earlier examples). Furthermore, positive discussion about enjoying games seem less and less common.

I suppose it's like the old saying goes though: "No one hates Star Wars more than Star Wars fans"
I get where you're coming from and in some aspects you're not actually wrong. But, and I hope you don't take this as an attack, there's such a thing as negative confirmation bias. Not saying you suffer from it, but always good to keep in mind.

Personally I see a lot of love for gaming in most all threads. I mean if we weren't passionate about this hobby we wouldn't criticise aa much as we do. Sure there are some that only want to watch the world burn, but I feel like the majority of us are here because this is the greatest entertainment medium in the world.

Even if I deeply love the Soulsborne games I would still fight for people's right to shit and clown on it if they feel like it's doing damage to the industry.
 
Honestly, I checked out when the Dreamcast died. I've owned a few nintendo and Xbox consoles since then. I occasionally play something. Will probably get a switch 2. Never Sony.
 
Even if I deeply love the Soulsborne games I would still fight for people's right to shit and clown on it if they feel like it's doing damage to the industry.

Along the similar lines: there is a difference between being "not for you" and "bad" that is sometimes forgotten.

For example, I don't like rogue-likes/lites. Does that make them bad? No.

Am I going to make a thread celebrating if some highly-anticipated rogue-like debuts to <10k CCU and poor sales saying "haha, told you guys rogue-likes suck!"? Also no.

The industry is so huge and there's more choice of different things to play than ever now, so I don't see the constant need to shit or "clown" on anything that other people are enjoying. Everything you don't like doesn't "damage" your hobby. There's so much to play today even the NEETs can't play it all.
 
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Along the similar lines: there is a difference between being "not for you" and "bad" that is sometimes forgotten.

For example, I don't like rogue-likes/lites. Does that make them bad? No.

Am I going to make a thread celebrating if some highly-anticipated rogue-like debuts to <10k CCU and poor sales saying "haha, told you guys rogue-likes suck!"? Also no.
I think most of us are inherently lazy and some just want to quickly engage, like a verbal "thumbs down". I usually just glaze over such comments if it's a game I enjoy. But I can get that it can get under some peoples skin over time.

I've only been around for a short time. Maybe I'll feel differently after a some time has passed. 🤔
 
Along the similar lines: there is a difference between being "not for you" and "bad" that is sometimes forgotten.

For example, I don't like rogue-likes/lites. Does that make them bad? No.

Am I going to make a thread celebrating if some highly-anticipated rogue-like debuts to <10k CCU and poor sales saying "haha, told you guys rogue-likes suck!"? Also no.
Yeah its rough sometimes. I tried to keep the days gone thread bumped after the 40/120 patch and barely any traction but allbtge pages before that were post after post complaining that it wasn't available yet. Youll see the same with the PS5 VRR stutter that everyone noticed after DF was notified after someone randomly noticed it. Too many people dont think for themselves and just repeat what they read and that's probably the biggest issue when it comes to the negative stuff.
 
Over the last 2 months I played one of the best metroidvanias I've played
c163101f33b4b32e626af62560bde26650249517.gifv


Then I went on to play one of the best JRPGs I've played
clairsoboscgif03.gif


And now I'm playing one of the most fun 3D platformes I've played since like Mario Galaxy
1*gh0CvPb9Uqvj6dUD3p8i2A.gif




Gaming is great right now, fuck the haters.
The only people I constantly see complaining are those that literally only care about graphics and those that apprently can't enjoy games if they aren't made by a Sony first party studio.
I like Sony games, but those produced by Japan Studio.

And a handheld game becomes the game of my life.

Whenever I put on a Gravity Rush game, I love it so much, and I'm not ashamed to say it, but it makes me happy and I cry because of how meaningful the series is to my life.


 
Yeah its rough sometimes. I tried to keep the days gone thread bumped after the 40/120 patch and barely any traction but allbtge pages before that were post after post complaining that it wasn't available yet. Youll see the same with the PS5 VRR stutter that everyone noticed after DF was notified after someone randomly noticed it. Too many people dont think for themselves and just repeat what they read and that's probably the biggest issue when it comes to the negative stuff.
O yah, nothing like a good DF video to make something "unplayable"
 
Nah, fucking hate games, I have mentioned before im just addicted to the life, I used to love it but now Its just habbit.
 
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