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[DonJorginho]

TLDR: I'm not enjoying new video game releases as much anymore, even games I'm eagerly hyped for, and am spending less and less time gaming even when I have free time, am I falling out of love with gaming? Or is this just a slow start to the generation?

I love video games.

They have been the love of my life since the days I'd watch my older sister play the likes of Majora's Mask all the way to now where I've managed to get to a position where I have every platform I want to play on at my fingertips, which was something I never really had as a child in a working class household.

Video games have been a source of many of my greatest childhood moments and have also spawned countless memories that have stuck with me long into my teenage years and now my young adulthood.

I'm pretty lucky to have a job currently where I get 8+ weeks off a year (not fully paid but I earn more than enough to not feel that), so this means that gaming is something I can still do alongside other hobbies. However in recent months especially, I've just somewhat lost the passion to play any new releases.

Let's look at Horizon II for example, I followed every crumb of news for this game like I was being starved, I was losing sleep knowing it was only so and so days away, I was talking about it to my friends and I was avidly awaiting to play it. But like most new releases this year, after around 10-15 hours I've had enough and can't find the motivation to play any further.

This isn't because it's a bad game, I simply just can't bring myself to play games that much anymore, I'm actively choosing doing monotonous tasks or hobbies I don't even enjoy all that much over gaming when I have the time. I'll sit down and watch some football match I don't care about when I could be playing the 10+ new releases that I've got waiting to be downloaded. But for some reason something isn't clicking.

This generation was the one I went into most excited for l, but if I look at all the releases that have come out since the launches of both consoles, there are only a few I've played to completion.


(and two of these games I had to push myself through the final few hours to finish.)

Every other game since the PS5/XSX launch I've bought with anticipation, initially enjoyed, then gotten bored with and neglected.

Am I just being over dramatic and it's just been a slow start to the generation? Is this just simply me finding new interests and a normal phase of life?

I know this is a long old bunch of bollocks I'm writing at ten to one in the morning like a madman before work, but it's just dawning on me that the hobby I spend hundreds if not thousands of pounds towards, simply isn't satisfying me enough anymore, and I don't want it to be that way.


Thanks for reading my load of codswallop that isn't really that serious but you know, just gotta be my old overly dramatic self, it's probably nothing but yeah enjoy my spiral into madness until Kojima announces Death Stranding II.

 

[teezzy]

Take a break, hit the gym, grow a beard, you'll be back

 

[ProgenitorCastle]

It comes and goes. Just take a break from games, then when you least expect it you'll want to play again

 

[EverydayBeast]

 

[ShadowLag]

Most games these days are just reskins and amalgamations of the same things you've been playing since 2007.

Get a baller PC, a Valve Index, and play Half-Life Alyx. It's the first truly new experience to come along in a decade or more. You'll feel like a kid again. (you'll just have to pay out the nose for it)

 

[Warnen]

If it wasn’t for destiny I’d have quit playing games years ago.

Glad I stuck around but I hardly play much else these days, did really enjoy halo and gotg this year but that’s about it.

Shit changes, nothing wrong with that. Enjoy what you enjoy.

 

[Sakura]

If you lose motivation to keep playing after 10 hours or so, then the game isn't entertaining you.
Maybe you just don't like those games as much as you think you do?

There are many big games that are popular or have been really hyped that I have bought only to get bored not even a dozen hours in.
Yet I can sit and play Age of Empires or something all day long without getting bored at all.

 

[DonJorginho]

Realising I'm up 5 hours before work rambling about how I'm not enjoying video games when I could be sleeping

 

[DonJorginho]

If you lose motivation to keep playing after 10 hours or so, then the game isn't entertaining you.
Maybe you just don't like those games as much as you think you do?

There are many big games that are popular or have been really hyped that I have bought only to get bored not even a dozen hours in.
Yet I can sit and play Age of Empires or something all day long without getting bored at all.

I think you're on the right track, there are games like Football Manager that I can play forever and ever, but I'm just simply not enjoying single player story games especially as much as I used to.

Maybe I'm just not into playing games with such urgency these days, games like Football Manager I can just put away and come back to without needing to remember lore and plotpoints and what not.

 

[Lupin25]

Like others have said, just chill on the gaming for awhile.

It also helps to simply focus on one game at a time. This is why I buy a select few games I know I’ll enjoy per year.

 

[LazyParrot]

I had that same problem. Turns out I was just tired of modern big-budget AAA console games, not gaming as a whole. Went back to PC, started playing mostly retro, AA and indie releases and just like that I was having fun again.

 

[Guilty_AI]

Sometimes i stop playing for a while and spend my free time reading, then go back after a few weeks when i feel like playing again.

Haven't really been hyped for a game for almost a decade, i just look for and pick stuff that interests me.
Honestly i prefer that way, i wanna enjoy games for what they are instead of partaking in mass delusion brought about by marketing teams. Probably the reason why i don't play AAA stuff all that often anymore since those tend to be just a whole bunch of hot air devoid of any real fun.

 

[theHFIC]

Personally I have been trying to focus more on games with definitive endings lately and playing at most one open world game alongside it. So many games now just go on forever it is easy to get burnt out especially when we’re in a world where every other game out now is either a first person or third person 40 hour plus shooter/explorer.

 

[blacktout]

I second everyone who suggested that you take a break. Catch up on TV or movies or take up a new hobby.

That said, if you're really determined to rediscover the joy of gaming, I'd suggest you pick up some cheap but well-made indie games that specifically remind you of genres and styles of games that you were really into as a kid but that have been left behind by the AAA gaming world. Beat 'em ups. Arcade racers. Space shooters. Hit the nostalgia crackpipe hard while also getting an experience that you haven't had in awhile. Plus, since you won't have spent much, you won't feel bad about bailing after an hour or two and trying something new if any one game doesn't click.

 

[BennyBlanco]

my interest waxes and wanes too. seems pretty normal.

 

[nush]

There's been time in my life when I wasn't as much into games despite owning the consoles. I simply took a break and found other interests and then came back to gaming. As an adult you're never going to have that same passion and excitement for gaming as you did growing up. You're still going to enjoy them but you've also seen it all before, it's just better looking now.

It's the summer soon, go outside and chase some fanny instead.

 

[zcaa0g]

Is it me or does this thread come up once a month? It's going to happen if you're human. Simple as that.

 

[Imru’ al-Qays]

Ctrl+f Elden Ring

Play Elden Ring

 

[CheeseCake]

I think you're outgrowing video games. It happened to me last year, I stopped playing for months because I just didn't enjoy it anymore.

I came back later though. I'm playing valorant atm.

I realized then that all I needed was a break/pause, and sometimes that break/pause might be the one thing that'll tell you if you want to go back to playing video games or just move on with other stuff.

It feels nice to fill your hobbies with other stuff other than gaming all the time.

 

[tommib]

Games like Horizon burn people out. They’re immensely repetitive and are filled with stops and gaps. Stop playing motion capture heavy single player games. Pick something short and fun.

 

[teezzy]

Sites like GAF will lead you to think you need to get excited about every game ever, but people's tastes are subjective and constantly evolving. Just play what interests you, and ignore the hype train zeitgeist

 

[Nankatsu]

I'm less interest in games this generation too, that's a fact for me.

I've been clearing my backlog at a normal pace without any rush.

Dumb me bought Elden Ring, Horizon FW and GT7, and only barely touched GT7.

I guess I'm in that stage that my love for videogames hasn't died, it never will, but I'll start using my time in other ways too.

So you're not alone OP, dont worry.

 

[SlimeGooGoo]

.

 

[ACESHIGH]

All it takes is one specific game to hook you back. Gaming since 1993. Stopped from 2006 through 2012 and got back into the hobby after playing Code Veronica once again.

 

[Jaybe]

You try Hades yet? I was in a bit of a gaming funk and that one just sunk me in. Great gameplay, legit funny writing, solid progression, and play variety. Give it a go.

I can only handle so many AAA cinematic open world games, perhaps one a year. And almost always pushing myself to finish them.

 

[TheGodfather07]

Give it a break. I stopped gaming for 2 years once and they were more enjoyable than ever when I went back. Sometimes we need a long break from the things we regularly do, to get that enjoyable feeling back.

 

[StreetsofBeige]

Seems like you're bored of SP narratives.

Maybe dabble with games that are more about replayability like MP shooters, or sports games where you can play a few a matches and thats good enough for the night. Or mess with Diablo 3 where the game has no real commitment to anything as the main goal is just finding awesome gear and going through the plot is an afterthought.

Aside from finishing off long slogs lie Skyrim last year after playing it on and off since reelase, I gravitate to games that are more about going in and playing a bit and then bailing.

I anticipate the new big adventure games like Starfield and ES6 later on but I'm not sure if I'll have the interest to go through another 50-100 hours worth towards one game.

 

[Tazzu]

I know how you feel. It's as if all those haters were right and video gaming is a hobby not worthy of the respect that other forms of entertainment get.

 

[Y0ssarian]

Just take a break for a while. Worst thing that could happen is you find some new hobbies that you do enjoy.

 

[Northeastmonk]

It’s part of life. It’s like movies and music. Do you ever throw in the towel with those? Video Games have gone from the basement underground to main stream media. I love them too. I still plan to play some games later this year, but I’ve been on a slump after Elden Ring. I played around 100 hours on NG+3. I feel like I’ve tattooed some of the game in my memory. It’s almost too familiar when I go back to mess around in the game. That isn’t a bad thing because I got 100 hours of enjoyment from a $60 product.

I think it’s normal to feel fatigue. There are a lot of aspects to video games that show themselves over time. I have felt the glory days and the bad ones. It’s an industry trying to make money on their advancements and their failures.

I was playing Elder Lillies on Switch. I went to look up a Spirit Skill and the first article has a jpg of the final boss. The game is probably over a year old now, but still. People tear the meat out of these games and magazine sites post the ending boss guide or some spoiler. It just feels kinda pointless now that I know what will appear on my screen in the next 10 or so hours. It’s also not the greatest side scroller/Castlevania type either. I think it’s a bit of a fatigue and I’ve already played SOTN and other classic games like this multiple times.

I use to hate imagining myself fatigued of the hobby, but unfortunately it happens. Currently, I’m playing Alundra and Darkstalkers 3 in small spurts when I want to play a game. The AAA side of things just isn’t there right now. I kinda had my best gaming experience already with Elden Ring.

Judging how games change and how announcements happen. I bet I’ll be doing a complete 360. It just takes time. I beat a lot of my library already. It’s just like watching a good film and waiting months to find another one that’s worth watching again.

This feels like a small rant, so I might add one more thing. I’ve noticed a lot more lately, is that video game excitement is more often than not, temporary. No matter how satisfied I’ve been with a game: Resident Evil Village, Nier, Dragon Quest XI, or Elden Ring. The same situation happens when I beat the game. I’m not as excited to play anything else. This feeling has happened to me so many times, but I also keep coming back. Even if I find a game from 20 years ago or a brand new release.

 

[Serge85]

Play retro games

 

[Hawking Radiation]

I'm in the same boat.

I'll rather work on my car or do something else.

I found that certain games can hold me over for a bit (like an hour at most) then I'm off to doing other things again. Those games are Division 2 and Call of Duty Cold War.
I have installed on my gaming PC: God Of War, Forza Horizon 5, Far Cry 6, Horizon Zero Dawn, GTAV and Elden Ring. I don't play any of these and If I do, its max 30 mins before I grow bored and quit the game.

I still enjoy following gaming news and browsing the forum here but as far as doing serious gaming sessions? Nah. We're just getting old. Embrace it.

 

[vpance]

These kinds of posts pop up from time to time here. It's not an unusual feeling to have because a lot of games are becoming very formulaic and predictable so much so that it feels like work to play, especially when the story isn't that interesting. And when you get older you're more savvy to the illusion so you notice it more.

The fact that you mentioned Horizon 2 as an example comes as no surprise! It's like the ultimate boilerplate streamlined open world design, as in push the stick forward towards the next marker and turn your brain off.

 

[Stuart360]

Its def a normal thing, its happened to me. Over the last 20 years or so, i have had 4 or 5 mini stages where i just couldnt be bothered with gaming. It started from about age 20.
I have always come back though after a few months to a year. And today i'm probably playing more more now than i ever have, even when i was a teen.

What advice i would give is try some different genres, try and look for some good deals on games from genres you dont usually play.
The second bit of advice is Indies, they have all the innovation now to be honest, and have a lot of games that are very similar to games of yesteryear.
If you have a system that can get Gamepass, get it and download some Indies, you have nothing to lose.

Or simply take a break. Take a break from everything gaming, including this site. I'm sure after a while the urge will come back.

 

[BigBooper]

1. Learn to appreciate playing old games that aren't brand new releases.

2. Buy a Steam Deck.

 

[Kacho]

I think you're on the right track, there are games like Football Manager that I can play forever and ever, but I'm just simply not enjoying single player story games especially as much as I used to.

Maybe I'm just not into playing games with such urgency these days, games like Football Manager I can just put away and come back to without needing to remember lore and plotpoints and what not.

Yeah that sounds normal to me since I went through a similar change. Unless it’s a meaty RPG, most story-driven single player games bore me to tears. I can sink absurd hours into Civilization, Warhammer Total War and any racing game, but most story games I bounce off quickly these days. Just stick to what engages you.

 

[Hawking Radiation]

These kinds of posts pop up from time to time here. It's not an unusual feeling to have because a lot of games are becoming very formulaic and predictable so much so that it feels like work to play, especially when the story isn't that interesting. And when you get older you're more savvy to the illusion so you notice it more.

The fact that you mentioned Horizon 2 as an example comes as no surprise! It's like the ultimate boilerplate streamlined open world design, as in push the stick forward towards the next marker and turn your brain off.

Interesting take and one I can definitely agree with. Good post.

 

[StreetsofBeige]

I think you're on the right track, there are games like Football Manager that I can play forever and ever, but I'm just simply not enjoying single player story games especially as much as I used to.

Maybe I'm just not into playing games with such urgency these days, games like Football Manager I can just put away and come back to without needing to remember lore and plotpoints and what not.

Yeah that sounds normal to me since I went through a similar change. Unless it’s a meaty RPG, most story-driven single player games bore me to tears. I can sink absurd hours into Civilization, Warhammer Total War and any racing game, but most story games I bounce off quickly these days. Just stick to what engages you.

Same boat.

My days on playing through an 8-12 hr SP narrative died long time ago. I cant even get through a 4hr SP campaign of Michael Bay-ish COD. Last time I did those SP plots was I think Black Ops 1. All MP from there.

It's all about replayability. Whether it's short sessions or not, it comes down to playing a game I do my own thing, it's unpredictable and not a canned SP game where I'm watching unskippable cut scenes being handheld. If I want that kind of entertainment I'll binge watch Netflix.

As Kacho said, big RPGs I can live with. Especially big open world games where I do my own thing. Although I'll see how well my interest holds at Starfield which will be a huge time sink but in a space setting.

 

[TheGreatMusashi]

I am feeling the same way but it’s due to the current release schedule.

Nothing’s come out recently that appeals to me and the future is iffy.

Been hitting up retro lately, just ordered a scan line box and have just about every system ready for when it arrives.

Also going to replay Super Mario Galaxy for the second time soon. Mario always does it good.

Also replayed through Sonic Adventure 1 and 2 for some reason. Still like those.

Fan translations of Fire Emblem Gaiden don’t support my weird NES cart, won’t keep a save game for some reason so I’m going to invest 20 hours into researching that bullshit.

Go back to the past, you’ll find it’s better than the present.

 

[BeardGawd]

It can be hard to invest the time needed and most games nowadays are just cookier cutter and similar to games before. I find myself more into multiplayer games when I used to be diehard singleplayer.

The variety from playing human players and the quick nature of matches allows me to do other things during my gaming time which helps break up the monotony.

Plus this gen has been incredibly slow with any revolutionary games. I'm hoping starting this holiday we will get some real bangers.

 

[Captain Toad]

Elden Ring

/thread

 

[Sub_Level]

Play Yugioh Master Duel with the big dogs. I have over 20 hours on it without s single cent spent. It is on every platform and features the vast majority of cards.

Unless you’re a soft moist as chump.

 

[bender]

While I think the average quality of major release is higher than it has ever been before, we have far fewer highs and those highs are much lower. Games are just so expensive that publisher and developers are risk averse and everything just feels safe. Both AAA and Indie games are chasing the same handful of trends. Gaming is just in a really boring place right now as it is far too predictable.

 

[Boss Man]

VR will help to shake things up

 

[Northeastmonk]

Play Yugioh Master Duel with the big dogs. I have over 20 hours on it without s single cent spent. It is on every platform and features the vast majority of cards.

Unless you’re a soft moist as chump.

Makes me miss Digimon Heroes, which shut down.

While I think the average quality of major release is higher than it has ever been before, we have far fewer highs and those highs are much lower. Games are just so expensive that publisher and developers are risk averse and everything just feels safe. Both AAA and Indie games are chasing the same handful of trends. Gaming is just in a really boring place right now as it is far too predictable.

I read this article today about Game Republic. The crazy stuff is how many studios get shut down for all sorts of reasons. It isn’t so black and white. Developers from all over the planet could have contributed and made gaming even better, but we will never see their work due to unforeseen circumstances. I guess this isn’t entirely related to fatigue, but the games industry has had its highs and lows. Video Games aren’t the most revolutionary thing talked about in non gaming related outlets. You rely on creativity poking its head around the corner and grabbing your attention. Hearing about how studios suffer in the process is a big part of this industry too. It’s what you see and what you get from it. That all changes based on the content you’re exposed to or whatever triggers your excitement to play a video game.

The fall of Game Republic

Former Capcom icon Yoshiki Okamoto opens up about the collapse of developer Game Republic.

www.polygon.com

 

[DragoonKain]

Gaming burnout is normal. If you're a gamer and play everyday multiple hours a day, you're going to get fatigue, it's inevitable. Do something else for a bit, and then play a game you're in the mood for.

 

[PonyStation4]

The only games I play now are Destiny 2, Space Engineers and Stardew Valley. Even then its not that often

 

[Investor9872]

Honestly, I feel the same way. But I truly believe that there just aren't any games out right now that make me feel the love for gaming that I've had before when Battlefield 3 and Modern Warfare 2 (before the hackers ruined it for me on the Playstation 3) did back then.

Truth is the new generation just got underway, and we will see amazing games start to trickle out holiday of 2023, and by the end of the generation for sure. Take a break, and come back this fall, next fall or the fall after that.

 

[Nico_D]

I recommend trying a completely new genre. Tastes evolve. You might be surprised.

Most of the AA/AAA games are the same shit over and over.

 

[MatrixReloaded101]

Your just getting older, you will never feel the same about games like you did when you were in your teens for example.

Now is a good time to look into other hobbies, find other things to do and be excited about. You will come back to gaming when you feel the urge again.

But like I said, you will never have that same feeling for gaming like you once did because your not in that same place mentally and physically anymore, it’s just the way it is.