Changing Priorities Ahead

[AgentCooper]

So... I’ve had a bit of a gaming slump, which I’ve chronicled elsewhere on the forum. I spent seventy plus hours on Red Dead Redemption 2 and wasn’t seeing the endgame coming anywhere on the horizon, that state of affairs somehow really got to me in a way it’s never done before and I didn’t load up Steam for over three months. And as some of you know, I’m also a NHS worker so things have been ridiculously busy on that front, my free time feels quite valuable these days.

But in the last two weeks there’s been developments....

I hurt my back and had to take three days off work. My most comfortable chair was the one in front of my computer so I settled down with a pot of tea and got back into it.

I tried another hour with RDR2 but it was soul sapping so instead I looked at the rest of my Steam library to see what it could offer me.

And what a revelation it was, I feel like I’ve rediscovered the gaming love. I played through Black Mesa, Firewatch, Journey, Vanquish and Brothers: Two Sons. All games that I managed to beat in around ten hours or less.

The ‘head scratcher’ I have at the end of this is... have I fallen out of love with the BIG games? I’ve got Assassin’s Creed Valhalla waiting for me but going through a giant open world with all the bloat and fetch quests seems to hold no appeal to me.

It feels an odd time to raise this question given that many of our forum members are currently starting the Mass Effect Trilogy Legendary Edition and have around 75-100 hours of gameplay ahead of them. Maybe I’m just getting old....

 

[BlessedSquirrel]

So... I’ve had a bit of a gaming slump, which I’ve chronicled elsewhere on the forum. I spent seventy plus hours on Red Dead Redemption 2 and wasn’t seeing the endgame coming anywhere on the horizon, that state of affairs somehow really got to me in a way it’s never done before and I didn’t load up Steam for over three months. And as some of you know, I’m also a NHS worker so things have been ridiculously busy on that front, my free time feels quite valuable these days.

But in the last two weeks there’s been developments....

I hurt my back and had to take three days off work. My most comfortable chair was the one in front of my computer so I settled down with a pot of tea and got back into it.

I tried another hour with RDR2 but it was soul sapping so instead I looked at the rest of my Steam library to see what it could offer me.

And what a revelation it was, I feel like I’ve rediscovered the gaming love. I played through Black Mesa, Firewatch, Journey, Vanquish and Brothers: Two Sons. All games that I managed to beat in around ten hours or less.

The ‘head scratcher’ I have at the end of this is... have I fallen out of love with the BIG games? I’ve got Assassin’s Creed Valhalla waiting for me but going through a giant open world with all the bloat and fetch quests seems to hold no appeal to me.

It feels an odd time to raise this question given that many of our forum members are currently starting the Mass Effect Trilogy Legendary Edition and have around 75-100 hours of gameplay ahead of them. Maybe I’m just getting old....

I don't play like I used to, probably happened a couple of years ago.

I used to grab a new game on pre order, and solely concentrate on that game until I'd completed it. The last game I did that on is probably Doom 2016 and Wolfenstein: The Old Blood which I completed in October 2017, since then I've more been focussed on remasters and I dip in and out of a game so have several on the go at once and consequently completed very few.

Mass Effect for me is one of my all time favourite trilogies, so holds a special place but it will no doubt take me literally years to get through it all.

But with the energy you're no doubt putting into work, and taking care of Mrs Cooper and the kid cats, perhaps it's just a period where you can't put as much focus into gaming as you used to.

 

[jamiephillips909]

So... I’ve had a bit of a gaming slump, which I’ve chronicled elsewhere on the forum. I spent seventy plus hours on Red Dead Redemption 2 and wasn’t seeing the endgame coming anywhere on the horizon, that state of affairs somehow really got to me in a way it’s never done before and I didn’t load up Steam for over three months. And as some of you know, I’m also a NHS worker so things have been ridiculously busy on that front, my free time feels quite valuable these days.

But in the last two weeks there’s been developments....

I hurt my back and had to take three days off work. My most comfortable chair was the one in front of my computer so I settled down with a pot of tea and got back into it.

I tried another hour with RDR2 but it was soul sapping so instead I looked at the rest of my Steam library to see what it could offer me.

And what a revelation it was, I feel like I’ve rediscovered the gaming love. I played through Black Mesa, Firewatch, Journey, Vanquish and Brothers: Two Sons. All games that I managed to beat in around ten hours or less.

The ‘head scratcher’ I have at the end of this is... have I fallen out of love with the BIG games? I’ve got Assassin’s Creed Valhalla waiting for me but going through a giant open world with all the bloat and fetch quests seems to hold no appeal to me.

It feels an odd time to raise this question given that many of our forum members are currently starting the Mass Effect Trilogy Legendary Edition and have around 75-100 hours of gameplay ahead of them. Maybe I’m just getting old....

Ive never completed red dead redemption 2 or assasin creed oddessy I think im just so burnt out on open world games even with fast travel as a option in some. Where as black mesa and resident evil village which I completed in 8 hours felt like a breath of fresh air no worry of a 10 min horse or boat ride theres the werewolf shoot it in the face or duck in a vent ooo a head crab meet my crowbar feels like I get more game for the limited time I get to sit infront of my computer

 

[Deleted member 41971]

Ive never completed red dead redemption 2 or assasin creed oddessy I think im just so burnt out on open world games even with fast travel as a option in some. Where as black mesa and resident evil village which I completed in 8 hours felt like a breath of fresh air no worry of a 10 min horse or boat ride theres the werewolf shoot it in the face or duck in a vent ooo a head crab meet my crowbar feels like I get more game for the limited time I get to sit infront of my computer

i feel that with the big AAA games comes with a sense of grind when you have many DLCs and expansion packs to play, these days I would rather play a small compact game then try to complete a big blockbuster game knowing I would be playing it for a long long while in order to finish it. Also as one gets older priorities do change, gaming for 100 hrs on a title is good in theory but that time could be used to undertake other hobbies in the real world.

 

[jamiephillips909]

i feel that with the big AAA games comes with a sense of grind when you have many DLCs and expansion packs to play, these days I would rather play a small compact game then try to complete a big blockbuster game knowing I would be playing it for a long long while in order to finish it. Also as one gets older priorities do change, gaming for 100 hrs on a title is good in theory but that time could be used to undertake other hobbies in the real world.

I have a metal detector I still have not used bought it all chuffed then the goverment would not let me out the house then new pc came and that has turned into my hobby ill still be up for playing long games just feels with some games it takes to long to get to the meat of it I used to love mmo,s but dunno if ill ever have that time again to sit down and enjoy it I looked at death stranding and thought I dont have time to walk across america which is a shame as im a massive fan of the metal gear games

 

[Scott]

I'm with you, and I think I've always been the same.

I believe we are all relatively similarly aged, in that we will all be around the age of the start of the "throwaway" generation. We have so much choice nowadays and we are far more affluent than previous generations, so we tend to just throw things away if they aren't properly holding our attention.

It's a MUCH wider discussion to go down that rabbit hole but I just wanted to briefly describe what I believe to be the reasons for it. I notice it most with TV shows as something has to REALLY hook me for me to stick with it.

With games I feel that the learning curve to get to a decent level is too steep for me. I didn't do that learning in my teens when everyone else did so it makes the learning curve even longer for me. I suck at FPS games, sure I can beat the campaigns but only thanks to infinite lives....... if I went back to the Spectrum days I don't think I would ever complete a game haha. Online.... I truly suck and get smashed by tweenagers constantly (In my defense I'm a couch sitting, control pad holding, type..... rather than Keyboard & mouse, so that's half of my issue (I hope).

Smaller games where you can feel the immediate achievement of doing well make you far more likely to stick with it.

The most recent game I remember completing is "Inside". I did it in 2 sittings though and felt the immediate reward of "getting somewhere" in the game.

 

[jamiephillips909]

I'm with you, and I think I've always been the same.

I believe we are all relatively similarly aged, in that we will all be around the age of the start of the "throwaway" generation. We have so much choice nowadays and we are far more affluent than previous generations, so we tend to just throw things away if they aren't properly holding our attention.

It's a MUCH wider discussion to go down that rabbit hole but I just wanted to briefly describe what I believe to be the reasons for it. I notice it most with TV shows as something has to REALLY hook me for me to stick with it.

With games I feel that the learning curve to get to a decent level is too steep for me. I didn't do that learning in my teens when everyone else did so it makes the learning curve even longer for me. I suck at FPS games, sure I can beat the campaigns but only thanks to infinite lives....... if I went back to the Spectrum days I don't think I would ever complete a game haha. Online.... I truly suck and get smashed by tweenagers constantly (In my defense I'm a couch sitting, control pad holding, type..... rather than Keyboard & mouse, so that's half of my issue (I hope).

Smaller games where you can feel the immediate achievement of doing well make you far more likely to stick with it.

The most recent game I remember completing is "Inside". I did it in 2 sittings though and felt the immediate reward of "getting somewhere" in the game.

You tried the little nightmare games you may enjoy.them if you liked inside !

 

[Scott]

I've been slowly but surely re-playing Abes Odyssey again just now. Hardly pick up a game just now. I think I'm more a winter gamer.

 

[AgentCooper]

Thanks, all. It's comforting to know that it's not just me who's gone through this experience. Maybe my days of throwing huge chunks of time at vast, open world games are over. Or it might just take the right game to tempt me back! Either way, I've thoroughly enjoyed these shorter games that give me a much more compact but compelling experience, if anyone has more recommendations please let me know

 

[Steveyg]

Oh yes, I just don't have the time or the will that I used to. Between the Missus and the dog coupled with a busy work schedule I just don't have the time. I put aside a stupid amount of time for Cyberpunk because I waited literal years for it but she was ready to fall out with me a few times because of it.

As for short compelling games I've got a bunch mate they're pretty much all I play these days apart from my usual time killers.

Hotline Miami - If you want fast paced action with great music and challenging levels
Her Story - For an interesting FMV detective/puzzle game
Spec Ops: The Line - For Shooty Shooty bang bang with a fairly decent story
Bulletstorm - For Shooty Shooty Bang Bang with a nonsense story but great combat mechanics
Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice - Masterful use of sound design, great concept, well executed and looks great. Can't recommend this enough
Enslaved: Odyssey to the West - If you like 3D platforming
Bastion - If you haven't played it then start now, worth it for the soundtrack alone

This is all off the top of the head, I can suggest more when I get a look at my Steam library

 

[Deleted member 41971]

I'm with you, and I think I've always been the same.

I believe we are all relatively similarly aged, in that we will all be around the age of the start of the "throwaway" generation. We have so much choice nowadays and we are far more affluent than previous generations, so we tend to just throw things away if they aren't properly holding our attention.

It's a MUCH wider discussion to go down that rabbit hole but I just wanted to briefly describe what I believe to be the reasons for it. I notice it most with TV shows as something has to REALLY hook me for me to stick with it.

With games I feel that the learning curve to get to a decent level is too steep for me. I didn't do that learning in my teens when everyone else did so it makes the learning curve even longer for me. I suck at FPS games, sure I can beat the campaigns but only thanks to infinite lives....... if I went back to the Spectrum days I don't think I would ever complete a game haha. Online.... I truly suck and get smashed by tweenagers constantly (In my defense I'm a couch sitting, control pad holding, type..... rather than Keyboard & mouse, so that's half of my issue (I hope).

Smaller games where you can feel the immediate achievement of doing well make you far more likely to stick with it.

The most recent game I remember completing is "Inside". I did it in 2 sittings though and felt the immediate reward of "getting somewhere" in the game.

i have found for example football manager to be not for me these days, its far to in depth and the learning curve makes it far less fun than say a decade ago, I want a fun game not a frustrating one, it also makes me wonder if for example epic giving away free games like mad in some ways devalues the gaming experience to a point where to much choice is a bad thing instead of focusing on one or two paid games.

 

[BlessedSquirrel]

Bulletstorm - For Shooty Shooty Bang Bang with a nonsense story

Best game summary ever!

 

[AgentCooper]

Oh yes, I just don't have the time or the will that I used to. Between the Missus and the dog coupled with a busy work schedule I just don't have the time. I put aside a stupid amount of time for Cyberpunk because I waited literal years for it but she was ready to fall out with me a few times because of it.

As for short compelling games I've got a bunch mate they're pretty much all I play these days apart from my usual time killers.

Hotline Miami - If you want fast paced action with great music and challenging levels
Her Story - For an interesting FMV detective/puzzle game
Spec Ops: The Line - For Shooty Shooty bang bang with a fairly decent story
Bulletstorm - For Shooty Shooty Bang Bang with a nonsense story but great combat mechanics
Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice - Masterful use of sound design, great concept, well executed and looks great. Can't recommend this enough
Enslaved: Odyssey to the West - If you like 3D platforming
Bastion - If you haven't played it then start now, worth it for the soundtrack alone

This is all off the top of the head, I can suggest more when I get a look at my Steam library

Thanks, Stevey! I've done all of those except Hellblade and Her Story, will add them to my list

 

[Steveyg]

Thanks, Stevey! I've done all of those except Hellblade and Her Story, will add them to my list

Super, note on Hellblade a decent set of headphones is a must. Multidirectional sound is a big part of the concept and they did a great job utilising it

 

[BlessedSquirrel]

Super, note on Hellblade a decent set of headphones is a must. Multidirectional sound is a big part of the concept and they did a great job utilising it

It’s so clever, the mental health side to it, really well done.

 

[Gus]

re RDR2 focus on the story if you like Arthurs story its worth it in end at act 6. It's one of my best games ever category which maybe an age thing as its a western and as a kid I watched westerns every Saturday on TV, so filled that western itch.

As for AC Valhalla, its just too big. I attempted to 100% it and gave up. I hit 162 hours with 66% done and now there is DLC on top.

 

[ubuysa]

Is gaming a young person's thing do you think? As you age and gain more responsibilities in your life (partner, home, kids, etc) your priorities and free time obviously change, so it wouldn't be a surprise to find that your desire to game and the enjoyment you get from it changes over time?

I've never gamed, I was born too early so that by the time gaming was a thing I was already too busy with wife, career, life to have any time, or even interest, for it. I'm finding it interesting seeing committed gamers on here saying that their gaming desires have changed as they've aged.

I think that's true of a lot of things we do for fun. I was a keen sailor, I even lived aboard my sailing yacht for 12 years, but it's not something that appeals that much to me now as I approach 70 years of age. 10 years ago I would have jumped at the chance to crew on an Atlantic crossing but when I was offered the chance to do that just over 18 months ago I turned it down.

As we age and grow we change. After all, change is inevitable - except from a vending machine....

 

[Steveyg]

Is gaming a young person's thing do you think? As you age and gain more responsibilities in your life (partner, home, kids, etc) your priorities and free time obviously change, so it wouldn't be a surprise to find that your desire to game and the enjoyment you get from it changes over time?

I've never gamed, I was born too early so that by the time gaming was a thing I was already too busy with wife, career, life to have any time, or even interest, for it. I'm finding it interesting seeing committed gamers on here saying that their gaming desires have changed as they've aged.

I think that's true of a lot of things we do for fun. I was a keen sailor, I even lived aboard my sailing yacht for 12 years, but it's not something that appeals that much to me now as I approach 70 years of age. 10 years ago I would have jumped at the chance to crew on an Atlantic crossing but when I was offered the chance to do that just over 18 months ago I turned it down.

As we age and grow we change. After all, change is inevitable - except from a vending machine....

I think it's the responsibilities to be honest, I would love nothing more than to sit down and play a game for 6 hours in one sitting but I just simply don't have the time anymore.

Then if I do happen to have an extended period of time to play and start a game I've no guarantee of when I'll be able to sit down and continue it again so this discourages even starting. I don't want to blast through 3-4 hours of a game and then try and pick up where I left off sometimes weeks later, it just isn't a good usage of my time as you can't get engrossed as much as I'd like.

If I didn't have my partner well warned literally years in advance that I'd be committing a bunch of nights a week and significant weekend afternoons to Cyberpunk for example I wouldn't have been able to plough through that game in the time I did.

I already have her warned in advance about any future Diablo or Elder Scrolls game but if something was to unexpectantly release I'd just not have enough time to even start so I don't bother with new releases mostly

 

[AgentCooper]

Is gaming a young person's thing do you think? As you age and gain more responsibilities in your life (partner, home, kids, etc) your priorities and free time obviously change, so it wouldn't be a surprise to find that your desire to game and the enjoyment you get from it changes over time?

You raise a good question there. I'd say competitively, it is definitely a young person's game. But even as I start to approach the bum-end of my thirties, I still have the desire to play, it's more the type of game that seems to have been the biggest change. I'm less inclined to play something that has a 50+ hour completion time and I'm also enjoying things that are a bit more cerebral. For example, I'm looking forward to getting started on The Return of the Obra Dinn...

 

[jamiephillips909]

Is gaming a young person's thing do you think? As you age and gain more responsibilities in your life (partner, home, kids, etc) your priorities and free time obviously change, so it wouldn't be a surprise to find that your desire to game and the enjoyment you get from it changes over time?

I've never gamed, I was born too early so that by the time gaming was a thing I was already too busy with wife, career, life to have any time, or even interest, for it. I'm finding it interesting seeing committed gamers on here saying that their gaming desires have changed as they've aged.

I think that's true of a lot of things we do for fun. I was a keen sailor, I even lived aboard my sailing yacht for 12 years, but it's not something that appeals that much to me now as I approach 70 years of age. 10 years ago I would have jumped at the chance to crew on an Atlantic crossing but when I was offered the chance to do that just over 18 months ago I turned it down.

As we age and grow we change. After all, change is inevitable - except from a vending machine....

bring back memories ? ;D