Why Do We Replay our Favorite Video Games? - A Video Essay

Summary

In this reflective video essay, the creator explores the reasons behind replaying favorite video games, particularly focusing on *The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt*. Through personal anecdotes and a nostalgic lens, they discuss how replays offer comfort, new perspectives, and deeper appreciation for games. The video touches on the impact of nostalgia, how maturity shapes our understanding of in-game choices, and the joy of rediscovering hidden details. The creator concludes that the games worth replaying are the ones that truly stand the test of time, with each replay reinforcing their place as all-time favorites.

Takeaways

• 😀 Replay value is a key reason why people return to their favorite games, offering comfort and nostalgia.
• 🎮 The Witcher 3 is a personal favorite of the creator, and replaying it is a way to revisit fond memories and simpler times before adulthood.
• ⏳ Nostalgia plays a huge role in why people replay certain games—providing a sense of comfort during more complicated times in life.
• 🕹️ Many favorite games were first played during a time when the person didn’t have access to newer games, which led to many hours spent on them.
• 💡 As a person grows and gains more life experience, their perspectives on games change, especially in terms of morality and character motivations.
• 🧠 Replaying games with a new perspective can reveal previously unnoticed details or subtext, deepening the player's appreciation for the game.
• 🎨 As players mature, they tend to notice the artistic elements of games more—such as art style, music, and storytelling—which they might have missed earlier.
• 🎯 The urge to replay a game also comes from wanting to fully experience all of its content, especially side quests and hidden areas that weren’t explored in the first playthrough.
• 🤔 Replaying a game after the hype has settled allows players to truly assess whether they love a game or were simply influenced by excitement over a new release.
• 🎥 The process of replaying games over time helps solidify them as true favorites, as they hold up well and continue to provide enjoyment and value over multiple playthroughs.

Q & A

Why is the author replaying *The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt* despite having other new games to play?

The author is replaying *The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt* because it's one of their all-time favorite games. While the release of the next-gen patch was an excuse, the real reason is their desire to revisit a beloved game that holds a personal connection, offering a sense of nostalgia and comfort.

What personal significance does *The Witcher 3* hold for the author?

For the author, *The Witcher 3* represents a time before the stresses of adulthood, such as worries about money and rent. Playing the game allows them to temporarily escape into a simpler world and relive a carefree period of their life.

How does the author relate to the concept of nostalgia when replaying games?

Nostalgia plays a crucial role in the author's decision to replay games. They often revisit games from their childhood or early teenage years because these titles bring comfort and positive memories, helping them cope with more complex, adult responsibilities.

How did the author’s gaming habits change as they got older?

As the author matured, their approach to gaming evolved from focusing on simply completing games quickly to appreciating elements like art, music, and story. They now take time to explore side content, making each playthrough more enriching.

Why does the author think replaying games helps deepen appreciation for them?

Replaying games allows the author to notice new details, subtext, and areas they may have missed in earlier playthroughs. These new perspectives, often influenced by personal growth, help them appreciate the games on a deeper level, especially when games offer a lot of player choice.

How does the author’s perspective on the morality of games like *Skyrim* change over time?

Initially, the author viewed factions like the Imperials in *Skyrim* as the clear 'good guys.' However, with age and greater awareness, they now see more moral complexity, especially regarding the Stormcloaks' fight for their homeland. This shift shows how their understanding of games has become more nuanced.

What role do video games play in the author's life today?

Video games are no longer just a form of entertainment for the author; they are seen as art. The author now appreciates games for their storytelling, design, and emotional impact, seeking deeper meaning and artistic value in every title.

How does the author compare their past and present approaches to completing games?

In the past, the author would rush through games to see the credits roll, often missing side content. Now, they take their time to fully explore every aspect of a game, appreciating all the little details and elements they once overlooked.

What is the author's process for determining if a game truly deserves a spot among their all-time favorites?

The author believes that replaying a game is the best way to truly evaluate its worth. For example, after finishing *God of War: Ragnarok*, they questioned whether it belonged among their favorites, realizing they needed to replay it to make sure their love for the game wasn’t just influenced by hype.

What is the author's final point about replaying games?

The author concludes that the games worth replaying are the ones that become their favorites. Replaying them allows for deeper engagement, revealing new layers and ensuring that the game’s appeal isn’t just a result of initial excitement or nostalgia, but genuine quality that holds up over time.