The Games That Got Me Through 2024

Summary

This video reflects on a challenging year, where the creator grappled with feelings of being out of sync both personally and professionally. Despite not having standout gaming experiences, they found solace in connecting with others through games—whether it be co-op sessions with friends, family gaming moments, or revisiting older titles like *Soul Reaver*. The video also touches on their renewed interest in the *Legacy of Kain* series through the accompanying books and a new tabletop RPG. While the year had its frustrations, the creator remains hopeful for the future and eager for new gaming adventures, including the much-anticipated *Silksong* release.

Takeaways

• 😀 The creator reflects on the frustration of not having their footing this year, especially in terms of work and gaming.
• 🎮 The lack of significant gaming experiences this year left the creator feeling disconnected from their passion for games.
• 😔 Despite the setbacks, the creator emphasizes the importance of not beating themselves up over it, focusing on family over work.
• 💡 The creator acknowledges that the love for games is still there, and hopes it can be experienced in the present rather than just in memories.
• 👥 A standout aspect of this year was the joy of sharing games with loved ones, such as co-op gaming with friends or playing Animal Crossing with their toddler.
• 🔄 The creator has realized that they’ve become too ingrained in a single way of engaging with games, and they hope to break out of that rut in the future.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The creator finds fulfillment in connecting with people they care about through games, even if those games are not the most groundbreaking.
• ⏳ The creator is nostalgic for games from the 2000s but is also motivated to revisit them to experience something new, using *Soul Reaver* as an example.
• 📚 The creator is promoting two books about *Legacy of Kane*, which include a comprehensive encyclopedia and a tabletop RPG set in the *Legacy of Kane* universe.
• 🎲 The *Scourge of the Seraphin* RPG uses a system that fits well with the *Legacy of Kane* world, highlighting the potential for creativity and strategy in TTRPGs.
• 🛍️ The books come in deluxe editions, with premium packaging and additional content, and are available for pre-order until February 28th.

Q & A

What does the speaker reflect on about their gaming experience from the past year?

The speaker reflects on feeling disconnected from gaming this year, especially in terms of not playing games that moved them emotionally. They express disappointment at not having the same sense of creative momentum as last year, but also recognize that their focus on family is more important than work or gaming.

How does the speaker try to cope with their frustrations regarding their gaming life?

The speaker acknowledges their frustrations but tries not to beat themselves up, recognizing that a better balance is possible. They also prioritize family over work and gaming, which helps them maintain perspective despite feeling like they’re falling behind.

What role have games played for the speaker in 2023 despite their personal rut?

Games have continued to play a meaningful role, but more in the context of shared experiences with others. The speaker highlights co-op games with friends, playing *Baldur’s Gate 3* with their wife, and gaming with their toddler as ways to connect with loved ones.

What does the speaker hope for in terms of their relationship with gaming in the future?

The speaker hopes to break out of their current gaming rut by exploring different ways of engaging with games, not just in the solitary manner they’ve been accustomed to. They want to continue experiencing the love for gaming in the present, not just through nostalgic memories.

Why did the speaker decide to revisit *Soul Reaver*?

The speaker decided to revisit *Soul Reaver* because they wanted to explore older games from the late '90s and early 2000s that they missed, using the opportunity to promote books related to the *Legacy of Kane* series.

What aspects of *Soul Reaver* did the speaker find impressive despite the game’s dated mechanics?

The speaker was impressed by the world-building, art style, and dialogue in *Soul Reaver*. They found the game’s presentation to be surprisingly deep for a title from 1999, even though the gameplay was clunky by today’s standards.

How does the speaker feel about the books *The Book of Nosgoth* and *The Scourge of the Seraphin*?

The speaker finds both books to be very compelling. *The Book of Nosgoth* is praised for its detailed lore, concept art, and development history, while *The Scourge of the Seraphin* is seen as a great fit for tabletop RPG enthusiasts, especially due to its use of the *Mörk Borg* rule set.

What is the significance of *The Scourge of the Seraphin* for tabletop RPG fans?

The significance lies in its use of a well-known rule set (*Mörk Borg*) and a D20 system that makes it accessible for newcomers. It also aligns well with the combat and environmental creativity seen in the *Legacy of Kane* games, making it a fitting medium for fans to explore the world further.

What makes *The Book of Nosgoth* stand out as a gaming-related book?

It stands out due to its extensive lore, original concept art, interviews with developers, and a thorough chronicle of the series’ history. The book is also visually stunning, offering a deep dive into the *Legacy of Kane* universe for both new fans and long-time supporters.

Why does the speaker express hope for *Silk Song* in the coming year?

The speaker expresses hope for the release of *Silk Song* because it’s a highly anticipated game that they’re excited about. Given their love for gaming and their past experiences with titles like *Hollow Knight*, they are eager for the game to finally be released.