A Relaxed Approach To Your Gaming Backlog

Summary

This video script explores the stress of managing a video game backlog and how it often turns a fun hobby into a mental burden. The creator shares personal insights on how to transform the approach to gaming, suggesting ways to categorize games into two categories: those you want to play and those you feel you should play. By saying no to games that don't excite you and recognizing when you've truly finished a game, the script advocates for a more relaxed, enjoyable gaming experience. The creator also provides a practical method for organizing a game collection and emphasizes the importance of being kind to yourself during this process.

Takeaways

• 😀 Video game backlogs can lead to burnout and stress, but they are a common issue for many gamers today.
• 😀 The feeling of obligation towards completing games can make gaming feel more like a job than a fun hobby.
• 😀 Taking a break from the pressure of finishing games can help you enjoy them more and make progress without trying.
• 😀 Reframing the way you see your game collection—focusing on what you *want* to play instead of what you *should* play—can significantly reduce stress.
• 😀 Saying 'no' to games that you don’t genuinely want to play is a powerful way to reclaim your gaming experience.
• 😀 Understanding when a game is 'finished' can be subjective—either when credits roll or when you've explored everything it has to offer.
• 😀 Organizing your backlog into categories like 'Games I want to play now,' 'Games I want to play soon,' and 'Games I want to play later' can bring clarity and reduce overwhelm.
• 😀 Life is short, and gaming should be about fun, not a sense of duty or obligation to finish everything.
• 😀 Taking at least an hour to try a game helps you give it a fair chance and understand whether it's worth continuing.
• 😀 Gaming should be a source of joy and relaxation—if you feel stressed, it's okay to take a break or play comfort games instead of pushing through your backlog.
• 😀 Don’t be afraid to step away from the pressure of completion—find a balance between exploring new titles and revisiting old favorites.

Q & A

What is the main issue with video game backlogs, according to the script?

The main issue with video game backlogs is that they can cause stress and burnout for gamers. The pressure of having too many games to play and feeling obligated to finish them turns a hobby into a chore, making it less enjoyable.

How does the script define the term 'backlog'?

The script explains that the term 'backlog' traditionally refers to a large number of tasks that were supposed to be completed earlier but need to be done now. Applying this definition to video games gives the sense that playing games becomes an obligation, which can lead to stress.

What personal experience led the speaker to rethink their approach to backlogs?

The speaker had been procrastinating over the higher difficulty runs in 'Resident Evil 4 Remake'. After taking a break from content creation, they returned to the game and enjoyed it without the pressure of completing it as part of a project. This experience made them realize that enjoying the game organically led to greater satisfaction.

What key realization did the speaker have about their game collection?

The key realization was that their game collection should be seen as a source of enjoyment, not stress. By identifying games they truly wanted to play versus games they felt they should play, the speaker was able to eliminate the sense of obligation and reduce burnout.

What is the significance of saying 'no' to certain games in your collection?

Saying 'no' to games that you don't want to play is a crucial step in managing a backlog. It allows gamers to focus on games they actually want to enjoy, which transforms the backlog from a source of stress into a more fulfilling hobby.

How does the speaker suggest determining when a game is 'finished'?

The speaker provides two definitions of when a game is finished: 1) When you roll the credits (e.g., 'The Last of Us'), and 2) When you believe you’ve seen or done everything interesting in the game, regardless of whether you’ve finished the main storyline (e.g., 'Near Automata').

What recommendation does the speaker make regarding how much time to give a game before deciding if it's worth continuing?

The speaker advises giving a game at least one hour of your time to fairly assess whether you want to continue playing. This helps you get past the initial learning curve and settle into the game.

Why is it important for gamers to be kind to themselves in the context of managing a game backlog?

Being kind to oneself is important because the whole point of gaming is to enjoy it. If gamers feel obligated to play when they don’t want to, it detracts from the fun and leads to burnout. Taking breaks and not forcing oneself to play can help maintain a healthy balance.

How does the speaker suggest organizing their game collection?

The speaker organizes their collection into three categories: 1) Games I want to play now, 2) Games I want to play soon, and 3) Games I want to play later. This helps them prioritize their gaming time without feeling overwhelmed by their collection.

What does the speaker hope to achieve with their approach to backlogs?

The speaker hopes to enjoy their gaming collection in a more relaxed and fulfilling way, focusing on fun instead of obligation. By sharing their progress and creating a public list, they encourage others to follow along and reduce the pressure often associated with backlogs.