Are Games Getting Worse, or Are We Just Growing Up?
Hey there, fellow gamer! Have you ever found yourself staring at your game library, feeling totally uninspired? Maybe you start a new game, only to abandon it after a couple of hours because it just doesn’t grab you the way games used to. Trust me, you’re not alone—it’s something a lot of us go through. But what’s going on? Are games actually getting worse, or are we just, well, getting older?
Let’s grab a coffee (or energy drink, your call) and chat about it.
The Nostalgia Factor: When Games Felt Like Magic
Think back to the games you loved growing up. For me, it’s the classics from the PS1 and PS2 era—those games felt special. But was it the games themselves, or was it the fact that we were younger and easier to impress? Nostalgia has a funny way of making everything seem better than it actually was. If you replay those “perfect” games now, some of them might not live up to the memories. Clunky controls, dated graphics, or shallow mechanics can be jarring when compared to modern offerings.
Still, there’s something to be said for the heart and soul those games seemed to have. Maybe it’s because back then, we didn’t know what to expect—everything felt fresh and exciting.
Familiarity: The Buzzkill of Experience
Here’s the thing: the more you game, the more you notice patterns. Open-world games with endless fetch quests, shooters with predictable bad guys, or RPGs with the same old “chosen hero” storyline—it all starts to feel the same after a while. You’re not crazy; you’ve just been around the block a few times.
When you were younger, these mechanics felt new and fun. Now, you see the strings behind the puppet show. It’s not necessarily that games are getting worse; it’s that you’ve played enough of them to spot the formulas.
Too Many Games, Not Enough Time
The gaming industry is absolutely booming. Thousands of games come out every year—everything from massive AAA blockbusters to quirky indie experiments. On one hand, this is amazing because there’s more variety than ever. On the other hand, it’s totally overwhelming. Sifting through the endless options can leave you feeling like nothing is good enough.
Plus, let’s be real: life gets busier as we get older. Those 70-hour open-world epics that felt like an awesome adventure in your teens or twenties now feel like a part-time job. The sheer commitment can make gaming feel like more effort than it’s worth.
Finding the Fun Again
So, what do you do when gaming starts to lose its spark? Don’t worry, there’s hope! Here are a few ways to fall back in love with games:
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Try Indie Games
Indie developers are the risk-takers of the gaming world. They’re not afraid to experiment, which means you can find some truly unique and creative experiences. Think less “corporate checklist” and more “made with love.” -
Go Nostalgic—With a Twist
Revisit an old favorite, but try it with fresh eyes. You might rediscover why you loved it—or you might realize how far gaming has come. Either way, it’s a win. -
Explore New Genres
Been stuck in the same FPS/RPG/Open World cycle? Break out of it! Who knows, you might fall in love with a cozy farming sim or a chaotic roguelike. -
Play Shorter Games
Not every game needs to be a 100-hour marathon. Shorter, more focused games can deliver an incredible experience without demanding your entire weekend. -
Cut Yourself Some Slack
It’s okay if you don’t love every game. Don’t force it. Play what you enjoy, even if it’s just a silly time-waster on your phone.
The Big Takeaway
For me, I’m in what I’d call the “ignoring phase.” I still love gaming, but I’m not playing as much these days. Most of the time, I just watch gameplay videos to get a feel for what’s out there. Even if a game is free, I often don’t bother downloading it. Honestly, some titles make me feel like the industry is on autopilot—cough Ubisoft games cough. The endless fetch quests, recycled ideas, and overly padded playtimes just don’t do it for me anymore.
That said, there are still games that spark real excitement. Baldur’s Gate 3 absolutely blew me away. It reminded me that there’s still passion and creativity in the industry. And let’s be real: who isn’t counting the days until GTA 6? I’m also holding out hope for the next Witcher game, whatever Larian Studios does next, and this intriguing game called Inzoi.
Indie games, too, are a lifeline for me. I love finding those hidden gems that bring something new to the table. So, if you have any indie recommendations, send them my way—I’m always on the lookout for something fresh.
In the end, I think gaming still has a lot to offer. Maybe I’m not as easily impressed as I used to be, but every now and then, a game comes along that reminds me why I fell in love with this hobby in the first place. And that’s enough to keep me hopeful.