The Great Gaming Depression

[4RM3D]

So, the last few months I've noticed that games can't hold my attention/interest anymore. I really have to push myself in order to even play a game. I have enough games in my Steam library I haven't tried yet. But I just lack the motivation to try them out. While it's true I have a lot of extra stuff (I got from indie bundles) I have no interest in playing in the foreseeable future, there are still games I've specifically bought because they look interesting. Yet, even those lost their appeal.

Has anyone else had a period like this? How do you deal with it?

 

[ScrabbitRabbit]

Plenty of times. I just occupy myself with something else. I'll usually end up reading more, but sometimes I watch a lot of films or series or something. Often I'll get more creative than usual and do a lot more writing, or make a lot more music. There's no point in trying to game if you aren't in the mood.

If you can't think of anything that you want to occupy your time with, try doing something productive like exercise to kill the time.

 

[Ubiquitous Duck]

I'm like this at the moment.

It has sprung about I think due to full-time working not giving me enough spare time (in sizeable blocks) to invest into games. So I tend to play games that are more mindless and can fit into hour gaps or whatever in my day.

I sometimes wonder if I buy the game and add it to my Steam library and that's enough for me with that relationship. Just the fact that I've acquired it being enough. I've got games that are over a year old (of me purchasing, not release date) that are still sitting in my 'waiting to play' pile.

I think the best way to do it is to skim through the games that you have waiting, whichever you get the most 'buzz' out of thinking about - put that as your next target to complete. Then, schedule in some time when you know you will be free for a good length of time and ensure to keep to that scheduled time to sit down and play that game. Make it at some point in the coming days and at a specific time to start.

Keep to that goal and you should explore a new game. If you don't like it, fine, not a problem. At least you have discovered whether or not you like it and can remove it from the waiting list, if you don't want to play it, or you will most likely naturally want to complete it, if you like it.

That's my fix at least.

 

[Barbas]

Walking and listening to music kills a looooot of that time and makes you feel pretty warm inside. Drawing and writing help, too. You'll look back in a few months' time and smile at the money you saved.

 

[ShinyCharizard]

It happens to me sporadically. Usually I just watch some TV shows or some Anime instead. Thankfully I've been having a very good period of gaming lately. I'm really enjoying Titanfall and the FFX Remaster, along with a rather good Visual Novel I've been playing through. And I've been doing another play through of Devil Survivor Overclocked, that game is so damn awesome.

I also had a lot of fun with The Stick of Truth and Lightning Returns.

And there is some damn fine games on the horizon. Destiny is looking to be pretty awesome, Tales of Xillia 2 is due at some point, Watch Dogs is looking pretty damn good and I'm actually pretty darn interested in Dragon Age Inquisition.

 

[4RM3D]

Thanks for the advice.

Maybe I'll take up knitting something... Let me think.

 

[Racecarlock]

I've lost a bit of interest too. Just not enough to stop me from playing games every day. Whether they're old arcade games or slightly newer modern titles like far cry 3 or halo 3 or red dead redemption. Gaming just isn't that interesting in the news section right now. I think it's best that you either stop for a bit or go back to some old favorites. Assuming you can still play those old favorites.

Also, dramatic title much?

 

[Menageryl]

I think this happens to MOST gamers eventually...
And it really is pretty pointless to try fight against this malaise! Best thing to do is just find something else that interests you to occupy that time / attention. Eventually the will to game returns, and then you can get back to it with vigor! Generally the gaming feels pretty damn good after a break like this, so it can absolutely turn into a positive thing!!!

 

[Johnny Novgorod]

There is such a thing as too much of a good thing. It's happened to me now and then. The important thing is you don't have to play games (having a lot of them doesn't really force you to play them). Just don't force gaming into your life. Pick up other hobbies or continue with previous ones. Occupy your time. In time you may or may not want to go back to games.