
It’s a few days into 2024 and I’m looking at my game library and it’s giving me the Mehs. Am I tired of the same old routine and always looking for a new way to have some fun? I would consider myself a seasoned gamer, not a new kid on the block. At one point I was having epic adventures in Elder Scrolls Online, finding planets in No Man’s Sky.
I’ve heard people say “the gaming industry has never been more diverse and exciting. That there are plenty of options out there to fit your needs.” But what if you don’t even know what that is anymore?
Life can be and is stressful. Between work, school, and responsibilities, sometimes I just need to escape from it all. So I figure what better way to escape than by diving into the world of video games? (At least that’s what I’m talking about now and not my crazy reading).
Video games offer a one-of-a-kind experience that allows us to forget about our worries and immerse ourselves in a new world. The games provide a much-needed break from reality.
I feel like at this point the next step is to find the right game for me. With the vast array of options available, choosing the perfect game can be an overwhelming task.

How do I even pick a game nowadays?
First, I tried considering my interests. I am a fan of fantasy worlds filled with mythical creatures and magic. I’m ok with first-person shooters, although I can sometimes get motion sickness. I know I’m not a fan of heavy puzzle games. I like survival games a lot and Sim games.
Next, I do some research. Read reviews, watch gameplay videos, and ask around for recommendations. I don’t actually ask as much as I used to – the few gaming friends I have are like me. Jobs and family obligations, or if they don’t work have obligations.
Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not afraid to try out different games. There are tons of free trials or demos, letting me get a feel for the gameplay and mechanics. The issue being I play to a certain spot and just stop playing for whatever reason.
I find that if there is a game I’m interested in I join the gaming community for that game.
In theory joining a gaming community allows you to connect with fellow gamers, share tips and strategies. What I have found is that sometimes those places can be toxic as hell. Maybe I’m just getting old and don’t want to tolerate it.
When I played Elder Scrolls Online I was a member of 5 guilds – each with their own sets of rules and what they provided. Some were social, others were not. I would sometimes get into the voice chat just to see what was going on and having an all-around good time. Playing other games with guilds in them I found very quickly that this was not a usual thing for me. I joined guilds, stayed for a month or so and left the guild. Not because I didn’t want to play, but because the people were – I don’t even know the right words. I have heard from others positive things, that not only does being part of a gaming community enhance the social aspect of gaming, but it also opens up opportunities for collaboration and teamwork. Many games offer multiplayer modes that require players to work together to achieve goals or defeat enemies. By joining a gaming community, you can easily find teammates to embark on these challenges, making the gaming experience. I haven’t had the luxury in a long time of finding this.

We can all agree that playing video games is a vast and exciting one, filled with endless possibilities for adventure and entertainment. That we should remember to always prioritize our own well-being and balance virtual experiences with real-life activities. Sure gaming can be an amazing escape and a way to connect with others, but we have to take breaks, spend time with loved ones, and explore other hobbies and interests.
Which I do – well ok maybe not so much for the past month or so because of honestly being too tired to play anything. Or if I do it’s for maybe an hour or so and after that I read some books.
It might be the WAY I’m playing the games – as in I have this idea in my head what I want to do and haven’t actually done it as of yet. Maybe I need to just map it out and see what I want to actually create and do. It’s like in the back of my mind it’s kinda’ like work? A game is fun, I enjoy it. Then I end up writing fanfiction. Or wanting to record game play to make little videos of. I can’t seem to turn off that part of my brain and it’s making playing not as fun as it used to be.






























