What to do if you lose interest in video games?

[76561199216814070]

At some point we will all reach, we are going through or we have already passed the stage where video games are no longer the same as they were before, like everything in life. For some this can be a simple hobby, for others (myself included) a passion and something that marked childhood, friendships, sadness, adventures, etc.

Speaking personally, I have been playing video games for as long as I can remember, but at 27 it is already quite noticeable that although I am so passionate about this world, it has taught me so much and marked me so much, it no longer feels the same. Although the responsibilities are different, we have less time for work, some may have children, perhaps we also simply mature, etc.

One reason may be that now the industry has changed, it wants everything instantly, quality games are very few, in the last 10 years all this has gone downhill, it has become very overcrowded, which makes me happy but which also has its disadvantages. , even more toxic communities above all.

It's funny to me and it's something that is read a lot out there is that when we were kids we didn't have money and we wanted to play so many things, we thought that when we grew up we were going to buy all the games we wanted, now we have more than we can play , even lists of pending games to play that get bigger as time goes by, deep down I think that we are disappointing that inner child with those dreams that, well, in the end they are things of life, but the thorn remains in the background.

But well, without deviating so much from the central theme of the thread, I wanted to know the opinion of the people on the forum already in their 30s, 40s, and also the younger ones.

When you lose interest:

How have they handled this situation?
Is there a gradual back-and-forth where they get hooked again and then quit?
What game has taken you back to that stage where you were so addicted and thought you would never experience it again?

[En Oh]

interesting subject. at 55, I notice looking back that I go thru broad phases w/genres. in my early 30s, I was all about jrpgs. 10 years ago I was obsessed w/survival games. lately, I like a lot of board & card type games. I do notice in the past 10 years my interest in stressful games has definitely subsided... games w/jump scares, excessively loud noise, a lot of 1st person camera shake- I just don't have patience for anymore, I'd rather play something chill w/clean, simple design aesthetics and interesting sound/music. but in answer to your question, no- I've never lost that gaming itch- it's just what I appreciate has evolved into something simpler & I'm a lot more picky about what I put my time into.

[76561199216814070]

I understand that sometimes I'm also looking for something calmer, relaxing,... but remember don't judge a book by its quality, give other games a chance, it's always good to give others a chance both in life and in games, here You have some games that, if you like them, are relaxing and calm;
death stranded
heaven children of light
land
flow
Walden, a game
land
Terrariums
stardew valley
limit star
sky blue
survivors
children of valhalla
There is much more but I don't want to mention it, all of them are with a bit of fighting, strategy, etc. I recommend Tycoon games and that's where you go..

[Phénomènes Mystiques]

You can try to leave but you will always return.

[Blims!]

I play different genre of games depending on which half of my brain is dominant at the moment.

One half likes to play adventure, rpgs and those kind of games, with a great story.
The other half likes to play slow and tedious strategy and management games.
Sometimes if I'm sick with fever they might agree on something completely different, like a rally game or fps game.

[J4MESOX4D]

Best thing to do I found is simply have a break from gaming and wait until a game releases that brings you back. Worst thing is to force yourself to play something for the sake of it that you ultimately don't feel like playing.

I know a fair few older gamers so rather than it being a question of age and outgrowing the hobby, I think people drift in and out whether it's down to motivation, other responsibilities or just wanting a breather to do something else.

I do think people's tastes change in time which can be great as you can experience games you weren't doing previous but I'd like to think I'd be interested in gaming forever even if I'm not always engaged with it or have the time.

[Liza]

I try play another genre or replay a game that i like

[TGC> The Games Collector]

Well, I do have a large variety of games, so... I suppose that helps against getting bored of them.
If one genre bores me, I just check another.

I think I've pretty much always played anything. More adventure and 4x strategy in the past, and nowadays more survival/craft and action. And the occasional shooter games, but they're still point&click games to me.

Had a few times when I had other priorities, but that's just life.
It's not like I got back to gaming and was suddenly "oh, this is actually very pointless and boring, let's quit gaming entirely".

But I do sometimes have these moments of "10000 games but nothing interesting to play", same as with TV these days, 10000 channels and nothing interesting is on.
Which is also fine, I don't need to force myself to play games. It's entertainment, not a job.
I just take up reading or something, until I feel like those 10000 books don't have anything interesting to tell me either. lol

[Dr.Shadowds 🐉]

You lose interest at some point just like with everything in life, but doesn't mean you will give it up for that reason.

To keep things interesting you try different games, different genres by seeing if your taste has changed, maybe you're sick of FPS, and want RPG, or RTS, maybe wanted to play story base game, maybe want to get into group play, or solo more often, you have to try things out to figure things out.

Another way is to recharge your interest by doing other things beside gaming, like watching movies, or shows, read books, and such, or do other things, and after bit of time pass, try get back into gaming again, maybe something that might peak your interest like classic games you enjoyed, or new games, maybe try new goals like trying finish a game achievements, or something, or even explore game modding for single player games.

[Crazy Tiger]

Just do something else. Go do sports, read a book, watch something or who knows.

I've been gaming for 35+ years now. I've had periods where I gamed less, though I've always gamed. But as you grow older, interests can change.

It's actually pretty normal, you know.