Video games are a source of immense enjoyment and a major part of our lives, so it can be a confusing and unsettling feeling when that passion suddenly fades out.
We invest countless hours into our favorite titles, discuss them with friends, and even spend time watching them. But what happens when they no longer hold our attention? When new releases fail to spark excitement, and old games we used to love just feel dull? It's easy to wonder if games have lost their magic, or if we've simply outgrown the hobby, but don't worry! Just step back and take a breath—the truth is likely much simpler.
You might not have fallen out of love with gaming; you could just be experiencing burnout, and that's a completely normal part of any long-term hobby. So the question is: how do we fix it?
Well today we are going to be taking a look at ways one could prevent burnout, and possibly get into gaming to begin with. Just because you already play games it doesn't mean you've truly found what is right for you, and that too can cause you to lose interest much faster.
Find your Genre
The first thing one should do is take a step back and look at the genres available to play. You won't like every game on the market, and not every genre will appeal to you. Every person on this planet is unique, and no two people will ever feel the same way about anything—this applies to gaming as well. Rather than blindly jumping into a game, it's best to decide if it's the right fit for your personal tastes. Use your known likes and dislikes as a starting point, and move on from there.
If you're a fan of horror movies, books, or generally like creepy things, why not look into the horror genre? On the flip side, if pure action is your thing, there are plenty of games that fall within that category, such as first-person shooters, beat 'em ups, and more. Of course, we also have the more relaxed "cozy games" on the market, which tend to focus on farming and life in general. They can be enjoyed by gamers and non-gamers alike and can be the perfect place to jump in. All of these types of games offer different experiences, and there is at least one out there for you.
When it comes to finding your next game, there are more great tools available than ever before. You can start with digital storefronts like Steam, which offer personalized recommendations based on your past history and preferences.
Dive into video game reviews for detailed descriptions of what you'd be getting into. Explore online forums and communities like those on Reddit for player opinions and direct advice. The ever-growing world of gaming videos and live streams on platforms like YouTube and Twitch also lets you see a game in action before you buy.
This kind of research is key, especially with today's high prices, as not everyone can afford to take a $70 risk. Thankfully, many games also offer demos, so never be afraid to try something out before you commit to a purchase.
But don't limit yourself!
Even though a game or genre might seem like something you wouldn't enjoy, don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and at least give it a shot. You may be surprised and discover your new favorite game as a result! Keeping an open mind is key to avoiding burnout, and limiting yourself to just one thing will only bring it on faster.
Mix it Up
Once you've found your niche, you will understandably want to play everything you can get your hands on. There are so many outstanding titles available, and new releases come out every single month. From AAA titles by well-known and established studios to one-person indie teams, the world of gaming is vast, and there is no shortage of things to play. But stick to one thing for too long, and eventually, it's going to become dull.
The key to avoiding this is to simply mix it up every once in a while. As simple as this may sound, it's something that many gamers fail to do. If someone likes and only plays racing games, eventually, they're going to reach a point where they'll feel like they shouldn't even bother. They'll be doing the same thing across multiple games, and each time they'll start from the beginning and work their way back up. It will eventually feel like a chore to progress, and finishing the game means they can either replay it or do it again in another racing title.
Of course, not everyone will go to the extreme of "this is the ONLY thing I play," but it does happen. Even then, there are still ways to change things and try something new.
Mixing things up isn't just about switching to another genre; it's about exploring the variety within the genres you already enjoy. Even within a single category, no two games are the same. Take racing games, for example. Fans of the genre can dive into realistic racing simulators or explore the wide-open maps of open-world racing titles. Then there are the arcade racers, which vary dramatically from one game to the next.
A title like Mario Kart is in a class of its own and cannot be compared to Sega Rally. Likewise, you can't compare either of those to Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds. While all three share core concepts, their differences are significant. To change things up even more, you can play 2D racing games or those with a top-down view. For those truly dedicated to the genre, investing in accessories like race wheels or even a VR headset can provide an entirely new experience.
Another great example is the world of RPGs, a genre filled with countless sub-genres. You'll find everything from Action RPGs that rely on player skill and reflexes to turn-based titles that demand strategic thinking. There are even tactical RPGs that play out like a complex game of chess.
Even within a famous series like Final Fantasy, each new installment often introduces a completely different style of gameplay. But the variety extends far beyond a single franchise. Consider the vast open world of Fallout, a Western RPG that blends real-time and tactical combat with a heavy focus on exploration and player choice. In contrast, the Borderlands series doubles down on stat-based shooting, with over-the-top action and an endless stream of loot with multiplayer co-op.
For those who enjoy a more linear, story-driven experience, the Tales of series offers an anime-like feel with fighting-game-style combat. Games like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 show how developers are innovating by blending real-time elements into traditional turn-based combat, and of course one cannot forget the Trails series with its massive world building, and millions of characters long scripts. Each of these games is unique, and a fan could spend years exploring new experiences without ever playing the same type of game twice.
There are so many options players can look into, and all of them can help change things up by quite a bit. Rotating between these different games will help keep things from getting stale and ultimately avoid burnout. And again, this can be applied to any genre and sometimes even to games within the same series. Just because a title such as Call of Duty is released every year, it doesn't mean it's always going to be the same—nor does it mean it will be different enough to warrant purchasing. In general, everyone should approach each new game by asking themselves if it is truly what they are looking for at the moment, and simply pass on it for the time being if they find the answer is no.
Avoid Chasing Trends
One of the biggest issues in gaming is the pressure to chase trends. It's smart to stay informed about new releases—you never know when a new title might become your next favorite. But just because a game is popular doesn't mean you have to love it too.
Take a highly-anticipated game like Hollow Knight: Silksong. It may be an outstanding title that everyone says you should check out, but that's just one opinion, and it might not apply to you. Just because a game is "objectively" good, it doesn't mean the whole world will feel the same about it. This applies to games in genres you already love, not just to those outside your comfort zone.
If a game doesn't look interesting, don't play it just because it's popular! Ask yourself if it's truly worth your time and money, and do your own research before deciding. Forcing yourself to play something can have the opposite effect, turning a game you might have enjoyed into one you resent. The pressure to conform to what's "cool" can ruin the experience, leaving you feeling frustrated or even angry when the rest of the world seems to be having a great time.
Life is Too Short, Move On or Come Back Later
No matter what the case is, if you find yourself struggling to play a game or it just doesn't resonate with you, simply stop and move on. You don't have to like everything you buy, and no one is forcing you to play a game. This is a hobby meant to be enjoyed, and you have the right to stop at any time. If you're struggling, it's strongly recommended that you take a break or simply move on to something better for you.
Life is too short to turn a hobby into a chore. When a game feels like work—a task you dread completing just to say you've finished it—it has stopped being a source of fun. Why put yourself through that? Instead, find a new game you genuinely like, or spend time replaying old favorites that you know you'll enjoy. If you're still not feeling it, then it's time to move on to our final recommendation.
Take a Break from Gaming
Everyone eventually reaches a breaking point where they just don't feel like picking up a controller. The constant stream of new releases, an ever-growing backlog of unplayed games, and the pressure to keep up with the latest trends can all lead to one thing: complete burnout. When that happens, it's time to take a break. This isn't just about switching to a new game or genre—it's about stepping away from gaming entirely.
Embrace life outside of the screen. Spend time with family, try a new hobby, or simply get outdoors. Instead of finding a new story in a game, read a book or binge a new TV series. If you're tired of being indoors, go for a walk or pick up an outdoor activity. There are plenty of things to occupy your time with, and this can be exactly what you need to recharge.
Your break might last a day, a few weeks, or even years, but eventually, your interest will be renewed, and you'll want to jump back into the hobby you once loved. There's nothing wrong with this, and it's completely normal. Gaming isn't life, and if you find yourself needing a rest, take it. Do what's best for you.
We'll be here when you come back.
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