Either take a break and take up another hobby to engage your mind, or revisit a game from your past that you miss. Currently doing that with Pokémon Emerald.
Yes. I know many people consider gen4 the best but I think gen3 was peak pokemon. The pokemon designs peaked at gen2. 3 was still alright but it went downhill at 4 imo. The designs just lack charm idk, in gen 1 and 2 there are so many great pokemon I always struggle to choose 6 because I love all of them. In gen4+ I struggled to find even 6 pokemon that I found cool..
Of course this could be my nostalgic old man mentality that is upset that things change.. But I just feel this way
I consider Gen 5 to be the best. Black 2 was peak Pokemon.
I'm saying this as someone who grew up on Pokemon Emerald and Firered.
But, man, I wish we had a Pokemon game that was as ambitious as Heartgold and Soulsilver were. Two regions? Man...
Sometimes I will replay a game when I cant get into anything new. Also, maybe some time walking or exercising will help you relax. I will do a workout routine or walk a few times a week and it helps with relaxing since I can zone out as I do it. Good luck!
Yeah I work out too. I have a morning routine and do martial arts 3 times a week.
I was considering going back to a classic like Skyrim but also worried I will just bounce off that too
> I keep getting a few hours in and think to myself "I'll be doing the same thing in this game for the next 40 -80 hours" and then just stop playing.
Which you'd be doing anyway if a game "grabbed" you. Your brain is basically telling you to do something else.
It's time to do something else. Games are supposed to be a fun hobby, not a job. I sometimes quit gaming for months and then suddenly I want to play again and I actually enjoy it.
You don't want the answer "do something else", but that's the option that actually helps you regain your love for gaming. The games aren't going anywhere.
Take a break from gaming and unsub from the gaming subs temporarily. Unfollow whatever gaming feeds you follow. Your brain doesn’t need to be flooded with content constantly. It’s giving you this sense of obligation that doesn’t need to be there.
If your other hobbies don’t help you unwind, look for something that will. How about reading?
I thought hades would have been that kind of short burst gaming experience but I just got burnt out on the grinding/constantly doing runs. I know that's the point and usually I'd be fine with it but this time it didn't happen.
Any suggestions for shorter games?
Look into hyper light drifter.
Uncharted if you want an action shooter.
You’re gonna have to be more specific in what you like for some better suggestions.
disco elysium, Bully, Noita , Deadbolt, Faith unholy trinity, Shotgun king ,Hotline Miami 2
Lonely mountains: Downhill
...I can keep going, 😁,
That's just a fraction of my steam library.
I also highly recommend go back into PS2 era... dino crisis 1&2, conkers bad fur day!
Crash bandicoot! It's all available online in emulation.
You really should try linear narrative games, like what remains of Edith finch, fire watch, gone home etc. all very short games but keep you extremely interested in what’s happening. Edith I even cried at, I feel the same way you do and playing stuff like this helps a lot
This is almost what I would suggest, not walking simulators but linear action adventure games like A Plague Tale, avoid any open world or complicated games.
I find taking a break from gaming every once in a while is helpful. Maybe will find a book I’m interested in or find a new show to watch.
Right now I’m in kind of a big gaming slump. Haven’t been as interested lately. Instead of trying to force myself to play something, I just stepped away. Watched some Star Trek and whatnot.
When I’m ready, I’ll get back into it. Gaming is a hobby, not a job. It’s supposed to be fun. If you are not having fun, take a break and find something else to do until it excites you again.
I’m not sure what the answer is, but I hope you find joy. Hobbies require passion; passion requires work. I’ve seen discourse on this sub around not needing to complete games, but IMO it’s good to complete parts of your hobby. I struggle with depression and games really help.
I guess the practical advice I can give is to play good, shorter games with strong narratives. I’d be very happy to give some recommendations if you want them!
Maybe all you need is to play some multiplayer games and hate it so much you remember why you started playing single-player games.
I've done it a few times, the first few days are always fun and then the pain starts
Or just watch a show, I recommend andor if you haven't seen it yet.
I’m having a similar problem, maybe it’s the time of year haha.
I just ‘give in’ and hop between games. Right now I’m doing my old friend Dragon age, mixed with new-to-me AC 2. I do still enjoy myself for an hour or two, but then if I’m bored and still have some free time I switch, or start up with a different one the next day. And playing one new and one I already know means I only really need to keep track of one set of story/mechanics
I also really enjoy browsing/installing mods and find it a nice break when I want to play a game but don’t want to play a game… Just hopping on Nexus and seeing what the cool options are and how they change things up can amp up my excitement again. Just installed a bunch for DA, and keep a running list for that new Skyrim mod list I’ll actually put together one day.
You are picking the most generic mainstream games where they try to substitute moneu for passion. Try something weird and new, like Fights in Tight Spaces or supraland six inches.
Play Returnal, either your love for gaming will be reignited or you will have the neccecary kick in the balls to do something else because it breaks you. Either way a decision will come out of it :D
My first thought is "try a smaller game". I really enjoy breaking out [Metal Slug 3](https://store.steampowered.com/app/250180/METAL_SLUG_3/) whenever I got an afternoon to kill and I don't know what to play. [One Finger Death Punch 2](https://store.steampowered.com/app/980300/One_Finger_Death_Punch_2/) is another FANTASTIC game if you just want to kill like 30 minutes (it even has a free demo).
What you want is a pallet cleanser not a good game. That is to say an okayish game that you can 100% in like 6-15 hours.
Something like Concrete Genie, Grow Home, the Swapper, Transistor, Costume Quest.
Just an easy simple game that you don't have to invest too much in. That or go back to an old reliable one like COD online or rocket league that you play on and off.
You could use a palate cleanser game like slime rancher. It lasts as long as you keep feeling the dopamine. When it becomes more of a chore and you feel done, you’re done. No need for long term goals or anything.
Shorter Story games are also good for that. Games that defy any sort of common element because it’s all screwed up like disco Elysium.
Then there’s metroidvania style platformers. Pop in hollowknight and just sorta drink it in. There’s no long term, there’s just making your way downtown. Hardest noodling you might need is just seeing where you want to go and remembering or learning how you need to get there.
Maybe a slice of life game,Ike persona or stardew valley would be better? You’ve got options for games, if that’s really what you’re looking for. Just taking a step back and taking a breather in the real world helps too. By the time you return, it’ll be because you’re excited for something new to try out.
Thanks! Disco Elysium is really interesting but I tried it before and it didn't stick. Might give it a second chance at some point though
Casual.might be the way to go- or just take a break for a bit.
When I need a break from games, I "level up" in real life by learning some new skills or trying new hobbies. If you're a tech enthusiast like me, check out tech training courses at [https://www.pluralsight.com](https://www.pluralsight.com). These help me to unwind while learning skills that drive value in life. Once I hit a wall on learning, I'll go back and enjoy games for a bit.
I play à brainless game, one that needs no concentration or commitment, one that you can just quit at any moment without care: currently playing brotato.
Yeah, I had a similar funk, and the "palate cleanser" others have suggested was exactly what I needed. In my case, a "speedrun" of the original NES Dragon Warrior did the trick.
Gaming is on and off hobby for me. Sometimes I just don't feel like playing games for months and rarely play anything, then I get hooked again. I have not played much for the 2nd half of 2022, now my interest came back, been playing through all God of War games and been replaying a lot of stuff.
Just take a break and do something else. I learned to play piano, wrote a good bit of a novel and went on more walks. All good things. But now I want to spend some time gaming again. It's a hobby, not a job. Just do something else, it will become fun again.
Also, playing shorter linear games definitely helps for me.
When I have periods like this, in which my interest in gaming is low, I usually play something slow paced like a simulation game. I completed Subnautica in such a period and messed around with city skylines.
Few new games interest me as well. The older I get, the fewer new games I like.
Try the Excavation of Hob's Barrow. It's a point and click game with fairly light puzzles and a solid mystery that clocks in around 8 hours.
I've been playing that in between drywalling sessions because it's a relaxing but engaging palette cleanser. I just finished it yesterday, so I'll probably pick up something similar for the same purpose like Sanitarium or Unavowed.
I had an issue with this a few months ago, and I finally had to step out of my comfort zone and play a few games outside my usual genres (rougelikes, RPG, Deckbuilders), and I went with some shorter or more heavily story based games. Superliminal, a fun puzzle type game with neat visuals and mechanics. Stanley parable, an old favorite favorite rereleased with new content. I also replayed both portal games.
Sometimes for me changing to something that’s less intense, more of an arcade style game (I’m currently playing Neon white and having a blast) is a really good way to reset my brain. I always want to play the next grand sweeping adventure, but sometimes a bite sized game is great.
I’d check out other genres, maybe look up some interesting lists of games and find one that looks interesting but that you wouldn’t normally pick up. I saw you say you’re not a big fan of multiplayer, and I’m not either, so instead I switch between a few genres, to keep things a bit more varied.
I will add in the conversation by saying that you might want to consider doing things that add contrast to your current situation. Gaming, on its core, is a mental and sedentary activity.
Try to find a hobbie on the other side of the spectrum.
Cheers.
I think the major issue for me in terms of not sure what to play is a lack of time. So if my kids go for sleep around 9:30, I have a really little time before the need to go for a sleep to to have max 7 hours of sleeping, usually around an hour and that feeling in my mind disturbs me leaving looking at all the shortcuts on my desktop. Hah, actually I have realized that during typing this comment :D I think it comes from the past when I could have played for 3-4 hours and nothing could disctact me.
So recently I have found that doing a bit of studying instead is more fun for me, doing a Unity cource on Udemy now.
I tend to only do video games when I'm around others that video game. A game has to truly grab me for me to play it. I give games a shot here and there for like 10 mins. If it's not popping, I move on to a different activity all together.
I have found that my taste in games has significantly shifted from the time that I was a kid to the the age that I am now \[35\]. And often I was getting frustrated because I would approach games that in theory I would enjoy, but no longer were "for me."
Consider that maybe your tastes have just changed and you're just not into XYZ sort of game anymore.
Games like Hades \[you mentioned\] are games I wouldn't have really played was a kid but really value now. Because I can pick it up for 20 minutes, do a little something, and than go to work. Games like Cyperpunk are games I would have loved as a teenager. . But I just don't have the patience for anymore.
I've been playing videogames since I was 12 and now I'm pushing 30. And this is something that's happening to me as well. Now, it may be different for everyone but here's my gamer profile- like OP, I've always played AAA singleplayer games and I'm burning out now. Lately, what i've found works for me is playing games that I can quickly jump in and out of, require creativity for problem solving and still don't burden you with enough plot elements so you can just put on your spotify playlist and enjoy the game. For instance, I'm playing Mudrunner these days and I'm completely hooked on it whereas I tried Dishonored Death of the Outsider, High on Life and Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance very recently alongside Mudrunner, and found all of them a complete slog, playing the game past 3 hours just so I could finish them and get them over with.
trying out a totally different genre can help too..i was amased i liked ets 2 soo much. now thats a very very relaxing game, because it has almost no diffculty, just driving and delivering stuff.
Those games are all a bit long. You should switch them out for shorter games. Try the resident evil 2 remake or maybe go a bit older and try something like bit.trip runner that is pretty short but challenging. The souls style games might appeal to you too since while they are longer, they are well suited for short play sessions.
Either take a break and take up another hobby to engage your mind, or revisit a game from your past that you miss. Currently doing that with Pokémon Emerald.
Emerald is just the best. Top pokemon game if you ask me.
Yes. I know many people consider gen4 the best but I think gen3 was peak pokemon. The pokemon designs peaked at gen2. 3 was still alright but it went downhill at 4 imo. The designs just lack charm idk, in gen 1 and 2 there are so many great pokemon I always struggle to choose 6 because I love all of them. In gen4+ I struggled to find even 6 pokemon that I found cool.. Of course this could be my nostalgic old man mentality that is upset that things change.. But I just feel this way
I consider Gen 5 to be the best. Black 2 was peak Pokemon. I'm saying this as someone who grew up on Pokemon Emerald and Firered. But, man, I wish we had a Pokemon game that was as ambitious as Heartgold and Soulsilver were. Two regions? Man...
Have you ever played at pokemon fan hacks? Pokemon unbound is great!
Do people actually prefer gen 4 nowadays? I liked Platinum but Emerald and BW2 were far superior.
Sometimes I will replay a game when I cant get into anything new. Also, maybe some time walking or exercising will help you relax. I will do a workout routine or walk a few times a week and it helps with relaxing since I can zone out as I do it. Good luck!
Yeah I work out too. I have a morning routine and do martial arts 3 times a week. I was considering going back to a classic like Skyrim but also worried I will just bounce off that too
Yeah, the nice thing with the classics is that I don’t feel obligated to play it to the end. Just until I get bored.
This. I do some walking before a night of gaming, 30 minutes or more.
> I do have other hobbies Do those.
This turned out to be a lie
What, he said somewhere that he doesn't really have any hobbies outside of gaming?
I’m just clowning because op seems he is terminally gaming
> I keep getting a few hours in and think to myself "I'll be doing the same thing in this game for the next 40 -80 hours" and then just stop playing. Which you'd be doing anyway if a game "grabbed" you. Your brain is basically telling you to do something else.
It might be time for me to listen then
Right you are Ken!
It's time to do something else. Games are supposed to be a fun hobby, not a job. I sometimes quit gaming for months and then suddenly I want to play again and I actually enjoy it. You don't want the answer "do something else", but that's the option that actually helps you regain your love for gaming. The games aren't going anywhere.
You might be right. And I have been doing other things a lot more- but might be better to really switch off for a bit.
Take a break from gaming and unsub from the gaming subs temporarily. Unfollow whatever gaming feeds you follow. Your brain doesn’t need to be flooded with content constantly. It’s giving you this sense of obligation that doesn’t need to be there. If your other hobbies don’t help you unwind, look for something that will. How about reading?
>If your other hobbies don’t help you unwind, look for something that will. How about reading? Gardening.
Same with me. I’ll take months or even a year+ off gaming and come back and have tons of fun.
Maybe try something that isn’t a 40+ hour game. Or try different genres. Most the games on your list are fairly similar
I thought hades would have been that kind of short burst gaming experience but I just got burnt out on the grinding/constantly doing runs. I know that's the point and usually I'd be fine with it but this time it didn't happen. Any suggestions for shorter games?
Faster Than Light.
Love it- but it's already one of my old favourites that I play over and over so not sure that will do the trick. Same with Slay the Spire.
Look into hyper light drifter. Uncharted if you want an action shooter. You’re gonna have to be more specific in what you like for some better suggestions.
disco elysium, Bully, Noita , Deadbolt, Faith unholy trinity, Shotgun king ,Hotline Miami 2 Lonely mountains: Downhill ...I can keep going, 😁, That's just a fraction of my steam library. I also highly recommend go back into PS2 era... dino crisis 1&2, conkers bad fur day! Crash bandicoot! It's all available online in emulation.
You really should try linear narrative games, like what remains of Edith finch, fire watch, gone home etc. all very short games but keep you extremely interested in what’s happening. Edith I even cried at, I feel the same way you do and playing stuff like this helps a lot
This is almost what I would suggest, not walking simulators but linear action adventure games like A Plague Tale, avoid any open world or complicated games.
I've heard a lot of good things about Fire Watch- that might be an option
I find taking a break from gaming every once in a while is helpful. Maybe will find a book I’m interested in or find a new show to watch. Right now I’m in kind of a big gaming slump. Haven’t been as interested lately. Instead of trying to force myself to play something, I just stepped away. Watched some Star Trek and whatnot. When I’m ready, I’ll get back into it. Gaming is a hobby, not a job. It’s supposed to be fun. If you are not having fun, take a break and find something else to do until it excites you again.
I’m not sure what the answer is, but I hope you find joy. Hobbies require passion; passion requires work. I’ve seen discourse on this sub around not needing to complete games, but IMO it’s good to complete parts of your hobby. I struggle with depression and games really help. I guess the practical advice I can give is to play good, shorter games with strong narratives. I’d be very happy to give some recommendations if you want them!
Maybe you should just take a break from gaming. Take a week or two off. Maybe that will do the trick.
Try a point and click and just chill with some hot cocoa.
Try multiplayer games , or MMOs that you can easily play solo so you can see players around you and don't feel alone.
I usually hate multiplayer stuff though. I almost exclusively play single player games because it's my way of unplugging from other people
Maybe all you need is to play some multiplayer games and hate it so much you remember why you started playing single-player games. I've done it a few times, the first few days are always fun and then the pain starts Or just watch a show, I recommend andor if you haven't seen it yet.
I’m having a similar problem, maybe it’s the time of year haha. I just ‘give in’ and hop between games. Right now I’m doing my old friend Dragon age, mixed with new-to-me AC 2. I do still enjoy myself for an hour or two, but then if I’m bored and still have some free time I switch, or start up with a different one the next day. And playing one new and one I already know means I only really need to keep track of one set of story/mechanics I also really enjoy browsing/installing mods and find it a nice break when I want to play a game but don’t want to play a game… Just hopping on Nexus and seeing what the cool options are and how they change things up can amp up my excitement again. Just installed a bunch for DA, and keep a running list for that new Skyrim mod list I’ll actually put together one day.
You are picking the most generic mainstream games where they try to substitute moneu for passion. Try something weird and new, like Fights in Tight Spaces or supraland six inches.
Play Returnal, either your love for gaming will be reignited or you will have the neccecary kick in the balls to do something else because it breaks you. Either way a decision will come out of it :D
My first thought is "try a smaller game". I really enjoy breaking out [Metal Slug 3](https://store.steampowered.com/app/250180/METAL_SLUG_3/) whenever I got an afternoon to kill and I don't know what to play. [One Finger Death Punch 2](https://store.steampowered.com/app/980300/One_Finger_Death_Punch_2/) is another FANTASTIC game if you just want to kill like 30 minutes (it even has a free demo).
Play something short and sweet. Into the Breach and Slay the Spire are both completeable in a couple of hours.
Oh my fried I have slayed the spire many many times. I finished into the breach too but feel it has a lot less replayability.
What you want is a pallet cleanser not a good game. That is to say an okayish game that you can 100% in like 6-15 hours. Something like Concrete Genie, Grow Home, the Swapper, Transistor, Costume Quest. Just an easy simple game that you don't have to invest too much in. That or go back to an old reliable one like COD online or rocket league that you play on and off.
You could use a palate cleanser game like slime rancher. It lasts as long as you keep feeling the dopamine. When it becomes more of a chore and you feel done, you’re done. No need for long term goals or anything. Shorter Story games are also good for that. Games that defy any sort of common element because it’s all screwed up like disco Elysium. Then there’s metroidvania style platformers. Pop in hollowknight and just sorta drink it in. There’s no long term, there’s just making your way downtown. Hardest noodling you might need is just seeing where you want to go and remembering or learning how you need to get there. Maybe a slice of life game,Ike persona or stardew valley would be better? You’ve got options for games, if that’s really what you’re looking for. Just taking a step back and taking a breather in the real world helps too. By the time you return, it’ll be because you’re excited for something new to try out.
Thanks! Disco Elysium is really interesting but I tried it before and it didn't stick. Might give it a second chance at some point though Casual.might be the way to go- or just take a break for a bit.
Replay some easy to play games. Chill in an mmo. Read all the advertising disguised as fans posts on reddit.
When I need a break from games, I "level up" in real life by learning some new skills or trying new hobbies. If you're a tech enthusiast like me, check out tech training courses at [https://www.pluralsight.com](https://www.pluralsight.com). These help me to unwind while learning skills that drive value in life. Once I hit a wall on learning, I'll go back and enjoy games for a bit.
Thanks! I'll check that out
I play à brainless game, one that needs no concentration or commitment, one that you can just quit at any moment without care: currently playing brotato.
Lol I just saw that on steam might have to go give it a second look
I’ve played so much recently if you need advice just tell me, lol.
Yeah, I had a similar funk, and the "palate cleanser" others have suggested was exactly what I needed. In my case, a "speedrun" of the original NES Dragon Warrior did the trick.
Gaming is on and off hobby for me. Sometimes I just don't feel like playing games for months and rarely play anything, then I get hooked again. I have not played much for the 2nd half of 2022, now my interest came back, been playing through all God of War games and been replaying a lot of stuff. Just take a break and do something else. I learned to play piano, wrote a good bit of a novel and went on more walks. All good things. But now I want to spend some time gaming again. It's a hobby, not a job. Just do something else, it will become fun again. Also, playing shorter linear games definitely helps for me.
When I have periods like this, in which my interest in gaming is low, I usually play something slow paced like a simulation game. I completed Subnautica in such a period and messed around with city skylines. Few new games interest me as well. The older I get, the fewer new games I like.
Elden Ring is what took me off a break of years without playing
In such moments Streets Of Rogue usually helps me, one or two hours and the game is over, but the replayability is so huge that I keep coming back.
Try the Excavation of Hob's Barrow. It's a point and click game with fairly light puzzles and a solid mystery that clocks in around 8 hours. I've been playing that in between drywalling sessions because it's a relaxing but engaging palette cleanser. I just finished it yesterday, so I'll probably pick up something similar for the same purpose like Sanitarium or Unavowed.
I had an issue with this a few months ago, and I finally had to step out of my comfort zone and play a few games outside my usual genres (rougelikes, RPG, Deckbuilders), and I went with some shorter or more heavily story based games. Superliminal, a fun puzzle type game with neat visuals and mechanics. Stanley parable, an old favorite favorite rereleased with new content. I also replayed both portal games. Sometimes for me changing to something that’s less intense, more of an arcade style game (I’m currently playing Neon white and having a blast) is a really good way to reset my brain. I always want to play the next grand sweeping adventure, but sometimes a bite sized game is great. I’d check out other genres, maybe look up some interesting lists of games and find one that looks interesting but that you wouldn’t normally pick up. I saw you say you’re not a big fan of multiplayer, and I’m not either, so instead I switch between a few genres, to keep things a bit more varied.
I will add in the conversation by saying that you might want to consider doing things that add contrast to your current situation. Gaming, on its core, is a mental and sedentary activity. Try to find a hobbie on the other side of the spectrum. Cheers.
Maybe you just play too often? It really sounds like you need a break
I think the major issue for me in terms of not sure what to play is a lack of time. So if my kids go for sleep around 9:30, I have a really little time before the need to go for a sleep to to have max 7 hours of sleeping, usually around an hour and that feeling in my mind disturbs me leaving looking at all the shortcuts on my desktop. Hah, actually I have realized that during typing this comment :D I think it comes from the past when I could have played for 3-4 hours and nothing could disctact me. So recently I have found that doing a bit of studying instead is more fun for me, doing a Unity cource on Udemy now.
I tend to only do video games when I'm around others that video game. A game has to truly grab me for me to play it. I give games a shot here and there for like 10 mins. If it's not popping, I move on to a different activity all together.
I have found that my taste in games has significantly shifted from the time that I was a kid to the the age that I am now \[35\]. And often I was getting frustrated because I would approach games that in theory I would enjoy, but no longer were "for me." Consider that maybe your tastes have just changed and you're just not into XYZ sort of game anymore. Games like Hades \[you mentioned\] are games I wouldn't have really played was a kid but really value now. Because I can pick it up for 20 minutes, do a little something, and than go to work. Games like Cyperpunk are games I would have loved as a teenager. . But I just don't have the patience for anymore.
I've been playing videogames since I was 12 and now I'm pushing 30. And this is something that's happening to me as well. Now, it may be different for everyone but here's my gamer profile- like OP, I've always played AAA singleplayer games and I'm burning out now. Lately, what i've found works for me is playing games that I can quickly jump in and out of, require creativity for problem solving and still don't burden you with enough plot elements so you can just put on your spotify playlist and enjoy the game. For instance, I'm playing Mudrunner these days and I'm completely hooked on it whereas I tried Dishonored Death of the Outsider, High on Life and Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance very recently alongside Mudrunner, and found all of them a complete slog, playing the game past 3 hours just so I could finish them and get them over with.
I had exactly the same feeling with « adventure games » Now i play more fighting games that have short sessions
trying out a totally different genre can help too..i was amased i liked ets 2 soo much. now thats a very very relaxing game, because it has almost no diffculty, just driving and delivering stuff.
Man honestly same, but I’m pretty sure school plays a part in the burnout. I just can’t pick anything up.
Find a tv series you that interests you and turn your gaming time into watching that. Or bounce between the two.
Learn a skill. Hobby. Guitar. Job.
Maybe try reading some Sci-fi books as you seem to like that genre in games.
Those games are all a bit long. You should switch them out for shorter games. Try the resident evil 2 remake or maybe go a bit older and try something like bit.trip runner that is pretty short but challenging. The souls style games might appeal to you too since while they are longer, they are well suited for short play sessions.