What happened to the days where we would sit and play the same few games over and over again? Or for that matter, watch the same film on VHS over and over?
Every day I’m faced with a list of things I haven’t played or watched. Or more specifically, I haven’t finished or watched since the first time I saw it.
When did this happen? Why?
Some would argue that it’s attention span, some would suggest that we have a broader range to choose from, with greater accessibility than ever before. Both correct, I guess?
So why is it that I feel that I can’t keep up-to-speed with all the latest releases? Why am I building up a seemingly endless back catalogue of games to play and finish?
I could argue that the key factor is time. I’m an adult, with a full-time job, planning a wedding, studying for a degree and trying to get into (and keep in) shape. So, yeah my time is valuable and minimal. So how have a racked-up the best part of 400 hours on Destiny, formed a clan, and found time for raid attempts? Or completed The Witcher 3’s main quest, plus hours of sub quests and armour set finding?
I don’t think it’s about time. Although, it is……I squeeze my time in where I can, often times at detriment to other priorities.
I think for me, personally, my issue is that I’m caught in the trap of trying to play other games alongside an MMO (of sorts). Destiny has had me since Y1 and despite a few months off just before The Taken King was released, I’ve been suckered into it’s daily and weekly quests, and now I play with friends, it’s an even more appealing use of my game time.
I have a list of “currently playing” games which looks something like this:
- Destiny
- Forza Horizon 2
- Overwatch
- Just Cause 3
- Witcher 3 DLC packs
- Halo 5
- Halo: The Masterchief Collection
- Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
- Evolve
- Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag
- Battlefield Hard-line
- PES 15
- FIFA 16
In reality, I’m playing:
- Destiny
- Forza Horizon 2
And frankly, struggling to find time for anything else. Yet in my head, I have this “need” to be playing and finishing everything I own. It’s never going to happen. Ever.
I even know this, and it changes nothing. I convince myself that I will one day finish this, that and the other, and continue to buy or pine for some of the newest releases, and soon-to-be releases.
I look at recent releases and crave Battlefield 1, Titanfall 2 and Gears of War 4, whilst looking at Dishonoured 2 on the horizon. How will this ever change?
Do we “need” to complete a game these days to justify a purchase or enjoyment? Or is that just a relic of the days gone by, where I played Ocarina Of Time, Goldeneye and Perfect Dark for months at a time? Are games a broader experience now? Demanding more time and offering more content?
I don’t have any of the answers, I just know that I’ll never finish all the games, and I’ll always buy more and make the list longer and longer.
Anyone else in the same boat? It doesn’t even have to be games! Films, Books, anything. Entertainment comes in many forms, all of which are developing and engrossing, and there seem to be a greater amount, with easier accessibility. We’re destined to never finish anything at this rate.