Absolute most important thing: don't ever start a game with the mindset of finishing it. Games are entertainment, and the goal and intention should be to enjoy the game in the moment. Please don't ever let games become a chore. A backlog isn't an unclimbable mountain, it's a giant treasure of options to jump in and between at any moment.
I'm gonna add my own bit on this. I was in this mindset for a long, long time. And I was at a point where I was unemployed, and video games were getting boring but that was the only thing I had. It felt like work, it made me even more depressed because my own passion for video games was dying. Then I had a kid, and everything changed. The fact I didn't have that much time anymore, made video games SO MUCH MORE ENJOYABLE. It did revive my passion and now I'm slowly going through my 500+ games backlog, enjoying each single entry every time I have some time, even though it's just 30min in a day, I'm having so much more joy out of it than when I was playing 14 hours a day to just finish games. My point is, try to have something else in your life if you're getting burned out. Video games are indeed supposed to be fun, don't let your passion become a tedious task.
My problem is, sometimes it takes months or even years to go back to it, and when I try to go back I either forgot part of the story or the damn controls. 🥲🤣
@@gamerrap23 that's definitely an issue that can happen sometimes but I think generally if a game is good enough, you'll either not walk away from it to begin with or the enjoyment of it will be strong enough to pull you past that wall. And if it's not quite good enough for either is those, than you can just move on to something else that hopefully will be. I definitely think there are times when it will be worth pushing past a hurdle like that or just a bad part of a game but we can't and won't ever be able to give everything we're interested in a fair chance, so it's often better to just walk away when it becomes a chore
@@gamerrap23I think this happens to everyone. For me, if a game is good enough, I just restart it from the beginning. I know that doesn’t work for some people but for a lot of games, if you’ve been away for, like, 12 months, you literally won’t know what the hell you need to do. Edit: On the other hand, some games it doesn’t really matter. I put down RE4 remake a few months ago but I know when I come back to it, it won’t really matter if I’m confused where I’m at. Platformers, linear games, etc are best for this approach. RPGs, by and large, are the hardest to come back to after being away.
That depends on the person though. I can eat JRPG after JRPG like it's nothing, I literally played Persona 5 three times back to back. To me diversifying genres is more about getting into more new series more quickly than it is about avoiding burnout.
That was me with the Yakuza series. I 100%'d 0, Kiwami 1, and Kiwami 2 and was so burnt out by the end of 2 I didn't start 3 for a couple months afterwards.
Regarding the mindset of it all, I'd like to add "the backlog" is a good thing. It's not a list of overwhelming obligations. It's a list of options that ensures you'll always have something exciting coming up. It's a great way to spend less money as you play what you already own instead of jumping to everything that's new, and it even helps distract you from gaps in series that don't get new games for a long time. We should try not to optimize the fun out of a hobby.
Yeah, I really agree with this. I don't have a backlog anywhere near as big as the one described in this video, but I find that I actually _prefer_ to have at least some ‘backlog’ so that I know I can always grab a game to fit my mood- and so I can avoid spending a fortune on the latest games. Having a bunch of games to choose from is a luxury, not a responsibility 😀
Another tip to avoid stress due to your backlog, and I had this realization last year. It's all in your head. No one is forcing you to get rid of your backlog by X date. It's not hurting the games to let them sit for a while if you wanna go play something new, or catch up on other stuff, or just don't have time like me. You can get around to them later. Don't let the list intimidate you, because it's all in your head.
I feel like the best mentality you can take when tackling a backlog is getting rid of FOMO. When you aren't trying to play every new game that comes out and attempting to be part of the conversation, it makes a world a difference.
I tend to do one long RPG and then something lighter (like a platformer, roguelike etc) as a palette cleanser. As a teenager I'd start way too many games at once and that would usually result in my dropping games. Over the past three or so years I'd say I've finished over 90% of what I've started which is good. A great driver is also when a new game is coming out and you want to catchup on the series, it gives you a time goal and external pressure that really helps with motivation.
Your approach is similar to mine, I try to beat a new rpg series each year. Last year I went through all the .Hack games and this year I am working through Trails of Cold Steel. Everything else is randomized
@TheClyde1993 I play them simultaneously, it helps me avoid burnout. I try make sure I don't leave one game more than a week though so I don't leave it so long that it's impossible to get back into.
Yeah, if you’re into RPGs, I love this approach. I’ve been hacking away at some RPGs on my Switch but I pop out and play other games here and there. Otherwise, I become kind of bored with them and I end up abandoning the RPG altogether.
I love having a backlog for everything. I know I’ll never play every game and watch every movie in my lifetime, but it feels incredible when you look at your backlog and pick out something that turns out to be special. Don’t let your backlog be a burden, make it your highlight
Something that helped me is to come to terms with the fact that I will probably never get around to playing every single game I own. As a kid I would play the same games over and over because I only had so many. Now I have hundreds of games I haven't gotten around to yet. Instead of stressing about it, I actually enjoy the idea that at any point in time I can pick a game from my shelf that is brand new to me and play it for the first time. Having a lot of games is something I dreamed of as a kid, and while I may not have as much time to play them as I did back then, I am very grateful to have a nice collection of games to choose from.
That’s a very healthy attitude… good for you. And just accepting that you are no longer a kid is a good first step. Kids can approach video games in a way that adults just can’t.
I feel it's also important to not force yourself to beat a game if you don't really want to. This doesn't necessarily apply only to games you end up not liking. You can say you've enjoyed your time with a game and not worry about the rest. If you do decide to revisit it later, well then you still have more to play. Just don't stress over it!
My problem is I've yet to play a game recently that I didn't enjoy enough to play all the way through. Now that doesn't mean I will get all trophies, only if u feel I am capable. For example, I played Tony Hawk 1+2 and I'm just not good enough to get them all
Man, it is SO hard for me to convince myself I don’t need to beat games I like (I’ve become quite good at abandoning games that don’t click with me). But I love this advise. Sometimes, you can just get your fill of a game. Example for me: Just Cause 3. I played that game for dozens of hours but there came a point where I was like “you know, I don’t think this game has anything left to show me” and I just walked away. It was hard for me but when I reflect back, it was the right move. But some people really have that compulsion to “complete” games. It’s a good thing to work on if you’re struggling with a massive backlog.
This is what I did for Metal Gear Solid and Viewtiful Joe. For the first one, I liked what I played but for some reason had a hard time convincing myself to get back to it, and I think it's because I'd literally rather just skip to MGS3. Viewtiful Joe on the other hand was weirdly underwhelming which disappointed me a lot, but it's so short I'll probably still come back and beat it some lazy afternoon, especially since I at least want to try the sequel which I also have. Thing is all my other games get ignored because Monster Hunter is currently hogging all my attention lol
@@mallow2902 I hear ya! Sometimes we have games we always come back to that take most of our time, but we just have so much fun with them. I just reached 2000 hours in Super Smash Bros Ultimate, and I think about all the other games I could've played in that time. I can't help myself, because I love that game to death, and playing with each character online is a good way to keep the game fresh for myself.
having a backlog isn't necessarily a bad thing. you can save a lot of money by focusing on your backlog first and waiting to get most new games on a sale
I used to have a list with backlog games. But it only gave me anxiety. I threw away the list and put on the mantra “you can't play everything, just play what you really want”. So now I play whatever I feel like at the moment and don't fret about “must plays”. It feels a lot healthier for me at least.
Been working on my backlog of games and tv shows for over 15 years. The biggest mistake I've made and one piece of advice I cannot stress enough is this: Do NOT focus on games/shows just because they're "short" and you think you can get them done faster. I was working on a "save the best for last" mentality on top of that. No. Play the games you want to play the most FIRST. Doesn't matter if its old or new.
My biggest advice is watch that show or play that game when you feel like it. Don’t force yourself to sit and watch a show just to finish a season. Watch that show when you’re engaged and want to watch it. Same with games when you feel like diving into a 200 hour games then do it you’ll have the most fun. Dont do it just to knock it off the list. This is why I don’t like lists it feels like a chore just play the game when you feel like it. Plus it’s okay to stop leave the game and play something else so you don’t get burnt out you can always come back later.
Honestly one of the most relatable videos, with solid advice. The biggest thing is to avoid turning game backlogs into a form of stress, or guilt for not beating every game you bought. Games by nature are for having fun, so it helps a lot to focus on whatever catches your eye in the current moment and just roll with it!
As someone who is also always bugged by his backlog, I really appreciate your tips, Derrick! Conquering my fear of missing out on the biggest game to discuss at the moment is a big goal of mine for this year. It would be much wiser to focus on the ones I truly want to play day one and pick up some of the other interesting games a little later. Sometimes, getting over a backlog feels like having to play certain games just for the sake of finishing them, which is something I really want to avoid this year. Also loving the idea of a new backlog series from you, please pursue this idea, I'd love to watch those videos. Personally, I just started taking notes on the games I'm playing, which, like you said, definitely helps to remember them in the long run. Here's to finishing some great gems from the past and, of course, playing a lot of amazing new releases in 2024!
I don't stress on backlog - I see a big backlog as a treasure. It's asically a library full of nice things I can dive into at will, or when I want to play a specific type or genre I can test the water with a nice big sample group and stick to the one I like the most.
The biggest thing that helped me tackle my backlog was when I stopped trying to play games at Max difficulty and stopped trying to do everything. Playing them in easy and just focusing on the story helped me get through them so much faster.
Really thankful the advice for this. One thing me and some friends have been doing with our backlogs is making them into a Bingo Card of the kinda games we wanna play (including a few upcoming games) and then playing them in order to try and get a line or two through or cards. It really helped last year
The problem mainly is that the backlog keeps growing. If it started to decrease, I wouldn’t care one bit. The stress hits when I know that for every game I beat, there will another 3-4 I want to add to the collection. Heck, look at the playstation plus free games. I’ve never had one month where I played and beat every free game to then be able to go back and catch up on the others. It’s impossible to catch up on the backlog and that is why it’s so stressful
Backlogs seem to be a symptom of our addiction to consumption. Many of us don’t actually intend to play these games, we just rationalise ourselves into buying them and imagine ourselves enjoying them through the reviews we watch. It seems to be part of how capitalism works now. Companies producing products, content creators hyping the products and feeding the consumers need for something to fill the void. I buy something new, but I’m constantly being told that there’s something better just around the corner. The capitalist model hijacks dissatisfaction with the state of the present. You’d think more of a good thing would be good, but it’s not.
too damn true....I always pre order some games or just buy whatever came out thinking I'll play them eventually but never do.....at this point I just like to have them now like a collection......
6:00 this is so me also, I put 80 hrs into RDR2, 40-50 hrs into Pillars of Eternity, 30hrs into DS3, haven't beaten them because I just got into other games I wanted to play.
I think the hardest part is actually just turning the console or handheld on and start playing. Sometimes i spend days or even weeks without a single hour of gaming, just watching TH-cam, wasting my time. If i find resolve to launch the game, i can beat it. Oh, and RPGs. They just tend to be way too long. I'm trying to beat DQ11, and it's not hard at all, but takes forever to complete.
1 tip that works for me: play lots of shorter games. I still play longer games, but I try to ration them out. I can play one, maybe two 50+ hour games a year now. And for every long game I beat, I try to get through 5-10 shorter ones before I tackle the next big one. The last short games that I beat were Chants of Sennaar, Infernax, Gato Roboto, Cocoon and The Last Campfire. And it only took like 2 months to get through all those.
whenever my internet is out or there's been a blackout, that's when it gets much much easier to play games. the problem is our content consumption treadmill. when you turn it off, when you can't have TH-cam and stuff at your fingertips, you can finally enjoy what you have without scrolling your libraries of games and watching a video instead of playing anything. that's also why i like my secondary PC setup specifically for the CRT monitor it's driving. it can't do much, it's probably unsafe to go online, but it can play a mission of Thief 2 at night, distraction-free. i finished The Longest Journey that way, even though i never thought i'd be patient enough for this game (i have ADHD)
The reflection thing is so on point. Actually thinking about things really makes them much more memorable and that's why I carry a diary and a commonplace with me. I mean, i haven't written anything down on them for quite some time, but i really think i should get back into it.
I've got three game-related resolutions this year: 1. Beat every mainline Final Fantasy game (started last week, got through FF1-3, playing 4 now) 2. Stop playing AAA FOMO games (battle passes, gacha, limited time events, etc.). If the game wants me to treat it as a second job I'm not jumping in. 3. Don't buy a single video game and focus entirely on the backlog Here's hoping I can succeed on all three
good luck :) I am also trying to stop playing FOMO games, I got into disney dreamlight valley, it is not a healthy place for me to be (^^") mentally or for my wallet.
I need to be better about 3, lol. I tend to wait for sales. Although there were a number of games where I was worried they’d be discontinued or 1st party Nintendo games that don’t go on sale often, and (rarely) beyond a certain point. So once it goes on sale at X price, might as well buy it instead of waiting for that same price drop again.
Another reason 3 tends to be the hardest for many people is because people will be discussing whatever the new thing is, and it sucks being left out of the conversation. By the time you play it, everyone will have moved on most likely or have accustomed to it (for online games).
@@celery791 It might be hard for some people to adjust, but they have to get over it. After all, are they playing it because they want to play a fun/interesting game? Or is it just an excuse to have a conversation topic (online or offline)? You should have online mutuals or actual friends where you can discuss these things regardless of when you play them. Because they care about _your_ thoughts/opinions. If you don't, find some. If you "have" to play on release just to be "part of the discussion" , you now care more about the _chances_ that someone will interact with your comment about [game], than actually playing [game] yourself. And if that's the case, you have to ask yourself how else has social media or attention influenced the choices you make? What else do you do simply to get attention than because you enjoy the thing on its own merits? I agree, it _is_ nice to talk to people about stuff you like. But I'm not going to ditch what I'm playing or pay full price at launch just to have the _remote chance_ someone will interact with a post and have a discussion. If I play a game at launch it'll be because I genuinely want to... or I'm worried I'll get spoiled if I had waited, lol.
Last year, I made a New Year's Resolution that I was going to finish every game that I either haven't beaten or played, as well as watching every movie and TV show through all my streaming services before the end of the year. ...Yeah, that didn't work out at all. While I did watch a lot more games and watched a lot more movies than I would have done otherwise, having to try and tick off each game and so on caused me a lot of stress and anxiety than was necessary. Even if I did want to play them, I often questioned whether it was because I was actually interested in playing and finishing them, or was it to check off a box to move on to the next thing. I'd say it was a mix of both. While I do want to finish or at least try out every game in my back catalogue, I don't want to force myself to play games out of some sort of obligation. It takes so much out of the fun and wonder in why you're into these hobbies in the first place. I'm going to see if I try to amend that this year.
I've grown to appreciate having a large backlog (whether or not i even actually own the game yet) its nice knowing you've still got a few games in series you have still left to enjoy for the first time rather than having completed the series and not having the opportinuty to play the new one avalible
Finally got around to watching this, I've always had an issue with "I must never start another game/another series until I've finished the one I'm currently playing/reading", and that's something I'm gonna try to get past this year. Good video Derrick!
It seems like I'm not the only one who realized that a spreadsheet would be able to help me keep track of my backlog! The only improvement that I would make to your backlog spreadsheet is to fill in the cells with color to denote your progress in them. I use green for 100% completion, yellow for beating the main campaign of the game, and white denotes unbeaten games and unplayed ones.
Two things from Femtrooper that have been helping me a lot this year: 1. Make a list of games that you definitely want to beat in the year. I picked ten games that I wanted to beat this year. 2. Do one console game and one handheld game at a time. And then I'm just taking a break from buying new games this year. 2023 was ridiculously stacked and the only two games coming this year that I want are Princess Peach Showtime and FFVII Rebirth.
Great video, I have a spreadsheet with all games that come out each year with a section for my thoughts after I am done playing them, anything that I miss goes into the backlog sheet where I let games I really want to get to eventually bubble up to grab when the time feels right. Even if something is at the top my backlog sometimes I'm just not in the mood for a specific genre etc and I end up playing something else and have an amazing time anyway. I also really like how you stress how important it is just the ability to drop a game when you're not having fun. When I was younger like a lot of people dropping a game was difficult as sometimes I only got 1 or 2 games a year, but now I realise my time not my money is way more important. Its almost relieving in a way when you realise a game isn't for you sometimes and you're done with it.
Randomly found this channel, second video I'm seeing, but just to help some people to make it so they remember what games they need to play (if you own physical), rotate the case on the shelf. As a Trophy hunter I have two ways to keep it all in check: if I never touched the game, I flip it so the spine is facing down; if it's a game I started or simply haven't gotten all Trophies on and feel I eventually could if I tried hard enough, I have it so spine is facing up. When I check my games all the normal spines, I ignore, I've finished those, I can direct my attention to the horizontal ones if I want something new, just lift the case up some to see the spine that's facing down, but it also allows me to view all my incomplete games and see if there's one I feel I could do or even just feel like doing. Also makes it very satisfying when I 100% a game's Trophy list I can sit it upright and see it properly displayed. I simply started doing that not because I enjoyed my shelf looked fucked up, but because it's hard to remember what games I had nearly done, but got held up on something. No need to check my digital Trophy list for incomplete games, just a quick scroll. As for my digital games, yeah, I forget of certain games I have that are digital-only and that really just relies on me actively going through my download list.
For me it's kind of the distraction of streaming services and silly hours on youtube. After work i tend to go to those 1st to chill out. I just recently installed RDR2 and have only played like 10hrs, even though it's been installed for nearly 2 months now... I did just finish GOW however, which was great. I did buy Ragnarok but coming fresh off of GOW, thought I'd wait a while for the burnout to settle so tried RDR2. I think it's just laziness with me haha. And yes! There's Tekken 8 next week, and Rebirth next month which are instant plays.
Something I would add is that I love to differentiate between what I would call “episodic games” and “binge games”, where episodic games are the ones that have simple and consistent progress made that I can make it to “1 goal” per day. Having an episodic game to consistently inch forwards with every day right before a big play session of a binge game also makes shorter episodic games feel like a grand adventure.
I always love this topic. I think a backlog can be overwhelming at times, but generally I fall into the "It's a good thing" camp and just think that it's fun to think about ways to enjoy things! I have a large collection/backlog and my desire is mostly to make sure I'm not forgetting somewhere to grab from. I keep the whole thing in a spreadsheet, but it is indeed overwhelming. I like picking 7-10 at a time to go through. Sort of like "pretending these are the only 10 games I own". I pick one based on a criteria: 'NEW' - Something new. Either newest by release date, or newest to my collection. (Neptunia: Sisters Vs Sisters) 'RANDOM' - Chosen at random from the spreadsheet. (Metallic Child) 'RETRO' - I love old games! I like to build in time to play some. (Mighty Flip Champs! - not the oldest retro game, but I still count it) 'LONG' - The longest game in my backlog. I like the idea of conquering the long games, but don't want to only focus on them. (Elite: Dangerous [?!]) 'ONGOING' - I like rhythm games and they don't really ever end. I usually put a few here. (DJMAX Repect V and Muse Dash are my mainstays. But I also like Groove Coaster, Project DIVA, and several others) 'GRIND' - This is usually a game I've beaten, but I left something undone. Or, it's just fun so I want to jump in and level up. Or maybe replay. (Moemon FireRed [Pokemon rom hack]) 'RATING' - In my spreadsheet I try to give games a rating of how excited I am to play it, so this is one from the current top of the list. (Persona 3: Reload) In general I want to focus on one (except for some time also spent in ongoing/grind) and onto the next, then when I finish, pick new games. But it isn't an absolute rule. As you say, it's most important to not stress. I just like a little structure to help get started. I usually make a little graphic in GIMP out of the box arts from the games I've picked, too. I find that easier to reference than needing a browser and opening a spreadsheet, remembering, or even a text list. I also like looking forward to the next games that are coming up. I want to improve the retro one a little bit. I might put two games there. A lot of retro games are really difficult, or meant to replayed so I like the idea of having one to try and beat and another to just play as if I would an ongoing game, or a game at the arcade.
Another TH-camr also touched on this subject. My strat was to limit my games to about 10. That's just my number but you pick a number you feel isn't too little nor to much. Avoid games that you can infinitely play with no end. Those will prevent you from finishing your other games you may have started or haven't finish or need carrying on. Especially once you get hooked. Leave the multiplayer stuff for when friends log in. Know the kind of games you can go through easily. Not in a speedrunning way but rather you have your beginning, middle and end which you can progress at your pace and not rush. That brings me to singleplayer titles. Those are the ones that need clearing the most. If you get stuck somewhere then maybe take a break or leave for another time. Play different genres of games as sticking to one can lead to burn out. If you have a sibling that you play with often then that will give a huge boost in completing games.
Steam Deck OLED definitely helps my backlog. Have so many Steam games, some free or in a Humble Bundle that I have near 500 games. The Steam Deck really helps me to get some games back on the saddle again thanks to playing it differently than on PC. Games from early/mid 2010s runs amazing on it and even new releases surprisingly well mines the FPS, and in anyway hundreds times better than a Switch ports. Have been fun discovering games that I never have played and some other games that I gave up or let down in the past a second go. I love handheld gaming ever since the gameboy and I feel sometimes more immersed and focused when playing on a handheld rather than a PC/console.
Some tips that really helped me out, besides what's been said in the video: 1 - categorize your games by system. When I did this, I realized I don't get through many indies on PS, so I started buying them elsewhere. 2 - go to howlongtobeat and list the time next to the game. They have three average times, so you gotta know your play style. And this will be just an estimate. But sometimes it helps to go through some quicker games and get some wins in the backlog race. 3 - Accept that you'll always have a backlog. When I started managing mine, I was at 80+ games and almost 2000h of playtime. I'm now sitting at 22 games and 700h. Not sure I can go lower than that time, but at least it's under control. 4 - this might seem counter productive. But take some time off. I'd say at least two weeks away from gaming. The day before you can go back to it, go through the list and assess which games you'll actually wanna play and which one you don't feel like it. I do my "palate cleansing" for 40 days. So after that long, if I don't feel like playing the game, I most likely never will. 5 - have fun managing your backlog. I have a spreadsheet and I do enjoy doing it and keeping records of it all. I'm a data nut hehe
Whenever I force myself to play a game on my backlog I never enjoy it because it feels like work and I’m just trying to get it over with. Now I know it’s better to wait until you actually have an interest in the game
- game collecting is a hobby completely separate to game playing. I've come to learn this. - how i handle my backlog is that i have organised them by release date, (month and year.) i play the earliest title, and take my time to absorb it. Then i move onto the next title. i'm a physical games buyer so i organised my ps4/ps5 discs into a binder thing. - it's ok to buy games and build up the front end but don't worry about finishing it as soon as it comes to your hands. it's not food, it won't expire (unless it's downloadable game code content) - my previous strategy was to put my entire collection (console specific) into a spin-the-wheel ipad app (Decide Now!) and randomly pick it. i don't like this method anymore but it was an interesting experiment. One wheel was for playstation4+5 titles, one wheel was for Switch, one wheel for DS/3DS. whichever console i felt like interacting with, influenced the wheel choice.
i disagree with derrick, the best advise is stop buying games... only buy games you want to play immeadiatly.. my backlog is pretty much just a list of games on a word document. and its huge i admit.. but it makes it easier to accept when i havent bought them yet :)
The backlog really made gaming feel like a job and I hated it. I have a lost with old and new games. My backlog. And I play a game of it when I'm feeling it for example I've played ghost of tsushima 50h when it released. Wanted to save the expansion to have some more of the game to look forward to. So I started it a week ago and it feels so good. I love it.
The way I got going on my backlog is to never have more than 2 games going at a time. This way there is no distractions. Also posting what you have finished somewhere gives you a list and a sense of accomplishment and drive.
Thank you for making this. I've made it my mission to stop making excuses and just beat as many games as I can this year, and a lot of your tips were things I already was thinking about such as diversifying genres, being okay with checking out new games, and reflecting on my experiences. So it's nice to hear those thoughts clarified and come to life. Best of luck to all of you guys.
Another tip that has really helped me is to make a backlog folder on your gaming platform. PS4/5 Supports folders/game lists respectively, Nintendo Switch has groups, Steam even allows you to create lists as well. On each platform I play on I have a backlog folder, there to remind me of what titles await me. I'm not one to pressure myself into clearing said folders, but it feels great removing a game from the folder after I've beaten it. I also like to cycle between platforms, sometimes I get exhausted playing on the same platform that I've been playing on for hours on end. I'll hop back and forth between my Switch and my PS5, beating one game on one of those platforms and then beating the next on the other.
I am realizing that my main problem when working through my backlog is actually long games. From about the 15 hour mark to 30 hours I might still be able to "clock in" and have fun, but after this point I kind of stop wanting to pick it up. Not because the game is not fun or good, but because it has gone on for too long and I want something else. But at the same time I still want to see the end of the game, so I feel bad if I jump to a different game. I might need to look into rotating the games I am playing, so I still get something done, but am not procrastinating continuing as much. It all comes down to figuring out what works for you and not work against yourself :)
Getting suggestions from friends and viewers has been hugely helpful, as picking the next backlog game is the most daunting part for me! But totally agree on mixing in different genres and especially reflecting or doing something more meaningful for each game or else they become a blur. Lots of good tips, love all the GVG videos!
Great idea Derrick, don't stress games are for fun and enjoyment. I myself am not in a position to get any of the new releases or spend on games in general so I'm playing through the ones I have already knowing that the others on my wishlist will always be there in the future
Some super solid advise here! I've been using backloggd, but even that doesn't feel personalised enough. It's fun to leave little reviews and you can see what people you follow review games, but in terms of tracking what you actually have to play, the spreadsheet idea is so good. As someone with ADHD I've also found that colour coding it really helps. AT the moment my colours show me what I've finished at what I plan to finish this year as a priority. I think you hit the nail on the head though here Derrick, gaming is a hobby that's supposed to be fun. You don't want to suck the fun out of it by making it feel like a chore.
11:10 I can 100% attest to this one. Last year, I actually had a goal set out to beat every Final Fantasy game in order since there were a lot I hadn't played and I was super hyped for 16. I managed to get through the first 5 and was hit *hard* by burnout. I started 6 and was immediately in love with it, but because the burnout was still hitting me hard, I had to just put it down before I drove myself mad. This year, I'm not making that same mistake and will definitely do some back and forth with Final Fantasy and other games.
A few years ago i chose to downsize my collection as i got more focused on being a gamer instead of a collector. I made som rules for what i want to collect. I need to enjoy the games and have either beat them or intend too. If i play one and don't like it i usually put it away for a few months. Then i try again once or twice. If i still don't enjoy it i sell it
I have a whole video series on tackling my backlog and I totally agree on the randomizer. It makes it super fun to have it a surprise on what is your next game! Great video, Derrick!
What helps me is making a schedule and sticking to it, on top of cataloguing my games. Also really helps if you want to watch movies or TV shows too. Just don't be overwhelmed by the amount of stuff you have, prioritize the big games like RPGs.
Thank you so much for creating this video Derrick! Really resonated with me as someone who has just about 150 games on their backlog. One point I’ll add in case it helps anyone, I now have 3 lists of games I keep track of: my backlog, completed games I’ve fully seen through, and games that I’ve attempted but never fully beat. Like you mentioned Derrick, re-adding games you attempt but ultimately don’t finish back into the backlog pile really demotivated me in the past, so I personally find separating those out is better. Completely agree with all your other points, so thanks again and have a great start to the new year! 🎉
I bought Metroid Dread back when it came out, having no real experience with the games prior and just buying it because it looked cool. I got lost and found the game crazy hard and dropped it quickly. Since then I’ve played Metroid 1, Return of Samus, Zero Mission and AM2R, and I’m about halfway through Super Metroid. Now I’m excited to play Dread all over again and see it as a little present for myself when I get there. So I agree, don’t stress. If you own it, it’ll always be there to play when you may least expect it.
it think rating your games and reviewing them really helps with moving past a game you beat and playing the next one. it adds finality to it. I don't post any of my reviews I just type them up almost like a gaming diary and it honestly has helped me go from completing about 20 games a year to this year almost 45.
Pretty good tips, I like the “recent releases sort” but if you have to choose a second sort, I’d recommend looking up the time to complete and sorting your games by shorter games. If you jump into Zelda, FF16, Elden Ring, Xenoblade, Baldur’s Gate, etc… you are investing near 100 hours at least and that can burnout your energy and add up your backlog. I beat 2-3 fifteen hour games (like Super Mario RPG) and it feels good to clear quick hits off the backlog.
What I find that helps is, that if you have the week schedule for it, designate at least 1 day of your week as a backlog day. When you game on that day, it is going to be a day for 1 of your backlog games. If there are no new releases to play, and you like the game good enough, you can play it on the other days as well. If there is a new release you really want to play, leep at least that 1 day free for your backlog games. This method works really well for people who like to schedule their stuff, like me
Man this is such a great video, I need to stress less about the backlog, and mix up my games, I keep burning myself out. That and letting myself give up when it just isn't clicking. Thanks Derek.
Can't agree more with these tips! Particularly playing what clicks and playing what you want when you want. If you force yourself to play something that's not clicking, you are just not gonna get through that game in a reasonable time. Or worse, burn out on gaming in general. Also mixing up what you play and again, just playing what you're in the mood for rather than forcing yourself through something you're not enjoying
This video came at an interesting point for me, because I've hit this lull I hit maybe once every two months where I just REALLY struggle to stick with a game, bouncing from game to game from my backlog, the problem growing larger when I got more games this holiday than ever before (very grateful! just overwhelmed in a first-world problems kind of way) It sounds silly to take pride in this, but over the last few years I've managed to see more games through to the credits than ever before. It started in 2021, with me deciding I was going to keep track of every game I beat that year in a list on my phone, which on a whim I decided to turn into a thread talking about my thoughts on all of the games at the end of the year. Since then, I've been regularly updating a yearly thread with every game I beat, detailing my thoughts on them. For whatever reason, this list-keeping feels like I've actually accomplished something, and that sense of accomplishment has served in many cases as just enough motivation to finish games. It helps that my friends have expressed to me that they enjoy seeing these posts, too.
Been put ING similar tips into place over the past 2 years & while my collection has grown (thanks limited physical releases) along with tracking games when I best them. It makes a big difference in feeling great that I beat 30 & 24 games respectively. This year my goal is to beat a game on each console I own (24 including handheld).
Thank you for the tips. I'll give it a try as I have many games still to be played. Usually, I try to mix up different types of games so I don't get stressed as some of them are pretty long. Probably after finishing something that takes 100+ hours, try a short game to refresh yourself. Games are there for you to enjoy and have fun, not to get you stressed or frustrated
I just don't think about my backlog, and haven't really thought about it for a long time. The fact is, when I force myself to try and play a game on my list that I'm not in the mindset for, it makes it less fun to play. For the most part, my games will always be there, ready to be played when I feel like it. This happened for me with the Transformers Cybertron games on PS3, which I bought years ago and dabbled in, but then blitzed through back to back out of nowhere and had a blast. I just needed to be in the right headspace to get into them. I started both Demon's Souls and Dark Souls 1 because I loved Elden Ring, but because I'm occupied by multiple Monster Hunter games (seriously, I'm absolutely hooked on that series), I haven't found the time or headspace to really dig into them yet. But when I'm ready, they'll be there.
Thanks, Derrick! I'll use the tips I learned to reflect on how I want to handle my backlog. There's so many great games to play and plenty of them are timeless, so I'll try not to stress either!
If you play a long game then you play some short games and it balances out. My schedule right now allows for it, but even if it didn’t I would still log my games as it’s fun to keep track and look back on.
Just having game pass is enough to make you feel overwhelmed. Not to mention constant sales for black Friday, Xmas, New years... There's always a sale and you probably end up picking up 2-3 games. What has worked for me is that i try to stick to no more than 2 games at the same time and usually the second one is a smaller title. That way if you get stuck or frustrated in one game, you can go to the other. Eventually you'll finish the small one and you'll move to another one. If i start multiple games , i end up forgetting where i was and then i restart most of them or just waste time walking around clueless. Set a goal and stick with it until you feel you had enough!
I made a spreadsheet of all the games I own and have never beaten last January and honestly it has been a real motivator to beat these games. Beat more games last year than I have in years, and I’ve already beaten two games this year. Yes I’ve still been buying games but most, if not all are older games for cheaper prices. Having goals for the year is also a great idea. This year I think I finally want to get through the rest of Kingdom Hearts (about 3-4 games) and get through another Xenoblade (2+Torna). Aside from that, I’ll just play whatever I feel like I’d enjoy the most. I just stick to one game at a time, otherwise I’ll be stretched too thin and prioritize one over the other. And that thing about dropping games that don’t hook you? Agree 100%. I played Bravely Default for 30 hours last year but I never clicked with me so I dropped it for Persona 5 Strikers and it ended up being my favorite game last year. My big new release this year? Persona 3 Reload. Never been so excited for a game before. Great video Derrick.
Great video, Derrick! I think either having a game diary as a reflection either in video or written is an excellent idea. I know a lot of people post about games they completed, but maybe being okay with "Games I Played" is a better goal. Taking a note from your game club, maybe play an unplayed game for any amount of length in a week to get those thoughts and reflections and move on. If you want to play more, add it to a list for those weeks where another game may not click with you and you can play more of what brought you joy.
I have a good feeling that 2024 will be the year I clear a lot from my backlog. One of the biggest obstacles for me has actually been not so much playing games, but more trying to capture them as well. I will be playing a game, but at the same time I like to capture footage of it incase I want to make a project out of it. I'm aware that I could easily play through casually the first time, and then play it again to capture it, but it's a lot easier if the footage is already there. So, for 2023 I made a new setup to where I could capture any of my systems even if just playing casually. It's all set, and works well, so 2024 could be a great gaming year for me. I definitely have to agree with categorising on a spreadsheet as well. It's sometimes easier to just have it all there and then so you can see what genre and such you fancy. Also, will be following the extra advice given on this video, as backloggery can really start piling up, so thanks!
I consider playing the game as cleaning the log, I don't neccessarily need to beat all the games I have, I just need to pay at least enough to keep it or drop it
I have an ungodly amount of games on my backlog, but over the past few years I've cleared some of them out in little short bursts and then play a couple of the new games that came out recently. Then get back into my backlog. There's a lot that I have either saved digitally or collected them physically. I wanna try to conquer that this year, but not completely focus on it. Just keeping it in the back of my mind and not only focusing on that.
One tip that I found handy - especially for January, is to play more short games - or have one in the rotation. Knocking games off the list nice and early tells yourself you can make those credits roll!
I have over 300 games spanning 19 different consoles. I used to struggle to pick a game because there were so many to choose from. What I do so I can slowly get through my back log is this. 1. Stop buying new games as frequently or entirely. You can’t knock out the backlog 1 game at a time when you’re adding another 5 in one day. I’ll go 2-3 months before I buy another game these days. My next game will be princess peach showtime in March and the last game I bought was wario ware move it about a week ago since it was $30 at Walmart and it was one of the four switch games I wanted for the holiday season. 2. Display the games you’re actively playing or set them aside in a different pile. All of my games are on a shelf except for the games I’m actively playing through. The games I’m actively playing through are displayed in a different section of my collection where the front cover is shown. All of my other games only the spines are showing. This helps me not deviate from what I was originally playing and when I see that game sitting there then even though I may be playing something else; I know I need to get back to it soon before I forget where I was or what’s going on. 3. Of the games you pick mix up the genres. He already went over this in the video but what I will add is if you have multiple or a lot of consoles( like me) then mix up the consoles that are being played as well. 4. My final tip is don’t pick too many games. Limit yourself to a maximum of 5 games TOTAL that you’re playing through at any given time. Once you’re done with one game you do not need to pick the next game immediately. Let the empty spot sit there until you get the urge to pick up the next game or revisit a classic. Currently im playing through Spyro(PS1),Grandia(sega saturn), metropolis street racer( Dreamcast), and rocket knight adventures( sega genesis). Before I put out MSR and Spyro those spots were empty for a few days. Before they were empty it was occupied by bayonetta 1( Wii U) for 2 months and NFS underground and before underground 1 I had just beat underground 2. Before that it was tiny toons adventures( sega genesis), and bowsers fury( switch).
Hey Derrick, just really wanted to say thanks for this one. This came at exactly the time I needed to hear it, and definitely going to try cataloguing the huge backlog. Thanks for all the care you guys always put into your videos
Making a list is a cool idea but if, like me, you're not organised I find it helps to load up a new Switch game once so it appears on the Switch home screen. With Steam games it's a desktop shortcut. Retro games I want to play go on a separate shelf. Letting games go is also a very important tip that took me years to learn. We don't want to waste our limited money, but it's much more important not to waste our limited time on something that doesn't click.
I've been thinking about going back and play some Hyrule Warriors Definitive recently, but I was afraid of the grind and after looking at what the hardcore fans are saying about it, I decided to spend some time with the new My Fairy feature. farming for a perfect fairy worked perfectly as a decompressing session after work/school so before I realized it I've dumped hundreds of hours into this game I once didn't wanna play because it's "too grindy". Now I'm close to finishing the first half of Adventure Maps and I literally can't stop playing. giving the game a fair chance and letting it shine was just what I needed to fall in love with HW again.
Christmas isn't officially over until Epiphany. Backloggery definitely helps me keep track of what I have and haven't played. Without it I would have accidentally bought duplicates of the same game. If I can't decide what I want to play next, I roll the fortune cookie.
You're treating it like a job. If you look at your backlog of games as something you MUST chip away at, you're missing the point of being a gamer. I have a huge backlog like many of us do, but I see it as games I can always go to when I get the chance. Nothing is saying that I MUST play every game I own, even if I intend to try. I just won't let it dictate my enjoyment of the games I DO play.
You can also do what I do and ignore my backlog and start a new character for Baldur's Gate 3. What helps me is I keep a list of games I have not played or have not beat yet, so I can always look back and remind myself what I have. And if I have zero desire to return to a game after multiple times of looking at my list, I remove it and add it to my other list of games I never finished for posterity.
something that really works for me personally is I make myself finish whatever I'm playing before I start something new. Sometimes it's frustrating (tears of the kingdom), but overall it helps me stay motivated and I feel rewarded when I finish a game because I get rewarded by playing something I really wanted to play!
Why would you force yourself to finish something you aren't enjoying? Especially really big games like TOTK? Just drop it and move on, video games aren't supposed to be a job.
If I really don't enjoy it I do just drop it. I think TotK is really really good and I have a lot of great memories associated with it, but if I didn't push myself to go back to it every time its sheer size intimidated me I would have probably dropped it for good. Which would have been a huge shame!
I play my backlog most of the time. I’m often playing a game that’s 2, 3 or more years old. I agree with Derrick that the most important thing is to not stress about it.
Once I started using backloggery to catalogue my games and mark them as beat it helped to motivate me to work through my backlog. It also helps that I'm big into handheld gaming both native and remote play so I find it easier to pick up and play games for a few minutes here a s there until they're beat
Some reasons we have backlogs. 1) As adults we don't always have the time and pretending we do can cause uneeded stress. 2) Sooo many modern games are longer than they should be. 3) Games we know we like will take our limited time. Nothing wrong with playing an old game that you enjoy! If I never make it through my backlog there's nothing wrong with that. As many others have said in comments, we don't need to buy every game. The industry is saturated with new releases now. It's harmful to yourself to feel the need to "catch up".
This year I’ve made a list of games I want to beat this year including a couple of new releases coming this year. I’m only letting myself play a few games at a time. When I find myself going to TH-cam to watch game videos I pickup my steam deck and play instead expect I’m watching this right now lol. When I finish a game I look at my list and pick something from it to play. It’s working so far 5 games completed . I started with some of my shorter games it really helped getting some of those wins early and fast.
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Absolute most important thing: don't ever start a game with the mindset of finishing it. Games are entertainment, and the goal and intention should be to enjoy the game in the moment. Please don't ever let games become a chore. A backlog isn't an unclimbable mountain, it's a giant treasure of options to jump in and between at any moment.
I'm gonna add my own bit on this. I was in this mindset for a long, long time. And I was at a point where I was unemployed, and video games were getting boring but that was the only thing I had. It felt like work, it made me even more depressed because my own passion for video games was dying. Then I had a kid, and everything changed. The fact I didn't have that much time anymore, made video games SO MUCH MORE ENJOYABLE. It did revive my passion and now I'm slowly going through my 500+ games backlog, enjoying each single entry every time I have some time, even though it's just 30min in a day, I'm having so much more joy out of it than when I was playing 14 hours a day to just finish games.
My point is, try to have something else in your life if you're getting burned out. Video games are indeed supposed to be fun, don't let your passion become a tedious task.
My problem is, sometimes it takes months or even years to go back to it, and when I try to go back I either forgot part of the story or the damn controls. 🥲🤣
@@gamerrap23 that's definitely an issue that can happen sometimes but I think generally if a game is good enough, you'll either not walk away from it to begin with or the enjoyment of it will be strong enough to pull you past that wall. And if it's not quite good enough for either is those, than you can just move on to something else that hopefully will be. I definitely think there are times when it will be worth pushing past a hurdle like that or just a bad part of a game but we can't and won't ever be able to give everything we're interested in a fair chance, so it's often better to just walk away when it becomes a chore
Yeah… a lot of games are not worth beating.
@@gamerrap23I think this happens to everyone. For me, if a game is good enough, I just restart it from the beginning. I know that doesn’t work for some people but for a lot of games, if you’ve been away for, like, 12 months, you literally won’t know what the hell you need to do.
Edit: On the other hand, some games it doesn’t really matter. I put down RE4 remake a few months ago but I know when I come back to it, it won’t really matter if I’m confused where I’m at. Platformers, linear games, etc are best for this approach. RPGs, by and large, are the hardest to come back to after being away.
I seriously agree with Derrick's advice on mixing genres. Definitely don't do JRPGs back to back, you will burn out fast.
Absolutely got that open world fatigue last year
That depends on the person though. I can eat JRPG after JRPG like it's nothing, I literally played Persona 5 three times back to back. To me diversifying genres is more about getting into more new series more quickly than it is about avoiding burnout.
I beat final fantasy 6 in November...
Haven't started a new game since lol the burnout is real. Masterpiece of a game though.
That was me with the Yakuza series. I 100%'d 0, Kiwami 1, and Kiwami 2 and was so burnt out by the end of 2 I didn't start 3 for a couple months afterwards.
I beat like... 30 JRPGs in 2023 lol. I marathon these things back to back to back to back somehow XD
Regarding the mindset of it all, I'd like to add "the backlog" is a good thing. It's not a list of overwhelming obligations. It's a list of options that ensures you'll always have something exciting coming up. It's a great way to spend less money as you play what you already own instead of jumping to everything that's new, and it even helps distract you from gaps in series that don't get new games for a long time.
We should try not to optimize the fun out of a hobby.
Yeah, I really agree with this. I don't have a backlog anywhere near as big as the one described in this video, but I find that I actually _prefer_ to have at least some ‘backlog’ so that I know I can always grab a game to fit my mood- and so I can avoid spending a fortune on the latest games. Having a bunch of games to choose from is a luxury, not a responsibility 😀
That's an excellent way of thinking about it. I'm going to try thinking of it that way from now on.
Another tip to avoid stress due to your backlog, and I had this realization last year.
It's all in your head.
No one is forcing you to get rid of your backlog by X date. It's not hurting the games to let them sit for a while if you wanna go play something new, or catch up on other stuff, or just don't have time like me. You can get around to them later. Don't let the list intimidate you, because it's all in your head.
I feel like the best mentality you can take when tackling a backlog is getting rid of FOMO. When you aren't trying to play every new game that comes out and attempting to be part of the conversation, it makes a world a difference.
This is good general life advice…
I tend to do one long RPG and then something lighter (like a platformer, roguelike etc) as a palette cleanser. As a teenager I'd start way too many games at once and that would usually result in my dropping games. Over the past three or so years I'd say I've finished over 90% of what I've started which is good. A great driver is also when a new game is coming out and you want to catchup on the series, it gives you a time goal and external pressure that really helps with motivation.
Your approach is similar to mine, I try to beat a new rpg series each year. Last year I went through all the .Hack games and this year I am working through Trails of Cold Steel. Everything else is randomized
That is honestly a good way to go about it. Trying that aswell now. How long do you play the platformers after RPG's as break? (roughly)
@TheClyde1993 I play them simultaneously, it helps me avoid burnout. I try make sure I don't leave one game more than a week though so I don't leave it so long that it's impossible to get back into.
@@Froge0 Thank you. Going to try that.
Yeah, if you’re into RPGs, I love this approach. I’ve been hacking away at some RPGs on my Switch but I pop out and play other games here and there. Otherwise, I become kind of bored with them and I end up abandoning the RPG altogether.
I love having a backlog for everything. I know I’ll never play every game and watch every movie in my lifetime, but it feels incredible when you look at your backlog and pick out something that turns out to be special. Don’t let your backlog be a burden, make it your highlight
Something that helped me is to come to terms with the fact that I will probably never get around to playing every single game I own. As a kid I would play the same games over and over because I only had so many. Now I have hundreds of games I haven't gotten around to yet. Instead of stressing about it, I actually enjoy the idea that at any point in time I can pick a game from my shelf that is brand new to me and play it for the first time. Having a lot of games is something I dreamed of as a kid, and while I may not have as much time to play them as I did back then, I am very grateful to have a nice collection of games to choose from.
That’s a very healthy attitude… good for you.
And just accepting that you are no longer a kid is a good first step. Kids can approach video games in a way that adults just can’t.
I feel it's also important to not force yourself to beat a game if you don't really want to. This doesn't necessarily apply only to games you end up not liking. You can say you've enjoyed your time with a game and not worry about the rest. If you do decide to revisit it later, well then you still have more to play. Just don't stress over it!
My problem is I've yet to play a game recently that I didn't enjoy enough to play all the way through. Now that doesn't mean I will get all trophies, only if u feel I am capable. For example, I played Tony Hawk 1+2 and I'm just not good enough to get them all
Mmm fair point
Man, it is SO hard for me to convince myself I don’t need to beat games I like (I’ve become quite good at abandoning games that don’t click with me). But I love this advise. Sometimes, you can just get your fill of a game. Example for me: Just Cause 3. I played that game for dozens of hours but there came a point where I was like “you know, I don’t think this game has anything left to show me” and I just walked away. It was hard for me but when I reflect back, it was the right move.
But some people really have that compulsion to “complete” games. It’s a good thing to work on if you’re struggling with a massive backlog.
This is what I did for Metal Gear Solid and Viewtiful Joe. For the first one, I liked what I played but for some reason had a hard time convincing myself to get back to it, and I think it's because I'd literally rather just skip to MGS3. Viewtiful Joe on the other hand was weirdly underwhelming which disappointed me a lot, but it's so short I'll probably still come back and beat it some lazy afternoon, especially since I at least want to try the sequel which I also have.
Thing is all my other games get ignored because Monster Hunter is currently hogging all my attention lol
@@mallow2902 I hear ya! Sometimes we have games we always come back to that take most of our time, but we just have so much fun with them. I just reached 2000 hours in Super Smash Bros Ultimate, and I think about all the other games I could've played in that time. I can't help myself, because I love that game to death, and playing with each character online is a good way to keep the game fresh for myself.
having a backlog isn't necessarily a bad thing. you can save a lot of money by focusing on your backlog first and waiting to get most new games on a sale
I used to have a list with backlog games. But it only gave me anxiety. I threw away the list and put on the mantra “you can't play everything, just play what you really want”. So now I play whatever I feel like at the moment and don't fret about “must plays”. It feels a lot healthier for me at least.
Been working on my backlog of games and tv shows for over 15 years. The biggest mistake I've made and one piece of advice I cannot stress enough is this: Do NOT focus on games/shows just because they're "short" and you think you can get them done faster. I was working on a "save the best for last" mentality on top of that. No. Play the games you want to play the most FIRST. Doesn't matter if its old or new.
My biggest advice is watch that show or play that game when you feel like it. Don’t force yourself to sit and watch a show just to finish a season. Watch that show when you’re engaged and want to watch it. Same with games when you feel like diving into a 200 hour games then do it you’ll have the most fun. Dont do it just to knock it off the list. This is why I don’t like lists it feels like a chore just play the game when you feel like it. Plus it’s okay to stop leave the game and play something else so you don’t get burnt out you can always come back later.
Honestly one of the most relatable videos, with solid advice. The biggest thing is to avoid turning game backlogs into a form of stress, or guilt for not beating every game you bought. Games by nature are for having fun, so it helps a lot to focus on whatever catches your eye in the current moment and just roll with it!
This is stuff I try to tell myself, but it feels way better and validating to hear from someone else too, and makes things easier
As someone who is also always bugged by his backlog, I really appreciate your tips, Derrick! Conquering my fear of missing out on the biggest game to discuss at the moment is a big goal of mine for this year. It would be much wiser to focus on the ones I truly want to play day one and pick up some of the other interesting games a little later. Sometimes, getting over a backlog feels like having to play certain games just for the sake of finishing them, which is something I really want to avoid this year. Also loving the idea of a new backlog series from you, please pursue this idea, I'd love to watch those videos. Personally, I just started taking notes on the games I'm playing, which, like you said, definitely helps to remember them in the long run. Here's to finishing some great gems from the past and, of course, playing a lot of amazing new releases in 2024!
I don't stress on backlog - I see a big backlog as a treasure. It's asically a library full of nice things I can dive into at will, or when I want to play a specific type or genre I can test the water with a nice big sample group and stick to the one I like the most.
I really like this TH-cam Channel. The vibes are just so cozy.
The biggest thing that helped me tackle my backlog was when I stopped trying to play games at Max difficulty and stopped trying to do everything.
Playing them in easy and just focusing on the story helped me get through them so much faster.
Really thankful the advice for this. One thing me and some friends have been doing with our backlogs is making them into a Bingo Card of the kinda games we wanna play (including a few upcoming games) and then playing them in order to try and get a line or two through or cards. It really helped last year
The problem mainly is that the backlog keeps growing. If it started to decrease, I wouldn’t care one bit. The stress hits when I know that for every game I beat, there will another 3-4 I want to add to the collection. Heck, look at the playstation plus free games. I’ve never had one month where I played and beat every free game to then be able to go back and catch up on the others. It’s impossible to catch up on the backlog and that is why it’s so stressful
Backlogs seem to be a symptom of our addiction to consumption. Many of us don’t actually intend to play these games, we just rationalise ourselves into buying them and imagine ourselves enjoying them through the reviews we watch. It seems to be part of how capitalism works now. Companies producing products, content creators hyping the products and feeding the consumers need for something to fill the void. I buy something new, but I’m constantly being told that there’s something better just around the corner. The capitalist model hijacks dissatisfaction with the state of the present.
You’d think more of a good thing would be good, but it’s not.
too damn true....I always pre order some games or just buy whatever came out thinking I'll play them eventually but never do.....at this point I just like to have them now like a collection......
I bet your fun at parties
Guys with comments like yours are usually the party poopers@@eoinmcbain7725
Not me. All my backlog right now is pirated games on my hacked 3ds that I can't even buy.
Nah they are speaking facts @eoinmcbain7725
6:00 this is so me also, I put 80 hrs into RDR2, 40-50 hrs into Pillars of Eternity, 30hrs into DS3, haven't beaten them because I just got into other games I wanted to play.
I think the hardest part is actually just turning the console or handheld on and start playing. Sometimes i spend days or even weeks without a single hour of gaming, just watching TH-cam, wasting my time. If i find resolve to launch the game, i can beat it.
Oh, and RPGs. They just tend to be way too long. I'm trying to beat DQ11, and it's not hard at all, but takes forever to complete.
1 tip that works for me: play lots of shorter games. I still play longer games, but I try to ration them out. I can play one, maybe two 50+ hour games a year now. And for every long game I beat, I try to get through 5-10 shorter ones before I tackle the next big one. The last short games that I beat were Chants of Sennaar, Infernax, Gato Roboto, Cocoon and The Last Campfire. And it only took like 2 months to get through all those.
whenever my internet is out or there's been a blackout, that's when it gets much much easier to play games.
the problem is our content consumption treadmill. when you turn it off, when you can't have TH-cam and stuff at your fingertips, you can finally enjoy what you have without scrolling your libraries of games and watching a video instead of playing anything.
that's also why i like my secondary PC setup specifically for the CRT monitor it's driving. it can't do much, it's probably unsafe to go online, but it can play a mission of Thief 2 at night, distraction-free. i finished The Longest Journey that way, even though i never thought i'd be patient enough for this game (i have ADHD)
The reflection thing is so on point. Actually thinking about things really makes them much more memorable and that's why I carry a diary and a commonplace with me. I mean, i haven't written anything down on them for quite some time, but i really think i should get back into it.
I've got three game-related resolutions this year:
1. Beat every mainline Final Fantasy game (started last week, got through FF1-3, playing 4 now)
2. Stop playing AAA FOMO games (battle passes, gacha, limited time events, etc.). If the game wants me to treat it as a second job I'm not jumping in.
3. Don't buy a single video game and focus entirely on the backlog
Here's hoping I can succeed on all three
good luck :)
I am also trying to stop playing FOMO games, I got into disney dreamlight valley, it is not a healthy place for me to be (^^") mentally or for my wallet.
I need to be better about 3, lol. I tend to wait for sales. Although there were a number of games where I was worried they’d be discontinued or 1st party Nintendo games that don’t go on sale often, and (rarely) beyond a certain point. So once it goes on sale at X price, might as well buy it instead of waiting for that same price drop again.
Another reason 3 tends to be the hardest for many people is because people will be discussing whatever the new thing is, and it sucks being left out of the conversation. By the time you play it, everyone will have moved on most likely or have accustomed to it (for online games).
@@mrshmuga9 It gets a lot harder when trying to get physical games, because of limited run or the store stops caring them.
@@celery791 It might be hard for some people to adjust, but they have to get over it. After all, are they playing it because they want to play a fun/interesting game? Or is it just an excuse to have a conversation topic (online or offline)?
You should have online mutuals or actual friends where you can discuss these things regardless of when you play them. Because they care about _your_ thoughts/opinions. If you don't, find some. If you "have" to play on release just to be "part of the discussion" , you now care more about the _chances_ that someone will interact with your comment about [game], than actually playing [game] yourself. And if that's the case, you have to ask yourself how else has social media or attention influenced the choices you make? What else do you do simply to get attention than because you enjoy the thing on its own merits?
I agree, it _is_ nice to talk to people about stuff you like. But I'm not going to ditch what I'm playing or pay full price at launch just to have the _remote chance_ someone will interact with a post and have a discussion. If I play a game at launch it'll be because I genuinely want to... or I'm worried I'll get spoiled if I had waited, lol.
Last year, I made a New Year's Resolution that I was going to finish every game that I either haven't beaten or played, as well as watching every movie and TV show through all my streaming services before the end of the year.
...Yeah, that didn't work out at all. While I did watch a lot more games and watched a lot more movies than I would have done otherwise, having to try and tick off each game and so on caused me a lot of stress and anxiety than was necessary. Even if I did want to play them, I often questioned whether it was because I was actually interested in playing and finishing them, or was it to check off a box to move on to the next thing. I'd say it was a mix of both.
While I do want to finish or at least try out every game in my back catalogue, I don't want to force myself to play games out of some sort of obligation. It takes so much out of the fun and wonder in why you're into these hobbies in the first place. I'm going to see if I try to amend that this year.
I've grown to appreciate having a large backlog (whether or not i even actually own the game yet) its nice knowing you've still got a few games in series you have still left to enjoy for the first time rather than having completed the series and not having the opportinuty to play the new one avalible
Finally got around to watching this, I've always had an issue with "I must never start another game/another series until I've finished the one I'm currently playing/reading", and that's something I'm gonna try to get past this year. Good video Derrick!
It seems like I'm not the only one who realized that a spreadsheet would be able to help me keep track of my backlog! The only improvement that I would make to your backlog spreadsheet is to fill in the cells with color to denote your progress in them. I use green for 100% completion, yellow for beating the main campaign of the game, and white denotes unbeaten games and unplayed ones.
Two things from Femtrooper that have been helping me a lot this year:
1. Make a list of games that you definitely want to beat in the year. I picked ten games that I wanted to beat this year.
2. Do one console game and one handheld game at a time.
And then I'm just taking a break from buying new games this year. 2023 was ridiculously stacked and the only two games coming this year that I want are Princess Peach Showtime and FFVII Rebirth.
Great video, I have a spreadsheet with all games that come out each year with a section for my thoughts after I am done playing them, anything that I miss goes into the backlog sheet where I let games I really want to get to eventually bubble up to grab when the time feels right. Even if something is at the top my backlog sometimes I'm just not in the mood for a specific genre etc and I end up playing something else and have an amazing time anyway.
I also really like how you stress how important it is just the ability to drop a game when you're not having fun. When I was younger like a lot of people dropping a game was difficult as sometimes I only got 1 or 2 games a year, but now I realise my time not my money is way more important. Its almost relieving in a way when you realise a game isn't for you sometimes and you're done with it.
Randomly found this channel, second video I'm seeing, but just to help some people to make it so they remember what games they need to play (if you own physical), rotate the case on the shelf. As a Trophy hunter I have two ways to keep it all in check: if I never touched the game, I flip it so the spine is facing down; if it's a game I started or simply haven't gotten all Trophies on and feel I eventually could if I tried hard enough, I have it so spine is facing up. When I check my games all the normal spines, I ignore, I've finished those, I can direct my attention to the horizontal ones if I want something new, just lift the case up some to see the spine that's facing down, but it also allows me to view all my incomplete games and see if there's one I feel I could do or even just feel like doing. Also makes it very satisfying when I 100% a game's Trophy list I can sit it upright and see it properly displayed. I simply started doing that not because I enjoyed my shelf looked fucked up, but because it's hard to remember what games I had nearly done, but got held up on something. No need to check my digital Trophy list for incomplete games, just a quick scroll. As for my digital games, yeah, I forget of certain games I have that are digital-only and that really just relies on me actively going through my download list.
For me it's kind of the distraction of streaming services and silly hours on youtube. After work i tend to go to those 1st to chill out. I just recently installed RDR2 and have only played like 10hrs, even though it's been installed for nearly 2 months now... I did just finish GOW however, which was great. I did buy Ragnarok but coming fresh off of GOW, thought I'd wait a while for the burnout to settle so tried RDR2. I think it's just laziness with me haha. And yes! There's Tekken 8 next week, and Rebirth next month which are instant plays.
Something I would add is that I love to differentiate between what I would call “episodic games” and “binge games”, where episodic games are the ones that have simple and consistent progress made that I can make it to “1 goal” per day. Having an episodic game to consistently inch forwards with every day right before a big play session of a binge game also makes shorter episodic games feel like a grand adventure.
I always love this topic. I think a backlog can be overwhelming at times, but generally I fall into the "It's a good thing" camp and just think that it's fun to think about ways to enjoy things! I have a large collection/backlog and my desire is mostly to make sure I'm not forgetting somewhere to grab from. I keep the whole thing in a spreadsheet, but it is indeed overwhelming. I like picking 7-10 at a time to go through. Sort of like "pretending these are the only 10 games I own". I pick one based on a criteria:
'NEW' - Something new. Either newest by release date, or newest to my collection. (Neptunia: Sisters Vs Sisters)
'RANDOM' - Chosen at random from the spreadsheet. (Metallic Child)
'RETRO' - I love old games! I like to build in time to play some. (Mighty Flip Champs! - not the oldest retro game, but I still count it)
'LONG' - The longest game in my backlog. I like the idea of conquering the long games, but don't want to only focus on them. (Elite: Dangerous [?!])
'ONGOING' - I like rhythm games and they don't really ever end. I usually put a few here. (DJMAX Repect V and Muse Dash are my mainstays. But I also like Groove Coaster, Project DIVA, and several others)
'GRIND' - This is usually a game I've beaten, but I left something undone. Or, it's just fun so I want to jump in and level up. Or maybe replay. (Moemon FireRed [Pokemon rom hack])
'RATING' - In my spreadsheet I try to give games a rating of how excited I am to play it, so this is one from the current top of the list. (Persona 3: Reload)
In general I want to focus on one (except for some time also spent in ongoing/grind) and onto the next, then when I finish, pick new games. But it isn't an absolute rule. As you say, it's most important to not stress. I just like a little structure to help get started.
I usually make a little graphic in GIMP out of the box arts from the games I've picked, too. I find that easier to reference than needing a browser and opening a spreadsheet, remembering, or even a text list. I also like looking forward to the next games that are coming up.
I want to improve the retro one a little bit. I might put two games there. A lot of retro games are really difficult, or meant to replayed so I like the idea of having one to try and beat and another to just play as if I would an ongoing game, or a game at the arcade.
Another TH-camr also touched on this subject. My strat was to limit my games to about 10. That's just my number but you pick a number you feel isn't too little nor to much. Avoid games that you can infinitely play with no end. Those will prevent you from finishing your other games you may have started or haven't finish or need carrying on. Especially once you get hooked. Leave the multiplayer stuff for when friends log in. Know the kind of games you can go through easily. Not in a speedrunning way but rather you have your beginning, middle and end which you can progress at your pace and not rush. That brings me to singleplayer titles. Those are the ones that need clearing the most. If you get stuck somewhere then maybe take a break or leave for another time. Play different genres of games as sticking to one can lead to burn out. If you have a sibling that you play with often then that will give a huge boost in completing games.
GVG has been my highlight of the year! Keep it up guys!
Steam Deck OLED definitely helps my backlog. Have so many Steam games, some free or in a Humble Bundle that I have near 500 games. The Steam Deck really helps me to get some games back on the saddle again thanks to playing it differently than on PC. Games from early/mid 2010s runs amazing on it and even new releases surprisingly well mines the FPS, and in anyway hundreds times better than a Switch ports. Have been fun discovering games that I never have played and some other games that I gave up or let down in the past a second go. I love handheld gaming ever since the gameboy and I feel sometimes more immersed and focused when playing on a handheld rather than a PC/console.
Some tips that really helped me out, besides what's been said in the video:
1 - categorize your games by system. When I did this, I realized I don't get through many indies on PS, so I started buying them elsewhere.
2 - go to howlongtobeat and list the time next to the game. They have three average times, so you gotta know your play style. And this will be just an estimate. But sometimes it helps to go through some quicker games and get some wins in the backlog race.
3 - Accept that you'll always have a backlog. When I started managing mine, I was at 80+ games and almost 2000h of playtime. I'm now sitting at 22 games and 700h. Not sure I can go lower than that time, but at least it's under control.
4 - this might seem counter productive. But take some time off. I'd say at least two weeks away from gaming. The day before you can go back to it, go through the list and assess which games you'll actually wanna play and which one you don't feel like it. I do my "palate cleansing" for 40 days. So after that long, if I don't feel like playing the game, I most likely never will.
5 - have fun managing your backlog. I have a spreadsheet and I do enjoy doing it and keeping records of it all. I'm a data nut hehe
Whenever I force myself to play a game on my backlog I never enjoy it because it feels like work and I’m just trying to get it over with. Now I know it’s better to wait until you actually have an interest in the game
- game collecting is a hobby completely separate to game playing. I've come to learn this.
- how i handle my backlog is that i have organised them by release date, (month and year.) i play the earliest title, and take my time to absorb it. Then i move onto the next title. i'm a physical games buyer so i organised my ps4/ps5 discs into a binder thing.
- it's ok to buy games and build up the front end but don't worry about finishing it as soon as it comes to your hands. it's not food, it won't expire (unless it's downloadable game code content)
- my previous strategy was to put my entire collection (console specific) into a spin-the-wheel ipad app (Decide Now!) and randomly pick it. i don't like this method anymore but it was an interesting experiment. One wheel was for playstation4+5 titles, one wheel was for Switch, one wheel for DS/3DS. whichever console i felt like interacting with, influenced the wheel choice.
i disagree with derrick, the best advise is stop buying games... only buy games you want to play immeadiatly.. my backlog is pretty much just a list of games on a word document. and its huge i admit.. but it makes it easier to accept when i havent bought them yet :)
The backlog really made gaming feel like a job and I hated it. I have a lost with old and new games. My backlog. And I play a game of it when I'm feeling it for example I've played ghost of tsushima 50h when it released. Wanted to save the expansion to have some more of the game to look forward to. So I started it a week ago and it feels so good. I love it.
The way I got going on my backlog is to never have more than 2 games going at a time. This way there is no distractions. Also posting what you have finished somewhere gives you a list and a sense of accomplishment and drive.
Thank you for making this. I've made it my mission to stop making excuses and just beat as many games as I can this year, and a lot of your tips were things I already was thinking about such as diversifying genres, being okay with checking out new games, and reflecting on my experiences. So it's nice to hear those thoughts clarified and come to life. Best of luck to all of you guys.
Point 1 - Stop buying games if you have too many!
Another tip that has really helped me is to make a backlog folder on your gaming platform. PS4/5 Supports folders/game lists respectively, Nintendo Switch has groups, Steam even allows you to create lists as well. On each platform I play on I have a backlog folder, there to remind me of what titles await me. I'm not one to pressure myself into clearing said folders, but it feels great removing a game from the folder after I've beaten it. I also like to cycle between platforms, sometimes I get exhausted playing on the same platform that I've been playing on for hours on end. I'll hop back and forth between my Switch and my PS5, beating one game on one of those platforms and then beating the next on the other.
I am realizing that my main problem when working through my backlog is actually long games. From about the 15 hour mark to 30 hours I might still be able to "clock in" and have fun, but after this point I kind of stop wanting to pick it up. Not because the game is not fun or good, but because it has gone on for too long and I want something else. But at the same time I still want to see the end of the game, so I feel bad if I jump to a different game.
I might need to look into rotating the games I am playing, so I still get something done, but am not procrastinating continuing as much. It all comes down to figuring out what works for you and not work against yourself :)
Getting suggestions from friends and viewers has been hugely helpful, as picking the next backlog game is the most daunting part for me! But totally agree on mixing in different genres and especially reflecting or doing something more meaningful for each game or else they become a blur. Lots of good tips, love all the GVG videos!
Great idea Derrick, don't stress games are for fun and enjoyment. I myself am not in a position to get any of the new releases or spend on games in general so I'm playing through the ones I have already knowing that the others on my wishlist will always be there in the future
Some super solid advise here!
I've been using backloggd, but even that doesn't feel personalised enough. It's fun to leave little reviews and you can see what people you follow review games, but in terms of tracking what you actually have to play, the spreadsheet idea is so good.
As someone with ADHD I've also found that colour coding it really helps. AT the moment my colours show me what I've finished at what I plan to finish this year as a priority.
I think you hit the nail on the head though here Derrick, gaming is a hobby that's supposed to be fun. You don't want to suck the fun out of it by making it feel like a chore.
Too late. My backlog is massive. There is no hope! 😂
11:10 I can 100% attest to this one. Last year, I actually had a goal set out to beat every Final Fantasy game in order since there were a lot I hadn't played and I was super hyped for 16. I managed to get through the first 5 and was hit *hard* by burnout. I started 6 and was immediately in love with it, but because the burnout was still hitting me hard, I had to just put it down before I drove myself mad. This year, I'm not making that same mistake and will definitely do some back and forth with Final Fantasy and other games.
A few years ago i chose to downsize my collection as i got more focused on being a gamer instead of a collector.
I made som rules for what i want to collect. I need to enjoy the games and have either beat them or intend too.
If i play one and don't like it i usually put it away for a few months.
Then i try again once or twice. If i still don't enjoy it i sell it
They're just games guys. Play what you wanna play. No need to conquer the backlog.
I have a whole video series on tackling my backlog and I totally agree on the randomizer. It makes it super fun to have it a surprise on what is your next game! Great video, Derrick!
What helps me is making a schedule and sticking to it, on top of cataloguing my games. Also really helps if you want to watch movies or TV shows too. Just don't be overwhelmed by the amount of stuff you have, prioritize the big games like RPGs.
Thank you so much for creating this video Derrick! Really resonated with me as someone who has just about 150 games on their backlog. One point I’ll add in case it helps anyone, I now have 3 lists of games I keep track of: my backlog, completed games I’ve fully seen through, and games that I’ve attempted but never fully beat. Like you mentioned Derrick, re-adding games you attempt but ultimately don’t finish back into the backlog pile really demotivated me in the past, so I personally find separating those out is better. Completely agree with all your other points, so thanks again and have a great start to the new year! 🎉
I bought Metroid Dread back when it came out, having no real experience with the games prior and just buying it because it looked cool. I got lost and found the game crazy hard and dropped it quickly. Since then I’ve played Metroid 1, Return of Samus, Zero Mission and AM2R, and I’m about halfway through Super Metroid. Now I’m excited to play Dread all over again and see it as a little present for myself when I get there. So I agree, don’t stress. If you own it, it’ll always be there to play when you may least expect it.
it think rating your games and reviewing them really helps with moving past a game you beat and playing the next one. it adds finality to it. I don't post any of my reviews I just type them up almost like a gaming diary and it honestly has helped me go from completing about 20 games a year to this year almost 45.
Pretty good tips, I like the “recent releases sort” but if you have to choose a second sort, I’d recommend looking up the time to complete and sorting your games by shorter games.
If you jump into Zelda, FF16, Elden Ring, Xenoblade, Baldur’s Gate, etc… you are investing near 100 hours at least and that can burnout your energy and add up your backlog. I beat 2-3 fifteen hour games (like Super Mario RPG) and it feels good to clear quick hits off the backlog.
What I find that helps is, that if you have the week schedule for it, designate at least 1 day of your week as a backlog day. When you game on that day, it is going to be a day for 1 of your backlog games. If there are no new releases to play, and you like the game good enough, you can play it on the other days as well. If there is a new release you really want to play, leep at least that 1 day free for your backlog games. This method works really well for people who like to schedule their stuff, like me
Man this is such a great video, I need to stress less about the backlog, and mix up my games, I keep burning myself out. That and letting myself give up when it just isn't clicking. Thanks Derek.
Can't agree more with these tips! Particularly playing what clicks and playing what you want when you want. If you force yourself to play something that's not clicking, you are just not gonna get through that game in a reasonable time. Or worse, burn out on gaming in general.
Also mixing up what you play and again, just playing what you're in the mood for rather than forcing yourself through something you're not enjoying
This video came at an interesting point for me, because I've hit this lull I hit maybe once every two months where I just REALLY struggle to stick with a game, bouncing from game to game from my backlog, the problem growing larger when I got more games this holiday than ever before (very grateful! just overwhelmed in a first-world problems kind of way)
It sounds silly to take pride in this, but over the last few years I've managed to see more games through to the credits than ever before. It started in 2021, with me deciding I was going to keep track of every game I beat that year in a list on my phone, which on a whim I decided to turn into a thread talking about my thoughts on all of the games at the end of the year. Since then, I've been regularly updating a yearly thread with every game I beat, detailing my thoughts on them. For whatever reason, this list-keeping feels like I've actually accomplished something, and that sense of accomplishment has served in many cases as just enough motivation to finish games. It helps that my friends have expressed to me that they enjoy seeing these posts, too.
Been put ING similar tips into place over the past 2 years & while my collection has grown (thanks limited physical releases) along with tracking games when I best them. It makes a big difference in feeling great that I beat 30 & 24 games respectively.
This year my goal is to beat a game on each console I own (24 including handheld).
Thank you for the tips. I'll give it a try as I have many games still to be played. Usually, I try to mix up different types of games so I don't get stressed as some of them are pretty long. Probably after finishing something that takes 100+ hours, try a short game to refresh yourself.
Games are there for you to enjoy and have fun, not to get you stressed or frustrated
Thanks Derrick, I've been doing most of these already but you inspired me to make posts about the games I played at the very least.
I just don't think about my backlog, and haven't really thought about it for a long time. The fact is, when I force myself to try and play a game on my list that I'm not in the mindset for, it makes it less fun to play. For the most part, my games will always be there, ready to be played when I feel like it. This happened for me with the Transformers Cybertron games on PS3, which I bought years ago and dabbled in, but then blitzed through back to back out of nowhere and had a blast. I just needed to be in the right headspace to get into them. I started both Demon's Souls and Dark Souls 1 because I loved Elden Ring, but because I'm occupied by multiple Monster Hunter games (seriously, I'm absolutely hooked on that series), I haven't found the time or headspace to really dig into them yet. But when I'm ready, they'll be there.
Thanks, Derrick! I'll use the tips I learned to reflect on how I want to handle my backlog. There's so many great games to play and plenty of them are timeless, so I'll try not to stress either!
For me, writing down each game I finish and doing the 52 game challenge has helped me see through a lot of games.
But playing games shouldn’t be a chore.
If you play a long game then you play some short games and it balances out. My schedule right now allows for it, but even if it didn’t I would still log my games as it’s fun to keep track and look back on.
Just having game pass is enough to make you feel overwhelmed. Not to mention constant sales for black Friday, Xmas, New years... There's always a sale and you probably end up picking up 2-3 games. What has worked for me is that i try to stick to no more than 2 games at the same time and usually the second one is a smaller title. That way if you get stuck or frustrated in one game, you can go to the other. Eventually you'll finish the small one and you'll move to another one. If i start multiple games , i end up forgetting where i was and then i restart most of them or just waste time walking around clueless. Set a goal and stick with it until you feel you had enough!
I made a spreadsheet of all the games I own and have never beaten last January and honestly it has been a real motivator to beat these games. Beat more games last year than I have in years, and I’ve already beaten two games this year. Yes I’ve still been buying games but most, if not all are older games for cheaper prices. Having goals for the year is also a great idea. This year I think I finally want to get through the rest of Kingdom Hearts (about 3-4 games) and get through another Xenoblade (2+Torna). Aside from that, I’ll just play whatever I feel like I’d enjoy the most. I just stick to one game at a time, otherwise I’ll be stretched too thin and prioritize one over the other. And that thing about dropping games that don’t hook you? Agree 100%. I played Bravely Default for 30 hours last year but I never clicked with me so I dropped it for Persona 5 Strikers and it ended up being my favorite game last year. My big new release this year? Persona 3 Reload. Never been so excited for a game before. Great video Derrick.
I don't want to conquer my backlog. I like having a backlog. It gives me options.
Great video, Derrick! I think either having a game diary as a reflection either in video or written is an excellent idea. I know a lot of people post about games they completed, but maybe being okay with "Games I Played" is a better goal.
Taking a note from your game club, maybe play an unplayed game for any amount of length in a week to get those thoughts and reflections and move on. If you want to play more, add it to a list for those weeks where another game may not click with you and you can play more of what brought you joy.
Mixing up the genres is what I do. It's good advice!
I have a good feeling that 2024 will be the year I clear a lot from my backlog. One of the biggest obstacles for me has actually been not so much playing games, but more trying to capture them as well. I will be playing a game, but at the same time I like to capture footage of it incase I want to make a project out of it. I'm aware that I could easily play through casually the first time, and then play it again to capture it, but it's a lot easier if the footage is already there. So, for 2023 I made a new setup to where I could capture any of my systems even if just playing casually. It's all set, and works well, so 2024 could be a great gaming year for me. I definitely have to agree with categorising on a spreadsheet as well. It's sometimes easier to just have it all there and then so you can see what genre and such you fancy. Also, will be following the extra advice given on this video, as backloggery can really start piling up, so thanks!
I consider playing the game as cleaning the log, I don't neccessarily need to beat all the games I have, I just need to pay at least enough to keep it or drop it
I have an ungodly amount of games on my backlog, but over the past few years I've cleared some of them out in little short bursts and then play a couple of the new games that came out recently. Then get back into my backlog. There's a lot that I have either saved digitally or collected them physically. I wanna try to conquer that this year, but not completely focus on it. Just keeping it in the back of my mind and not only focusing on that.
How to conquer your backlog?
Stop buying new games and play the ones you have.
Simples.
Remember to take your backlog, One Piece at a Time!
One tip that I found handy - especially for January, is to play more short games - or have one in the rotation. Knocking games off the list nice and early tells yourself you can make those credits roll!
Great video, Derrick! I get the same anxieties about my backlog.
I have over 300 games spanning 19 different consoles. I used to struggle to pick a game because there were so many to choose from. What I do so I can slowly get through my back log is this.
1. Stop buying new games as frequently or entirely. You can’t knock out the backlog 1 game at a time when you’re adding another 5 in one day. I’ll go 2-3 months before I buy another game these days. My next game will be princess peach showtime in March and the last game I bought was wario ware move it about a week ago since it was $30 at Walmart and it was one of the four switch games I wanted for the holiday season.
2. Display the games you’re actively playing or set them aside in a different pile. All of my games are on a shelf except for the games I’m actively playing through. The games I’m actively playing through are displayed in a different section of my collection where the front cover is shown. All of my other games only the spines are showing. This helps me not deviate from what I was originally playing and when I see that game sitting there then even though I may be playing something else; I know I need to get back to it soon before I forget where I was or what’s going on.
3. Of the games you pick mix up the genres. He already went over this in the video but what I will add is if you have multiple or a lot of consoles( like me) then mix up the consoles that are being played as well.
4. My final tip is don’t pick too many games. Limit yourself to a maximum of 5 games TOTAL that you’re playing through at any given time. Once you’re done with one game you do not need to pick the next game immediately. Let the empty spot sit there until you get the urge to pick up the next game or revisit a classic.
Currently im playing through Spyro(PS1),Grandia(sega saturn), metropolis street racer( Dreamcast), and rocket knight adventures( sega genesis). Before I put out MSR and Spyro those spots were empty for a few days. Before they were empty it was occupied by bayonetta 1( Wii U) for 2 months and NFS underground and before underground 1 I had just beat underground 2. Before that it was tiny toons adventures( sega genesis), and bowsers fury( switch).
Would love some more Backlog Reviews, Derrick!
Hey Derrick, just really wanted to say thanks for this one. This came at exactly the time I needed to hear it, and definitely going to try cataloguing the huge backlog. Thanks for all the care you guys always put into your videos
Making a list is a cool idea but if, like me, you're not organised I find it helps to load up a new Switch game once so it appears on the Switch home screen. With Steam games it's a desktop shortcut. Retro games I want to play go on a separate shelf. Letting games go is also a very important tip that took me years to learn. We don't want to waste our limited money, but it's much more important not to waste our limited time on something that doesn't click.
One other thing; be ok playing on an easier difficulty to help breeze through, say, an rpg
I've been thinking about going back and play some Hyrule Warriors Definitive recently, but I was afraid of the grind and after looking at what the hardcore fans are saying about it, I decided to spend some time with the new My Fairy feature. farming for a perfect fairy worked perfectly as a decompressing session after work/school so before I realized it I've dumped hundreds of hours into this game I once didn't wanna play because it's "too grindy". Now I'm close to finishing the first half of Adventure Maps and I literally can't stop playing. giving the game a fair chance and letting it shine was just what I needed to fall in love with HW again.
That is why I don’t go after 100% it at each characters.
Great topic and approach. Sometimes I have to remind myself that I collected so many titles over the years, so that I have them at my disposal.
Christmas isn't officially over until Epiphany.
Backloggery definitely helps me keep track of what I have and haven't played. Without it I would have accidentally bought duplicates of the same game. If I can't decide what I want to play next, I roll the fortune cookie.
You're treating it like a job. If you look at your backlog of games as something you MUST chip away at, you're missing the point of being a gamer. I have a huge backlog like many of us do, but I see it as games I can always go to when I get the chance. Nothing is saying that I MUST play every game I own, even if I intend to try. I just won't let it dictate my enjoyment of the games I DO play.
You can also do what I do and ignore my backlog and start a new character for Baldur's Gate 3.
What helps me is I keep a list of games I have not played or have not beat yet, so I can always look back and remind myself what I have. And if I have zero desire to return to a game after multiple times of looking at my list, I remove it and add it to my other list of games I never finished for posterity.
something that really works for me personally is I make myself finish whatever I'm playing before I start something new. Sometimes it's frustrating (tears of the kingdom), but overall it helps me stay motivated and I feel rewarded when I finish a game because I get rewarded by playing something I really wanted to play!
Why would you force yourself to finish something you aren't enjoying? Especially really big games like TOTK? Just drop it and move on, video games aren't supposed to be a job.
If I really don't enjoy it I do just drop it.
I think TotK is really really good and I have a lot of great memories associated with it, but if I didn't push myself to go back to it every time its sheer size intimidated me I would have probably dropped it for good. Which would have been a huge shame!
I play my backlog most of the time. I’m often playing a game that’s 2, 3 or more years old. I agree with Derrick that the most important thing is to not stress about it.
Once I started using backloggery to catalogue my games and mark them as beat it helped to motivate me to work through my backlog. It also helps that I'm big into handheld gaming both native and remote play so I find it easier to pick up and play games for a few minutes here a s there until they're beat
Some reasons we have backlogs.
1) As adults we don't always have the time and pretending we do can cause uneeded stress.
2) Sooo many modern games are longer than they should be.
3) Games we know we like will take our limited time. Nothing wrong with playing an old game that you enjoy!
If I never make it through my backlog there's nothing wrong with that. As many others have said in comments, we don't need to buy every game. The industry is saturated with new releases now. It's harmful to yourself to feel the need to "catch up".
This year I’ve made a list of games I want to beat this year including a couple of new releases coming this year. I’m only letting myself play a few games at a time. When I find myself going to TH-cam to watch game videos I pickup my steam deck and play instead expect I’m watching this right now lol. When I finish a game I look at my list and pick something from it to play. It’s working so far 5 games completed . I started with some of my shorter games it really helped getting some of those wins early and fast.