How I'm dealing with my video game backlog of 48 titles: Reader's Feature

Meet the avid gamer who's facing a daunting reality: a video game backlog of 48 titles. For him, it's not just about the number of games, it's about the emotional investment, the anticipation, and the guilt of not being able to play them all. His wife, a bookworm, recently called him out on his gaming habits, prompting him to take a closer look at his library. The result? A candid admission of his gaming weaknesses and a desire to tackle his backlog.

With 20 games on his wishlist, including GTA 6 and Control Resonant, it's clear that he has a weakness for new releases. The anticipation is palpable, especially when it comes to GTA 6, which he believes will be a "must-play" game despite his doubts about living up to the hype. The same enthusiasm is evident for Control Resonant, which he thinks deserves more recognition for its predecessor's greatness. His willingness to pre-order Control Resonant at a discounted price of £43 speaks volumes about his dedication to the gaming community.

Breaking down his 48-title backlog, he realizes that 11 games are part of bundles he bought for other titles, some of which he'll likely never play. These include Amanda The Adventurer and Loddlenaut, which might as well be collecting digital dust. On the other hand, 27 games were free, courtesy of Epic, Steam, or Amazon. While some of these might not be top priority, others, like Resident Evil 2 remake, 7, and Village, were the main draws that prompted him to purchase the bundle in the first place.

He credits a podcast called Button Boys for introducing him to lesser-known games like Killer Frequency, Expelled!, and The Dark Queen Of Mortholme. These recommendations have added to his wishlist, but with a twist, they're usually very cheap and not long games. This is a refreshing change from the usual pricey and time-consuming experiences he's accustomed to.

As gaming continues to evolve, it's likely that backlogs will become an increasingly common issue. With the rise of games-as-a-service and the constant stream of new releases, gamers will need to find innovative ways to manage their libraries. Perhaps it's time for game developers to rethink their pricing strategies, offering more affordable options for players who want to experience their games without breaking the bank.## Gaming, in all its forms, has become an integral part of modern life. The reality of backlogs is a harsh one, but it's also an opportunity for growth, self-reflection, and community engagement.