The title doesn't really say it all, I wanted to write this blog to try and put into words what it’s like trying to do the thing you love. While juggling a full time job and a family, I have been an avid gamer for over 20 years. My earliest recollection of my first game was trying to beat my older cousin at defender, ever since then it’s been a big hobby of mine. I loved sports as a child so I was never one of those people who would spend their day in a dark room playing video games, but as soon as I got home it would be straight up to my room with my dinner in hand to begin another adventure. Or to pick up where I left off, probably at 4am that morning. But lately I have been finding less and less time for video games, sometimes I question whether I am just out growing them. But I am fairly certain my love for games is still strong, so the struggle is trying to find the time to really put the effort needed into some games.
I purchased Fallout 4 on day one and so far I have about 3 hours of play time logged, I literally haven't scratched the surface. But the minute I pick the controller up you can bet that one of my beautiful children will need something, it’s like they have a sixth sense. Quick daddy is playing video games, operation "interrupt daddy" is a go. In the last month or so I have purchased The Witness, Fire watch, Just cause 3, Layers of Fear, Rise of the Tomb Raider and of course Fallout 4 and I have hardly played any of them. I try to get my gaming time in at night, but the strain it puts on your eyes makes it very difficult to put a decent amount of time in. I wonder how many of my fellow gamers go through the same thing, I don't want to give up what I consider my hobby. But my PC is just sitting there most of the time and I have spent a small fortune on it. My current situation has also put me off buying a next gen console, I just wouldn't have the time to play on it.
So what's the answer, do I give my kids up for adoption. Sighting my lack of game time as the reason....... I'm joking of course, my children will always come before anything else in my life. But I never want to lose my passion for gaming, but I believe that's a strong possibility. Maybe I should start playing more pick up and play games, games I don't have to invest my time into to get any joy out of them. But isn't that the whole point of gaming, being able to get lost in a fantasy world and forget all the crap that's happening in your life. Gaming is a great form of stress relief for me, shooting the hell out of some bad guys is just what I need after 12 hours of work. Maybe I could open an Arcade/nursery where dads can come and enjoy their hobby while someone else takes care of their children. Do you think it would take off? No me neither, So I am left with the sad realisation that my days of being a "hard core" gamer are over, it’s time to go and start playing Candy Crush and Angry Birds. I will never again get a game delivered in the morning and lose a whole day playing it, without noticing and not have to worry that my kids could be drawing on the walls or eating crayons.
Revenue from gaming subscriptions has reportedly barely increased in the last two years in the US, which might help paint a clearer picture around Microsoft's recent studio closures.
"prioritizing high-impact titles" but there was just an article from Forbes 2 mins ago, saying they are concentrating on smaller titles
" Xbox Game Studios boss Matt Booty sent an email to staff, seen by IGN, explaining that the studio closures allowed the mega corporation to focus on "prioritizing high-impact titles and further investing in Bethesda’s portfolio of blockbuster games."
Pretty sure that what's I have been saying regarding how the industry operates and how this thinking from all companies will kill innovation and force more of the same COD, Spiderman, Forza, Fifa, REMASTERS, Assassin's Creed we have been feds for the past 10 years+
But I guess I should believe MS and Sony when they say they are invested in creating new Ips and ideas.
An existing community manager for Helldivers 2 has acknowledged the 'unfortunate' departure of Spitz following the whole PSN fiasco.
From what I see on Reddit, a lot of fans also hate him... it is just a guy that like the stir shits up, it is not good for both the Arrowheads and the fans.
I think he just got fed up by people's complaining and accidentally spilled the beans
Ya, but unfortunately that's the nature of the job, you can't get emotional, he represents the company.
Wccftech discussed the recent Xbox news with MIDiA Research analyst Rhys Elliott, who pointed out that a strong upcoming Games Showcase could help a lot with fans.
I was hoping for something different from Coalition, not Gears 6 so soon.
Their expertise in UE development could've propelled them to try out other IPs using the new UE5.
But guess, given recent MS' state, Gears 6 was the 'safer' call for the studio. But still hope they venture other IPs or even other genres ... at least FPSs in future?
Microsoft seems only interested in maximizing profits through its biggest IPs at this point.
So soon? Its been 5 years since Gears 5, longest gap between games in the franchise.
Why would people be less angry? If MS made it's own games instead of buying up what was already available then we wouldn't be in the situation that everyone is angry at.
MS is the problem.
Everybody pays for or uses MS in some form personally or professionally. If that’s considered supporting, it hasn’t been helping Xbox.
Fuck MS and Phil. I already told that shit bag off on Twitter, if the dumb ass responds I highly doubt it, I will go off much worse. What a fucking disgrace MS and Phil are to the gaming community.
Once you have a child/wife say goodbye to free time. Lucky for me I don't want either. All the money and free time to me.
Thats the main reason I keep my PS3 so I buy most kid games for it in addition to all those I already have or get from PS+ even if more and more games are new gen only. Also you get to enjoy playing those games with you kid and whether I play with my kid or alone when possible I do enjoy it and no way I stop playing games even if you dont always play the game you want when you want.
With time they get to play their games while you play yours. Some kids may be different and not enjoy gaming but Im lucky enough mine is all about it and even cheering me when I play.
I dont see myself as a "hard core" gamer though but more as a gamer who just love playing games like most gamers I believe.
My advice is that you shouldn't buy all those games since you hardly even have time to complete one of them, let alone several. I can't imagine how hard that must be (i got too much spare time). Try picking up one game at a time and don't buy another untill you are finished with it or don't like it/get bored with it. This way you might feel less obliged to play all games out there.
Maybe pick up a wii (u) and play games WITH your kids? I don't know how old they are so it might not be possible ;)
I do not have kids and i feel the same thing you feel "hennessee._." I have been playing video games since the mid 70's . Between working 40 hours a week and running a Disc Jockey business, my time playing video games has been cut down .
The good thing is because i have not played most of the new games that came out in last 2 to 3 years i can buy video games new for a cheaper price thru flash sales and retail mark downs .
I have a 6 year old and an 8 year old.
You play games when they have gone to bed - simples.
Alternatively play games you can all play together - super smash bros, playstation all stars, any mario game, plants vs zombies garden warfare, splatoon. My kids quite enjoy Rock Band 4 even though they are shit at it.