Outgrowing gaming: How do you recognize it??

[SPTO]

I don't game as much as I used to but I do go through periods where i'll game quite a bit then go through a dry spell. I'm in one of my dry spells at the moment though.

I don't really take too much stock in reviews or what others say unless there's a big consensus on something that wrecks the gaming experience. I just play whatever seems fun to me and leave it at that.

[trobinson97]

Hell if I know, I haven't outgrown it.

[NEOPARADIGM]

I'm with YankeePride: if you feel like you're outgrowing gaming, you've likely just been playing the wrong games. Gaming is getting better and better, imo, and will only continue to do so as devs begin to realize that their customer base isn't perpetually 15 years old anymore. (See the article I posted the Heavy Rain thread as a case in point.)

Otherwise, you could always, ya know, just stop gaming. It's not like it'd be a travesty or something. lolz...

[VanCitySportsGuy]

I'm at this point. I don't remember the last time I touched my 360 and I just use my PS3 to watch movies and shows.

I don't have any kids but I would rather do other things (tv, movies, read, work out, go out) than play videogames with my free time.

I'm not going cold turkey (I'm buying MLB:The Show 10) the rest of my life but I no longer game like I use to.

[jnofx]

I agree with the guy that said we just don't have the same amount of time to dedicate to games anymore. That's what boat I'm in. Furthermore, I don't think we'll ever necessarily outgrow it, considering tons of games these days have such better entertainment value than movies/tv shows that are coming out, IMO.

[ExtremeGamer]

Quote: Originally Posted by YankeePride

If you're ignoring outside factors such as lack of time, then I think if you're feeling unsatisfied with gaming, it's more likely that the reason is because you're hungry for something different. I know for me, I've completely burned out with sports games. If I only played sports games then I would be done with video games. Someone who only likes FPS titles may feel that a lot of the newer ones are just the same games with better graphics. Many will say that's not true, but I'm sure there are people out there that feel it is true. So I think it depends on your range. I was able to switch over from sports games to FPS and 3PS games with ease. If you're finding that you can't find excitement in the genres you enjoy, then you're bound to feel as if you've passed the need to game.

I agree with this. If I was only playing sports games, I'd already be done. The genre is just about dead to me, I can't get into any of them anymore. Madden is about the only sports game that I can play for long stretches and come back to. I love NBA 2K10 this year, but I know I'll grow tired of it soon, can already feel it that the games become a chore to play at times.

3rd person, first person, and sandbox games have taken over my gaming time and I couldn't be happier. It's great to dive into a world and lose yourself in it. Those are the games that now mainly take up my time.

[DXZeke]

23,

I've been burned out on play the same thing over and over again, but with a new coat of paint. There's only so many times that a First Person Shooter doesn't feel like a rehash.

I've actually started to find a lot of enjoyment in the XBox Live Arcade Games, the Playstation Network Games, and the WiiWare games. Not to mention some of the PopCapGames.com stuff.

I've moved more to casual gaming for a while. I'm finally enjoying playing that stuff for an hour or so over being frustrated with the same ole same ole shooters, driving, and sports games.

It's the casual games that have gotten me back.

[C the Lyte]

Quote: Originally Posted by DirtyJerz32

Having less time to play is more of the problem. I remember sitting in front of my tv for hours when the first Grand Theft Auto came out. I can't do that anymore. I'm lucky if I get a chance to play for 2 hours a day. It used to be more like 8 - 10 hours a day. But, with a fiance, trying to plan a wedding, work, working out, I just don't have the time anymore. I will say this though. The day I stop playing video games will be a sad day for me. My fiance on the other hand would love nothing more than for me to give it up. HAHA. Jokes on her. Nobody likes quiters!!!

I was in this position earlier this year. It's a balancing act with free time, gaming, and social/family life. Sometimes you do just out grow games, something more interesting or more improtant comes along. With a wife now I don't play NEARLY as much as I used to. And whenever we start a family, I won't have as much time as I do now!!! It's just prioritizing. My wife, house maintanance, and eventually kids will always come before play games. However, free time will definitely get game devotion!!! I also purchased a second TV so I can watch movies, shows, Sportcenter, etc. and still play. Sad but hey, it works out great for me!!!

Good luck with everything. We didn't live together before we got married, so it was one hell of an adjustment period. Congrats though.