20% effort for 80% reward is the new black
Are my completionist tendencies becoming a hindrance to enjoyment of games?
A whole discussion about gamer identity aside for now, I still balk at calling myself a “gamer”. Why? Because I simply haven’t played that many games.
Obviously, I don’t believe that there is an acceptable minimum and I do know a ton about games and gaming. I’m well aware of the hits and the classics.
I just haven’t played them. (Yet?)
My play style is very much not conducive to hitting big numbers. I like playing one game at a time, for a long time. Getting obsessed, going deep, clearing all the quests and all that.
Add to this that my preferred genre is RPGs. Giant ass maps, expansive storytelling, a bazilion sidequests, levelling up, grinding, role-playing… Being a completionist in an RPG is both a blessing and a curse.
Full immersion = blessing.
Time commitment required = curse.
What people clear in 50 hours, I take 120.
What people complete in 10, I need 30.
So I definitely, definitely don’t play as many games as I’d like.
Of course, quality over quantity yada yada, but I still want to step outside my comfort zone, expand my horizons, and experience a variety of genres—this is what this Substack is for, after all.
The thing is, since I’ve found the motivation to pause my Witcher and Stardew Valley saves to start clearing my backlog, it quickly became obvious that the problem isn’t motivation, but my completionist tendencies.
Dragon Age: Inquisition is an excellent case in point. The post detailing my first impressions didn’t appreciate just how expansive the game is and how much time is required to clear it all. And also that, while possible, it isn’t strictly necessary. I can grind a little to bring my level up just enough to complete the story, but I don’t have to do it all to enjoy it.
I might even be better off not, to avoid burnout and actually play to the end.
So this is something new to strive for:
Stop being a completionist.
If I am to experience more games this year and next, especially now that I’m a mother with precious little free time, I need to give up the urge to 100% every map and every quest.
Variety over perfection.
More fun to be had this way 😉🎮
Last week, ran my essay about gaming and motherhood. I was so very touched by the way it was received! Check it out below and be sure to subscribe to Crossplay—it’s fantastic.
Feeling so seen by hours needed to complete. I often look at "How Long To Beat" times and just add 10-20 hours to know how long it will likely take me. I will say for me I've accepted this about myself and that it means I will play less games which is ultimately where I want to be as long as I'm enjoying the one I'm taking my time with.
I never really had the patience for completing things...especially if they require a ton of repeated commitments and mastery. I would much rather spend that time experiencing a different game 😅
But if the game allows you to go for 100% during the normal course of play? I'll definitely go for it. The last one I attempted (and got close to achieving) was Death's Door.
I don't know if I've ever completed a game lol