On average, how many video games do you purchase annually?
On average, how many video games do you purchase annually?
Considering yourself as a gamer, do you tend to purchase numerous games annually, or do you prefer a more measured approach, focusing on just a select number of titles and upgrading to the latest releases only after completing your older ones? Perhaps you fall somewhere in between these two extremes?
I’ve begun a new playthrough of Ghost Recon Wildlands, and I was disappointed that the only method to access Tier Level 1 after significant progress was through Mission Replay. Specifically, the La Plaga mission – targeting El Sueno's second-in-command via a security officer – is experiencing serious bugs within this mode, frequently failing to open the tunnel door necessary for tracking him after discovery.
Consequently, I’ve opted to play on Extreme difficulty with no Heads-Up Display and no skill enhancements. Thus far, my focus has been on completing the Itacua missions, and surprisingly, I'm still discovering more efficient strategies for success. The downside is the absence of the GPS route on the mini-map, which greatly simplifies driving to mission locations. You essentially have to navigate each location twice to memorize the routes. I intend to continue exploring several provinces using this approach, and if it proves feasible, I may create a video tutorial.
Here’s the YouTube playlist for my Itacua playthrough:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL...jNAf0YFt00
Separately, I hadn't previously engaged with Star Citizen, primarily due to its multiplayer focus. However, the recent Squadron 42 trailer showcasing the upcoming Star Citizen campaign has prompted a reevaluation of my stance. The project is reportedly structured around at least three episodes, with the initial one demanding approximately 20 hours of gameplay. The cast list is exceptional, featuring Gary Oldman, Mark Hamill, Gillian Anderson, Mark Strong, Liam Cunningham, and Andy Serkis. I also noticed Ben Mendelsohn from Rogue One appearing at the 2:08 mark.
[video="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o46qVZFiiJc"][/video]
Previously, I would purchase numerous titles annually – roughly 20 to 30 about five or six years ago – however recently my acquisitions have decreased significantly, now averaging only 2-3 per year. It seems many "new releases" are simply recycled versions of past games. Despite frequent claims that gaming narratives are surpassing those found in films and literature, I haven’t personally observed this progression. Although I desperately desire fresh and stimulating experiences, I believe the last five years have represented a downturn for the industry. Some argue differently, and perhaps my reduced spending is solely due to my personal preferences, even though I possess the financial means to buy more. I sincerely hope for improvement; I deeply yearn for something exceptional, but so far, I seldom encounter it.
If I get a great sale when I get paid, I’ll purchase it immediately. Otherwise, I typically buy something special costing around £30 or more every couple of months.
I estimate my gaming activity to be around four or five games annually. In the past, I purchased considerably more titles, but it appears PC games have become similar to Hollywood films – with only occasional major successes and much of the rest being subpar. I greatly miss the 1990s and early 2000s when independent developers were able to produce genuinely excellent games without exorbitant production costs. Presently, it predominantly involves a handful of large companies releasing high-quality titles.