To my horror I realize my gaming time has just reached 100 hours in Steam, which I believe would earn me Eagle status for time spent playing using their service. I couldn’t help but laugh when it was because I’ve spent nearly equal time, 40 hours, in the Left 4 Dead editor as well as Left 4 Dead itself. The remaining 20 hours went to Garry’s Mod, which if I was a sane human being I would have stopped playing years ago due to the shear amount of time poured into it.
Why would someone put so much time into the same game for so long? It’s a fair question that I sometimes just answer with “because it’s fun”. Yet, there are thousands of new experiences out there to explore so why would I choose to replay the same games over and over?
Perhaps I felt the need to play another round of Left 4 Dead while writing this article because we are creatures of habit. When a new game arrives I am either really excited when it is part of a franchise I know or I’m hesitant to try it. It’s not like I’m losing anything by trying a new game demo or playing something new at a friend’s house but I feel more comfortable playing something I’m already familiar with.
More than being familiar, I feel more confident because of my previous experiences. Especially when playing a multiplayer game I’m sure most would rather have skill than being the one in the server asking silly things such as how to fly. Yes this is partly an internal fear to not spread our wings to something new but I can’t see a problem with that. Experience builds our confidence and confidence is why we keep returning to the same game time and time again.
Counter-Strike has earned its reputation by having a steep learning curve with great replay ability. How it’s so replayable is not so obvious because it’s arguably just a generic shooter, but you have to look past its chrome polish finish to see that. Yes it may be generic, but it’s so finely polished and fun that you keep coming back for more.
Garry’s Mod has the advantage of being a well rounded sandbox “editor” with loads of downloadable content by the public there’s nearly an endless amount of possible play time. Similarly, Grand Theft Auto has become so popular mostly due to its similar sandbox freedom.
Portal innovated with new gameplay and time trials/challenges by incorporating short levels with a short story and challenges, allowing the community to create custom content as well. Most importantly though was its unique portal based gameplay, story, and atmosphere which helped it stand out from most other games making you want more.
Don’t feel bad when you’ve reached your 1,000th hour in your favorite video game. Maybe that game has more you haven’t explored or discovered. Perhaps you found that one game that stands tall above the rest. Your skills could be improving as you build confidence at the game you love. Or maybe it’s just so well polished you couldn’t care if you’ve played the same level five minutes ago, it’s just plain fun. Regardless of the reason that’s what video games are all about right? Game on.
Completely agree. If a game is fun there is no reason to stop playing it. You can still try new games and maybe find an equal enjoyment, but the best games will still be played time and time again. One game for me was Resident Evil 4. I beat it 4 times on Game Cube and unlocked every hidden bonus. Then I got it for PS2 and did the exact same thing! Just because it was fun every time. Other great games are ones that you can share with your friends. I don’t think I will ever get tired of or board with Super Smash Bros., Little Big Planet, and/or Left 4 Dead. So let the fun flow. Time records on consoles just record how much time you have spent having fun. “The time that we kill keeps us alive.” (-Rise Against-) P.S.: Awesome G-Mod pic! lol
Agree with your point: as I said to you over the mic, a game with replayability value (be it a multiplayer game, a sandbox game, or a game that offers new things the second time through), is automatically better than a game that’s super fun just one time.
A voltswagon commercial put it well (I think it’s voltswagon anyway.) “Just like a car… there are some relationships that burn hot but don’t last very long… some that last a long time but are barely warm… and soomeee… that are just perfect.”
I agree with the article. Games like Fallout 3, or Oblivion have huge replay value, because there are an unlimited amount of combination for your character etc. Games like Garry’s Mod, have a replay value in their own, just because there’s always something new to do. Games like Diablo 2, which have limited possibilities, and cookie cutter builds, get boring after a while.
I also do feel bad, when I reach my 1,000th hour in video games, because of how much time I’ve wasted! (Cough Maplestory)
There was always a sort of guilt that I felt when I told people about Counter Strike if they didn’t already know about it, because you’re right, it’s pretty generic. But I’m downloading it right now! One of my favorite parts of the game is its modability, just like other Source games. New content always keeps me coming back. Nazi zombies maps (CoD:WaW) cost way too much, but people buy them, because they crave something new. They’re tired of playing the same map over and over. Gmod would be more replayable to me if I took the time to figure out how to use the more intricate parts of the game, rather than downloading SWEPs, building forts, and shooting combines xD…