PixlBit

Is this thing on?

it's on.  

I think we all have backlog problems.  There's so many good games, but such little time to play them.  You should see my Steam library --- it's insane.  But I'm trying to keep up. Problem is I keep buying games.  

I'd recommend setting aside at least one hour a day to tackle this problem. Preferably two or three hours if you can manage. It also helps if you are not in a relationship, and don't have kids. If you are in a relationship and are thinking of having kids, don't do it! You will never get your backlog under control with a young family. You want to be focused on beating games, not changing nappies. If you have any recreation leave available, use it for games, not vacations.

Hope this helps! ;]

I am in the same sinking boat you are. I can sink 80+ hours into a game, but my trouble is my backlog is 95% RPGs. 140+ hours each. ;_;

I've always have this problem. My issue is wanting to use my spare time for other interests (watching films/tv, reading) so I try to balance time for all of those interests. Some days I reserve just for gaming, others for watching tv, others for reading.

These damn recent game sales aren't helping either. I just bought Killzone 2 & 3 and Metal Gear Solid 4 for $30. When will I get to them? Who the hell knows...

I think we all land in this same rut. I made a stack of my unplayed games the other day, and I didn't even count games that I started replaying, and it was immense. It discourages me from actually playing them!

I have the same problem as Dandichu above, as well, in that the games I have to finish are often RPGs, which take so long. I walked away from Xenoblade Chronicles at 50h or so and now everytime I think about playing it I remember there is like another 50h+ left to it!

I think what I'm going to do is start a 5 minute/ 1 hour/ 1 day rule. Times vary of course, but how long it holds my attention will determine if I play all the way through. At least I can say that I played them! lol

The same thing happened to me at the start of 2011.  I was just buying and neglecting too many of my games and I had to put a stop to it.  I know that some of us like to collect games and enjoy that just as much as playing them, but I didn't like that I was buying so much, quickly running off to buy more, and rarely returning to play the old stuff.  So, 2012 was my last year of major purchases.  I'll buy a Game Boy game here and there, but it's going to be while before I buy something as lengthy and content-rich as an rpg.

That said, there's two things you can do.  The first is to stop buying new (or old) games and focus on what you already have.  Perhaps play through a set number of games and reward yourself after you've complete a few.  Second, you could just ignore that you have a backlog and just enjoy whatever it is you're doing at the moment.

Finally, the whole backlog situation really isn't a problem.  It's better to have than have not, which will keep you well protected if you ever stop buying games or if the industry veers far from your interests.

I'm glad I'm not the only one.  I have the same problem.  It's kind of hard to quit buying cold turkey.  You could budget out some money monthly or go down to only purchasing 1 game a month of any form.

I also tried to just look ahead.  Even though I still buy games, I'm trying to play through what I am currently buying new.  Well that worked until a couple weeks ago, but it was a good 4 month stretch.  Good luck!