The Longest Grind EX 02 - The Grind to Keep On and Enjoy Gaming

Bravely Default / Castlevania: Symphony of the Night / Disgaea 2: Cursed Memories / Final Fantasy Tactics / Final Fantasy XIV / Guilty Gear Xrd: -SIGN- / Hard Corps / Helldivers / Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII / Persona 4 Arena Ultimax / Resident Evil Revelations 2 / Under Night In-Birth: Exe-Late / Yakuza 4

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These are some of the games that were frequently discussed lately in the two internet chat groups I joined in a few years ago. I’m always amazed on the constant discussion and enthusiasm that everyone in each group brings in everyday. As much of my time the past three years have slowly been taken up by more pressing matters (primarily increasing responsibilities at my current occupation), it’s nice to look into both chat groups daily and see everyone’s perspectives over a variety of topics. One day, two members may have their discussion over a game where they on the opposite ends of opinion on. On another day, the group will collectively agree over another item. But no matter what they like or don’t like, they’re always there bringing up something fresh to discuss on the table.

This is going to be a bit weird for me to say, but those groups along with a few other users are helping me keep my own enthusiasm of gaming afloat. My own love of gaming has been challenged considerably in the past few years in spite of playing numerous great video games over that time period. I suppose the groups act as a constant reminder that there’s still something awesome going on in gaming. It’s the language they got me to know them in the first place and it’d be a shame for me to completely lose out interest in a hobby that a have befriended with others along with being such an enormous influence in my life.

In spite of reading numerous interesting thoughts from folks in the internet chat groups and the break from gaming, I still harbor some mitigating thoughts against gaming. I’m still not settled with myself with gaming at this point. I probably will have to resign to the fact that I may not fully regain the memorable joys I had with gaming in the past. Obviously a lot has changed from back then and it’s been harder for me to feel like I’m really enjoying my time with gaming now. I just hope that things in life don’t get more chaotic where I’ll end up losing more time and enjoyment with gaming.

I’m amazed with folks that I have come across and folks in the industry that can constantly find something new to love in gaming in spite of being so entrenched in it and the muck that has crept up and caused a major stir in the past few years. I have played my fair share of games, but it’s just a small pile compare to the number of games all of you folks have played. I’m also amazed to see many folks not even feel a hint of burnout over playing a ton of games over the years. It’s awesome to see everyone else keep digging in with the games they’re getting into, if it’s tackling a number of games or dedicating time in knowing the ins and outs of a few games, it’s all smiles from what I see.

It’s all that exuberance that is what makes video games so great, and something that I hope to capture from time to time as I continue to grind out the number of hours entrenched at my current job while trying to dedicate more time in looking for a new job that I hope to land, along with other stuff. I haven’t had much luck with the recent games I just played (OlliOlli, Oreshika), but hoping tackling some other games along with getting back to some things (another entry in GB’s GG Xrd weekly, casual UNIEL) and at least feel like I’m having some fun with gaming.

I understand that many of you have probably read plenty of other articles, blogs, and threads in regards to a person’s waning love of gaming over the years, and I apologize in adding one more to the column. But it’s been something that’s been harboring in my mind for awhile and I wanted to express. I don’t expect much readership on this blog and no one needs to comment it at all. I know that I’ve thrown out that I’m having a tough time dealing with work on a constant basis, but I never thought it would come up to a point where it’s making such an impact where I start to lose considerable interest in gaming. I hope that it never comes close to a mere thought to anyone else.

I wish I had something better to wrap this blog up for. I apologize again for seemingly being non-existent for the most part, especially to folks in the two chat rooms. Thanks to anyone who took the time to read this blog.