I used to be quite good at FPSs around 20 years ago, and played Counter Strike often. I tried again recently, and got shouted at, called a cheater, etc. No thanks.
I also love a good open world over Xmas holidays, but man - can I be bothered to struggle with a game's "launcher"? (Steam/Linux/Deck player here). No thanks.
Just last night, I tried playing a game for the first time in a month. Wasteland 3, because I loved the original Fallout and the first Wasteland games. I just got a mess of pixels and what sounded like random SFX playing. Not even using Proton. Could I be bothered to search the web for a why/what/how/etc? No thanks.
There's been one little shining light recently. I've always been a fan of "Honey, I shrunk the kids", and saw this game a few months ago called "It takes Two", which is purely co-op. I bought it on sale. I've got two kids (8 and 11), and I got an extra controller and hooked the Deck up to the TV, and boy - that game is awesome. I can watch them play while I cook dinner, and would dip in every now and then when they get stuck (not often, mind). I had a closer look, and it's EA, and I was pleasantly surprised that it wasn't crap and had a launcher, etc. Such varied game mechanics, and beautiful too.
Oh, and then there are the other little shining lights - indie games. No launchers, no crap. Just start playing. Good 30 minutes of fun, then you can crack on with your life. And usually when you come back after an absence, you're not lost. (Looking at you, Witcher 3.) I support these guys whenever I can. In fact, I'm trying to be one. But, bills, kids, house, etc, haha - it just doesn't pay. It will stay a hobby to me forever more.
I also love a good open world over Xmas holidays, but man - can I be bothered to struggle with a game's "launcher"? (Steam/Linux/Deck player here). No thanks.
Just last night, I tried playing a game for the first time in a month. Wasteland 3, because I loved the original Fallout and the first Wasteland games. I just got a mess of pixels and what sounded like random SFX playing. Not even using Proton. Could I be bothered to search the web for a why/what/how/etc? No thanks.
There's been one little shining light recently. I've always been a fan of "Honey, I shrunk the kids", and saw this game a few months ago called "It takes Two", which is purely co-op. I bought it on sale. I've got two kids (8 and 11), and I got an extra controller and hooked the Deck up to the TV, and boy - that game is awesome. I can watch them play while I cook dinner, and would dip in every now and then when they get stuck (not often, mind). I had a closer look, and it's EA, and I was pleasantly surprised that it wasn't crap and had a launcher, etc. Such varied game mechanics, and beautiful too.
Oh, and then there are the other little shining lights - indie games. No launchers, no crap. Just start playing. Good 30 minutes of fun, then you can crack on with your life. And usually when you come back after an absence, you're not lost. (Looking at you, Witcher 3.) I support these guys whenever I can. In fact, I'm trying to be one. But, bills, kids, house, etc, haha - it just doesn't pay. It will stay a hobby to me forever more.