How to spot video game burnout and what you can do about it

Want to start a new game, but nothing really appeals to you? Is something stopping you from starting up your PC or console and throwing yourself into the next adventure? You could be suffering from video game burnout.

I can’t say for certain whether I’ve ever suffered from video game burnout myself, because my job as a video game journalist means I’m constantly involved with the topic. I’m here to give you a few tips and tricks on how to counteract it.

Disclaimer: I have no psychological training and can’t offer you a professional diagnosis or treatment. The information in this article is based on my own experiences and research.

When fun becomes a burden

Lack of interest in video games is the most common symptom of gaming burnout. It may sound harmless, but it can become a problem for hardcore gamers. Their hobby becomes a burden and exhaustion sets in. Not only does their mental health potentially suffer, but also their general performance, mood and motivation.

Various guides recommend distancing yourself from the source of the problem, as with classic burnout. This normally means taking a break from your workplace, but we’re talking about video games here. If you don’t feel like playing a game, you don’t have to play it. Instead, spend time on another hobby or with your loved ones. The main thing is that you give yourself a break. Alternatively, you could try out a new genre.

I often read about how gamers always play the same open-world titles and then lose interest. I notice this pattern in myself – because I love reading, I love visual novel games. At some point, both professionally and privately, I’ve struggled through countless titles, some of which lasted for 40 hours.

The result is that I’ve been avoiding the genre for two years. Yet another mediocre visual novel was the final straw. Instead, I quenched my thirst for reading with books and fan fiction. I’m glad I made this unconscious decision, because now I can try a visual novel again without any issues. With games like Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy, there are enough of them waiting in my games library.

The pile of shame and how to tackle it

Games that are waiting to be played are commonly called piles of shame. The problem starts with the name. Unplayed games have nothing to do with shame. Nevertheless, this imaginary pile can gain such power that it promotes video game burnout.

If you have a pile of unplayed games, you’re not alone. In an article, PCGamesN calculates that the worldwide pile of shame on Steam is worth 19 billion dollars. There’s no doubt that many games are languishing in game libraries creating guilty consciences.

The pile of shame becomes a to-do list. That’s not such a bad thing. Games are items on the checklist that you work through. This not only helps you keep track of things, but also does something good for your brain. Our brains like to finish things, and video games are no exception. It only becomes a problem when your backlog demotivates you. Then all you see is how much is still pending and a single tick disappears under a mountain of tasks.

Two years ago, my colleague Domagoj faced his pile of shame in his own way. You can read about how he got on and what the Zeigarnik effect is here:

So, how can you tackle the pile of shame? Reflect carefully on your needs and organise your list. Which games do you actually want to play? And which do you just want to play to cross them off the list.

Consistent sorting is your best friend. If you’re having trouble, you can split your list into two. The first list is for the «important» games that you definitely want to play. The second’s for the rest. It might also motivate you to rate each completed game with an emoji or a short review. There’s no right or wrong way to do it.

I’ve never kept a list of my backlog. My interest in video games is so huge that I’d love to be able to play hundreds of games at once. I usually make a spontaneous decision on what to play. For the past three years, though, I’ve been documenting which games I play and finish. When I start a new game, it goes on the list. As soon as I finish it, there’s a satisfying tick next to it.

I’ve recently started crossing out games. I want to try out what it’s like to consciously stop playing games I’ve started. Otherwise, they just sit there as one of many items on the list and don’t give my brain the satisfaction of a completed task. Although I like the idea, it’s proving difficult. I’m too hesitant to cross them out. I want to be tougher in future.

Mindfulness helps with excess

Video games are just one of many hobbies you can spend time on. Hobbies are there to enjoy – and often lighten your wallet. They should never be a cause of stress. That’s why it’s good to listen to yourself. «Is what I’m doing good for me?» «Am I enjoying the game or am I just ticking off an item on my list?» «Have I lost my motivation?» «Would I rather watch a series after work?»

A pile of shame doesn’t necessarily cause video game burnout, but it does increase the potential for physical and mental overload and exhaustion. Although lists aren’t the only cause. So, focus on your needs and be honest with yourself. The abundance that we’re constantly bombarded with isn’t just a good thing.

My colleague Philipp has got to the bottom of the change in our consumer behaviour:

Personally, I’m happy with the results. I sense relatively well when I need to withdraw from a certain medium so it doesn’t become too much or too monotonous for me. I document my gaming consumption to motivate myself without creating a backlog that overwhelms me. I also try to be aware of whether I’m playing for fun or because I feel compelled to for some reason.

What about you? Has gaming ever felt compulsive to you? Do you have any more tips to tackle it that you’d like to share with the Community?

Titelbild: Nintendo