[Advice] How to Defeat the Backlog

July 29, 2019

We've all been there, and we all feel the shame that accompanies it. It's time to finally time to shrink this pile of guilt that is supposed to be fun. 

📷A small snippet from my backlog, the only one I've completed here is Camp Sunshine by the way.

In a world full of steam sales, humble bundles, and cheap used games, it is no wonder we can easily gather up all these titles, but not get around to playing them. So here you are, you may have piles of game cases lying around, probably stacks you haven't even opened, or you may have a digital library, where it takes minutes to scroll through them all. Or even both. Whatever the case is, these tips should come in handy. 

You probably either have no motivation to play them, or you keep getting distracted easily and moving from game to game and never really finishing anything.  Before we get even into the resources and tips, you have to get the right mentality for this. Some of it is common sense, but you need to realize this. 

You (Probably) Won't Get Through Your Backlog

It especially depends on the backlog size, but at the very least, you will most likely not be able to complete all the games.  Our goal is to have you try them all, and complete the worth while ones. 

1. Make A List of All The Games You Have To Play

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If you want to write it on paper, spreadsheet, that's fine. You just need to be able to see the scale of what you're dealing with.  I personally use The Backloggery.  It will make it all the more satisfying when you complete a game and get to check it off the list.

2. Organize Play Order

Playing the games you want to play first will get them out of the way. Depending on how good you are at sticking with games, you should make a "To-Play" or "Playing" list, 1-5 games would be good, you don't want more than that, you won't be able to absorb a dedicated experience with each game if you are playing too many. If you don't know what you want to play, The Backloggery also has a feature where it chooses randomly for you. This is nice especially if you have a deep backlog, where you wouldn't ever consider booting up some of the games you have. With random choice it at least gives you some food for thought on what to play. 

One of the organization templates I use is: 1 Long Game (25-30+ hours) 1 Medium Game (8-20 hours) 1 Short Game (<8 Hours)

^Use HowLongToBeat  to get a good estimation of the game length, you can also use this to keep track of backlog/completed games etc.

With this format I can play a variety of games, and I can choose whatever to play depending on the day, schedule, and what I am in the mood for. Only have a couple hours before a birthday? Gone Home. After work/school and want an easy to jump into campaign? Tomb Raider. Have a Saturday to blow off? Well #@$* just spend the whole day playing Hyperdimension Neptunia.

Of course you can figure out your own schedule and game collection that suits your habits.

3. Discipline & Relief

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You need to limit the wasting of time (and money) as much as possible, so I'll give it to you straight.

-Don't bother with collectibles and side quests that don't contribute to the main story/experience -Set a limit of how many games you will allow to be unplayed before buying new games (ex. you will have a maximum of 30 games unplayed in your library and not buy any new ones) PRETTY MUCH DON'T BUY MORE GAMES, THAT HELPS A LOT! -Set a goal of how many games you want to complete in a given amount of time (Don't make it too much, or else you might get discouraged if you don't make the goal)

But also go easy on yourself,

-If you've given the game its chance, and it is not for you, then you DON'T have to finish it -For certain games, just watch a playthrough of it instead of playing. You won't have to stress out about, and probably get a near good experience just like if you played the game yourself, hopefully you also get some good commentary along with it. Are you really going to go and try to get all the Chrono Trigger endings yourself? BE REAL! -If you really don't have any motivation, just take a break, you'll likely get your motivation back eventually.

4. Going back to things

Of course another method you can use with clearing your backlog, that is especially speedy, is shift an hour into many games, and seeing what clicks for you. You may come across a predicament where numerous games are interesting, (and ones that are not you can cut off from the start) in that regard, use a spreadsheet. Waaaaahh?

That sounds boring. Well, it doesn't have to be a spreadsheet, just something similar and it probably won't be boring. Use a spreadsheet to keep track of your game progress. This can range from all sorts of things as keeping track of general backlog (like switching cells from red to green! Ohh so satisfying~) Monitoring the events and needed information to easily jump back into games you have set off to the side for later. Keep track of your time, and playing habits...etc etc. Data like this will be helpful, and actually seeing your progress will be a huge motivation booster! 📷

BONUS~ Treat your Backlog, like a game/challenge in itself

Gamifying things makes tasks more bearable and satisfying. I have this app called Level Up Life (It's a website as well!) that basically let's you gain stats and xp for things you do in real life. You can also add custom achievements. Hopefully this can help add some extra motivation as it has for me. Aside from that, you can do things like treat yourself for each game you finish. Even allow yourself to buy a game for every 5 you complete. etc etc.

I also highly recommend to make each play through of a game memorable by lets say writing a review for it (unless writing is not your thing or it starts to become a chore) Having to formulate specific thoughts on a game on what you liked and disliked about it sheds light on your tastes. Which will further help you filter what games to play. Plus there's no harm in sharpening your literacy and refining your gaming connoisseur-ness.

Anywho, thank you for reading my first article! God speed on your path to backlog termination!