For those who play for no other reason than to beat it, the obsession can be all-consuming. It's an unrelenting desire to conquer every challenge that comes their way.
These individuals often find themselves drawn into a world of endless repetition - think Animal Crossing or Stardew Valley - where the soothing comfort of familiar tasks is their only solace. But for me and perhaps others like us, it's all about the next hurdle, the next puzzle to solve.
My own fascination with games that defy my capabilities began in music games as a teenager. I'd dedicate hours to mastering every song on expert difficulty in Guitar Hero - until my housemates had had enough of my incessant jamming. Then came FromSoftware's Demon's Souls, an impenetrable game so designed to make you walk away it seemed almost cruel. But there was something fascinating behind all the punishment.
That feeling persists with me to this day. Challenge is a delicate balance for developers: while entertainment is crucial, discouragement can be counterproductive. Games like Dark Souls proved that there's still a market for players who crave the thrill of victory.
One example of just how far my obsession has taken me was Baby Steps - an obstinately difficult game about walking the world's biggest loser up a mountain. The repetitive nature of the gameplay had me stuck in an endless cycle of failure and frustration, only to be released by a single correct step.
It can also take its toll on relationships; at home I'm known for playing until late into the night when others are trying to sleep - sometimes even when they're begging me to put down my controller.
These individuals often find themselves drawn into a world of endless repetition - think Animal Crossing or Stardew Valley - where the soothing comfort of familiar tasks is their only solace. But for me and perhaps others like us, it's all about the next hurdle, the next puzzle to solve.
My own fascination with games that defy my capabilities began in music games as a teenager. I'd dedicate hours to mastering every song on expert difficulty in Guitar Hero - until my housemates had had enough of my incessant jamming. Then came FromSoftware's Demon's Souls, an impenetrable game so designed to make you walk away it seemed almost cruel. But there was something fascinating behind all the punishment.
That feeling persists with me to this day. Challenge is a delicate balance for developers: while entertainment is crucial, discouragement can be counterproductive. Games like Dark Souls proved that there's still a market for players who crave the thrill of victory.
One example of just how far my obsession has taken me was Baby Steps - an obstinately difficult game about walking the world's biggest loser up a mountain. The repetitive nature of the gameplay had me stuck in an endless cycle of failure and frustration, only to be released by a single correct step.
It can also take its toll on relationships; at home I'm known for playing until late into the night when others are trying to sleep - sometimes even when they're begging me to put down my controller.
. For me, it's not just about beating the game (although that's a pretty great feeling too 
). I love how games can push you out of your comfort zone, make you feel like you're getting somewhere even when you're actually just taking two steps forward.
. I mean, who hasn't stayed up late playing a game while their partner is trying to sleep? 
It's all about finding that balance, right?
. And it's not just about the games themselves - it's also about the community and camaraderie you can find online with other players who are just as obsessed 
.
u know what's crazy? how some ppl still play games like dark souls or demon's souls nowadays & yet it's more chill now 
people can just google a guide or watch a speedrun online instead of putting in the actual effort... i remember when i was into music games back in da day, it was all about mastering every song on expert difficulty & having to redo levels till u got it right 
. So, while I love the thrill of gaming, I also think it's essential to set boundaries and prioritize self-care 
.
And don't even get me started on the sacrifices they make for their gaming habits - like playing till the wee hours of the morning when everyone else is trying to sleep... I mean, come on! 
Can't they just find a better way to balance their gaming with real life?! 
Like i get it, some ppl just play 2 beat that next level or solve that puzzle no matter what! 
and even tho my housemates were all like "can u pls keep it down?" lol i was like "just one more song" 
that game is like da ultimate challenge 
They need to find a balance between challenge and enjoyment or risk losing all their players who are actually trying to beat the game (not just grinding for 12 hours straight 
). And another thing, how about a "relaxation mode" where you can skip all that puzzle nonsense? Just saying...
But seriously, it's not healthy for us parents to prioritize our gaming over family time. Maybe I need to find a new game that doesn't drive me crazy so much 
.
! There's something about pushing yourself to the limit that just keeps you coming back for more. Like, have you tried out the new challenges in Dark Souls III? It's like they're trying to break us, but we love it 
), but for me, that's all part of the fun.
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. And don't even get me started on climate change - sea levels are rising faster than anyone thought possible 
. 
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! I've been there too, spending hours on end trying to beat that one level or finally master a new skill in Overwatch 
. My partner is always like "when are you gonna put down the controller?" 
.