We all have those days when we feel like there’s an infinity of fun games to explore and are certain we’ll never get enough. But then there’s the opposite end of it – those days where every game seems boring, repetitive, and simply uninteresting. We haphazardly move from game to game, hoping one of the titles will catch our interest, to no avail.
Is that what you’re feeling right now? Not to worry! We’ve collected the best tips for getting out of a gaming slump, gaming burnout, or gaming rut – whichever term you prefer for it. Let’s start.
Why Do We Get Stuck in Gaming Ruts?
While gaming slumps aren’t fun, they don’t have to be a bad thing. A slump lasting a few days to weeks can actually just be a sign from your body and brain that it’s time to take a break and focus on something else for a bit. If you do that, you’ll get your enthusiasm back.
But if the slump seems part of a bigger pattern, like you losing interest in almost everything you used to find fun, it could also be a sign of depression. Try to stay attuned to what you’re experiencing, and get in touch with a professional if you think you need it.
7 Ways to Get Out of Your Slump
While a gaming slump will often pass on its own, you can also do things that shake you up and get you through it faster. The way that you get out of a slump is likely going to involve doing a few things differently – here are 7 ideas to consider.
1. Explore a New Genre of Games
One simple and maybe obvious tip is to try something new. While you’ve likely already tried a few different games in a genre you like, the next step is to try a game completely outside of the type of game you normally play – but that you might have been curious about trying someday.
So make that someday today! Maybe playing a game of roulette or poker will get your gears going. In addition to being something novel, the risk aspect can also help you reinvest your attention in playing a game. This list of Interac casinos by eSportsinsider makes it super easy to get started if that sounds like something you’re interested in trying.
2. Play With Some New People
Anything is fun with the right people. If playing video games has started to feel stale, it could also have something to do with old dynamics and habits – easily broken by introducing a few new people into your gaming circle. You can play with people you already know – how about a game of Mario Kart physically together? – or go online and find some strangers to play with if you don’t know people who are interested.
3. Switch Gaming Device or Environment
Getting a different experience while playing can sometimes be enough to shake things up. Playing with a console or with your mobile instead of your PC, or visiting an internet café or arcade, are some easy ways of switching up the way you play, which may then very well impact how you feel while playing/
4. Set Time Limits
One counterintuitive way of re-igniting your love for gaming could be actually limiting the amount of time you’re allowed to spend playing (and thinking about) video games. The absence in your life could re-awaken the urge to play.
It’s especially important to understand that we’re not just talking about gaming, but anything video games. Reading about or browsing video games can actively contribute to a gaming rut through information overload and decision fatigue, so better to stay away entirely, except for the time you do spend really playing.
5. Spend Some Time on a Hands-on Hobby
Sometimes a gaming rut is just a signal for you to try something new for a bit. While it can be painful to lose interest in your primary hobby, that leaves you more time to explore other hobbies you’ve been wanting to get into!
So try diving into that. We can especially recommend more hands-on and active hobbies, as passive, digital entertainment often only makes the apathy and sluggishness you’re already feeling worse.
Some hobbies you could try:
- Some type of painting or sketching. There are many options: charcoal sketching, acrylic paint, watercolor paint, and so on.
- Try pottery or working with clay.
- Building LEGO sets or 3D wooden puzzles.
- Plants and gardening.
- Cooking or baking.
You might even get a new regular hobby while you’re at it!
6. Get Physically Moving
You already know you need to move more for your health, but it can also help you feel more enthusiastic about life and re-ignite your love for gaming. Since working out boosts brain health, it won’t just get your blood flowing, but also release dopamine and help you focus.
The type of exercise that you should do depends on what you find fun. Jogging, weight lifting, rock climbing, swimming, or soccer with friends are a few ideas.
7. Do a Digital Detox
If all else fails, a complete digital detox over a weekend or so is sure to restore your zest for gaming. While there are more or less extreme versions, the more restrictive ones tend to be most helpful for curing your gaming slump.
The purpose of a digital detox is to get over the desensitization you might’ve worked up from the overload of stimulation, which will help your brain “reset” and allow you to once again enjoy all the digital delights, such as video games.
In Summary: Keeping the Slump Away
Once you’ve actually gotten through the slump, you’ll want to ensure you don’t get stuck in it again. Much of that will include implementing the things we’ve already talked about – a digital detox here, physical exercise every once in a while, and novel challenges in association with gaming.
One of the best ways to ensure your gaming slump doesn’t return is not to overdo the gaming. Not that there’s anything wrong with the occasional long gaming session, but when it becomes the daily routine, it’s often only a matter of time before you experience some kind of burnout.
Finally, never force yourself to play. We know – easier said than done when your teammates are pressuring you. But by only playing when you enjoy it and want to, you’ll be more committed long-term, benefiting everyone.
