Why are games so boring in 2024?

Have you noticed that games in 2024 aren't as gripping as they used to be? This trend isn't just nostalgia – there's a psychological undercurrent to our collective gaming ennui. Let's dive into this and explore the impacts of attention, depression, anxiety, and our endless quest for entertainment, while at the same time discovering coping mechanisms to be able to enjoy gaming once more.

• 1. The Attention Dilemma: Too Much Flash, Not Enough Substance

  Our attention spans are shorter than ever in our high-speed, digital world, a phenomenon highlighted by Microsoft's 2015 study on attention spans. Games, in their quest to grab our attention, often end up overdoing it with sensory overload. The result? Our brains start tuning out. To regain the magic, games might need to find a sweet spot between excitement and calm.

  Coping Strategy: Practicing mindfulness can sharpen our focus – think of it like a brain workout.

• 2. Depression's Impact: When the World Loses Its Color

  Depression can turn life's volume down, including the joy we get from games. When our brain's reward system is out of tune, even epic gaming feels bland. This isn't just about mood; it's about neurochemistry, as discussed in Nestler & Carlezon's 2006 study in Biological Psychiatry.

  Coping Strategy: Setting small, achievable gaming goals can help reignite the spark.

• 3. Anxiety and Choice Overload: The Paralysis by Analysis

  Ever felt overwhelmed by too many options? That's how choosing a game feels in 2024. With a plethora of choices, making a decision becomes tricky. This phenomenon, articulated by Barry Schwartz in "The Paradox of Choice" (2004), leads to gaming paralysis.

  Coping Strategy: Simplify your gaming choices. Maybe adopt a 'game of the week' approach.

• 4. The Endless Entertainment Chase: Seeking Depth in Shallow Waters

  Our constant search for entertainment has led to a sea of games that are wide but not deep. Csikszentmihalyi's concept of 'flow', as detailed in "Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience" (1990), is missing in many modern games, which prioritize flash over substance.

  Coping Strategy: Look for games that challenge and engage you in meaningful ways.

• 5. Habituation and Desensitization: "Déjà Vu All Over Again"

  Our brains are like epic adventurers – always seeking new quests. When games keep rehashing old tricks, our brain goes, "Seen it!" This is habituation, a process where response to a stimulus decreases over time (Rankin et al., "Habituation: A Window into the Neural Substrates of Learning," 2009).

  Coping Strategy: Mix up your gaming diet. Try different genres or indie games to keep things fresh.

• 6. Lack of Social Interaction: "Solo Gaming Blues"

  Games have shifted towards solo experiences, reducing the camaraderie that enhances enjoyment. The psychological benefits of social interaction in gaming are significant (Kowert & Oldmeadow, "Playing for Social Comfort," 2015).

  Coping Strategy: Dive into multiplayer games or gaming communities. Social gaming can rekindle the fun.

• 7. Cognitive Overload: "Brain Buffering"

  Modern games can be as complex as a rocket launch manual. Cognitive overload occurs when there's too much info to process (Sweller, "Cognitive Load Theory," 1988). It's like trying to juggle while solving a crossword puzzle.

  Coping Strategy: Choose games with simpler mechanics or take regular breaks to avoid burnout.

• 8. Skill Level and Preference Mismatch: "Not My Cup of Tea"

  Games that don't align with our skill level or preferences can be as satisfying as unsweetened tea. The 'flow' experience requires a balance between challenge and skill (Csikszentmihalyi, "Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience," 1990).

  Coping Strategy: Seek games that match your skill level and interests. Don't be afraid to drop a game that doesn't feel right.

• 9. Diminished Sense of Achievement: "Where's My Trophy?"

  When achievements in games feel as rewarding as a pat on the back for waking up, it's a problem. Deci & Ryan's Self-Determination Theory emphasizes the need for meaningful rewards (2000).

  Coping Strategy: Set personal gaming goals or milestones. Find games that offer a sense of progression.

• 10. Erosion of Immersion and Narrative Engagement: "Story, What Story?"

  A game without a compelling narrative is like a pizza without toppings. Green & Brock discuss the importance of narrative engagement in "The Role of Transportation in the Persuasiveness of Public Narratives" (2000).

  Coping Strategy: Look for games with strong storytelling elements. Immersive narratives can enhance the gaming experience.

• 11. Increased Distractions and Multitasking: "Squirrel!"

  In an age of constant notifications, gaming with full attention is as rare as a quiet day on the internet. Ophir et al. highlight the challenges of multitasking in "Cognitive Control in Media Multitaskers" (2009).

  Coping Strategy: Create a distraction-free gaming environment. Turn off notifications and focus on one game at a time.

• 12. Evolution of Player's Interests and Tastes: "It's Not You, It's Me"

  Just like our taste in music evolves, so do our gaming preferences. What thrilled us once might now elicit a meh.

  Coping Strategy: Explore new gaming genres and titles. Be open to change and new gaming experiences.

In wrapping up our exploration of gaming's perceived stagnation in 2024, it becomes clear that our disillusionment isn't just a passing sentiment but a confluence of societal, technological, and personal factors. From our frayed attention spans craving too much spectacle without substance, to the deep-seated effects of depression and anxiety, it's evident that our gaming experiences are being shaped by the very fabric of our evolving lifestyles and mental states.

But it's not all doom and gloom. The silver lining lies in our ability to adapt and find joy in gaming once again. Whether it's through practicing mindfulness to hone our focus, simplifying our choices in an ocean of options, or engaging in more social and narratively rich gaming experiences, there are paths forward. We must not forget the importance of matching games to our skill levels and interests, setting achievable goals, and allowing ourselves to be immersed in the stories games tell.

As we learn to navigate this new gaming landscape, let’s remember that games, at their core, are about enjoyment and escape. By consciously adjusting our approach and expectations, we can rediscover the magic that made us fall in love with gaming in the first place. So, here's to finding that spark again in 2024 – by changing not just what we play, but how we play it.