Lost in the Game: Rediscovering the Thrill of Gaming in a Changing World

Nothing has changed in gaming, apart from enhanced accessibility. The issue, Sonny Jim, lies within you.

I, for one, am pleased that there exists such an abundance of options on Steam, even if my wallet disagrees. If someone only encounters poor quality, they ought to examine their reflection, because not only am I discovering gems on Steam daily, but I’m nearly stumbling over them during my explorations.

I’ve been gaming since before personal computers were introduced. For me, gaming today is light years ahead of what it was 20 or 30 years ago. This advancement is directly attributable to development studios, independent creators, and platforms such as Steam.

On a comparative basis, it is less expensive to be a gamer now than it was 40 years ago. I can purchase games for $20 that provide me with dozens, if not hundreds, of hours of entertainment. In the past, I would be fortunate to receive more than 30 hours of gameplay from a $40 or $50 title.

At least half of the games on my wishlist are ones I eagerly anticipate releasing in the next year or two. There is an abundance of choices right at my fingertips. The indie scene flourishes with thousands of high-quality games and more being released weekly.

We have persistently advanced the limits of technology to create the most incredible games. I can deliver a truckload of TVs to California in the morning and combat a horde of orcs with individuals from across the globe after dinner. I can dominate the leader board and secure a victory in a maritime battle with a group of random newcomers, or take on a robotic dinosaur in a post-apocalyptic setting solo.

No, my dear summer child. Gaming is far from extinguished, and platforms like Steam are anything but worthless. In fact, gaming has never been more vibrant and a delight to partake in.