Classes From 2025, Focus for 2026: My Gaming Resolutions

Reflecting on My Gaming Resolutions: Looking Back at 2025, Looking Ahead to 2026

At the beginning of final 12 months, I got down to do one thing slightly completely different. In January, I wrote an article outlining my yearly gaming resolutions. A strategy to be extra intentional about how I spend my time with video games, what I select to play, and the way I method gaming as each a interest and a creator.

Those resolutions weren’t about chasing developments or forcing myself by means of an countless backlog. Instead, they had been private targets. They had been small guarantees to myself about stability, focus, and pleasure. Now that 2025 is behind us, it appears like the correct time to look again and be trustworthy about the place I succeeded, the place I fell quick, and what I discovered alongside the way in which.

In this text, I’ll rapidly revisit these 2025 gaming targets and mirror on how they really performed out over the 12 months. From there, I’ll shift the main target ahead and lay out my 2026 gaming resolutions. Including speaking concerning the priorities, habits, and mindset I wish to carry into the 12 months forward. So with a contemporary calendar and a brand new 12 months of video games on the horizon, let’s dive in.

A Quick Recap of My 2025 Gaming Resolutions

Finishing More Games Before Moving On

One of my important targets for 2025 was easy on paper however tougher in apply: end extra video games earlier than leaping to the following one. It wasn’t that I by no means accomplished video games, however I had a nasty behavior of drifting away halfway by means of one thing I genuinely loved, solely to return months later, if in any respect. When I initially wrote about this decision, I particularly referred to as out Fantasian Neo Dimension and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth as two video games I used to be actively enjoying and totally supposed to see by means of to the tip. Both deserved my full consideration, and each had been video games I used to be enthusiastic about on the time.

The drawback, as all the time, was distraction. Games like The Elder Scrolls Online, what I usually check with as “job games,” have a means of quietly pulling focus away. Daily logins, limited-time occasions, and recurring routines can slowly take over, even whenever you don’t consciously imply for them to. Before I knew it, my consideration was cut up, and progress on these single-player experiences stalled. I’ll be trustworthy: I didn’t find yourself ending both Fantasian Neo Dimension or Final Fantasy VII Rebirth in 2025. That a part of the objective didn’t pan out the way in which I had hoped.

That stated, this decision wasn’t a complete loss. Over the course of the 12 months, I did end a number of different video games. I used to be extra conscious about sticking with experiences I began, and I made a aware effort to shut the loop on a number of playthroughs as an alternative of endlessly bouncing between titles.

Because of that shift in mindset, I nonetheless depend this objective as a hit—simply not an ideal one. And truthfully, that stability between progress and actuality ended up being one of many greatest classes I took away from 2025.

Stepping Outside My Comfort Zone

If you realize me in any respect, this decision in all probability made excellent sense on paper. My tastes have all the time leaned closely towards JRPGs, turn-based video games, and conventional RPGs. Genres I’m comfy with and naturally gravitate towards. For 2025, I needed to problem that behavior by deliberately spending time with video games and genres I don’t usually dabble in. At the highest of that listing was Elden Ring.

The Souls-like style has all the time fascinated me from a distance. I respect what these video games do, I love their design philosophy, and I’ve all the time been curious to expertise one for myself. Elden Ring, particularly, is broadly considered one thing particular, and it was a sport I genuinely needed to take a seat down and play. That stated, that is the place I’ve to carry myself accountable.

I didn’t comply with by means of on this objective. I by no means actually dedicated the time wanted to dive into Elden Ring or the Souls-like area in a significant means. While some may argue that Expedition 33, which I did end, has components that really feel just like the “Souls-like” of RPGs, I don’t assume that totally counts towards what I got down to do.

Even giving myself that partial credit score would really feel like transferring the goalposts, and that wasn’t the intent of this decision. I needed to expertise one thing basically outdoors my consolation zone, and in that regard, I got here up quick. Not each objective wants a optimistic spin, and this one serves as a transparent reminder that curiosity alone isn’t sufficient. You nonetheless need to make the time and decide to the expertise.

Expanding Coverage and Stepping Further Into the Spotlight

This decision targeted on two areas the place I felt our web site may develop. That is stronger Nintendo protection and higher private involvement in video interviews. Looking again on 2025, I can confidently depend it as a hit. On the Nintendo entrance, my unique intention was to personally cowl extra Nintendo-related matters all year long.

While I did contribute in that space at completely different factors, the larger win got here from the group itself. Over the course of the 12 months, we introduced on a number of new writers, and one standout addition was Randy Rhodes.

He’s performed an exceptional job throughout the board, notably in the case of Nintendo protection, serving to to strengthen an space we had beforehand recognized as a niche.

Then There’s Interviews

As for video interviews, this objective was extra private. I’ve heard the suggestions. People wish to see me on digital camera extra, taking a extra front-and-center position in interviews and discussions. While I didn’t utterly overhaul my method in a single day, I did make significant progress. I appeared in additional interviews than earlier than. I accepted extra podcast visitor invites and steadily turned extra comfy placing myself on the market.

One of the most important moments for me was conducting my first solo interview with the group behind Frosthaven. Though it wasn’t on digital camera, it was nonetheless a significant milestone. Being trusted to signify the group by myself at an occasion was a giant step ahead, each professionally and personally.

I additionally closed out 2025 on a robust notice with a Demeo x Dungeons & Dragons: Battlemarked gameplay session, adopted by an interview with Gustav Stenmark of Resolution Games. Those experiences helped reinforce that this was a 12 months of development, not only for the positioning, however for me as effectively. Due to the progress made throughout protection, collaboration, and private involvement, that is one decision I’m proud to mark as achieved.

Being The Tabletop and VR Guy

The last decision I set for 2025 was totally taking over a task I had already been drifting towards: changing into the positioning’s VR and tabletop-focused voice. This objective was much less about beginning one thing new and extra about recommitting to a mission I had initially been captivated with, however had slowly misplaced deal with over time.

On the tabletop facet, my intent was to shine a brighter mild on an space of gaming that usually will get neglected, regardless of being a significant a part of the broader gaming area.

While I did contribute some tabletop-related protection all year long, together with a standout interview at Summer Game Fest, the place King David discovered learn how to play Magic: The Gathering utilizing the Final Fantasy set. Honestly, that is an space the place I may have performed extra. I let momentum slip at instances, and I didn’t push as constantly as I initially supposed.

Then There’s VR

The “VR guy” portion of this decision was extra private and largely psychological. I’ve all the time had a deep love for VR, AR, and blended actuality gaming, however I struggled with the thought of being considered solely by means of that lens. I nervous that builders may see me as a distinct segment voice slightly than somebody with a broader ability set and perspective. In 2025, I lastly labored by means of that hesitation. Instead of pushing again in opposition to the label, I leaned into it.

Allowing builders and groups to see me because the VR-focused voice in the event that they select to, whereas persevering with to showcase my vary by means of the work itself. That shift made an actual distinction. Over the 12 months, I reviewed a number of VR experiences, examined early-access builds, and took half in interviews on this area, together with one talked about earlier on this article. There’s even a possible product evaluate on the horizon that continues that momentum.

While I consider I nonetheless have room to develop on the tabletop facet, the bigger objective, which is embracing my position inside VR, AR, and MR gaming, was met. Because of that, private development and renewed confidence, I in the end depend this decision as achieved.

Looking Ahead: My Gaming Resolutions for 2026

Committing to the Souls-Like Genre in 2026

Even although I fell quick on this objective in 2025, it’s one I’m not able to let go of. In reality, that missed alternative is precisely why it’s carrying over into 2026. I nonetheless wish to totally dive into the Souls-like style and provides it a good shake. This type of sport has all the time fascinated me from the skin. The emphasis on problem, mastery, and deliberate design may be very completely different from the genres I often gravitate towards, and that’s exactly the purpose. For me, this decision is about pushing myself out of my consolation zone and experiencing a facet of gaming I’ve admired however by no means actually dedicated to.

In 2026, I’m making this objective clear and non-negotiable: I’ll play Elden Ring, see it by means of to completion, and use it as my true entry level into the Souls-like area. From there, I wish to discover extra video games within the style and perceive why it resonates so strongly with so many gamers. This time, the objective isn’t simply curiosity, it’s follow-through.

Continuing to Finish the Games I Begin

This is one decision I’m carrying ahead from 2025. Even with progress made, it’s nonetheless a behavior I wish to strengthen in 2026. Finishing video games adjustments how I expertise them. It deepens my appreciation for his or her design, storytelling, and pacing in a means that leaping between titles by no means fairly does. In 2026, the main target isn’t simply on ending extra video games, however on being smarter about what I begin within the first place.

That means smaller rotations, fewer impulse playthroughs, and giving video games the area they deserve earlier than transferring on to one thing new. If I decide to a sport, I wish to see it by means of, slightly than letting it fade into the backlog. This method additionally ties on to stability. Between reviewing, streaming, and protecting video games as a part of my efforts for LOGNET, it’s straightforward to deal with playtime as one thing disposable or short-term.

This decision is about slowing that course of down. It’s about permitting myself to totally expertise a sport from starting to finish at any time when attainable. I made significant strides towards this objective in 2025, and in 2026, I wish to construct on that momentum. Fewer unfinished tales, fewer deserted save information, and extra full experiences. That’s the usual I’m aiming for this 12 months.

Building Confidence in Interviews and Industry Conversations

One of my most vital resolutions for 2026 is to place myself on the market extra. Especially in the case of interviews and conversations throughout the gaming trade. This builds immediately on a objective I began exploring in 2025. Now I wish to take it additional and achieve this with extra confidence. Attending Summer Game Fest in 2025 was an enormous step in that course. I had the chance to talk with a variety of individuals throughout the trade and the content material creation area, together with Phil Spencer, Sarah Bond, Aaron Greenberg, Destin Legarie, Ben Starr, and lots of others. Those conversations had been significant and inspiring, however I’ll be trustworthy, additionally they got here with nerves.

That’s one thing I wish to proceed working by means of. That identical occasion was additionally the place I performed my first solo interview, which was a significant milestone for me. It proved that I can step into these moments when the chance presents itself. Now, the objective is to make that feeling of confidence extra pure and constant. Looking forward to 2026, I wish to be comfy putting up conversations, asking questions, and representing the group in interviews with out hesitation.

I wish to attain a degree the place Lord Cognito can say, “Hey Chris, you’ve got this interview,” and my response is a simple and assured, “Yeah, I’ve got it.” This decision is about development. It’s about being extra current, extra vocal, and extra comfy participating with the individuals who assist form this trade. The extra I lean into these alternatives, the higher I’ll be at telling their tales and sharing them with the group.

Renewing My Focus on Tabletop and TCG Coverage

Another vital focus for 2026 is constant and strengthening my dedication to tabletop and TCG protection. This is an space of gaming I genuinely care about, and one which deserves constant consideration slightly than sporadic spotlights. Tabletop and TCGs have all the time been a part of how I interact with video games, whether or not that’s by means of Magic: The Gathering, board video games, or hybrid digital experiences. In the previous, I’ve helped deliver consideration to that facet of the gaming area, however I’ll be the primary to confess that momentum has come and gone at instances. In 2026, the objective is consistency.

A giant a part of that renewed push begins with the upcoming launch of Lorwyn Eclipsed. Lorwyn is a setting that holds a particular place in Magic’s historical past, and its return presents the right alternative to re-engage extra deeply with TCG protection, whether or not that’s by means of set impressions, gameplay experiences, group conversations, or broader discussions round design and id.

This decision isn’t nearly protecting releases as they occur. It’s about treating tabletop and TCGs as a significant pillar of gaming tradition alongside video video games. I wish to highlight the gamers, the tales, and the experiences that make these areas thrive. Also, whereas reconnecting with why I used to be drawn to them within the first place. With Lorwyn Eclipsed on the horizon, 2026 appears like the correct time to totally recommit and construct sustained protection in an area that continues to develop, evolve, and matter to the gaming group.

Renewing Pokémon Coverage with a Competitive Focus

Another space I wish to refocus on in 2026 is Pokémon protection. Particularly on the aggressive facet, as soon as Pokémon Champions formally releases. Pokémon has all the time been a part of my gaming DNA, however over time, constant protection, particularly round groups & aggressive play, has taken a little bit of a backseat.

Champions appears like the correct second to vary that, with its emphasis on structured, aggressive gameplay, creating a possibility to dive deeper into group constructing, technique discussions, and the broader aggressive ecosystem surrounding Pokémon.

That’s an area I’ve loved participating with up to now. Also, I wish to be extra current in transferring ahead. This renewed focus gained’t be restricted to only high-level aggressive evaluation. I additionally wish to discover Pokémon extra broadly once more; from protecting mechanics, updates, and group conversations in a means that’s welcoming to each aggressive gamers and longtime followers who could also be interested in entering into that facet of the sport for the primary time.

As Pokémon Champions rolls out, my objective is to rebuild constant Pokémon protection, with the intention of treating it not as a one-off matter, however as an ongoing a part of what I cowl. Whether that’s aggressive impressions, studying experiences, or broader reflections on the place Pokémon suits within the fashionable gaming panorama, that is an space I’m excited to lean again into in 2026.

A Long-Term Goal: Earning a Pro Tour Invitation

This last decision is completely different from the others. It’s not one thing I anticipate to perform inside a single 12 months—and it might take longer than 2026. Even so, it’s a objective I wish to set now. Magic: The Gathering has all the time been an vital a part of my life, serving to forge lasting friendships, introducing me to unimaginable communities, and shaping points of my life that I typically cease to understand. Because of that historical past, this objective isn’t nearly competitors. It’s about honoring a sport that’s meant a fantastic deal to me through the years.

The decision I’m setting is that this. I wish to earn an invite to the Magic: The Gathering Pro Tour by the age of 42. As I write this, I’m 36 and turning 37 in March. Which provides me roughly a five-year window to make this occur. That’s an bold objective, there’s no denying that. It gained’t be straightforward, and it’ll require actual focus, self-discipline, and constant effort. I genuinely consider it’s attainable. If I commit myself to bettering as a participant and approaching the sport with intention.

There are a number of paths towards that objective. Whether by means of Magic: The Gathering Arena, Magic: The Gathering Online, or in-person aggressive occasions. If you’ve been following me on social media, you’ve in all probability seen that I’ve already began taking steps in that course. I’ve been getting again out to smaller occasions, working towards extra constantly, and re-engaging with aggressive play.

This decision is concerning the lengthy sport. It’s about development, persistence, and believing that with focus and energy, significant targets are nonetheless inside attain. Setting it now provides me one thing to work towards, not simply in 2026, however effectively past it. And I’m excited to see the place that journey leads.

Growth, Reflection, and the Road Ahead

Looking again at my 2025 gaming resolutions, what stands out most isn’t whether or not each objective was completely achieved. It’s the expansion that got here from setting them within the first place. Some targets had been met, others fell quick, and some revealed habits and challenges I didn’t totally anticipate. But every one helped me higher perceive how I play, how I create, and the way I wish to interact with video games transferring ahead.

The 2026 gaming resolutions construct immediately on these classes. They’re extra targeted, extra intentional, and extra trustworthy about what I need out of gaming. Whether that’s ending the video games I begin, stepping additional outdoors my consolation zone, increasing protection I care deeply about, or committing to long-term targets that can take time and dedication to attain.

At the tip of the day, resolutions aren’t about perfection. They’re about course. And as I head into 2026, I’m excited. Not only for the video games forward, however for the chance to proceed rising as a participant, a creator, and a member of this group.