Mount Everest. Mount Kanchenjunga. Your backlog. Some of the most difficult things to conquer and come out on top of. It is said that the normal person’s backlog would take more than the rest of their lives to finish, and with more games coming out constantly, that can be a daunting sentiment. I am here to help you…well maybe not defeat your backlog, but at least help prioritize it and make it a little more manageable. 

Go it alone…

It’s Okay to Abandon a Game

This is a message I often share with my students, albeit about books rather than games. It’s perfectly acceptable to abandon a game that isn’t engaging you. If it is not sparking joy or connecting with you, it’s alright to stop playing it! Pushing yourself through an un-enjoyable game might lead to negative feelings about gaming in general. You’re not obligated to appreciate every highly-rated game. Giving yourself permission to set it aside and explore something else is completely okay. Put it down and move on!

Sort by H.L.T.B.

Something I have personally done is look up all the games I want to play on the site How Long to Beat. I then sort these games by how long it takes to complete each one. Knocking out a short game really gives you a sense of pride and success. It is almost motivating in a way to keep on going. Those short indie games are a great break from some of the larger games as well.

Check Out the RH GotX Club

Check out what games are being played on the Game of the X Club on RH. If you spot a game that’s been lingering in your backlog, consider joining in and playing it alongside the community. It evolves into a sort of book club, but for gaming enthusiasts to gather, bond, and geek out over the game. A quick heads-up, though: this might expand your backlog further if you uncover more games during the experience!

Manage Your SD Cards

If you’re anything like me, the compulsion to have every game on your SD card is real. You’ve invested in that massive 1TB card and the urge to fill it up is strong! But what if the internet suddenly went down, and your collection of legally backed-up ROMs vanished? I completely understand the dilemma, but perhaps consider getting yourself a smaller 16GB or 32GB card instead. On this card, focus on storing just 1-2 games per system that you’re determined to beat. This strategy ensures these games become your top priority before adding more to your collection. Sometimes “out of sight, out of mind” is a good thing.

Play with a Friend

Friendship can be a powerful motivator in tackling challenges. As an avid RPG enthusiast myself, the daunting nature of these games can be overwhelming. Lately, I’ve found success in playing RPGs alongside a friend (hi Bill). Seeking out a friend with shared gaming interests and inviting them to join in can make a world of difference. Progressing together allows for ongoing conversations about the game, making the journey more enjoyable. Additionally, if they forge ahead, it often ignites a competitive spirit, pushing you to keep pace or even surpass their progress.

…or do it with a friend!

Backloggd and HLTB

Websites such as Backloggd and How Long to Beat serve as excellent tools for managing your backlog. Backloggd allows you to input games into your backlog and create organized lists. Additionally, it offers features like adding friends, game reviewing, and more. How Long to Beat shares similar functionalities. However, one standout feature I appreciate is it creates visually appealing graphs displaying your completed games. Data with visuals is the best.

Having a backlog is nothing to feel embarrassed about. Many of us share this experience and often feel overwhelmed by it. With a few tips and your dedication, you can hopefully start making progress on it this year! Well, that is until some enticing new must-play games are released…

Have any other tips we can use? Let us know in the comments or on Discord. As always, thanks for dropping in!