It’s no secret that I’ve been unhappy with all the Destiny I’ve been playing lately. In addition to that, I’ve never been very good at coordinating schedules with people to play together. I’ve also never been what anyone would refer to as a social butterfly. I’m fortunate that I can play games with my partner, as well as a few other folks, but lately I’ve been in a great big Destiny rut. This wouldn’t be so bad, except there are a plethora of single player games that are calling out to me. My pile of shame grows ever larger as more and more games are released.

I started really thinking about this when Mafia III was delivered last Friday. I had every intention of getting to it right away.

Guess how much Mafia III I’ve played since then?

Yeah. Absolutely zero.

I’ve wanted to play The Bunker as well as Dear Esther since they released a few weeks back and have I played even a whiff of them?

Nope.

Most of my recent game acquisitions have been single player games (e.g.: Resident Evil 4, PSYCHO-PASS: Mandatory Happiness, BioShock: The Collection), and most of my upcoming pre-orders are, too (e.g.: Dishonored 2, Yomawari: Night Alone, The Last Guardian). I doubt that was by design, but it’s definitely the case.

Oh, sure, I’ve recently gotten a couple of co-op games, Warhammer: End Times – Vermintide among them, and I’d be remiss if I didn’t admit that I was looking forward to playing co-op with my partner and a friend. I’m also looking forward (maybe?) to hopping back in to Overwatch for the Halloween themed festivities. I’m a sucker for anything Halloween, and some of the limited time skins are just too good.

I want that Mercy skin something fierce. And that Reaper skin is pretty amazing, though I was never a Reaper player.

I’ve noticed a trend in my gaming habits, and they veer towards playing with others. I often pass up playing games on my own, if there is a chance I can play with other people. I never used to be that way, but I have noticed I’ve been in that mindset for a while now. It’s not a bad thing, it’s just a thing.

I suppose it would be nice to get back to playing games in general on a steadier, more regular basis.

I’ve also noticed that even if I have the time and opportunity, I often find other things to do instead. Sure, most of those things are productive things (e.g.: cleaning, organizing), or even alternative entertainment options (reading, watching movies), but I’m feeling the drive to get back to games in a big way. I miss playing those games that suck you in and the hours fly by while you explore their digital worlds.

I can recall on several occasions when I played Far Cry 3, I just couldn’t get enough. All I wanted to do was play more Far Cry 3. Or when I was deep in the clutches of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (another game I need to go back and play the DLC for), and all I could think about was exploring the world as much as I could. And then exploring it a little more.

I started in on BioShock again (my favorite game of all time) when the collection released last month, yet I stopped partway through because I got sidetracked by Destiny’s Rise of Iron expansion. I would love to go back and finish it.

I’ve also been meaning to go back and get the remaining trophies for both Inside as well as Virginia (two games very much worth playing), and I’ve yet to 100% either.

I know I talk a lot about taking myself to task and getting all productive, game-wise, but I’m absolutely serious about it right now. If I just plan my time a little better, there’s no reason I can’t make it happen.

Do you go through phases where you game with other people and others where you game solo? What drives you to do so? Or is it whim-based? Let’s discuss!