Worst Ways Players Ruin Their Own Fun In Video Games, Ranked

Summary

Avoid save-scumming in RPGs like Fallout: New Vegas to enjoy consequences and immersive experiences.
Don’t limit yourself to one gaming genre; explore different games for varied experiences.
Appreciate game stories and cutscenes instead of rushing through them; skipping ruins immersion.

Engaging with video games can be quite unusual compared to other forms of entertainment such as movies, books, or podcasts. While these mediums typically invite viewers to sit back and unwind while they take in the content, video games actively require participants to contribute effort. Consequently, the enjoyment derived from gaming is directly proportional to the input provided by the player. Interestingly enough, certain video games can provoke strong negative emotions from players, not necessarily because they were intentionally designed that way.

Playing games doesn’t have a single incorrect method, but some actions can unintentionally spoil the enjoyment for everyone involved.

7. Not Accepting Consequences – Fallout: New Vegas

Save-Scumming, Major Decision Reloads, And Looking Behind The Veil

New Vegas,” which are rich in storytelling, leverage the interactive nature of gaming to tell tales that traditional books and films can’t. However, relying on save files to revisit the past or experiment with various character choices can spoil the enchantment, as does starting a new character repeatedly at the beginning of the game to explore all options instead of experiencing the carefully crafted pace set by the game designers.

In many games, it’s necessary to restart if they don’t offer engaging methods to handle death or setbacks. However, most players tend to steer clear of the repercussions of their choices, even if it involves minor hassle, which can diminish what could be a memorable and enjoyable gaming session. Games such as Outward or Darkest Dungeon introduce unique save systems that automatically save your progress, compelling you to make decisions, but not every gamer appreciates learning that there’s only one backup save file, particularly those who have been disheartened by save file damage in the past.

6. Staying Inside A Genre Comfort Zone – UnderRail

There’s A World Of Games Out There

The pleasure derived from playing games is often a personal matter, differing greatly compared to other forms of media. A potential gamer should never force themselves to endure something they dislike just because others highly recommend it. Instead, gamers should feel free to drop games that don’t resonate with them. Similarly, those who only stick to specific game genres or types may also miss out on the joy that new experiences can bring in the world of gaming.

Overlooking a game, even one with universally positive reviews, due to unattractive packaging could mean missing out on an eye-opening gaming experience, particularly for those who tend to ignore indie games in favor of high-budget ones. This oversight is often seen when people presume that more money equates to better quality. Unbeknownst to many, there are numerous undervalued indie games like “UnderRail” with subpar graphics but exceptional gameplay, which get overshadowed by the latest big-budget shooters with confusing number sequences.

5. Skipping The Story Or Cutscenes – Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater

One Minute They Were Talking, The Next They Start Shooting

As a gamer, I often find myself drawn to the challenge of completing online games as quickly as possible, which can lead me to overlook or rush through the intricate stories and backstories woven into these virtual worlds. It’s like an irresistible urge to bypass the context and focus solely on the objective, even though I know that understanding my character’s motivations can greatly enhance the gaming experience.

Experiencing extended cutscenes that seem never-ending can be frustrating. Rushing through all of them to reach the action removes any suspense about upcoming battles and makes every game resemble a whack-a-mole game. What’s even more disappointing are players who leap over narrative segments in single-player games, such as Metal Gear Solid 3, on their initial playthrough. This is similar to reading only every fourth page of a novel during your first read.

4. Spending More Time Tinkering With Mods Than Playing – Skyrim

Perfect Is The Enemy Of Fun

In a nutshell, it’s often observed that striving for perfection can hinder the enjoyment of something, such as video games, where some players spend so much time customizing their experience with mods that they end up playing less of the game itself. This phenomenon is particularly noticeable in games like Skyrim, especially when the modding community is vibrant and skilled.

As an enthusiast, I find the allure of achieving perfection irresistible, but there comes a time when it veers into labor (and that’s uncompensated labor, to be clear). At some juncture, gamers must exert self-control and instead appreciate their game to avoid spending endless hours fiddling with load orders or hunting for broken texture files day in, night out.

3. Suffering The Sunk Cost Fallacy – Destiny 2

Sunken Cost Is Not Proof Of Quality (Or Enjoyment)

In online gaming, competition isn’t confined to Player versus Player (PvP) matches alone. Showcasing unique skins, special weapons, and seasonal badges is an integral aspect of the gaming experience. Players often find themselves measuring their progress against their peers. The desire to possess a stylish cosmetic or loadout can serve as motivation, but the urge to continually play (or spend real money) in order to keep pace with others like Xx_The_Joneses_6969_Xx – similar to a Destiny 2 player pursuing the latest ornament – might drive someone not out of enjoyment, but rather due to a perceived need.

Frequently, gamers confuse the hours or funds spent on a game as an indicator of its value, which can transform leisurely play into an additional workload or a social circle they feel compelled to maintain. Those who have invested real money in cosmetics or season passes often persist, even when the latest updates fail to be enjoyable and superior games lay unused in their collection.

2. Taking Things Too Seriously – League Of Legends

From Tryharding To Toxicity

One game that truly embodies the fervor of competitive gaming is none other than League of Legends. However, when competition morphs into an all-consuming passion, each match transforms into a high-pressure environment. A loss becomes deeply felt. Comrades on the battlefield may even seem adversarial. Every tactical blunder is scrutinized, every second analyzed.

As an enthusiast, I’ve found that games with high-stakes mentality can be exhilarating, yet they often transition from enjoyable to stressful or exhausting. Games intended for fun, even when challenging, lose their relaxing charm and transform into emotional work when faced with a toxic approach to play. This not only negatively impacts others but also the individual themselves, fueling frustration, anger, and potential burnout.

1. Optimizing The Fun Out Of The Experience – World Of Warcraft

From Broken Builds To Blasting A Library Backlog

Instead of blindly using an ineffective strategy found online (like copy-pasting a flawed build in World of Warcraft) or rushing to complete games swiftly just to clear their Steam backlog, some gamers might unintentionally “strip the enjoyment out of a game,” as Soren Johnson, a developer from Civilization, put it. While these players may be focused on achieving victory, if they’re sacrificing their own pleasure by enduring tedious grinding to boost their power and simplifying the game’s challenge, are they truly winning?

Instead of rushing through every level or mission, take some time to appreciate the scenery and enjoy the gaming experience now and then. After all, video games can last much longer than movies or books. Constantly treating your gaming as a list of tasks may not foster a mindful state, and worse, those focused solely on completion might miss out on the delight and aesthetics that surround them.

2025-07-28 09:34