Strategy Funk

Bison · July 31, 2012, 02:38:22 AM

I'm on the downside of a strategy gaming funk. I've got Falklands, CoH and DC: Case Blue in the cue, but I just cannot find the motivation to play. Disappointing really as I enjoy a good evening of counter pushing and pretending that I've cleverly thought out my plan as I execute it on the game map.

We've had similar discussions here and elsewhere over the years. So this is not something new under the sun. Just disappointment I guess that I cannot get into a strategy game and enjoy it.

Perhaps I just need the cool weather of fall and a cup of hot tea to change my mindset.

Grim.Reaper · July 31, 2012, 04:37:04 AM

I hear you, I have been in a general gaming funk for a long time, even though I continue buying stuff. Nothing holds my attention anymore. Seems like I am more into "collecting" games versus "playing" games:(

Martok · July 31, 2012, 04:47:52 AM

I know only too well what you're talking about Bison. However, I recommend you at least try not to worry about it overmuch.

Just about all of us here have gone through these funks every now and then -- it happens. It will pass eventually, but you have to give it time. In the meanwhile, maybe focus on a different genre (for instance, sounds like you're enjoying DDO quite a bit!), and enjoy the summer while it lasts. The urge to shift those counters around will return sooner or later. 8)

Anguille · July 31, 2012, 04:53:14 AM

I agree with Martok...and think it's normal. People cannot focus on a single type of hobby all the time...we need to give the hobby some fresh air to get back to it. Sometimes i make a good break and focus on a couple of good books instead.

Cheers

Hot tea is a good idea ;)

LongBlade · July 31, 2012, 08:47:34 AM

I have found that mixing genres helps.

In the last couple of years I've added minis games. I'm not always in the mood to paint, but painting is different than gaming, yet still holds my attention in the wargaming hobby. It won't help your wallet, but that's another matter.

mirth · July 31, 2012, 08:55:23 AM

I mix up genres regularly too. My gaming is a mix of computer, board, and minis. Computer gaming is great, but sometimes it's nice to face off across a table with your opponent. Mostly it's a chance to drink a beer and shoot the breeze while pushing around counters or figs.

I go through cycles of gaming too. Early in the year I was doing a lot of video gaming. Now I have to force myself to play anything. Eventually it will pass.

And a good cup of tea always helps everything ;)

MengJiao · July 31, 2012, 09:07:10 AM

Quote from: LongBlade on July 31, 2012, 08:47:34 AM
I have found that mixing genres helps.

In the last couple of years I've added minis games. I'm not always in the mood to paint, but painting is different than gaming, yet still holds my attention in the wargaming hobby. It won't help your wallet, but that's another matter.

I agree. sort of as a joke I got some old board games out of the barn. Now I find I'm actually playing them.

But I just won a WitpAE PBEM Guadalcanal so maybe I'm celebrating as I savor that.

Sir Slash · July 31, 2012, 09:19:01 AM

I play a little bit of RPG and simulation along with strategy games just to keep everything from getting boring. I like to go to youtube and watch video of other people playing my games. It makes me laugh at some of the crazy things they do and then usually I'm ready to go back and play myself thinking, "What that idiot shouldv'e done is..." But thank Heaven my play never has to be seen by anyone but me.

bayonetbrant · July 31, 2012, 09:21:30 AM

try to find something you can finish in one sitting, so you don't feel like it's such a 'chore' to invest the time/effort into it.

If you've got an Android, look into Small General

junk2drive · July 31, 2012, 09:30:13 AM

I have had several obsessions in my life and at some point moved on to other things. Computer games may be one of those. In the 90s new games were few and far between. You could get one and play it to death before the next one. Now we get flooded with new titles. We keep buying them hoping to find the addicting qualities of games past and just don't find it anymore. Some day I will have to move on.

undercovergeek · July 31, 2012, 09:30:57 AM

the last time this happened to me was quite disturbing, i genuinely had a 'holy shit' moment. For a couple of days i toyed with the idea that i had just reached 'that age' when it wasnt my thing anymore. One stops playing with lego, action figures, and scalectrix, i just assumed it happened with games too - it was a very sad moment, sat looking at my laptop and PS3 like a stranger, booting games up, looking at the menus and shutting them down.

i dont know if theres a cure, or like a cold, it gets endured for its duration and then you carry on. I do know that getting the right game, whilst in the right mood, whilst reading the right background literature is almost always the way i boost myself out of it. The Patriot, Gladiator, Braveheart, Band of Brothers, Private Ryan always seem to help too, or any 'man i wish i could game that, oh, lookee here on the desk top'

MarkShot · July 31, 2012, 09:52:17 AM

I find it useful to simply remember another time and place in your life. A place you didn't want to be, and a time when games were only a memory of what you once had and may never have again. When you visualize that, you'll be able to find something enjoyable to play. (Do right by that other you who got you to where you are today with a chance to sit down and enjoy a game.)

W8taminute · July 31, 2012, 09:59:09 AM

I've been in a strategy gaming funk now for 6 months. The only exception is my current PBEM game I've got going on in Armada 2526 Supernova.

What I have been doing to fill the void is console gaming, specifically Xbox 360. My current line up is the Mass Effect series, Ghost Recon Future Soldier, Battlestations Pacific, and Gears of War 3. None of these games are strategy games and Microsoft's reward system in which you earn GameScore for each Achievement you unlock in a game is a game in itself. I've got a spreadsheet tracking my progress in each game and this is totally consuming me.

The bottom line I think is to not only find another genre but also a different platform to play your games on. If you have an iPad try some mindless games on that. The key is to give your strategy brain a rest for a while but distract it with some other type of game. You are not in a gaming funk, you are in a strategy funk. You so want to play a great strategy game but nothing is grabbing you. Let go, and try something else.

The end result, I hope anyway, is that you will go back to strategy games with a vengeance because you will miss them. I'm still not there yet but I'm enjoying the ride on a different highway in the meantime.

eyebiter · July 31, 2012, 10:04:05 AM

Try changing games. If deep strategy is too much right now play a casual wargame.

Or you might step away from the computer for a while, find other ways to enjoy the hobby.

Have you visited your state military museum at the capital in the last few years?
Does the local American Legion or VFW have an old tank, artillery piece, or military aircraft on display? Take some pictures and post em here.
Depending where you live, perhaps a road trip to visit a Revolutionary War or Civil War battlefield?
Any Presidential Libraries within 500 miles? Lot of folks overlook those, usually they have a large amount of military memorabilia.
If nothing else try reading a few books on a military campaign you haven't studied before.

Greybriar · July 31, 2012, 11:17:37 AM

When I can't get in the mood for gaming, I switch to reading books. After awhile I go back to playing games.

Hope that helps you out.