Many gamers have a common experience: buying games during sales and then never playing them. Whether the games were inexpensive, part of a bundle, or simply overshadowed by more prominent titles, they often end up untouched in digital libraries. The reasons are varied: large backlogs, daunting gameplay, or just lack of time. This phenomenon is not limited to niche or obscure games; even well-received titles can remain unplayed.
In 2019, data showed that nearly 37% of Steam games bought never got played. This figure illuminates the larger trend of digital hoarding amongst gamers. While earlier reports emphasized niche games being ignored, the current trend includes mainstream and critically acclaimed titles. Economic bundles and attractive discounts continue to play a significant role in this pattern.
Half-Life: Blue Shift
Half-Life: Blue Shift offers a short single-player experience where players control a security officer. Despite its familiarity and inclusion in Valve bundles, many players haven’t ventured into this expansion. It shares gameplay and narrative structure with its predecessors, making it a hidden gem for fans.
Frostpunk
The city-building game Frostpunk challenges players with managing a society during a volcanic winter. Despite its engaging premise and recommendations from streamers, its bleak tone and demanding gameplay deter many from playing it. Recent sales have increased its presence in digital libraries, but it often goes unplayed.
Deus Ex: Human Revolution
Deus Ex: Human Revolution is frequently discounted, sometimes as low as $2. The game, known for its dialogue trees and augmentation system, faces competition from newer titles like Cyberpunk 2077. As a result, even fans of the genre might not prioritize playing it despite its affordability.
Comparing current findings with earlier reports, it appears that the issue of unplayed games is expanding. Games that used to be considered niche are now joined by mainstream titles in the backlog. The rise of digital sales and bundles has only exacerbated this trend, leading to an increasing number of games being purchased but not played.
Games like Control and Subnautica, despite positive receptions, also find themselves in this predicament. Control‘s unusual premise might be a barrier, while Subnautica‘s single-player mode and horror elements could deter some players. Moreover, titles like Mad Max and Rise of the Ronin face similar issues where initial reviews or genre saturation impact their play rates.
Understanding the reasons behind these untouched games can offer insights for both developers and consumers. Developers might focus on creating more engaging and accessible content, while consumers may benefit from managing their purchasing habits better. Gamers should consider their gaming preferences and time availability before succumbing to the allure of sales. By doing so, they can make more informed decisions and perhaps reduce their ever-growing backlog.
