My Year in Gaming: A Reflection on 2023

Introduction

It's been another year, and despite the passing of time seemingly speeding up as one gets older, I find myself reflecting on the games I've played in 2023. Throughout the year, I made a handful of videos that I am really proud of, and I managed to be kind of consistent with my content. I watched as the gaming landscape evolved and changed, and I'm still trying to grapple with and explore the impact that these games and gaming, in general, have had on me.

Bioshock: A Revisitation

One of the standout games for me in 2023 was Bioshock Infinite. Despite the fact that it no longer holds the same place in my heart as it did in the past, the game still has the ability to grab hold of my brain. Its shift in opinion benefitted me, and I realized that a game that I once cherished greatly still holds potential to resonate with me in new ways. Moreover, revisiting Bioshock 1 and 2 and playing Manura Den added depth to my reflection, and I found that these games held nostalgic value to me.

A Trio of Titles

In 2023, I spent time playing through a trio of titles: Kena: Bridge of Spirits, Sable, and Chicory: A Colorful Tale. These games took me to unique places in their worlds and their core mechanics and settings were captivating.

Breath of the Wild: A New Perspective

The significance of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and its impact on me was another key reflection point. Despite being a highly enjoyable game, it didn’t leave as lasting of an impact on me as other games have in the past. This realization led me to understand that not every game can be revolutionary and life-changing.

Exploring New Realms

Moving beyond my established gaming preferences, I ventured into playing games like Returnal, Outer Wilds, and Metroid Prime, each with their own unique characteristics that challenged and engaged me in different ways.

Finding Fulfillment in Gaming

I found fulfillment in playing Slay the Spire and Rain World, which challenged me in new ways and helped me recognize my capacity to find joy in overcoming obstacles in gaming.

A Shift in Perspective

Circling back to Demon’s Souls, the experience of revisiting this game allowed me to see how different I have become compared to the person I was when I first played the game. It made me reflect on the influence of video games throughout various significant moments in my life.

Gaming as Reflection

The games I played throughout 2023 helped me recognize a lot of change—how the world and how I have changed, and how the way I cope with challenging situations has also evolved.

Conclusion

As I concluded the year, my gaming experiences provided me with a sense of grounding and helped me navigate personal and global challenges. However, unlike before, I don’t feel as overwhelmed by the uncertainties of life. While I am still figuring things out, I am more optimistic about the future and more adaptable to change.

A New Perspective on Gaming

In recent times, I've been experimenting with playing games for the sake of playing, without recording or broadcasting my experiences, and this shift has brought a sense of novelty and enjoyment to my gaming routine.

Acknowledgment of Sponsorship

I would also like to extend my thanks to the sponsor of this video, Bellroy, for providing sleek and sustainable solutions for carrying gaming gear and everyday essentials.

In conclusion, I reflect on the past year, the life lessons learned through gaming, and the hope for a brighter future.