How to Budget Time for Video Games

All these video games, but not enough time

How would you balance your time for some video games? Most people can budget normally for games. I mean, it's really a priority sort of thing. And while time is the same thing here, I'm referring to balancing time between games. As in, how do you use your time efficiently between all these games you have to play!

Firstly, prioritise your favourite title. If I have Persona 6 coming out at the same time as two other great AAA titles, I'd play Persona 6 first, no questions asked. I love the Persona series and I'm involved in the fandom. There's no point in me completing the other two games first, more so if they're new IPs.

YOU BETTER PRIORITISE PERSONA

That being said, the second thing you have to look at is time constraints. Imagine if you're going on a holiday next week. You can now choose between playing a huge AAA title or a quick, simple indie game. If neither of these games have priority, like Persona 6, then choose the indie game. Finish it up within the week and tackle the AAA after the holiday. There's no point trying to get invested in a new game, only to have you walk away from it for a long period of time before coming back. You'd probably forget some of the story consequences, gameplay mechanics and emotional toll. You'd have to relearn and get reinvested. Heck, you might even have to replay it! It's just not worth it.

Now, what if you have all the time in the world and no priority titles. That's when you balance things neatly according to genres! I usually go all-out on any one story-driven game at any one time. I won't ever do an Uncharted with a Persona. It just doesn't jive with me. However, I wouldn't mind doing a Persona during the day and some Overwatch at night. Overwatch isn't a story driven game and because the mechanics are mostly motor-memory, it won't affect your Persona skills at all (not to mention the difference between a keyboard and a controller).

This way, you'd get to enjoy two games at any one time! Overwatch is also an easy game to drop and take back up so if you'd want to slide anything else within that time slot, go right ahead! But are you able to slot a story-based title in? Two different stories clashing in one day! The horror!

Too much LORE!

Fret not. Simply choose a game based on the type of story you're going to get. I would recommend against playing a depressing story during the day and a depressing story at night. It's not about the depression stacking up. It's more about how you connect with the stories. It's best to involve yourself fully in one particular story before the next. I'd also advice to slot a reliever title in between the two games, to 'reset your palate' so to speak.

If you have a hard, story game like Mass Effect for instance, then going with a game like Firewatch at night is absolutely fine. Firewatch is short for one thing but its involvement follows a smooth curve. By the time you reach the peak, you could probably finish it in one-go. Also, because of the sheer concentration on a pure narrative, it won't mess with your mind as you're trying to get around the world building of Mass Effect.

Ah, a good, easy adventure! I think...

In conclusion, follow the priority list. Firstly, games you really WANT to play. Secondly, look at time constraints against game types. Thirdly, match game genres to better fill out your free time whilst avoiding a cluster bomb of information for your brain. If all else fails, don't even buy the games. Just look at your bank account and smile.