If you are an avid gamer, you probably have a long, long list of video games you have a desire to play but have not found the time yet. It is, of course, part of the zeitgeist that there are more games than ever before.
There is no end to AAA game releases. The Steam store has tens of thousands of titles. When it comes to the Apple and Google app stores, you are talking about hundreds of thousands.
The choice can be overwhelming, and while it’s partially true that the cream will often rise to the top, it can be difficult to discover the right games for you. At the very least, it can be a deeply unsatisfying experience to waste time – and money – playing a game that does not hit the spot for you.
So, how do you pinpoint the best gaming experiences for you? Let’s break down some hints and tips that can help you arrive at the right titles before you part with your hard-earned cash or waste time playing a game you end up not liking:
1. Let Algorithms Work for You
Platforms like Steam, Xbox Game Pass, and PlayStation Store use recommendation engines that analyze your past behavior to suggest titles.
While not perfect, they’re a useful starting point for arriving at the type of game you’ll like. There are even new gaming discovery apps, such as Ludocene, that will help you build up a personalized profile that matches you with your perfect games.
2. Follow Curated Lists and Reviewers You Trust
Gaming is subjective, so instead of relying on Metacritic scores alone, find individual reviewers or YouTubers whose tastes align with yours. Many influencers specialize in genres like indie games, RPGs, or retro, so you can buy into the opinion of someone you respect in a gaming genre that matches up with your taste.
3. Tap into Community Recommendations
Reddit threads (like r/patientgamers or r/ShouldIbuythisgame), Discord groups, and gaming forums often host honest discussions.
Gamers on Reddit tend to be brutally truthful, and if a game disappoints, you’ll hear about it fast. The only drawback to these community discussions is that they can sometimes be a bit too harsh, so take negative reviews with a pinch of salt.
4. Use Game Discovery Tools and Databases
Sites like GG App, Backloggd, HowLongToBeat, and RAWG.io help you filter games by genre, length, platform, and rating. Some even show “hidden gems” or generate recommendations based on your existing library.
Online slot sites are very good at breaking down games by different tags, allowing players to choose the titles that suit their tastes from potentially 1000s of titles. Look for gaming databases that do the same.
5. Watch Streamers & Let’s Plays Before Buying
Watching someone else play on Twitch or YouTube can give you an immediate sense of what it’s like to play a game. That’s quite obvious, but you should make sure that the streamer is not being paid to overhype the game. Look for streamers you trust. It might take time, but it’s worth it to get a real idea of how a game looks and feels.
6. Explore Subscription Services
Game Pass, PS Plus, and even Apple Arcade might have some deals or free trials to allow you to have a peek at their content before you commit. Make sure you do not sign up for anything that will make you pay in the long term, so have a good read of the terms and conditions before you sign up.
7. Don’t Sleep on Demos & Early Access
Demos are a good way to get a feel for a game before you commit to playing the full version on its full release. Reddit, once again, has good information on how to access interesting gaming demos before they go mainstream.
