- Amethyst
- 1 May, 2025
The Backlog: The Fear of all Gamers!
Who hasn’t left a game to collect dust to play the newest release?
Did you miss the latest release and have fallen behind on your friends?
Fear of missing out is a big reason why games are put on the backlog. Does this sound familiar to you? You’re not the only gamer having this issue, because 78% of gamers feels the way you do! This happens especially in youth or when part of a gaming-related group of friends.
This article will guide you to get back to your backlog and finish all the amazing games made and published around the world. Whether you put them on the backlog due to difficulty, forgotten storylines or new games released, let’s explore and reignite the spark without feeling it’s too much to handle.
Why Do We Put Games on The Backlog?
With so many available tools and big games launching every year, it will be easy to get onto the next game before you finished the last. “I’ll take a quick break of this one” usually turns into never booting up the game again.
You will tell yourself you will beat that boss later and never come back to it ever again. Did you forget where you were supposed to go or which storyline to follow… or did you forget the controls?
With simple tips and tricks it means no worries for the rest of your gaming days!
How Do You Catch Up With Your Backlog?
Set a challenge for yourself! Try to complete one game per month or focus on clearing current games before buying a new one. Don’t see the backlog as the “to do” list but rather as a list of games to be discovered again! Don’t remember what the storyline is or where you are?
The internet is there to assist you! Watch videos on the game (f.e. playthroughs) or check an online guide or wiki. This might also help you clear the tough boss battles you seem to not be able to beat. Face the challenge and rekindle your love for games you put on the shelf. You have bought or received it in the first place with a reason.
By beating the game, you no longer see it as a waste of time, energy and money if you just leave it there untouched. Instead, you’ll be happy you invested into this game after all!
“My Time Is Limited. How Do I Catch Up?”
Time management can be essential in trying to catch up with the backlog. With just three small tips you are able to catch up faster and be organised.
1. Create a gaming schedule.
Dedicate a specific amount of time to the backlog on a weekly basis. This can be a specific day like Saturday or part of the day like Wednesday evening. This will allow you to catch-up while maintaining the current list of games you play. Use those early or late hours without parents, kids or other distractions to your gaming advantage!
2. Prioritize your gaming list.
Give priority to the games on the backlog. Decide if you want to finish the shorter games first or take the longest and biggest challenge first. Tools to help you prioritize will be mentioned further in the article.
Are you short on time? Use HowLongToBeat for the estimated total play time. Now you know how much you still have to invest in time into the game.
3. Limit the distractions
Limit the distractions you have and let go of the fear of missing out. Use the “one-in, one-out” policy to stay on track of things. For every game you buy, make sure to clear one from the backlog first. You will no longer miss out and catch up at the same time!
When you’re chaotic and/or neurodivergent like me, use anything that can help you create order in chaos. If you are forgetful, use the systems and tools actively and in routine, and print the sheets out if needed. You can then hang them up or lay them in front of your PC monitor or TV, so you know where you stand and can update the list actively.
Which Tools Help Me Clear The Backlog?
Gaming apps to track progress are out there in full force.
Use apps like GG| or Backloggery. They turn the backlog into a visual overview of all your gaming achievements.
They also help to sort games by genre, platform and progress tracking.
If you feel creative and have more time available, make a spreadsheet of the games you play(ed). You can enter if you have completed them or where you currently are.
When writing it down, you can always check an online guide for the specific chapter or area of the game you are in. This will help you actively remind yourself of the storyline, even if months passed since you last played the game.
You can use columns in the sheet like “Game Name”, “Progress” and “Storyline Notes”. Use statistics like the Steam library on how many hours are already invested.
Check out groups for a specific game on social media, look up online guides or videos on the game, and engage! Reply where you are and what you like about the game. If you are stuck, ask actively for help on how to deal with things and progress your backlogged game.
There’s always a gamer that faced the same issue or has a better way of tackling the challenge you face.
Finally, be kind to yourself! When you have finally beaten that difficult boss? Grab a nice snack or treat yourself with something extra. You’ll be much happier to finally finish the game and reflect on the energy and time spent into it.
You can also tell yourself the financial decision to buy this game was worth it in the end.
Backlog? No Stress!
The vital part of the backlog is that it shouldn’t be a stress factor. Set small goals to complete and reward yourself. Get an overview of the backlog with the right tools, plan ahead using the guide just laid out for you in this article, and use this week to get a part of the backlog done.
Relax when playing games and rediscover the fun in the games you lost the fun in.
At AmethystADV, we want to know which backlog progress you made this week!
Write a reply here or on social media and inspire other gamers to catch up with their own backlog!
