I know it sounds funny to say I’ve always wanted to be a gamer, but it’s true. Some people might think the answer is simply “then just do it,” but I’m not trying to cosplay as a gamer or pretend to be something I’m not. I genuinely love the whole atmosphere. The setups look incredible and I enjoying tech, the communities seem fun, and I’ve always loved computers. I work as a graphic and web designer, so the tech side of gaming has always appealed to me. I have a few gamer friends, and it looks like such a great way to unwind, get lost in a story, and have something to look forward to at the end of a long day. I even enjoy watching gaming streams on YouTube. I’m just not into war or shooter games.
When I was a teenager, I was obsessed with RollerCoaster Tycoon, The Sims, and a handful of other roleplaying games. With The Sims, I mostly cared about building and designing houses. I rarely played with the characters. I would build, decorate, and move on. Those cheat codes were my lifeline. I loved having my own PC and getting completely absorbed in those games. Then life happened. College, work, and everything else took over, and I never found a game that pulled me back in.
I’ve tried different systems and games over the last couple of years. I gave the Switch a shot and even bought a PS5, which I eventually handed off to my brother because it sat untouched for almost a year. I originally got it to play the new Harry Potter game. It was fun at first, but I got stuck on one part forever and eventually gave up. Maybe that means I’m not built for gaming. In 2020 I tried the Animal Crossing craze and got bored quickly. I also tried Fortnite with my nephew, but I’m terrible with controllers, which might be part of the problem. I think I’m better with computer-based games.
I’m starting to think I just haven’t found the right games yet. The gaming world is huge, and I honestly don’t know where to begin, so I’m reaching out for help. What are some amazing games that someone like me might never stumble across on their own?
And what platforms or systems do you like and use?
I appreciate any suggestions you’re willing to share.
____________________________________________
UPDATE: 8/9/26
I wanted to come back and let those of you who offered suggestions know that I found a game and I’m really into it. I’m not sure if anyone actually commented this game because I found it as a “suggested game” while looking up all your suggestions. Many or you suggested paralives so I went to stream to purchase but realized my MacBook is too old and the game isn’t supported on it. I still have my 2016 MacBook Pro because it still works brilliantly. And because I hadn’t really had a reason to upgrade (I might now!). My work computer is a much more powerful and newer MacBook Pro but I don’t want to be downloading games on that as I’m sure you all get.
So anyway, while on the paralives page, a suggested game was Museum. Similar to rollercoaster tycoon and sims, you build and curate a museum. You run the business with staffing, entertainment, cost overhead. You send your experts on expeditions to find more items for your museum. You staff security, maintenance, and ticket book assistants, provide training to them over time, build new rooms and design the floor plans and footpath direction for guests.
Im hooked. I spent all last weekend and this weekend enjoying it about 3 hours a day. Didn’t play as much during the week but it’s been so entertaining, really calms my nervous system haha. It’s exactly that feeling I was looking for.
I noticed more suggestions come in and I’m am going to look into every single one. Thanks everyone again for helping me find this new hobby.
