Videogames Diaries

I saw this YouTube video recently that explained the science to get back into a game. Very interesting, and one of the main things i recall is to keep a journal of your progress in said game. Something simple is fine, even if it's just a list of things you did and want to do next. Just to have a "main" goal when you pick up the game again. 

Well, about three weeks ago I finally started Subnautica, despite being scared of depth (and by extension, the ocean). I went in while aware of the main enemies and plot points from watching YouTube videos about it and having a friend nerd out about it. Still. It scared me shitless. And I kid you not, I played maybe five or six hours before I was too scared to keep going deeper (aka below 200m).

"It's another one of those games that I won't touch - I don't even know why I bought it" was what I told myself. Until I thought I'd watch a gameplay from a YouTuber I know. Sadly, Markiplier's gameplay was on a different version of the game so I didn't stick to it. And none of my usual played on Subnautica specifically (some did do Subnautica Below Zero, but I'm saving the surprise for when I buy the game). Alas, I found someone. Baghera. And best of the best? She's also scared shitless of the ocean!

That to say, I've been having a blast watching her make choices I didn't even think of and attempt things I never dared. So much that it slowly brought back my desire to pick up the game. So while I did not use the journaling tip to get back into the game, I've nonetheless started writing a journal as my character would. And to be honest? Even if I'm only a few pages in (to write everything that's happened so far), now it's the only thing I want to do when I pick up my Switch.

Picking games back up aside, I've seen a couple of people share that they kept journals of their characters in each game they play and I think it's a really good thing to do also. In my opinion, it strengthens the bond you develop with the game while also letting you creatively express your feelings related to the game. I would even argue that it helps reduce the time you spend playing, given that for example you write 10 min, you may stop playing after 50min so you have time to journal.

Maybe this is also a way for me to get back into writing, to soon get back to publishing fanfics and to my rp partners.