How to deal with the backlog?

[Phatso]

I also have a backlog, and its also across platforms... Always is tricky, but I think what you should do is put off expanding your collection for now and play the games in whatever order YOU WANT. Don't choose all from 1 platform, or alphabetically. Pick one that appeals to you and give it a shot.

Play longer than you anticipate, and it may "hook you" too :P

I also find knowing someone who plays or has played said game is also a plus as you can discuss it with them and possibly become more motivated to finish the game.

Also, time is a serious commodity, you can always play the games at a later stage in life when things chill a bit (same problem here)..

[fayainz]

I would suggest figuring out what it was about each game that got you so excited, and try re-experience that. Choose one of the games on your list and go watch some trailers and read some reviews. I find I tend to stop playing games I love for long periods of time, but then I'll be at work and come across a trailer or gameplay video which instantly inspires me to want to play again. This has actually recently happened with 3 games I love but don't currently have time to play: Bad Company 2, StarCraft II and Shogun 2.

Also, try and forget about all the other games you have to play when you're playing one. The problem is that you're spoiled for choice. The same happens with me and music - if I buy 5 CDs and take them home, there is a good chance that I won't get into any of them, whereas if I were to have just bought one, the chances would be higher that I would end up really enjoying it.

It sounds like you're procrastinating because in your head you have made your pile of games a task which you must get out the way, instead of simple entertainment. That pressure is likely what's causing you to keep putting them off.

Also, you need to stop buying games man

I agree with the Tin's method. I also have a backlog and end up staring at my PC screen not able to make my mind up. But this has helped me alot! Going back and looking at video's and information and think back to what got me so excited about the title. It gives me plenty motivation to get cracking and enjoy the game. Otherwise it does tend to feel like a chore and that's when I just give up..
This weekend I pulled out my StarCraft 2 collectors edition and for the first time I actually paged through the Art Book properly and watched "The Making Of" DVD, it's time I got my money's worth
My problem is also not a time issue, but more so that games are being pumped out at an alarming rate and it's a bit daunting as to what do you play, and as soon as you start getting into the game something new out, along with it's own Hype Train

[Murph]

Yeah pretty much what Tinman said. I've stopped playing 10 games at the same time and started focusing on one, finishing it and moving on to the next. The more you're playing at the same time, the less chance you have of finishing any of them.

[Fivel]

The problem with waiting is that you get left behing i.e. if a game has a goodmultiplayer component and you don't get involved from the start, by the time you do start you are left behind.

[Crzwaco]

The problem with waiting is that you get left behing i.e. if a game has a goodmultiplayer component and you don't get involved from the start, by the time you do start you are left behind.

Very true. Its like what Happened with alien swarm. About 8 of us got it in the first week of letting people know its free from steam played it for about 3 weeks then other people wanted to join us but then we already moved on to lfd2.

[Isengard]

Yup, same issue here. Three things are to blame.

1. Having a PS3 and PC really divides your time
2. Steam specials keep adding more games to my backlog
3. Rift has been occupying most of my gaming time, leaving little for anything else.

My plan of action is to slowly ween myself off Rift and start dividing my time by playing my Steam games during the week and PS3 over the weekend. Well that's the plan at least.

[Fivel]

Try this little exercise:

1. Take all the unfinished games in your collection
2. Estimate amount of time left to complete each game and add this together
3. Divide this by how many hours on average you play each day
4. This will give you number of days needed to finish everything

This ignores new games you buy as well....

[Crzwaco]

Try this little exercise:

1. Take all the unfinished games in your collection
2.

Hahaha

[Fivel]

Hahaha

pffffft...hit enter by mistake.........post updated!!!

[Cyrokrypto]

Try this little exercise:

1. Take all the unfinished games in your collection
2. Estimate amount of time left to complete each game and add this together
3. Divide this by how many hours on average you play each day
4. This will give you number of days needed to finish everything

This ignores new games you buy as well....

Math makes my brain hurt

Anyways i have the same problem. My solution? Just start playing the one that you enjoyed playing before and you will quickly regain interest. Like Tinman said, watch a few youtube video's - that always gets me to install i game i haven't played in ages.