Players are devoting a huge amount time playing the game, and finding little reason to play anything else.
It’s been more than four months since I saw theend credits for Elden Ring.
It took me 164 hours of dying again and again to beat FromSoftware’s massively popular open-world action RPG.
The game, which was released in February, will almost certainly be my game of the year.
Now I have a problem.
I’m finding it hard to motivate myself to play other video games.
This is the first time I’ve felt this drained after finishing a game.
I am bereft of motivation to jump into the next game.
No, this isn’t permanent.
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This phenomenon isn’t new or limited to me.
Certain AAA titles tend to drain players, whether from an emotional or time standpoint.
And sometimes, a game can be simply so good that no other games can compare.
For me, Elden Ring had everything.
It’s downright addictive.
Again and again, that surge of adrenaline would hit me and cause my heart rate to spike.
The proof is on myApple Watch.
Exploration wasn’t the only addictive aspect of the game.
It’s not just me who’s addicted.
It’s also the top-rated game released this year onMetacritic.
Then 164 hours later, it came to an end.
My time as the Tarnished was over as I was crowned the new Elden Lord.
After that, nothing.
It won’t give me that rush.
Instead, it’ll be a chore, just like the other games I’m trying to play.
I know things will change.
For now, though, I’m stuck in my funk.
