We’ve all been there—clinging to what’s familiar, convincing ourselves it’s enough. In gaming, it’s the safety net of genres, mechanics, and titles we know inside out. But what happens when that comfort becomes a cage? For one gamer, the answer was transformative, reshaping their relationship with video games and themselves.
The Prison of Familiarity
It’s easy to settle into a routine with games we’re good at. Pokémon and Super Mario offered a haven for years, but the confines of comfort started to feel more like walls. Anything that pushed boundaries—underwater levels, timed events, shooters—was met with resistance. The result? A limited experience, more observer than participant.
Exceptions existed, of course. The Legend of Zelda and Tomb Raider brought bursts of adventure, but always with a safety net: someone else ready to handle the tough parts. True immersion remained elusive, blocked by self-doubt and fear of failure.
A Turning Point with Dragon Age 2
The catalyst for change came unexpectedly. An ex-partner struggled with the Arishock fight in Dragon Age 2 and handed over the controller. Surprisingly, it was a success. The once-daunting boss fell, leaving behind a sense of elation. Encouraged to try the game from the start, a new passion emerged. Customizing characters, building relationships, and exploring every corner of the RPG world turned into a joy previously thought unattainable.
That said, even this newfound love came with limitations. The Dragon Age series provided endless replayability but couldn’t fill the gap forever. The absence of fresh challenges dulled the experience over time. Familiarity bred not just comfort, but stagnation.
Rediscovering Gaming Through Work
Ironically, a career shift forced the biggest leap. Writing game guides required firsthand experience with titles previously avoided. There was no sidestepping Ganon in The Legend of Zelda, no skipping murky depths in Metroid Prime Remastered. Suddenly, it was sink or swim. The result? Triumph. The games were finished, unpleasantries and all, and the lessons learned reshaped how games were approached entirely.
The beauty of pushing boundaries became evident. Those dreaded underwater sections in Metroid Prime Remastered? Ethereal and breathtaking. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle stealth missions? Manageable with patience and persistence. Each challenge, once avoided, became a badge of honor.
Lessons from Stepping Outside the Zone
Here’s what stepping outside a gaming comfort zone revealed:
- It’s not about liking every game. You don’t have to force yourself into titles you dislike. The idea is to challenge assumptions about what’s “not for you.”
- Small steps lead to big discoveries. A single boss fight in Dragon Age 2 unlocked a love for RPGs. Gradual experimentation can reveal what’s been missed.
- Even failure is progress. Failing in Bloodborne once felt unbearable, but revisiting similar mechanics in Elden Ring brought resilience—and fun.
One sentence captures it best: assuming failure before trying is the surest way to miss out on being entertained and surprising yourself.
Balancing New Challenges and Old Favorites
Does this mean abandoning the games that brought comfort? Not at all. RPGs and cozy adventures remain staples. Titles like Dragon Age will always have a place, cherished for their stories and familiar mechanics. But taking breaks from them to explore new territory adds depth to the gaming experience.
Returning to a favorite game after venturing into the unknown feels like reuniting with an old friend. The stories feel fresh again, and the gameplay becomes more rewarding. Balancing the familiar with the unfamiliar brings the best of both worlds.
The Smug Gamer’s Reward
There’s a satisfaction in seeing credits roll on a game once thought impossible. It’s not just about the gameplay but about proving something to yourself. For every frustrating stealth mission or seemingly insurmountable boss fight, there’s a moment of triumph waiting on the other side.
The journey isn’t always smooth—controllers may fly, rage-quits might happen. But those moments are part of what makes gaming so human, so real. It’s not just about winning; it’s about the stories, the emotions, and the growth along the way.
