A personal taxonomy of video games

Those I bought because the box had cool art but were terrible

Those I got a pirated copy of and could not understand anything because I didn’t have the manual and I didn’t have internet at the time^[1]

Those whose history was undecipherable because my English skills were not good enough^[2]

Those that frustrated me before I understood that some video games were more difficult than others^[3]

Those that frustrated me before I understood that some video games have bad controls^[4]

Those I played with friends by sharing the controls, even if they were supposed to be single-player^[5]

The first of a series of games I’m proud to have played on their original platforms just because I was born at the right time^[6]

Those I watch speedruns of from time to time for nostalgia, because I feel that if I tried to play them I would lack the reflexes and patience and it would be horrible^[7]

Those I still listen the soundtrack of^[8]

Those on platforms I don’t own because I’m afraid buying one would lead me to spend too much time playing^[9]

Those I bought to support the developers knowing I probably wouldn’t play them^[10]

Those I bought thinking I would like them even if I knew I wouldn’t^[11]

Those I wanted to play but I feared I wouldn’t really like them, so I watched a full walkthrough video of them instead to avoid any risk of frustration^[12]

Those I read about extensively because I have more fun reading about them that I would probably have playing them^[13]

Those I started creating myself and didn’t finish because I’m a software developer and it’s a tempting thing to do

The rhythm video games, I have no sense of rhythm

Those I’d like to play because it seems like I should enjoy them, but I don’t^[14]

Those that don’t exist because some particular game mechanic or design style I love is not compatible with current trends^[15]

The long games that required a level of mental stamina I don’t have anymore^[16]

The online multiplayer games because planning to play with people seem exhausting

The gacha games I play non-stop for a few days until I can get a hold on myself and delete it^[17]

Those I play for one or two hours before I feel like I understand what the game is about and all the fun disappears instantly, even if I still want to play them^[18]

Those which are not supposed to be fun with cheats, but who are you to tell me how I should have fun?^[19]

The small “indy” games that explore an idea and don’t try to do too much with it^[20]