Steam users often find themselves pondering the implications of their gaming habits, particularly when sorting their libraries by hours played. This feature, while illuminating, can also spark an existential crisis as players reflect on how those hours could have been spent differently—perhaps on more enriching activities or even more fulfilling games.
Reflections from the PCG Team
Nick Evanson, a hardware writer, shares his experience with Hearts of Iron 4, where he has logged an impressive 1,178 hours. He describes it as a love-hate relationship, driven by the pursuit of ridiculous achievements. Despite his dedication, each new DLC release resets his progress towards that coveted 100% completion mark, leaving him in a perpetual cycle of strategizing and self-reflection.
Senior Editor Chris Livingston recounts his time with Team Fortress 2, where he amassed 417 hours. He reminisces about the game’s social aspect, which became less enjoyable as he faced increasingly skilled opponents. His gaming history also includes DayZ (370 hours), No Man’s Sky (266 hours), and Skyrim (239 hours), though he humorously notes that his true favorite is The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion, played on disc long before Steam entered the picture.
Robin Valentine, another Senior Editor, admits to not spending excessive time on any single game. His notable hours are found in titles like TF2 (nearly 200 hours) and XCOM, yet he acknowledges that many of his most-played games reside on other platforms, such as World of Warcraft and Hearthstone.
Mollie Taylor, a Features Producer, reflects on her console gaming past, which has resulted in lower Steam numbers. She mentions her significant playtime in The Sims 4 on the EA app and expresses surprise at having logged over 30 hours in Halo Infinite, a game she barely remembers playing.
Jake Tucker, Editorial Director, shares a staggering 5,000 hours in Escape From Tarkov but admits to playing Dota 2 despite not being particularly fond of it. He enjoys observing players in Space Station 14, likening it to a personal terrarium.
Joshua Wolens, a News Writer, finds himself in a unique position, with no multiplayer games among his most-played titles. His hours are dominated by single-player RPGs like New Vegas and Mass Effect, alongside strategy games from Paradox Interactive.
Sean Martin, Senior Guides Writer, expresses his fondness for the Total War series, which has been a cornerstone of his gaming journey. He also mentions his ongoing engagement with Destiny 2, which continues to draw him back with its evolving content.
Phil Savage, Global Editor-in-Chief, highlights his extensive time in Destiny 2, noting the variety of experiences it offers. He reflects on how many of his top games this year are new discoveries, showcasing a shift in focus towards niche titles.
Lauren Morton, Associate Editor, acknowledges that her Steam hours don’t tell the whole story, as she has invested significant time in other platforms. She takes pride in her diverse gaming tastes, which range from Baldur’s Gate to indie titles like Book of Travels.
Natanael Albuquerque, Social Media Editor, shares his experience with multiple gaming accounts, emphasizing his preference for single-player games. He humorously notes that his hours in League of Legends surpass those of his colleagues.
Harvey Randall, Staff Writer, reflects on his time in Final Fantasy 14 and the nostalgia of his earlier gaming days, while Lincoln Carpenter, News Writer, reminisces about his time in Marvel Heroes, a game that holds a special place in his heart despite its closure.
Andy Chalk, News Lead, expresses his fondness for single-player experiences, while Morgan Park, Staff Writer, reveals a strong inclination towards multiplayer FPS games, with notable hours in titles like Siege and Day of Defeat.
Ted Litchfield, Associate Editor, shares his mixed feelings about his gaming hours, particularly regarding Destiny 2, which served as a coping mechanism during challenging times. He also reflects on the significance of his gaming history, including his time with Dragon Age 2.
