More Than Just Playing: How to Set and Achieve Gaming Goals for the Year
For many of us, gaming is more than just a pastime; it's a passion. But like any hobby, it can sometimes feel directionless. You float from game to game without ever getting that satisfying feeling of accomplishment. The solution? Setting clear gaming goals. It might sound overly serious, but it can fundamentally change your relationship with your gaming backlog for the better.
Why Set Gaming Goals?
Setting goals provides direction and motivation. It helps you focus your limited gaming time on experiences that truly matter to you. Instead of endlessly scrolling through your library, you'll know exactly what you want to achieve. This leads to finishing more games, saving money by not buying new games, and deriving more satisfaction from your hobby.
Make Your Goals SMART
The best way to set goals is to use the SMART framework: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
- Specific: Don't just say "play more games." A specific goal is "Finish the main story of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt."
- Measurable: You need a way to track progress. "Beat 12 games this year (one per month)" is measurable.
- Achievable: Be realistic. If you only have 5 hours a week to play, aiming to beat three 100-hour RPGs in a month isn't achievable. Use the gameyap Backlog Burner to understand the time commitment of your list.
- Relevant: Does the goal matter to you? If you don't enjoy punishingly hard games, a goal to beat Elden Ring might not be relevant to your enjoyment. This is where knowing when to drop a game is important.
- Time-bound: Give yourself a deadline. "Finish Cyberpunk 2077 by the end of this quarter" creates a sense of urgency.
Examples of Great Gaming Goals for 2025
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- The "52-Game Challenge": Beat one game per week. (This is ambitious and works best with very short indie games!)
- Genre Explorer: Complete at least one game from five different genres you don't normally play.
- Platinum Trophy Hunt: Earn the Platinum trophy (or full achievement list) for three of your favorite games.
- Backlog Zero: Clear every game on a specific, curated list of 10 titles from your backlog.
- Series Sweep: Play through an entire game series from start to finish, like Mass Effect or Uncharted.
Track Your Progress
A goal is useless if you don't track it. Use a spreadsheet, a journal, or a notes app to list your goals and check them off as you go. Seeing your list of completed games grow is a powerful motivator. By setting intentional goals, you transform your playtime from a passive activity into a rewarding and productive hobby.