As a games journalist, it’s all too easy to get swept up in the constant wave of new releases. But for those of us who eagerly anticipate each fresh title, January offers a perfect opportunity to tackle that ever-growing backlog of games. Personally, I found the Steam Winter Sale hard to resist, and I used it as a chance to pick up some 2024 gems that slipped by me earlier in the year. Titles like Satisfactory, Trash Goblin, and even some older classics such as Firewatch and Dave the Diver found their way into my library. Towards the end of 2024, I also snagged Tiny Glade, and in August, I finally embarked on my first journey in Baldur’s Gate 3.
Now that it’s 2025, these games haven’t lost their shine. In fact, there’s something particularly gratifying about diving into a game that isn’t the latest release. It feels akin to discovering a beloved classic novel; like finally joining the ranks of those who appreciate how remarkable Firewatch truly is. So, if you’re staring down a daunting list of unplayed titles, why not start with the oldest game in the pile and move forward from there? Alternatively, pick up a game you’ve shelved for too long. It’s always worth revisiting what made you passionate about a particular game, genre, or developer, regardless of the big new releases looming on the horizon. And who knows, you might just stumble upon your personal game of the year for 2025 in the process.
