As a games journalist, there’s a certain pressure to keep up with every new release, a struggle that might not resonate with everyone else. However, if you’re the type who eagerly anticipates each new game, January offers the perfect opportunity to tackle your backlog. I, for one, took advantage of the Steam Winter Sale to scoop up a few 2024 titles I’d missed – like Satisfactory and Trash Goblin – and even revisited some older gems including Firewatch and Dave the Diver. Late in 2024, I also grabbed Tiny Glade, and just this past August, I embarked on my first journey through Baldur’s Gate 3.
Even though it’s now 2025, the allure of these games hasn’t diminished one bit. There’s something incredibly rewarding about diving into a title that’s not brand-new, like finally joining the community that appreciates the brilliance of Firewatch. It feels akin to reading a beloved classic novel. So, if your game library is as intimidating as mine, I recommend starting with the oldest title and moving forward chronologically—or perhaps rekindle your interest in a game you set aside long ago. Remembering what initially drew you to a particular game, genre, or developer is always refreshing, despite the allure of upcoming blockbusters. Who knows, in revisiting these past treasures, you might even stumble upon your game of the year for 2025.
