I hear you, Max.

I've been gaming as long as I can remember anything at all and I just find modern titles, with a few exceptions* just demand too much of the player. What depresses me about the Palworld debacle is that 5m players think resource gathering and crafting is gameplay and not just busywork. Even a streamlined title like AC Mirage has too much space. I just cannot be arsed.

I've gone back to my PS Vita so I can slot gaming into my lunch breaks again and the breath of fresh air is startling. AC Liberation has gone from being too small to tightly wound; Uncharted is a 16-day quest in half-hour chunks. WipEout! My word, why don't they make a new WipEout?!

If gaming is leaving you sore I would highly recommend grabbing a handheld console, emulator or otherwise and playing some proper hi-score chasing arcade titles.

*I would replay Horizon ZD/FW forever if I could.