Methodology

 Methodology:

I have been game collecting for a long time and about a decade ago realized that my backlog of games had become extremely long.  I used to keep my unplayed games stacked in a corner of the room and I would slowly work my way through them.  One day, I realized that stack of unplayed games had become several stacks adding up to hundreds of games I decided to put them on the shelf where they belong and make a spreadsheet of my backlog.   

Still, I found myself playing through the same new release as everyone else, playing old favorite games, and selecting what looked the most fun on the list.   It wasn't long until the backlog was over 1000 games.  I knew I had to implement a system to make it through this massive pile of games I had never even touched.  

I created the Random Number Generator Backlog System.   For the last 10 years, I have used this system exclusively to determine what games I play.  It has led me to discover games that I probably never would have given a chance turned out to be masterpieces.  It's allowed me to avoid the hype around new releases and save a lot of money by not purchasing games right when they release. Most importantly, it's given me an objective goal to work towards while I game.  For me, that is a huge motivator and provides a sense of accomplishment within itself.

The method:      

Firstly, I separated all my backlog into 3 columns on a spreadsheet. New Releases, Portable, and Retro. 

New Releases are game that are from the current and previous console generations.  Portable is exactly what you expect.  It's all portable/handheld games regardless of when they were released. Retro is everything else and includes games all the way from the Atari 2600 up to the Xbox 360/PS3/Wii generation.  

As a game is acquired, it is placed into one of these three columns based on when it was released and whether it is a portable/handheld game. The games are added chronologically to the bottom in order when I acquire them. Each of these columns is split into two parts.  The top part is for games that I was actively seeking out when I acquired them (meaning they were on my wish list).  The bottom part of the column is for games that I picked up but wasn't actively seeking out; and thus, were lower priority.       For example, I buy 2 games for the PS1.  One of these games was on my wish list and the other was just some random game.  The wish list game is inserted into the retro column at the very bottom of the top section.  The random game is inserted all the way at the end of the bottom section.

When I'm done with a game and it's time to select a new one to play I use an algorithm to determine said game.   First, I record that I finished a game and add a single digit to a counter at the top of the column.

For example:  Let's say I finish Crash Bandicoot on the PS1.  I'll go to the top of the Retro column and at +1 to the counter that's there.  It'll read something like 5/10.

Then, I use a random number generator (RandomNumber.org) to determine what game I play next.  I'll start with the line number for the top game on the spreadsheet and go down to the very last line number for the final game on the spreadsheet.  

For example:  Line # 1 on the Retro column of the spreadsheet is Super Mario Bros.  and  the final line on the Retro column is #835 (Rampage World Tour).   I'll type in 1 for the starting number on the Random Number Generator and 835 for the final number.  Then, I'll have it roll the random number and I'll play whatever game is listed on the line for that number.  

I will then replace the name of that game on the spreadsheet with a blank space and leave that space open.  If, in the future, the Random Number Generator selects a number that corresponds to a blank space, I delete all of the blank spaces in that column and then play the very top game in the column.  Meaning that over time, as you finish more and more games, the chances of you playing the game that's been on the list the longest (the one in the 1st spot) increases.

For example:  I roll #223 on the Random Number Generator.  I scroll down to cell #233 of        the Retro column of the spreadsheet and discover it is a blank space.  I delete all of the blank spaces in the Retro column and then play the game that is in cell #1. I delete the text in cell #1. Then, I shift up all of the remaining games.

Earlier, I mentioned the counter that is at the top of each column that counts up by one each time you finish a game.  This counter is integral to the system and prevents burnout from having the Random Number Generator select several terrible games in a row.  If that counter reads 2, 5, or 8 when you roll Random Number Generator, you only select the games in the top section of the column.   As mentioned earlier, priority games from the wishlist are placed in the top section when they are acquired.  This means they are closer to the top and will get played sooner than some random game you pick up for a dollar at a yard sale.  

For example:  I finish a retro game and add +1 to the counter at the top of the column.  This    puts the counter on 5/10.  So, instead of putting 1-835 as the range for the Random Number Generator, I'll scroll to the bottom of the top section of the column and see that it ends at #226.  So, I'll put 1-226 into the Random Number Generator and completely circumvent the lower priority games below that section.

You may have noticed that the counter at the top of each column goes up to 10.  Well, when you finish 10 games in a specific column, you get a GOLD STAR!   You can use that gold star to pick any game from the list that you want and play it right away.  There's no need to use the Random Number Generator or anything.  You can bank these gold stars and save them for a rainy day or if there's a game coming out that you're really looking forward to and want to play right away.

For example:  I finish another retro game and add +1 to the counter.  This causes the    counter to roll over to 10/10.  I reset the counter to zero and gain a gold star.  I then use the gold star right away to select whatever game I want from the retro column.  I delete the text in that cell and leave it blank (as mentioned above).

That's it!  I know the system is a little complicated, but it is great at incentivizing you to finish your games and get them off the list.  Also, having the choice taken away from me to decide what games I play has been a huge relief.  I don't get super hyped about upcoming games because they just get put on the bottom of the list anyway.  Why rush to go out an buy a new game for $60 when it may take years for you to play it?  Instead, wait 2 years, buy it for cheap and then add it to the bottom of the list.

Since implementing this list, I have finished around 1500 games on the backlog.  I've been introduced to a lot of terrible games that I thought would have been amazing.  And I've discovered games that ended up being some of my favorites.   You don't have to 100% complete the games or even beat them if you're having a bad time.  Spend a little time with it and move on if that's what you feel like doing.  

I hope someone reads this and decides to try it out.  It's make my backlog much more organized and fun to play through.