You have one. I have one. We all have one. But have we ever truly dared to look it in the face? Have we admitted what lies within it, and what may never leave if we don’t take drastic steps? Does it even matter? Most importantly of all… what the heck is it?
The pile of shame is simply the collection of games you own but have never played. That’s it. But like any great game, there are difficulty modes to this challenge.
Easy Mode: Ignoring the Problem
Easy mode means you don’t bother facing it at all. You look away and pretend the pile doesn’t exist. Shame belongs to other people, not you. That was my approach for a long time, until I literally ran out of IKEA shelves and had nowhere left to hide these untouched boxes. It’s a very tempting mode to stay in because it’s comfortable. But it doesn’t solve anything.
Normal Mode: Facing the Facts
Normal mode is where I find myself now. In this mode, a game belongs to your pile of shame if you have never played your copy. It doesn’t matter if you’ve played someone else’s copy before or if you have expansions you haven’t tried yet, as long as you’ve played the base game. That’s a small mercy. This is where I aim to be for the next year — working to reduce my pile to zero. Nil. Zip. Zilch.
Given that I’m a Kickstarter addict, this is going to be quite the challenge. I have about one new game arriving per week from various campaigns, so to beat the pile down, I’ll need to play about two new games every week or sell some to keep the mountain from growing.
Hard and Nightmare Modes: The True Challenge
If I manage to get my pile to zero, I can consider moving to harder modes. Hard mode means you must have played your copy at least once. Nightmare mode adds expansions to the pile until you’ve played them too. For now, one step at a time.
Two Ways to Shrink the Pile
There are only two ways to get a game off this shameful list: play it or sell it. The shelf space crisis is real. Kickstarter titles keep piling up, and I’m questioning my sanity for backing some of them. Selling some games has already been part of my strategy. But the pile is shrinking only slowly, and I’m reluctant to part with titles I might someday enjoy without giving them at least one proper play.
Why Are These Games Still Unplayed?
Reasons vary. Some games are designed for two players, but I don’t always have a partner. Others are heavy games that require time and commitment to learn and enjoy. A few are still fairly new acquisitions, but not many. It’s a mix of life getting busy, preference shifts, and sometimes just the challenge of committing to a longer or more complex game.
The Goal: One Less Game a Week
My plan is simple: reduce the pile by at least one game every week. With the influx of Kickstarter games, that means playing two games a week or selling two games a week. It’s ambitious, but necessary if I want to regain control over my collection and shelf space.
This Week’s Challenge: The Gallerist
This week, I’ve scheduled a session for The Gallerist, a heavy Euro-style game that has sat unplayed for far too long. It demands a solid weekend slot because it’s complex and requires focus. It’s a perfect example of why some games end up in the pile — they need more effort than just a quick play.
Sharing the Experience
I’d love feedback on my list. Are there any gems you think I must try as soon as possible? Any games that I should consider selling ASAP? How big is your pile of shame? Is anyone already playing on hard mode or beyond? Sharing strategies might help keep the motivation going.
Tackling The Pile of Shame: Strategies to Win the Battle
Now that we’ve met the pile of shame and acknowledged its existence, the next step is figuring out how to conquer it. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the size of this collection of unplayed games, especially when new games keep arriving from Kickstarter or retail. But with a bit of planning, commitment, and a few smart strategies, it is possible to chip away at the pile and reclaim your gaming shelf.
Understanding Why the Pile Grows
Before diving into strategies, it’s important to understand why the pile of shame keeps growing. There are many reasons, and knowing them can help tailor the approach.
Sometimes, the sheer volume of games purchased, especially through Kickstarter campaigns, leads to an unstoppable influx. It’s exciting to back a promising game, but waiting months or even years for it to arrive means many games pile up at once.
Other times, life gets busy. Work, family, and social commitments reduce gaming time. Some games require more time, patience, or partners, making them hard to fit into an already packed schedule.
Some games are complex or have a steep learning curve. They demand attention, and the effort needed to learn the rules and play well can be daunting. So these games often get pushed aside for quicker, easier plays.
Finally, some games just don’t appeal anymore, or tastes change over time. What once seemed like a must-have may no longer fit your gaming preferences.
Setting Realistic Goals
Conquering the pile of shame isn’t about clearing it out overnight. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Setting realistic, manageable goals is the key to success. Trying to play two or three games every week may sound ambitious, but if it causes burnout, it won’t last.
A good starting point is to aim for one game less per week. This steady pace can fit into most lifestyles and gradually reduce the pile. Whether that means playing the game or selling it, every step forward counts.
Creating a Dedicated Play Schedule
One of the best ways to ensure games get played is to dedicate time specifically for them. This might mean setting aside a couple of hours every weekend or scheduling a regular game night with friends or family.
For heavier or longer games, planning a full afternoon or evening is essential. It’s hard to properly enjoy complex strategy games if they’re rushed or played in short bursts.
Finding Play Partners
Many games in the pile of shame are designed for multiple players. Finding willing play partners can be a challenge b,, ut is often the key to unlocking these games.
Try joining local gaming groups or clubs, or reach out to friends who share similar interests. Some games also work well solo or have solo variants, which can help when others aren’t available.
Prioritizing the Games
Not all games in the pile are equal. Some may have been purchased recently and are fresh and exciting, while others might have been collecting dust for years.
A good strategy is to prioritize games based on several factors: how much you want to play them, how difficult they are, or how long they take to play. Tackling a mix of quick, light games and heavier ones can keep things fresh and prevent burnout.
Learning the Rules Efficiently
One major hurdle for many games is understanding the rules. Spending hours trying to decipher rulebooks can be discouraging. Luckily, many games have online tutorials, videos, or summaries that can speed up this process.
Investing time in learning rules before game night makes playing smoother and more enjoyable.
Embracing Solo Play
Solo play options can be a lifesaver when you struggle to find groups or partners. Many modern games include solo modes or have variants designed for one player.
Solo gaming also offers flexibility—you can play whenever you have the time without coordinating schedules.
Considering Trading or Selling Games
Sometimes, despite the best intentions, a game just won’t fit your collection. Perhaps you don’t enjoy it as much as you expected, or you never see a chance to play it.
Selling or trading these games can free up shelf space, reduce clutter, and even fund new purchases more likely to be played.
Avoiding Future Pile Growth
Stopping the pile from growing is as important as reducing it. This means being more selective when buying new games, especially during big sales or Kickstarter campaigns.
Consider asking yourself questions before purchasing: Do I have the time to play this? Do I have the right group for it? Does it fit my gaming style? If the answer is no or unsure, it may be better to wait.
Celebrating Progress
Reducing the pile of shame is an ongoing journey, and it’s important to celebrate small victories along the way. Every game played or sold is a step closer to clearing the collection.
Sharing your progress with friends or gaming communities can provide motivation and support.
Using Technology to Organize Your Collection
Keeping track of your games, which ones you have played, and which are still waiting can be difficult. Using spreadsheets, apps, or digital tools helps maintain an overview and plan your gaming sessions better.
Knowing what you have and what’s been played prevents accidental repurchases and helps prioritize what to tackle next.
Building Momentum with Game Nights and Events
Hosting or joining regular game nights creates a fun social commitment that encourages playing more often. It also introduces variety, as different friends might bring new games or suggest titles from your pile.
Events like game marathons or themed weekends dedicated to playing heavier titles can help chip away at challenging games in the pile.
Reflecting on Personal Gaming Habits
Everyone’s gaming habits and preferences are unique. Taking time to reflect on what types of games you enjoy most, how much time you realistically have, and what motivates you helps create a personalized plan.
If you prefer cooperative games or solo play, focus your efforts there. If quick party games bring you joy, prioritize those to keep gaming fun and stress-free.
Embracing the Games: Enjoying and Rediscovering Your Collection
After acknowledging the pile of shame and setting strategies to tackle it, the most important part is to enjoy the journey of playing these games. Games are meant to bring fun, challenge, and social connection, not stress or guilt. Rediscovering the joy of your collection can transform the pile of shame into a pile of pride.
Finding Joy in Every Play
When you start working through your collection, it’s essential to remember why you bought those games in the first place. Maybe it was the thrill of discovery, the fun of learning new rules, or the anticipation of a great gaming session with friends. Focusing on these positive feelings can help shift the mindset away from shame to excitement.
Even if a game has been sitting unplayed for a long time, approaching it with fresh eyes can reveal aspects you might have missed or new ways to appreciate it. Each game has its world to explore, its strategies to master, and its own stories to tell.
Creating Memorable Gaming Experiences
Games become more than just objects when they create memorable moments. Whether it’s a hilarious blunder, a close victory, or a nail-biting comeback, these shared experiences are what make gaming special.
Inviting friends or family to join in can enhance these moments. Sometimes, even playing a game solo and discovering its nuances can be deeply satisfying. Taking pictures, sharing stories online, or keeping a gaming journal can also help preserve those memories.
Exploring Different Game Genres
Your pile of shame likely contains a variety of game types—strategic euros, fast-paced party games, cooperative adventures, or deep storytelling titles. Exploring these different genres can keep your gaming sessions fresh and engaging.
Trying a new genre you haven’t played before can be exciting. You might find new favorites that reshape your gaming preferences and add more joy to your collection.
Learning From Past Challenges
Some games may have intimidated you in the past due to complexity or length. Instead of avoiding them, look at these as opportunities for growth. Many complex games become rewarding once you understand their mechanics and strategies.
Watching tutorials, joining forums, or playing with experienced players can make these games more approachable. The sense of accomplishment after finishing a challenging game is often well worth the effort.
The Social Side of Gaming
Games are a fantastic way to connect with others. Whether it’s family game night, friends gathering on weekends, or meeting new people through gaming groups, these social interactions are priceless.
Many games encourage teamwork, negotiation, or friendly competition, creating bonds and conversations that last far beyond the playtime. Embracing this social aspect makes tackling your pile more fun and less like a chore.
Adjusting Expectations
Not every game will become a beloved favorite, and that’s okay. Sometimes, a game just doesn’t click with your style or tastes, and recognizing this helps avoid frustration.
Instead of forcing yourself to play a game you don’t enjoy, consider trading, selling, or gifting it. Making room for games you love ensures your collection remains a source of pleasure.
Experimenting with House Rules and Variants
Sometimes the official rules don’t quite fit your group’s style or preferences. Creating house rules or trying variants can refresh a game and tailor it to your needs.
This customization keeps things interesting and can breathe new life into a game that might otherwise sit untouched. Just remember to keep it fun and fair for everyone involved.
Using Your Collection as a Storytelling Tool
Many games have rich themes and narratives that invite imagination and creativity. Using games as a way to tell stories or create memorable scenarios adds depth to your gaming experience.
You might develop characters, create backstories, or even combine multiple games for thematic mashups. This approach turns playing into a creative adventure.
Balancing New Purchases With Playing Existing Games
It’s tempting to buy new games, especially when a fresh release looks exciting. However, balancing new acquisitions with playing what you already own is crucial for keeping the pile manageable.
Set rules for yourself about new purchases, like waiting to finish certain games before buying more, or limiting the number of new games each year. This balance helps maintain focus and prevents feeling overwhelmed.
Tracking Progress and Celebrating Milestones
Keeping track of games played, milestones reached, or goals accomplished provides motivation. Whether it’s a physical checklist, an app, or a simple journal, seeing your progress can inspire continued efforts.
Celebrating milestones, such as clearing a portion of your pile or mastering a challenging game, keeps the momentum going and makes the process rewarding.
Building a Community Around Your Gaming Journey
Sharing your experiences, challenges, and successes with others who understand the struggle of the pile of shame creates support and encouragement. Online forums, social media groups, or local gaming clubs are great places to connect.
Community feedback can offer new insights, recommendations, and even gaming sessions, helping you rediscover your collection in new ways.
Overcoming the Pile of Shame: Strategies for Taking Control of Your Game Collection
The pile of shame can feel like a mountain that’s impossible to climb, but with the right strategies, you can turn it into a manageable hill. The key is to develop a clear plan and stick to it while keeping the enjoyment of gaming front and center. Here, we explore practical ways to take control of your growing collection and reduce the number of unplayed games.
Setting Realistic Goals and Priorities
The first step in overcoming the pile is to set achievable goals. Trying to play every single game immediately can lead to burnout or frustration. Instead, prioritize your collection based on what excites you most, what fits your current gaming group, or what you’ve been eager to try for a while.
Make a list of games you want to play in the next month or two, and be honest with yourself about the time and effort you can dedicate. Setting a goal of playing one or two games each week can keep the pile shrinking steadily without overwhelming your schedule.
Scheduling Dedicated Gaming Sessions
Finding time to play is often the biggest challenge. Life can get busy, but scheduling regular gaming sessions can create space in your calendar specifically for this purpose. Whether it’s a weekly game night with friends or a solo session after work, having a fixed time helps build a routine.
If possible, coordinate with friends or family to make these sessions social and consistent. This way, everyone knows when the next game will happen, and you can look forward to it as a shared event.
Using Solo Play Options
Some games are designed for solo play, which can be a perfect way to chip away at the pile when others aren’t available. Playing solo allows you to explore games at your own pace without needing to arrange a group.
This method can also help you learn the rules, experiment with strategies, and build confidence before inviting others to join. Plus, solo gaming is a great way to unwind and enjoy some personal time.
Incorporating Expansions and New Titles Carefully
Expansions and new games arriving through Kickstarter or retail add complexity to managing your collection. It’s important to incorporate these gradually rather than letting them add to your pile of shame.
Try to finish the base game before opening expansions to avoid feeling overwhelmed. New games should be introduced only when you have the time and enthusiasm to fully enjoy them. Balancing new acquisitions with playing older games maintains harmony in your collection.
Trading, Selling, or Donating Unwanted Games
Sometimes, the best way to reduce your pile is to part with games that no longer fit your interests or lifestyle. Trading with other gamers can refresh your collection and bring new excitement without increasing clutter.
Selling or donating games is another option, especially for titles that have been sitting untouched for a long time. This creates space for games you’re more passionate about and helps others discover new favorites.
Keeping Rules Simple and Clear
Games that have overly complex rules or long setup times often contribute to the pile of shame. Simplifying rules or creating cheat sheets can make these games more approachable.
Sometimes, learning just enough to start playing is better than waiting to master every detail. The focus should be on having fun, not perfection, so don’t be afraid to ease into complicated games gradually.
Engaging With Online Communities and Resources
The gaming community offers a wealth of resources to help tackle your pile. Online forums, videos, and blogs provide tips, reviews, and playthroughs that can motivate you to try games you might otherwise avoid.
Joining a community can also help you find players for specific games, get advice on house rules, or discover quick setup methods. Interaction with fellow gamers often rekindles excitement and offers new perspectives on your collection.
Using Gaming Apps and Tools to Organize
Organizing your collection digitally can give you a clear overview of what you own and which games are still waiting to be played. Apps and websites let you track play history, rate games, and set reminders.
Having a well-organized inventory helps prevent duplicate purchases and makes planning your next gaming session easier. It also gives a satisfying sense of progress as you check off games played.
Experimenting With Different Player Counts
Some games work better with specific numbers of players, which can limit opportunities to play certain titles. Being flexible and trying games with different group sizes or even solo can open up more options.
If a two-player game hasn’t gotten attention because you usually have more people available, try it solo or with a single friend. Adjusting expectations about player counts increases the chances of reducing your pile.
Embracing Imperfection and Having Fun
Finally, it’s important to remember that gaming is about enjoyment. Not every session will be perfect, and some games may not become favorites, but that’s part of the journey.
Being kind to yourself and celebrating small victories helps maintain motivation. Whether you play one game or several, each step reduces your pile of shame and brings you closer to a collection you truly enjoy.
Maintaining Momentum and Building a Balanced Collection
When you have begun to chip away at your pile of shame, the challenge shifts from simply reducing the number of unplayed games to maintaining a balanced and enjoyable collection that doesn’t overwhelm you again. This part focuses on strategies to keep your collection manageable and your gaming experiences fresh and rewarding.
Developing Sustainable Gaming Habits
One of the keys to long-term success is to develop sustainable habits around gaming. This means not just focusing on playing down the existing pile but creating a lifestyle where gaming fits comfortably without feeling like a burden. Setting realistic play goals, such as one or two games a week, and sticking to a routine can turn gaming into a relaxing and rewarding part of your week.
Another important habit is to regularly review your collection. This can be monthly or quarterly, but the idea is to stay aware of what you own, what you’ve played recently, and what you are excited to try next. Keeping the collection dynamic prevents games from stagnating in the pile.
Cautious Acquisition and Avoiding Impulse Buys
One major factor contributing to the pile of shame is acquiring new games faster than you can play them. Kickstarters, sales, and new releases can tempt you to add more games, but resisting impulse buys helps maintain control.
Before buying a new game, consider whether you have the time and interest to play it soon. Ask yourself if it fills a gap in your collection or if it’s a game you truly want to experience. This kind of mindful purchasing helps prevent the pile from growing again.
Balancing Different Types of Games
Your collection likely includes a variety of games: heavy strategy titles, quick party games, solo experiences, cooperative games, and more. Balancing these types according to your lifestyle and current gaming group ensures you always have options.
For example, having a few lighter or quicker games can help maintain momentum when time is limited or when fewer players are available. Heavy games can be saved for weekends or special gaming sessions. This balance keeps gaming enjoyable and reduces the chance of games sitting unplayed.
Sharing Your Collection and Playing Socially
Games come alive when shared with others. Playing with friends or family not only makes the experience more fun but can help you get through the pile faster. Invite others to explore your collection or join local gaming groups to find new players.
Social gaming also encourages variety and can introduce you to new perspectives on your games, increasing your enthusiasm to play and learn. This shared enjoyment can be a strong motivator to keep the pile shrinking.
Revisiting Games After Time Has Passed
Sometimes, games in your pile may not have clicked initially, but revisiting them after some time can renew interest. Your tastes may change, or you may find a new group of players who appreciate a different style.
Giving a game a second chance doesn’t mean forcing it into your rotation, but being open to rediscovery. This approach can turn forgotten titles into new favorites and add more enjoyment to your collection.
Keeping Track of Progress and Celebrating Wins
Tracking your gaming progress gives a sense of achievement. Whether you keep a journal, use an app, or simply mark off games on a list, seeing the pile get smaller is motivating.
Celebrate the games you’ve played, especially those that have been sitting for a long time. Sharing your progress with fellow gamers or in online communities can also inspire continued effort and bring a sense of camaraderie.
Conclusion:
The pile of shame may begin as a daunting challenge, but it ultimately invites reflection on what gaming means to you. It’s not just about clearing the collection or reaching zero unplayed games; it’s about reconnecting with the joy of play, the thrill of discovery, and the bonds formed over a shared hobby.
By adopting mindful habits, balancing your collection, and engaging socially, you can transform your pile of shame into a collection that brings consistent satisfaction. Let go of guilt and perfectionism—each game played is a victory, no matter how small.
Remember, your gaming journey is uniquely yours. Whether your pile is small or large, what matters is the fun, the learning, and the memories created around the table. So keep playing, keep exploring, and most importantly, keep enjoying every moment with the games you love.