How to Savor Every Play Session: Finding the 'Seasoning' in Your Gaming Diet
Have you ever sat down to play a game and wondered, “What’s the point?” It’s a question that echoes through countless forums and late-night chats. But asking why you should play a game is like asking why you should bother seasoning a meal. The joy isn’t just in the end—it’s in the texture, the aroma, the unexpected surprise. This guide will help you approach gaming like a master chef: with intention, curiosity, and a willingness to savor every moment. Whether you’re rediscovering old favorites or exploring new worlds, these steps will transform your play sessions from routine to ritual.
What You Need
- A game that intrigues you (any genre, any platform)
- A quiet block of time (30–90 minutes recommended)
- A notebook or digital journal (optional, but helpful)
- An open mind (leave expectations at the door)
- Headphones or speakers (to fully immerse in the soundscape)
Step 1: Question Everything (Except the Why)
Before you press start, pause. Ask yourself: What drew me to this game today? Maybe it’s the art style, a friend’s recommendation, or just curiosity. The original feature we’re riffing off of starts with writers sharing what they’ve been playing—Victoria nearly sleeps through a foundational child-powered gaming moment. That moment is the secret ingredient. So, don’t ask “why bother”. Instead, ask “What flavor does this game bring to my life?” Write down a single word or phrase that captures your initial feeling. That’s your seasoning.
Step 2: Embrace the Unexpected (Even the Sleepy Moments)
Victoria’s near-sleep experience reminds us that gaming isn’t always high-energy perfection. Sometimes it’s a quiet, almost dreamlike interaction with a child’s imagination. In this step, allow yourself to be surprised. If a game offers a gentle, slow burner—a lullaby, a puzzle that takes ten tries—lean in. Resist the urge to skip or fast-forward. Note what happens when you let the game set its own pace. You might discover a moment that feels like the perfect pinch of spice.
Step 3: Adopt the Grumpy Old Man (Temporarily)
Bertie, in the original piece, sounds like a grumpy old man—and that’s okay! Sometimes the best seasoning is skepticism. In this step, play as a critic. Look at the game’s mechanics, story, and design with a sharp eye. Ask: What would a grumpy old man complain about here? The laugh, the eye-roll, the muttered “back in my day” can actually deepen your appreciation. Why? Because it forces you to articulate what doesn’t work—and that clarifies what does. Write your grumpy thoughts down. Then, once you’ve aired them, let them go and move to step 4.
Step 4: Sample a New Flavor (Mixtape Mentality)
Chris had more thoughts about Mixtape, a game that likely mixes genres or emotions. This is your invitation to play something outside your comfort zone. Pick a game you’ve never tried before—maybe a narrative-driven adventure if you usually play shooters, or a rhythm game if you prefer strategy. Treat it like adding a new herb to your pantry. Notice how the unfamiliar mechanics feel. Are they frustrating? Refreshing? Don’t worry about mastering it; just taste it. This step is vital because variety is the spice of gaming life.
Step 5: Break the Routine (Connor Plays Something Else)
Connor, in the original piece, plays a game that isn’t RuneScape. Would you believe it? This is a masterclass in breaking patterns. For this step, choose a game you love but haven’t played in months. Or better yet, pick one from a completely different genre than your usual fare. The point is to jolt your brain out of autopilot. Just like you wouldn’t eat the same meal every day, don’t play the same game every session. Document what feels different. Do you notice new details? Does the old game feel fresh? That’s the seasoning of contrast.
Step 6: Reflect and Digest
After your session, take five minutes to reflect. Answer these questions in your journal:
- What was the strongest “flavor” I experienced today? (e.g., joy, frustration, wonder)
- Was there a moment that surprised me?
- How did this game compare to my usual “diet”?
- What would I add or remove to make the experience better?
This step turns passive playing into active appreciation. You’re not just consuming—you’re tasting. Over time, you’ll build a personal “recipe book” of gaming memories.
Tips for the Gaming Gourmet
- Keep a “seasoning journal.” Jot down one memorable moment per session. It doesn’t have to be profound—just a tiny detail that made you feel something.
- Pair games with real-world activities. Try playing a calming game before bed, or an energetic one after a workout. The context changes the taste.
- Share your “meal” with others. Talk about your experience like you would a great restaurant. Use descriptive language (“this level felt like a spicy curry”) to make it vivid.
- Don’t force it. Some days the point is just to have fun. That’s the salt of gaming—simple, essential, always there.
- Revisit old games with new eyes. A game you played years ago can taste completely different now because you have changed. That’s the magic of time as seasoning.
Remember, asking what the point of playing a game is would be like asking why you should bother seasoning a meal. The meal fills you, the game passes time—but the seasoning? That’s the memory, the emotion, the meaning. Now go forth and play with intention.