Now’s the Perfect Opportunity to Tackle Your Video Game Backlog

As someone deeply immersed in the world of gaming journalism, I’m often swept up in the whirlwind of new releases. However, for those of you who eagerly anticipate each launch, January offers the perfect opportunity to dive into your gaming backlog. I found the Steam Winter Sale to be an irresistible excuse to grab a few 2024 titles I hadn’t yet explored — like Satisfactory, Trash Goblin, and even some older gems like Firewatch and Dave the Diver. Towards the end of 2024, I couldn’t resist snagging Tiny Glade, and I took my first dive into Baldur’s Gate 3 last August.

Now that we’re in 2025, the shine of novelty hasn’t faded from these games. In fact, there’s something uniquely rewarding about delving into titles that aren’t brand new—like finally joining the ranks of those who appreciate the brilliance of Firewatch. It feels akin to discovering a timeless novel. If you’re staring down a formidable backlog, my advice is to start with the oldest game first, or perhaps revisit a game you’ve been away from for a while. Rediscovering what made you fall in love with a game, a genre, or a developer can be incredibly fulfilling, regardless of the upcoming big releases. Who knows, in the process, you might stumble upon your personal game of the year for 2025.