As a games journalist, it’s all too easy to get swept up in the whirlwind of new releases. But for those of us who eagerly anticipate each new title, January offers the perfect opportunity to dive into that ever-growing backlog. Personally, I took full advantage of the Steam Winter Sale to snag some 2024 gems I missed out on—gems like Satisfactory, Trash Goblin, and even some classics such as Firewatch and Dave the Diver. Toward the tail end of 2024, I also jumped on Tiny Glade and embarked on my first adventure with Baldur’s Gate 3 back in August.
Now that we’ve turned the page to 2025, these games haven’t lost any of their charm. If anything, there’s a unique thrill in playing titles that aren’t the latest craze. It’s akin to discovering a classic novel for the first time—there’s a joy in finally joining the crowd that appreciates the brilliance of something like Firewatch. So, if you’re staring at a backlog that’s starting to feel like an intimidating tower, why not tackle it from the ground up? Start with the oldest game, or rekindle an old favorite that’s been gathering virtual dust. It’s a great way to rekindle your passion for a game, a genre, or a developer, regardless of the buzz surrounding the next big release. Who knows, you might just stumble upon your personal game of the year for 2025 in the process.
