Researching Video Games | How Long Will It Take to Cover Every Game Ever Released?
Edited By
Carlos Gomez
Researchers and gaming fans alike are pondering the feasibility of a massive project aiming to investigate every video game ever released across platforms. This ambitious effort raises serious questions about the future of video game documentation.
The venture, initiated two years ago, involves delving into the history and quality of countless games while documenting their merchandise, bonus materials, and marketing efforts. The creator is specifically focused on games from the console and computer market, reaching up to the PlayStation 3 generation. However, many people voiced skepticism over the practicality of such an extensive project.
The Reality Check
While some dream of an exhaustive catalog, the comments reveal a harsh truth. One participant bluntly stated, "In 2025 there were over 20,000 games released." Given that much of the critical data from the 80s and 90s has been lost, many agree that gathering enough information could take multiple lifetimes.
"You’d never finish. New games release daily, and that's just the tip of the iceberg."
Some commentators suggest narrowing the scope to specific genres or consoles to prevent burnout. As one put it, this project is akin to counting grains of sand on a beach, and potentially spans hundreds of years if pursued in its totality.
Number Crunching
The calculations on completion time draw varied estimates.
An average of 60 minutes spent on each game could still amount to around 274 years of research.
Others assert that the endeavor could outlive entire generations.
A few forum members even recommended using AI tools for categorization and data gathering, which might help significantly.
Opinions and Insights
Sentiment around this undertaking is mixed. Participants seem to share a bleak outlook on its feasibility, yet there is enthusiasm about the documentary potential. One comment even noted, "Sounds like a good idea for a podcast or YouTube show."
Takeaways
🔹 Gathering data on video games could easily take decades
🔹 Many suggest narrowing the research to avoid burnout
🔸 "The only person who can estimate this is the one who’s been doing it for two years!"
🔷 AI could help ease the workload and streamline research
As discussions continue, the debate over the limits of documentation in gaming rages on. Will this project evolve into a significant resource, or will it fade under the weight of its ambition? Only time will tell.
The Weight of Ambition
Experts estimate there's a strong chance the ambitious project will adapt over time, possibly limiting its focus to selected gaming eras or genres. Given the rapid pace of game releases, narrowing the scope could increase accuracy and provide more manageable research timelines. Some participants believe this adjustment could reduce the overall completion time to a few decades rather than centuries. However, the widespread availability of AI tools may offer a realistic avenue for progress, streamlining the cataloging process as game developers continue to expand their titles.
Drawing Parallels from the Great Library of Alexandria
In a way, this endeavor mirrors the fate of the Great Library of Alexandria, which was once a hub for knowledge but ultimately faced a collapse due to the sheer volume of information and the chaos surrounding its preservation. Just as that library struggled against the tides of time and nature, this gaming project may also grapple with the overwhelming data flow and challenges in maintaining accurate records. While the library aimed to collect the world's knowledge, this research might similarly face obstacles in capturing a complete picture of the gaming universe.