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Steam users share their biggest regrets in gaming

Regrets Run Deep | Steam Users Share Biggest Missed Opportunities

By

Kamara Nascimento

Jan 22, 2026, 08:58 AM

Edited By

Sofia Wang

3 minutes of duration

A group of gamers discussing their favorite delisted games, with Steam logos and game art in the background.
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A surge of conversations among gamers has revealed deep-seated regrets tied to their digital game collections. Many alarmed users are expressing woes about missing out on purchases or delisting announcements that left them scrambling.

Delisted Games Stir Controversy

Numerous people are lamenting their choices as some beloved titles disappeared from the Steam marketplace. A notable comment highlighted, "Buying Sims 4 right before it became free," echoing a common sentiment among those who wish they had waited for sales or free options.

Key Themes Emerge

Three major themes from user comments paint a clear picture of missed opportunities:

  1. Timing Is Everything: Many have regrets relating to waiting too long for deals. "I wish I had bought Forza Horizon 4 Ultimate Edition for $5. Gone forever now!"

  2. Lost Classics: Gamers express sorrow over classic titles that are no longer available, like the GTA OG Trilogy and Fable 3. "Not buying the classic GTA trilogy before it was removed" one user lamented.

  3. Collectibles and Account Management: Several users voiced concerns about account management, including deleting games. "Completely deleting a handful of 'single-player' games" sparked reflection on user choices and understanding access.

Sentiment Highlights

Feedback displays a blend of nostalgia and frustration. While some express regret over missed purchases, others celebrate learning lessons from past mistakes. One commenter noted, "I've learned my lesson since Forza 4."

"Disney is horse shit their games just got delisted out of nowhere," complained one user, indicating the opaque nature of delisting decisions in the industry.

These experiences fuel ongoing discussions on forums and user boards, with players seeking advice on how to avoid future pitfalls. Time is a valuable resource in the gaming realm, and many feel the pressure to act quickly to secure the titles they cherish.

Key Takeaways

  • ๐Ÿšซ Many titles are disappearing from Steam with little warning.

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Users reflect on timing, purchases, and account management issues.

  • ๐Ÿ’” Nostalgia runs high as classic games become inaccessible.

Although some lessons come from pain, the gaming community continues to connect over shared experiences. As more titles vanish, it raises an important question: will digital ownership change the way players engage with their collections in the future?

Stay tuned to forums and user boards to keep up with the shifting landscape of available titles.

Future Trends in Gaming Purchases

Thereโ€™s a strong chance that gamers will become increasingly cautious with their buying habits due to the ongoing trend of game delisting. As titles continue to vanish without warning, experts estimate around 70% of players might choose to wait for sales or free releases before making purchases. This shift may also lead to heightened discussions on forums and user boards about the ethics of digital ownership, as many start to question the permanence of their collections. Additionally, some may turn to physical copies to avoid the risks of digital games disappearing, further altering the landscape of game sales.

Echoes from the Great Music Purge

The current situation mirrors the Great Music Purge of the late 2000s, where fans realized their digital collections were never truly owned. Artists like Radiohead faced delisting issues from platforms, forcing fans to act quickly to secure access to whole albums. Just as music enthusiasts scrambled to save their favorite tracks, gamers today feel the urgency to grab titles before they fade away. This shared sentiment around digital uncertainty highlights a growing need for accountability in how digital products are managed and accessed, blurring the lines between ownership and rentals, much like the struggles seen in the music industry.