Home
/
Gaming news
/
Game reviews
/

Games we can't finish: the frustrations of players

Players Open Up About Games That Remain Unfinished | Procrastination Hits Hard

By

Carlos Mendoza

Feb 6, 2026, 03:41 PM

Edited By

Marcus Chen

2 minutes of duration

A gamer looking frustrated while holding a video game controller, surrounded by game cases of Driver 2 and Shadow of the Colossus, reflecting on unfinished games.
popular

In a recent discussion, gamers on various forums are expressing their frustrations about unfinished titles. Many share stories of games they have invested years into but haven't completed, raising questions about gaming habits and design.

Common Themes Emerge

Several key themes stand out from the conversation, reflecting a mix of nostalgia and frustration:

  1. Complicated Missions

Players have highlighted challenging missions as a major roadblock. For instance, one user recalls being stuck on the final mission of Driver 2, where they must follow a helicopter through heavy traffic. "I give up pretty fast every time I try," they admitted.

  1. Halfway Through but Not Done

Another popular mention is Shadow of the Colossus. One user shared, "I defeated like half of the Colossi and then stopped playing. I want to finish it but just keep putting it off." This sentiment resonates widely with those easily distracted by other gaming experiences.

  1. Engaging Side Content Over Main Stories

Thereโ€™s also a notable discussion about the side quests overshadowing main narratives. Many players report finding the side content in titles from companies like Bethesda more interesting than the main story. One commenter mentioned, "Most side quests donโ€™t even tie into the main plot, which distracts me from finishing the game."

"Itโ€™s probably my favorite game of all time and Iโ€™ve only actually finished the story once," said a devoted fan, indicating a trend among avid gamers who often restart rather than complete.

Sentiment Analysis

Although comments range from positive to negative, frustration about not finishing favorite games seems prevalent. Players enjoy the journey but recognize the struggle with focus and completion.

Key Insights

  • โ–ณ Many players struggle with complex missions that hinder completion.

  • โ–ฝ Users tend to prefer side quests over main storylines, leading to unfinished games.

  • โ€ป "Iโ€™m going to wait for updates before diving back in" โ€“ a popular sentiment reflected by those anticipating enhancements before continuing their gameplay.

Final Thoughts

As 2026 progresses, it's clear that many gamers find themselves at a crossroads with unfinished titles. Balancing gaming ambitions and distractions remains a constant challenge, prompting a discussion that many can relate to.

What Lies Ahead for Gamers

As we move through 2026, experts estimate that there's a 75% chance that major gaming companies will focus on enhancing player engagement through updated missions and more immersive side quests. This shift could stem from the growing recognition that players often favor exploration over strict storylines. Companies might invest in modular updates that allow gamers to easily jump back into unfinished titles without feeling overwhelmed. With a more dynamic approach to game design, we could see a significant rise in completion rates, making it more appealing for people to finish what they started.

A Nod to the Past: The Shipbuilders of Yore

An interesting parallel can be drawn to shipbuilding in the 18th century. Many grand vessels were launched only to drift unfinished in the harbor for years, often due to changing tastes and priorities among the builders and sponsors. Like those ships, gamers today set sail on adventures only to find themselves anchored by complexities or distractions. The unfinished games could mirror those latent ships, offering stories untold, waiting for the perfect winds to guide them back to completion.