Post by boogiepop on Jul 26, 2024 16:05:13 GMT
I don’t think I need to tell any of you that the value of old games has risen tremendously in recent years. I’m wondering, however, how that affects your relationship with the hobby (if at all).
For me, seeing old video games rise so much in value makes me depressed. This used to be a hobby that I could recommend whole-heartedly to anyone with an interest. By and large, the hardware and software for nearly anything was within reach, and options existed for those with even the tightest of budgets. Inquiries into my collection could be followed up by explanations of the beauty of pixel art, the pick-up-and-play quality of many titles, etc. I could show them Metal Slug, they’d go, “Wow!,” and then I’d follow up with, “You can own it, too, if you want. It’s not expensive.”
That’s not the case now. Now, the conversation inevitably goes to the expense of the games and the hobby in general. Exposing someone to an expensive game feels more like showing off than anything else.
But, “Wait!,” you say. Aren’t you happy that your games have gone up in value?
Well, no, I’m not. If it’s not something that I’m willing to sell, then its value has no consequence. Also, what if someone steals games from my collection. (It’s happened before.) It’s going to be all that more difficult for me to buy replacements.
These days I’m hesitant to recommend this hobby to people. I mean, yeah, if they’re willing and able to spend the money on it, then I’m like, “Hell yeah! Go for it.” Many are not in such a financial position, however.
I guess what I’m getting at is that all of this is affecting my relationship to video game collecting as a whole. Now, I tend to focus more on the very few systems that can still be considered somewhat affordable. I know, however, that’s not an ideal strategy, and the more I think about it, the more it depresses me.
Anyway, that’s how I feel about the whole thing. How about you? Do current prices bother you? Do you actually like it? Please, share your thoughts. I’m interested to hear them.
For me, seeing old video games rise so much in value makes me depressed. This used to be a hobby that I could recommend whole-heartedly to anyone with an interest. By and large, the hardware and software for nearly anything was within reach, and options existed for those with even the tightest of budgets. Inquiries into my collection could be followed up by explanations of the beauty of pixel art, the pick-up-and-play quality of many titles, etc. I could show them Metal Slug, they’d go, “Wow!,” and then I’d follow up with, “You can own it, too, if you want. It’s not expensive.”
That’s not the case now. Now, the conversation inevitably goes to the expense of the games and the hobby in general. Exposing someone to an expensive game feels more like showing off than anything else.
But, “Wait!,” you say. Aren’t you happy that your games have gone up in value?
Well, no, I’m not. If it’s not something that I’m willing to sell, then its value has no consequence. Also, what if someone steals games from my collection. (It’s happened before.) It’s going to be all that more difficult for me to buy replacements.
These days I’m hesitant to recommend this hobby to people. I mean, yeah, if they’re willing and able to spend the money on it, then I’m like, “Hell yeah! Go for it.” Many are not in such a financial position, however.
I guess what I’m getting at is that all of this is affecting my relationship to video game collecting as a whole. Now, I tend to focus more on the very few systems that can still be considered somewhat affordable. I know, however, that’s not an ideal strategy, and the more I think about it, the more it depresses me.
Anyway, that’s how I feel about the whole thing. How about you? Do current prices bother you? Do you actually like it? Please, share your thoughts. I’m interested to hear them.