So you think you don’t like video games. You’ve watched your teen stumble through every Fortnite dance and they won’t shut up about some game called Overwatch. Not to mention that it doesn’t even feature one single, solitary watch. But hear me out. Maybe, just maybe, you haven’t found the right games yet. You haven’t discovered the absolute best video games for people who have no interest in performing quests or taking down bosses.
Don’t worry, I’m here to help.
Part of the problem might be your perception of gaming. Thanks to TV and movies, that perception probably isn’t positive. Maybe you think of a loud, snarky guy who hasn’t showered in days. He’s fueled by soda and chips and refuses to move out of his parent’s basement.
Look, I’m sure that guy exists. But he is not representative of all gamers. There are people like my husband, who works full time and is earning his masters. He plays video games to unwind and have fun. And then there’s me, who works from home and takes care of a couple kids. And I play video games.
So if you’re really sure that you just hate video games, but you’ve only been exposed to hyper-violent online games, try these out instead.
The Sims 4
The Sims first hit computers back in 2000, and I managed to save enough money to buy it a year later. I’ve been playing this game series for 18 years now and it is hands down my absolute favorite. This is a life-simulation series, which gives you the opportunity to basically do everything you already do in real life. But better.
In The Sims 4, you control your Sims (your characters) and guide them through life, from picking careers and finding love to adopting pets and having kids. Build your dream house and move your Sims in, or start them out with nothing and watch them work their way up. You can customize your Sims personalities, creating family lineages, and complete lifetime aspirations.
Now, if you go look at The Sims 4 right now you’ll probably feel overwhelmed. There are currently 7 expansion packs, another 7 game packs, and a whopping 14 stuff packs. These extras give you different gameplay options, worlds to explore, and new items and clothing options. The most recent expansion even gave us mermaids!
Ignore those. Ignore those right now. Just explore the base game of The Sims 4 first, or try out a free demo. Otherwise you’ll risk overwhelming yourself before you even get used to the game! The Sims 4 is available on PC, Mac, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4, so you have a wide range of platforms to play on. Although my favorite is the PC!
Animal Crossing
The original Animal Crossing came out in 2001, but I had no idea this game series existed until a handful of years ago. Like The Sims 4, this is an ongoing series in which new games routinely come out.
My first introduction to the game was through Animal Crossing: New Leaf for the 3DS or 2DS. In this version you discover that you are the mayor of the new town you just moved to. It’s your job to manage everything with the help of your trusty assistance, Isabelle. If the name didn’t already give it away, your town is populated by adorable animals!
You can make town ordinances, start public works projects, and expand and decorate your home. You’ll also want to help fill the town’s museum by catching bugs and fish. You’ll even uncover fossils which will go on display in the museum, too.
Not only is this game totally adorable, it is delightfully addictive. Just check out this 87-year-old woman who logged 3,580 managing her town. She’s not the only one who absolutely adores this game. Not only do I have the English language version, but I also have the Japanese language version as well!
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is coming out in 2020 for Nintendo’s Switch console. Don’t want to wait that long or drop money on a game you’re not sure about? Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp is a free-to-play app that lets you manage a campsite, decorate it to your liking, and invite cute animals to visit. While the gameplay isn’t exactly the same, it will give you an idea of what you’re getting into.
Maybe playing video games really isn’t your thing, and that’s totally OK. But you could be someone who would enjoy games if you only had the chance to explore something a bit different. There are even online games like Madalin Stunt Cars 2 that make it easy to play without any big commitments. Since summer is in full swing and your favorite shows aren’t putting out any new episodes until fall, now is the perfect time to check out some of the best video games ever.
