Is it wise to collect games for the sake of It?

[LukeLexeme]

This video on youtube where some guy has over 2500 games got me thinking, is 2500 games really necessary? I personally collect games that I picture myself playing one day, that being over 500 games. I've contemplated getting every game for every system, but I honestly don't think its worth it. At all.
The generic 3rd party games and sports games aren't going to hold intrinsic value so why bother acquiring them?
You aren't going to systematically play every game for the library, so why bother?
Also, people who buy and collect good games for systems they will probably never play drive the price up, and make it so theres one less game in circulation.

What do you guys think, is it worth collecting for the sake of collecting? or does doing so make you less of a gamer?

[prfsnl_gmr]

Because going out to hunt for games is fun. Seriously, I derive more pleasure from reading about games, looking for games, and adding them to my collection than I do from playing them. I also enjoy having a large collection of games. My wife collects art pottery. The fact that she does not store something in each vessel and does not install all of her art tiles in our bathroom does not mean that her hobby is pointless.

[BoneSnapDeez]

I've contemplated getting every game for every system, but I honestly don't think its worth it. At all.

This is quite impossible, anyway. Or do you mean every system you already own?

Collect the way you want to collect. If you only want to own games you'll actually play - go for it. If you want a few pretty shelf pieces - snag some of them too.

[prfsnl_gmr]

Or just grab really, really, laughably bad games! That is what I do!

[isiolia]

The generic 3rd party games and sports games aren't going to hold intrinsic value so why bother acquiring them?
You aren't going to systematically play every game for the library, so why bother?
Also, people who buy and collect good games for systems they will probably never play drive the price up, and make it so theres one less game in circulation.

What do you guys think, is it worth collecting for the sake of collecting? or does doing so make you less of a gamer?

It's a hobby. Approach it in a way that you enjoy.

I think for many, it's less about lining up games to play back to back and more about having a library at their fingertips. Maybe that includes games that are objectively terrible, or incredibly common. Maybe focusing on cheap stuff keeps it affordable for the individual.

Video games aren't exactly a necessity. Maybe there result in fewer copies on the market, but arguably, the copies that are out there become more likely to be accounted for, and taken care of.

There's little point in not being inclusive when it comes to a hobby revolving around commodity entertainment. If someone enjoys simply hunting for a game and putting it on their shelf, and they aren't screwing up other priorities/finances in the process, then it's simply their business. It might not be a wise use of their money, but then, playing a lot of video games is not a wise use of time either. In either case, the benefit is purely one of enjoyment/satisfaction, and up to the individual.

[Gunstar Green]

I already have more games than I'll ever play, but it brings me joy to see them on my shelves and know I could play them on the original hardware even if I don't ever get around to it.

To be honest though I've wrestled over selling off a good chunk of my collection before and keeping only what I truly love. I'm not sure that very thing won't happen sometime in the future.

It only becomes bad when you're truly buying games just because you feel like you have to. If it gets to the point where games are scattered around your house not being cared for properly and are just purchased to add to a growing stack then you cross the line into a hording addiction. The fine line between collecting and hording is usually marked by what degree of respect you give your collection. If the answer is "virtually none" then it's time to re-evaluate your collection.

[noiseredux]

No.

[Nintendork666]

Even if you buy only what you intend to play, you're still likely to end up biting off more than you can chew.
Keep it simple, and take it slow. You, your games, and your bank account will all appreciate it in the long-run.

[girlracer]

Because going out to hunt for games is fun. Seriously, I derive more pleasure from reading about games, looking for games, and adding them to my collection than I do from playing them.

i'd have to agree, although I don't go and hunt as much as I used to

[dtrack]

No, it is unwise. It is like fucking for fun, not for reproduction.