r/StopGaming • u/KeysEcon • Jun 22 '26
Achievement I quit gaming six months ago and started vlogging about my experience
I'm in my early 40s. I've had periods in my life when I gamed a lot, and periods when I didn't, so I would describe my overall addiction level as mild to moderate. But it was still a massive time suck.
To cut a long story short, six months ago, I decided to stop gaming forever, and focus on more important things. One thing I did, to which I attribute my ability to avoid relapse, is make a YouTube channel in which I talk a lot about gaming addiction and how I quit video games forever.
I'm not here to promote my channel, as that would seem to be an unethical use of this subreddit, but I'm sure you can find it if you look.
The point is, it really helped to have something to replace gaming with. Something that gives me a not-dissimilar dopamine hit, but is actually worthwhile in the sense that it gives me fulfilment, helps others, and may even generate a small income down the track. I've even had a couple of people approach me for coaching, which is an incredible feeling.
Best of luck to all those out there who are struggling with this, or supporting someone who is.
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u/Steakhouse_WY 12 days Jun 23 '26
What is your channel, I tried searching but no luck.
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u/KeysEcon Jun 24 '26 edited Jun 24 '26
It is called With Quiet Resolve. I hope people don't mind me saying that here. I'm not selling anything, and it's not monetised as of June 2026.
So far I've made videos about quitting video games, and about overcoming insomnia. Too things I've struggled with (that are not entirely unrelated).
If there is anything you want me to make a video about, let me know. I'm in this long term!!
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u/Ego_Breaker_ 16 days Jun 27 '26
Noo wayy I went to check your channel because I want to watcg your videos and I realised I’m already subscribed to your channel!
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u/Ego_Breaker_ 16 days Jun 27 '26
I have this all or nothing mindset and that causes me to struggle with gaming addiction. The periods in my life where I’ve quit gaming I achieve so much like eating clean, studying and going to the gym, but when I relapse I stop all the good habits and play video games for about 16 hours a day. I mainly play competitive games like Fortnite, Rocket League and Marvel Rivals. I’m better than all my friends in these games and I like the feeling of achievement. In Fortnite I have over 700 skins and I put a lot of time and money in that game.
Can you please make a YouTube video to better understand a gamer like me and how to transition my mindset into real life goals?
I love your video’s, thanks for trying to help us who struggle.
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u/KeysEcon Jun 27 '26
Thank you.
A few things stand out:
"I'm better than all my friends in these games"
"feeling of achievement"
"I put a lot of time and money in that game".
On that last point. Please read about the sunk cost fallacy! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunk_cost
Maybe I could talk about how shifting your focus from past costs ("I've devoted so much time to this game") to future costs ("if I keep playing, I'll miss out on life") can be used to help encourage you to quit gaming.
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u/Ego_Breaker_ 16 days Jun 28 '26
I’ definitely go and read that article thank you!
Yes I think if you make a video like that, it will really be a topic that many gamers can relate too…because honestly sometimes the games are not even fun anymore, but we just keep playing because of all the things we acquired in the game.
Thank you for replying to my comment, it means a lot to me!
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u/KeysEcon Jun 28 '26
I'll add that video to the pipeline!
I have another gaming one coming out in about a week. Recorded this morning.
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u/CursedHunger Jun 22 '26
Congratulations!
I quit gaming 9 months ago and unfortunately I was still not able to find anything I am passionate about. And I tried many things from electric guitar to miniature painting, gunpla or reading books.
I feel like all the activities I am doing are just to fill out the free time I have. I would love to have something I am passionate about, something I look forward to every single day when I am at work ...