Imagine yourself in a video game store, with walls and shelves covered in various game titles. How do you choose a game to play responsibly? The first thing to consider is whether the game has an online component. If not, then it is an “offline” game.

Offline games have been around since the 1970s, originating from arcades. They reached their peak in the 1990s and have been declining since, as the market hasn’t been growing as rapidly. Although excellent offline games are still being purchased, the focus has shifted towards online gaming.

A typical offline game may offer 20 to 100 hours of gameplay and can be relatively easy to put down. There’s no pressure to play more than you want to.

Offline games can be divided into two main categories: story-based and skill-based. Story-based games follow a character through a narrative, but after a while, the story may lose its appeal as there’s nothing new to discover. Skill-based games, on the other hand, require a significant amount of skill and experience to play, such as sports games. Many people can play these games at a beginner level, but to advance, practice is necessary.

Generally, skill-based games hold a player’s attention for a longer period and have a steeper learning curve. As a result, it can be more challenging to put down a skill-based game compared to its story-based counterpart.

In recent years, the prices of offline games have dropped from $50 to whatever the market is willing to pay.

If you have had issues with video game addiction in the past or have significant real-life commitments coming up, it is important to be cautious when choosing and playing games.