A Gaming Dad's Guide to Gaming on Short Time

Before I even start writing, let me say how much of a privilege it is to have the time to write this article. As a husband and father, a lot of other things come first in life! One thing that I always try to make time for is quality time with my family, but also some quality alone time with some of my favorite titles!

You may be asking yourself, "Is it really possible to be a gamer and balance everything else?!" The answer is yes, of course! But only if you're putting the work in other places like your job and duties around the house. Do things to help you feel like the gaming time is deserved and give yourself enough time where it feels satisfying. But don't overdo it!

Now, I'm not at the point where I feel like gaming is a waste of time or anything—far from it. I see it no differently than watching a great TV show or, depending on the title you're playing, reading a book. Narrative, plot-heavy games like Disco Elysium and Baldur's Gate 3 come to mind here.

The Balancing Act: Finding Time for Gaming as a Dad

Balancing fatherhood, work, and a passion for gaming can seem like a juggling act, but it's not impossible. The key is to prioritize and manage your time effectively. For me, this means ensuring that my responsibilities as a husband and father are taken care of first. Once those are in check, I can sit down and enjoy some gaming without feeling guilty or rushed.

It's about finding those pockets of time where you can indulge in a quick session, whether it’s during nap time, after the kids are in bed, or early in the morning before everyone else is awake. It’s not just about squeezing in gaming but making sure that when you do, it’s a rewarding and fulfilling experience.

One of the challenges many gaming dads face is the constant pull of responsibilities versus the desire to dive deep into a game. The reality is, we often have to make compromises. Maybe it’s playing shorter games, or titles that allow for quick save and exit. The goal isn’t just to game for the sake of gaming, but to enjoy it in a way that fits into our lives without disrupting the important stuff.

Good Video Games for Dads

As a gamer who has quite a few titles (hundreds) under his belt across a bunch of different genres, I have some opinions about some quality video games for dads who may not have much time but are looking for a great experience. Here are some of my favorite games to play when I'm strapped for time.

Sid Meier's Civilization 6

Civ 6 is a perfect game to hop in and out of when you have time. With highly customizable game modes that keep things fresh, I highly recommend Civ 6 for all of my 4x enjoyers. You can start a session and pick up where you left off without missing a beat, making it ideal for dads who need to game in short bursts.

The Last of Us

While The Last of Us is a fairly lengthy title, it's designed in a way that you can play through sections of the story with clear stopping points, which can help with pacing yourself. Apart from that, the struggles Joel experiences are likely feelings many fathers can empathize with, and it is a story that you should experience. Think about what you would do in his shoes.

Call of Duty (I know, I know)

COD (not you, Warzone) is another great game for dads. With short match times and action-packed content, you get the most "bang for your buck," time speaking. While the quality of their latest titles is highly debated, the core gameplay continues to prove fun. It's easy to jump into a few matches, get your adrenaline fix, and then step away without feeling like you’ve missed out.

Cozy Games like Stardew Valley & Minecraft

These types of games are low-stakes and relaxing if approached the correct way (who can ignore the Minecraft soundtrack?). Stardew Valley is a great example of a game where you can play at your own pace, tending to your farm, socializing with villagers, or exploring the mines. Minecraft offers that creative freedom, where you can build and explore at your leisure. Both are perfect for winding down after a long day.

Games I DO NOT Recommend for Dads with Little Time

I do, however, recommend these games in general—just not if you don't have much time on your hands.

Elden Ring

As much as I love a good challenge, Elden Ring requires a significant time investment. The game’s difficulty, combined with its vast open world, means that sessions can quickly stretch into hours. For a dad with limited gaming time, this can be more frustrating than fun. Save this one for when you have a few hours to spare.

Helldivers 2

Helldivers 2 is another title that’s better suited for longer gaming sessions. The game’s cooperative gameplay is a blast, but it can be tough to jump in and out of, especially if you’re coordinating with friends. It’s best enjoyed when you can dedicate a solid chunk of time to it.

Call of Duty Warzone

While COD is generally a great pick for short gaming sessions, Warzone is an exception. The battle royale format can be unpredictable, and matches can last much longer than expected. If you’re tight on time, this might not be the best choice.

Rust

Rust is a game that demands a lot of attention. It’s an intense survival experience where your progress can be lost if you’re not vigilant. For dads with limited time, this game can be more stress-inducing than enjoyable.

Grindy MMOs & Free-to-Plays

As much as I enjoy a good MMO, the grind can be overwhelming, especially if you don’t have hours to dedicate. Games like World of Warcraft or Destiny 2 can feel like a second job if you’re trying to keep up with the endgame content. Free-to-play games with heavy grind mechanics fall into the same category. They can be fun in small doses, but it’s easy to get sucked into the grind and lose track of time.

Final Thoughts

Being a dad doesn’t mean you have to give up your gaming hobby. It’s all about finding the right balance and choosing games that fit into your life. Whether it’s a quick match of COD, a relaxing session of Stardew Valley, or a deep dive into the narrative of The Last of Us, there are plenty of options out there for gaming dads. Just remember to keep your priorities in check and enjoy your gaming time guilt-free!