In early 2024, a significant shift occurred in my gaming habits as I ventured into the world of consoles after years of relying solely on my PC. The catalyst was an intense desire to play Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, leading me to purchase a PlayStation 5. Despite initial setbacks, including theft and delays, I eventually secured the console and even obtained an early copy of the game. However, life's interruptions caused me to fall short of completing it. Now, with the game available on PC, I find myself reflecting on the journey and the broader implications for gaming exclusivity and patience.
From Anticipation to Reality: The PS5 Purchase Saga
The decision to buy a PlayStation 5 marked a turning point in my gaming experience. After years of sticking strictly to PC gaming, the allure of playing Final Fantasy VII Rebirth became irresistible. This new chapter in my gaming life began with a challenging quest to obtain the elusive console. My first attempt ended in disappointment when my PS5 was stolen from the building’s mailroom. The thief left behind only a mysterious jacket that haunted my thoughts for weeks. Eventually, undeterred by this setback, I managed to secure a PS5 in person at a local GameStop. With the console safely in hand, I eagerly downloaded a pre-release version of Rebirth, ready to dive into the game.
The excitement of finally holding the PS5 was short-lived. Life intervened, and despite my initial enthusiasm, I found myself unable to complete the game. The reasons were manifold—work commitments, personal obligations, and the sheer unpredictability of daily life. Even though I had planned to immerse myself fully in the game, I only made it to chapter eight before losing momentum. The irony was not lost on me; here I was with a brand-new console and an eagerly awaited game, yet unable to finish it. This experience taught me a valuable lesson about the balance between anticipation and reality in gaming.
Reflections on Gaming Exclusivity and Patience
Fast forward to today, and the narrative has taken an unexpected turn. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is now available on PC, the platform I originally favored. Initially, I considered switching platforms to enjoy the game on my terms, with advanced graphics and the freedom to play anywhere via my Steam Deck. However, something held me back. Having already invested time in the PS5 version, I felt no inclination to start over. This realization sparked a deeper reflection on the nature of gaming exclusivity and the value of patience.
Gaming exclusivity windows, much like time itself, are fleeting. What seemed urgent and necessary at one moment can easily be postponed without significant loss. In the grand scheme of things, the games we anticipate most can sometimes take a back seat to life's demands. Reflecting on this, I realized that there is an abundance of excellent games constantly being released. The pressure to play every anticipated title immediately diminishes when viewed through this lens. Instead of feeling guilty about not finishing Rebirth, I embraced the idea that waiting is not a failure but a natural part of the gaming experience. Ultimately, this journey taught me to appreciate the present moment and to find joy in the games I do manage to play, regardless of platform or timing.
