The article argues that returning to older video games in 2026 can provide emotional distance from an industry dominated by reports of generative AI, layoffs and studio closures. Its author presents retro gaming not simply as nostalgia, but as a way to enjoy games without associating them with the difficult working conditions and corporate decisions surrounding many current releases.

After a back injury, the author gravitated towards games at least 15 years old, including Pokémon LeafGreen, Diablo 2 and The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. The piece cites recent controversies, job losses and closures involving games such as Marathon, Highguard and Subnautica 2, while noting that the industry has also made progress on representation, workplace accountability, unionisation and scrutiny of crunch culture.