From Playtime to Passion
- JP de la Rama
- Dec 22, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 26, 2025
How Retro Video Games Revitalized My Creative Spirit
“Sometimes, the most meaningful creativity comes not from chasing the future, but from reconnecting with the past.”
Setting the Stage
The end of the year often feels like a blur—deadlines pile up, and the demands of both personal and professional life weigh heavily.
And yet, I’ve learned something crucial over the years: I need hobbies to reset.
Without them, I’d probably go crazy.
For me, it’s always been something unconventional—retro video games.
In a world where everyone’s looking for the next big thing, I’ve found solace in something old, something nostalgic, something that allows me to slow down, think, and create.
Delving Deeper Into the Problem
Let’s be real.
The world of video games has changed drastically.
Today’s AAA titles are bigger than ever, but something is lost in the shuffle.
The storytelling feels generic, the innovation is lacking, and the connection to the player is often lost in the sea of flashy graphics and microtransactions.
It reminds me of my childhood.
Growing up poor in a third-world country, I didn’t have the luxury of owning the latest consoles.
My memories of video games were watching my neighbors play their Super Famicoms and PlayStations, wishing I could have a turn.
The closest I could get was an hourly rental at a local gaming shop.
But the thing is, I didn’t just play games—I learned from them.
Every choice, every moment in a game was a unique experience.
It wasn’t just entertainment—it was a medium for storytelling.
Resolution to the Problem
Fast forward to today, and something magical happened: I began collecting retro video games.
It wasn’t just about nostalgia, though.
It was about rediscovering something I lost—a sense of joy.
The old, imperfect systems, the pixelated graphics—they spoke to me in a way that modern games don’t.
And here's the twist: in this world of oversaturation, where everything is more expensive and designed for mass appeal, I found my creativity reignited through these old-school games.
Even my daughter, just five years old, gets excited to play retro classics like Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, and Pokémon.
It’s not just about playing the game; it’s about understanding the stories, the choices, and the experiences that only video games can offer.
The solution wasn’t just collecting these retro games—it was remembering why I fell in love with creativity in the first place.
It's about simplifying, honing in on the fundamentals of storytelling, and embracing those moments that only come from spending time in the virtual worlds of these older games.
Creative tip for artists:
Sometimes, you have to step away from the noise.
Rediscover your roots.
Whether it’s through retro games, childhood memories, or revisiting old hobbies, those are the things that can bring back the spark that fuels your creativity.
Don’t let the world’s constant demands drown out the things that remind you why you create in the first place.
Takeaway & Call to Action:
So, what does this all mean for me and for you as an artist?
The world is noisy.
Deadlines, politics, and trends constantly pull you in a thousand directions.
But if you’re not careful, the stress can drain your creativity.
Sometimes, the answer lies in the simple things—the ones that connect you back to who you are and why you create.
Don’t let yourself get caught up in the race for the next big thing.
Go back to your roots.
Reconnect with the joy and simplicity of creation—whether that’s through retro games, art, or whatever sparks your creativity.
Your next big breakthrough might just be hiding in plain sight, waiting for you to slow down and find it.
Join the conversation:
Have you ever rediscovered an old hobby that reignited your passion?
Share your story in the comments below or send me a message.
Let's talk about how we can tap into our creative roots to stay ahead of the curve in a world that’s constantly changing.
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