Game Evaluation Framework

Heuristics for wishlist pruning, buying, and backlog.

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A personal set of heuristics for using my game library data to guide wishlist pruning, buying decisions, and backlog reassessment.

🔻 Wishlist Trimming Rules

❌ 1. Similar to Abandoned → Trim

If a wishlist game is similar to any game in my library marked Completion = Abandoned, trim or deprioritize it.

❌ 2. Similar to Discarded → Avoid

If a wishlist game resembles any game marked Completion = Discarded, I’m likely uninterested in playing that type—avoid buying.

⚠️ 3. Genre with Low Completion Rate → Scrutinize

If I have a high Abandoned or Done rate in the same genre or structure, question adding similar wishlist games.

🔺 Wishlist Prioritization Rules

✅ 4. Similar to Favorites → Prioritize

If a wishlist game matches any game marked Favorite = yes, elevate to high-priority purchase.

✅ 5. Similar to Liked & Finished → Likely Fit

If the wishlist game aligns with games I both Liked it = yes and Completion = Finished, it’s a strong buy signal.

✅ 6. New Take on Familiar Genre → Promote

If the game innovates on a genre I’ve enjoyed before but now feel fatigue with, bump up priority if it addresses past friction.

🔄 Library Re-evaluation Rules

♻️ 7. Abandoned but Genre is Strong Elsewhere → Revisit

If I abandoned a game, but finished and liked others in the same genre or style, consider giving it another chance.

⚠️ 8. “Fair” Game Similar to Wishlist → Delay

If a wishlist game is similar to any game rated Liked it = Fair, only buy if there’s clear added value or interest.

✅ 9. Fast Finish + Liked = Genre Match

If I quickly finished a game and liked it, I likely have a strong affinity for that style—prioritize similar games.

📌 Meta Pattern Triggers

  • 🔄 Backlog Bloat in Genre: Pause wishlist additions in that genre
  • 📉 High Abandonment of Long Games: Prioritize shorter, more self-contained games
  • 😐 Cluster of “Fair” Ratings in Genre: Indicates genre respect, not affection → avoid unless standout
  • ❓ Many “Want More = Maybe”: I’m fatigued—delay adding new similar games

Usage Note

  • Use this list to evaluate each wishlist item and its match against my existing library.
  • Optionally, tag games in Obsidian with #wishlist, #revisit, or #skip for filtering later.