It happens to almost every gamer: over the years, you collect dozens—sometimes hundreds—of games across platforms like Steam, Epic Games, GOG, Xbox, PlayStation, and more. With constant sales, free game giveaways, and bundles, it’s easy to end up with a digital backlog that feels more overwhelming than exciting.
If you often find yourself scrolling endlessly through your collection, unsure what to play next, it might be time for a cleanup. Here are 5 simple, effective ways to organize your game library—without stress or spreadsheets.
Use Custom Categories and Tags
If your game launcher supports it (like Steam or GOG Galaxy), create custom categories to group games by:
- Genre (RPG, horror, platformer)
- Play status (Unplayed, In Progress, Finished, Abandoned)
- Mood (Relaxing, Story-Heavy, High-Energy)
- Session length (Quick games, Long sessions, Co-op only)
This helps you navigate your collection based on what you’re actually in the mood to play—not just what’s on top of the list.
Create a Simple Game Backlog Tracker
You don’t need anything fancy. A basic Notion page, spreadsheet, or even a notes app can help you track:
- Which games you’ve finished
- Which ones you want to start soon
- Personal notes or ratings
- Games to uninstall or revisit later
It might seem excessive, but it saves time in the long run and helps you focus on what matters most.
Uninstall What You’re Not Playing
This might sound obvious, but many people forget to do it: uninstall games you’re not currently playing. Not only does this save disk space, it also declutters your launcher interface and removes visual distractions.
You can always reinstall later when you’re ready to return. Some platforms also allow you to hide or archive games—use that feature to “clean house” without deleting anything permanently.
Organize by Time Commitment
Not every game fits into your daily schedule. Some are great for short 15-minute bursts; others demand 60-hour commitments. Organizing by estimated time can help you match your game to your availability.
Try categories like:
- Quick & Casual
- Medium-Length (5–20 hours)
- Massive RPGs / Endless Games
- Multiplayer / Drop-In Sessions
When you sit down with 45 minutes to spare, you’ll know exactly where to look.
Limit the “Now Playing” Pile
Instead of juggling 10 games at once, pick 1–3 titles you’re actively playing and mentally (or physically) set them aside. This can be as simple as putting them in a “Now Playing” folder or labeling them with a star.
Rotating focus like this helps you finish more games, enjoy them more deeply, and reduce the stress of endless choice.
Final Thoughts
Organizing your game library doesn’t mean getting rid of games or spending hours making charts. It’s about making it easier to find the right game at the right time—whether you want to dive into a long adventure or just blow off steam with something quick.
With a little effort up front, your cluttered game library can become a personalized space that actually works for you—not against you.
Because the real goal isn’t to own more games. It’s to enjoy the ones you already have.
