aAdults who love video games understand the struggle of having too many options – 19,000 games were released in 2024 on the PC Game Storefront Steam alone, not to mention the countless games available on consoles and smartphones. Many of us have a backlog of classic games we haven’t played yet, leading us to feel guilty about buying new ones. However, discovering truly good games can sometimes feel impossible. Approximately 50% of the questions we receive for this newsletter are variations of “Help, what should I play?”

While we do our best to assist, as someone who is knowledgeable about games, I still don’t have unlimited time to play them all. Streamers spend their days playing games, but they tend to specialize in specific games and genres, rarely venturing outside their comfort zones. Nowadays, navigating through Google search results, parsing complex Reddit threads, and getting lost in AI-generated recommendations can be overwhelming.

Enter Louise Sene’s new app, set to launch on Kickstarter this week, aiming to address this issue. Described as the Tinder for video games, the app presents users with a game name, details, a stack of cards featuring screenshots, and a trailer link, which users can swipe left or right on to indicate their interest. Based on user preferences, the app provides new game suggestions, allowing users to build a deck of games they want to try. The app also shows connections between games, providing transparency on where the recommendations are coming from.

Users can also select specific experts, such as streamers, critics, and other gaming personalities, to receive recommendations from. Each expert has their own card with a brief bio and background, aligning with the app’s focus on human recommendations rather than AI-driven algorithms. The recommendations are based on datasets compiled by the team over five years from the Family Game Database, a trusted site for parents.

Andy Robertson, a seasoned game writer leading the project, emphasizes the importance of uncovering hidden gems within the vast realm of games. The app aims to make game discovery fun and effective again by utilizing a blend of matchmaking features and personalized recommendations from experts. If the Kickstarter goals are met, Ludocene will be available for free in a basic format, with an optional subscription model for additional features at just £3 a month.

Personalized and niche game recommendations are invaluable, especially in an era dominated by AI-driven recommendations. For those seeking expert-driven suggestions, platforms like Louise Sene’s app cater to a more curated gaming experience.

Another valuable resource for discovering games is the Thinky Games Website, a database and review site for puzzle enthusiasts. Featuring a wide range of games across various platforms, the site provides descriptions written by individuals who have played the games, offering a more personal touch compared to store-provided data.

As someone who has been a gaming critic for nearly 20 years, I believe in the power of person-to-person game recommendations, especially in a digital landscape overwhelmed by algorithmic suggestions. While I haven’t signed up as a Ludocene expert yet, I may consider doing so in the future. To learn more about the app, visit their Kickstarter Page.

What to do

“I'll continue driving.”