I’ve played dota for 20 years +- (still only a 3.5k scrub) I still enjoy the game but I know it’s having a negative impact on me overall. I am happily married, my wife doesn’t mind my gaming, but I know we’d probably have a stronger relationship and I’d do more things in life if I toned it down. I’m wondering for people that have stopped playing dota aggressively (over 15+ hours a week) and either quit straight up or toned it back to maybe 5 hours a week or so. Any advice on mentality or thoughts on it. We all know dota is addictive, and I find myself sometimes not giving a shit, and tanking MMR, then deciding to care and getting it all back. I have a hard time stepping fully back and not wanting to play in my downtime (unless real life gets in the way). Any insight on what you did that brought dota away from being a major time sink in your life would be appreciated. I don’t wanna fully stop, as my best friend and I use it as a way to connect since we live in seperate locations, but I probably only play 4-6 games with him week, I just want to find a way to not have it envelop my life so much. Sorry for the rant, appreciate all the advice in advance!
I stopped playing because I had no friends to play with. I always played solo with some other 4 strange players in the team. Id say I grew tired of toxicity when playing. Besides I was more of Custom Games (Maps from W3) rather than a Dota player. Also I played other games than just Dota and watch movies, tv shows too.I havent played Dota in like 8 years way before 7.00. But I watch Dota on Youtube.How to Stop playing Dota? Find other game you like, change your habits. I for example like Factorio a lot.Make yourself some limit. JUST 1 game, or start with 3 or 5 depending how much you play. If you are on your final game do NOT play another one. Play other games. There are LOTS of other games to play. Try a new genre. Also if you only play AAA try indie games.