It hard to believe it’s only been three short years since I launched Applied Gaming. According to The Internet, the appropriate gift for such an occassion is leather, though I’m hardly sure why… perhaps Year 3 is just about the time when a relationship needs the kind of spicing up best provided by leather goods. (I can’t imagine how the fires of passion might wane so quickly, what with sexy gifts like “paper” in Year 1 and “cotton” in Year 2.)

But how can one’s devotion to video games abate in such a time of abundance? As I write this, I have to stop myself from casting longing glances at the brand new PS4 sitting at my feet, just waiting to be unboxed. What’s more, I’m expecting another little treat to arrive on November 22. (Well, more like a big, expensive treat whose ultimate goal is to take over my living room and eventually control my entire family.) Throw in a successful Extra Life marathon where we raised more than $2,500 for Boston Children’s Hospital, and November is turning out to be one great month to love video games.

So once again, thank you to all my friends and readers. The past three years have been a great time in my life, and as far as gaming is concerned, they definitely rank among the best within the entire half-century electronic entertainment history. I can’t wait to see what exciting new games, experiences, and discussions the next three years bring! For now, though, I’ve got a PlayStation 4 to hook up— which I think anyone would agree is a way better anniversary gift than leather.