Are you thinking about becoming a gamer? Whether you want to take it seriously or are just looking for a new exciting pastime, gaming has much to offer. Discover the best way to go about adding gaming to your existing lifestyle.
- 1. Choose your niche
Pursue existing passions through your new hobby or investigate unfamiliar avenues: with many topics and niches available, the choice is yours.
If you enjoy logic puzzles, try your hand at strategy games which require careful thought and much trial and error to advance through the levels. These games are set in spectacular worlds and scenarios and can take hours to complete. At the other end of the spectrum, you have quick-fire competitions with a need for speed such as races and timed challenges. You can either test your skills against the game or work or compete with your friends in a multi-player setting.
- 2. Get the right gear
It’s crucial to get the right gear if you’re serious about gaming as a hobby. This means your equipment will be compatible with your chosen games and you have a comfortable environment for playing.
Consider the various consoles available or opt for traditional PC games. Several devices are portable for on-the-go entertainment, or you can create the perfect at-home set-up with a large screen, headphones, gaming mouse and a good mechanical keyboard. You should also invest in an ergonomic chair for proper back support and surround-sound speakers to enhance the gaming experience.
- 3. Practice makes perfect
As with any new hobby, practice makes perfect! It will take time to develop the skills you need to be a star player, but the journey of learning the manoeuvres and strategies is all part of the fun. Once you’ve got the basics under your belt you’ll be able to tackle most games, but more advanced challenges will require exact combinations that you’ll have to work out on a case-by-case basis.
You can mix it up with simple games such as bingo and roulette which have straightforward rules so you can start playing instantly. These games have short rounds so they’re easy to dip in and out of whenever you feel like it.
- 4. Join a community
Many people have the misconception that gaming is a solo pastime, but it offers plenty of opportunities for social interaction.
Once you’ve found a game you love, join a community of like-minded enthusiasts and discuss everything from gameplay strategies to the characters and settings. There are lots of groups and forums connecting people online from across the world. You can ask questions about difficulties you’ve encountered and search for video tutorials recorded by experienced gamers, and perhaps form a new team for multi-player adventures.
