Gaming is an incredibly popular hobby, and because its reach is so impressive, it can really help to connect players from all around the world. However, this can make the hobby feel a little inaccessible to newbies because it is really easy to get overwhelmed by your choices. In that respect, gaming can be kind of difficult to get into, which is why we have put together the following guide for beginners.
Smartphone Gaming
Smartphone gaming is the first option for beginner gamers. A lot of the smartphones available today are ideal for gaming with their processing power, large screens and the app store positively filled to the brim with games. All you have to do to get started with smartphone gaming is simply to browse the app store and look for games. The choice is vast, which is why it might be worth doing a bit of research online before you download any games. Then, you can get a better idea of your options, what games are of a higher quality and what they cost.
PC Gaming
Gaming on a PC is another option to explore. Obviously, the visuals are going to be better than the ones on the small screen of a smartphone. In order to get the most out of gaming on your PC, you need to have a relatively new PC with decent processing power that doesn’t lag. You should also install the newest updates too. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to have a brand-new PC or laptop, but it needs to be fit for purpose. The bigger the game, the more processing power you need. Smaller or older games can be played with relative ease on most setups.
Gaming on a PC also opens up your options a little more too. There are a number of websites to explore that offer a variety of games, from blackjack sites – which you can get the download on from OnlienCasinos.co.uk – to role-playing sites. However, if you want to purchase games, then the likelihood is that you will need to look into Steam which is a version of the app store accessible from your PC; you will be able to find games for purchase there as well as a number of other apps, films, and other forms of content.
PC gaming relies heavily on your setup. In order to get the best experience, you will need a flat screen monitor. Most of the games will work with your mouse or keyboard control, but you can also find joysticks that are compatible with PC gaming, and they can open up your options in terms of the games that you can play. They can also help to transform the experience too.
Console Gaming
Gaming on a console is probably the most popular form of gaming today. The consoles themselves are more affordable than they have ever been, and it also reduces the risk of compatibility issues when you are purchasing games designed to work on the console that you have. The main choice when it comes to consoles is whether to go for a PlayStation or an Xbox, both of which have their advantages; it simply comes down to personal preferences for the most part. If your friends are hardcore console gamers, then ask them for their opinions. It might also be worth checking which one they have if you want to be able to enjoy multi-player games with them.
When it comes to choosing the games themselves, you often need a physical copy which means buying from a retailer. Although, if you are working with a budget, you don’t need to buy the games brand new, there are a number of second-hand retailers that offer the same games at a discounted price because they have been pre-owned. Although in the last few years, it has become possible to download games directly to your console. You can find a number of titles on the in-console store, some of which are even free to download and play – although you should be mindful of those that purport to be free but then have in-app or in-game purchases to contend with.
Genre Suggestions
Now, the question of what you should play relies on you and what you’re into. That being said, there are several genres that prove to be more popular, and they could be a great place for you to start. Shooter games, whether they are first, third or open world shooters, tend to be incredibly popular. First and third-person shooters are pretty self-explanatory; you’re either playing as the protagonist or on the protagonist’s team, respectively. On the other hand, open-world shooters have more access to the larger environment or world, and they can explore as they wish. Halo and Call of Duty are great examples of the first-person shooter genre, Uncharted and Bayonetta are third-person, and Assassins Creed or Grand Theft Auto are examples of open-world shooters.
If shooters aren’t for you, then Role Playing games might be worth a go. For the most part, role-playing games tend to be set in mythical or sci-fi-based worlds. Your character can gain new items and abilities through the completion of tasks and levelling up. Final Fantasy and Witcher are two of the most popular examples of these kinds of games out right now. If you want a game that requires a little more thought on your part, then a strategy-based game could work for you. They usually pit you as an army leader and then have to come up with the best strategies and tactics to defeat your opponent. Company of Heroes is one of the best examples of this genre.
Finally, if you want a game that appeals more to your social side, then multi-player games are your best option. Multi-players do encompass a lot of different genres, which are worth exploring, too, but for the most part, people tend to enjoy games like World of Warcraft or League of Legends.
The Takeaway
Gaming can be a great hobby; it can help to develop your critical thinking skills as well as provide you with new social avenues to explore. Think about the things that you currently have at your disposal; if you are on a budget, then there are a lot of ways that you can get into gaming for little to no money. If you have friends that are into gaming, they can help to point you in the right direction. You can also choose to do more research to learn more too.