Today, playing games has become a more common hobby than it was ten years ago. Unlike some other gamers think, you don't have to prove your worth or join a certain group of games to call yourself a gamer. And just like books or movies, there will always be a game for you.
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Part 1 of 4: Finding Games You Enjoy
Step 1. Determine the device that will be used to play the game
If you are just starting out, you are better off using an existing device. Buying a console or upgrading a computer so it's more sophisticated is expensive. You also have to add hours of playing first so you know how to make the right decisions. If possible, play a few games on your friends' devices before making your own decision.
- Computers (PCs) can be used to play a variety of games, but to play the latest and greatest games, you have to upgrade your PC at a cost. For gaming, desktop computers are much better than laptops.
- A console (usually an Xbox, PlayStation, or Wii) is a less expensive device option if you don't already have a computer. You also don't need any technical knowledge to use it. The choice of games on consoles is much less, and every few years you have to buy a next-generation console to be able to play the latest games.
- If you don't have any of the above, you can play on your smartphone, tablet or portable gaming device. Alternatively, you can play the real world game which will be explained at the end of this section.
Step 2. Know how to search for games
There are many recommended games below, arranged according to the type of player's interest. You probably already have an idea of what kind of gaming experience you'd like, even if you don't really enjoy playing games. So read these recommendations one by one, and start with the one that sounds most interesting to you. By doing a quick search online for developers' websites, you can download or buy games from there, as well as find out what device they're playing on. If you're still unsure about buying a device, look for a demo or YouTube video about the game.
- For computer games, download the free Steam program. Steam is a very popular place to buy games. Its constant discount offers and community discussions are perfect for you to find recommendations for new games.
- Most of the recommendations below were released in recent years, and may still be available at physical stores that sell the game.
Step 3. Browse casual games
These types of games are great for killing time or taking your mind off stress, and they're also usually easy to learn. The definition of this game genre has gone amiss, and is sometimes despised by people who consider themselves "real gamers". However, this assumption is slowly getting rarer. If you haven't played a game to the end, or if you're not sure what game appeals to you, Try looking for a game in these places:
- To see the wide range of options available, visit a phone app store, or major game collection sites like Kongregate and Armor Games.
- Most Nintendo games are designed to let you focus on having fun and enjoying them with friends, such as Mario Kart, Wii Sports, or Mario Party.
Step 4. Try a game that requires reflexes and precision
If you like fast finger movements and quick challenges, there are many game genres for you to enjoy:
- A platform game, a game that explores a number of block obstacles and enemies. Play classic Super Mario, challenge yourself to Super Meat Boy, or add your own stories and battles to the Ratchet & Clank series.
- For games that are purely finger tapping, try rhythm games like Dance Dance Revolution, or the keyboard version of Step Mania, or the shoot 'em up ("shmup") genres like Ikaruga and Radiant Silvergun.
- Sports games are usually released annually. Here you can play the popular athletes. Choose your favorite sport, and maybe you can find a version of the video game, like Madden or FIFA.
- Fighting games like Super Smash Bros or Guilty Gear are competitive games that challenge your reflexes and muscle memory.
Step 5. Explore the sandbox game
Just like a real sandbox (aka sandbox), these games provide tools that you can use to create your own fun, or even your own world. If you're good at setting goals and completing projects on your own, this type of game might be for you.
- Minecraft is the most popular game in this genre. If you're looking for a game with less blocky graphics, try Spore.
- Sandbox games don't have to be "easy" to play. Dwarf Fortress has been played by thousands of game addicts due to its very complex world but rendered in text form.
Step 6. Play the game you are curious about
Dim the lights and get ready for an adrenaline rush. The game is aimed at those who want maximum excitement:
- If you like action or adventure stories, play heroes in games like Prince of Persia or Assassin's Creed, or the popular Legend of Zelda (and the whole family can play).
- If you enjoy horror films, find out what it's like to be in the gripping atmosphere of Silent Hill or Resident Evil.
- If you just want to vent your emotions, play Saint's Row or Grand Theft Auto, and start your criminal act.
Step 7. Play the game by immersing yourself in the roles
The game can immerse you in the story in a unique way. Role-playing games (RPGs) are a popular example, although the genre is actually very broad. Here are some examples of well-known games, and one of which can cost you dozens of hours playing it:
- Some of the most popular RPG series focus on story and player choice, such as Dragon Age, Mass Effect, and Final Fantasy.
- Unusual and whimsical settings are shown in the Bioshock and Dark Souls series, while the Elder Scrolls series provides a classic expansive fantasy world waiting to be explored.
- On the other hand, games that have a very deep story like Planescape: Torment, as well as all the games released by Spiderweb Software.
Step 8. Play a competitive multiplayer (multiplayer) game
While there are many games that can be played competitively, there are also games that are made specifically to test your skills to the best of your ability. The following genres so complex, and gamers choose and play one of them almost exclusively. They even practice playing for tens or hundreds of hours just to get better:
- First-person shooter (FPS) is best known for its online multiplayer mode. Here the players are as soldiers face to face in a complex environment. Good examples for this genre are Call of Duty and Battlefield.
- Multi-player online battle arena (MOBA) is a team-versus-team game, usually having a fantasy theme. Compared to FPS, here the overall strategy is more important, while reflexes and short-term tactics are less decisive. Try Defense of the Ancients (DoTA) and League of Legends (LoL).
- A real time strategy (RTS) game in which civilizations clash with each other. You build cities and armies, then wage an all-out war with your opponents. Starcraft focuses on very fast decision-making, whereas the Total War series, on the other hand, requires long-term strategy and careful tactical planning.
- Massively multiplayer role-playing game (MMORPG or MMO) will have you playing with hundreds of other players. You've probably heard of World of Warcraft, but don't forget Star Wars: The Old Republic or Guild Wars 2.
Step 9. Play without a computer or console
Not all gamers play video games. Most board games don't have much of a fan following among gamers, but there are a few exceptions. Some board games even host big tournaments with cash prizes:
- Popular strategic board games like Settlers of Catan or Dominion are easy enough to play with those who aren't game freaks, but it will take you hundreds of hours to master these board games.
- Tabletop role-playing games like Dungeons and Dragons or Pathfinder will have you telling stories with your friends.
- Collectible card games (CCG or TCG) like Magic: the Gathering or Yu-Gi-Oh allow you to combine hundreds of cards so you can choose the style of game you enjoy the most. This gaming hobby tends to be more expensive than other gaming hobbies, but you might be able to look for card sales events for new players hosted by game shops near you.
Part 2 of 4: Understanding Gamer Culture
Step 1. Prepare to experience opposition
Most gamers have strong opinions about their favorite games. They are willing to chat and argue about the game for hours. This passion sometimes causes gamers to oppose you because it doesn't fit their definition of "gamer". While it may be tiring, this will lessen as you start making more friends in the game world, and as they watch you play and talk about games.
Step 2. Show your sportsmanship
You will receive sportsmanship acknowledgment from adult players who respect you for keeping the playing atmosphere up. At the end of your game against other players, say good game or "gg", and offer a handshake if you play close together. When playing as a team, don't criticize another player who is not playing well, unless he is constantly sabotaging your efforts.
If you play against friends, instead of shaking hands or other formalities, what usually comes is a sense of arrogance and sarcasm from the winning team. If one of you is angry, take a moment to calm him down
Step 3. Deal with bad behavior while playing
Playing games is now commonplace, the community is increasingly mushrooming and friendly. However, there have been reactions from aggressive people who consider themselves "true gamers". You should ignore the innuendo and ridicule from these people, although any harassment or bullying should be reported to the moderator (mod) or game administrator. If you report, there are usually other players who will defend the new players. But if not, feel free to look for other forums, other societies, or even other games with a better playing culture.
Most games have a block or ignore other function which will prevent other players from contacting you
Step 4. Understand the slang terms in the game
Every genre and even every game develops its own slang words that can confuse new players. There are terms used throughout the game to some extent. Use the list of common slang words below.
- Newbie means a player who has just started to know and play a game. "Noob" is a similar but harsher term.
- Afk means away from the keyboard - the player is at rest.
- gg" means good game, this is a polite greeting usually said after the game ends.
- 1337, l33t, or leet which means "elite", or very good. This is an old slang word, but is now often used as a sarcastic or self-deprecating joke.
- When someone pwned, it means that the player lost miserably to his opponent.
Part 3 of 4: Increasing Game Skills
Step 1. Practice playing with good opponents
A night of fun game play with friends will hone your skills. Focus on improving your weaknesses so that your skills quickly improve. The best way to learn (if you can) is to play against players who are better than you. Pay attention to the things they do while playing, and ask the reasons behind their decisions whenever you don't understand.
Step 2. Improve your reaction time
Playing your favorite game is one of the best ways to improve your skills, but at some point it's a good idea to focus on a particular talent. Whatever your favorite game is, play a rhythm game like Step Mania to help train your finger reflexes.
Step 3. Learn from mistakes
Be honest in understanding about what happens if you want to enter the world of game competition. If you're always blaming luck, a slow internet connection, or other factors beyond your control, you'll never focus on the things that can improve your skills. If you've played your best on a game, remember to "replay" your game earlier, and think about other decisions you might have made earlier.
Step 4. Upgrade hardware
If you like playing the latest multiplayer games with the best graphics, you might end up spending $13,000,000-25,000,000 just to upgrade your computer. But this is an extreme case. There are many other inexpensive game accessories you can buy to enhance your gaming experience. Buy this accessory if you like playing old games, games with simple graphics, or games that don't require reflexes.
- Gaming-specific mice and ergonomic keyboards that are comfortable in the hand make a big difference in many games. If you're playing on a laptop, an external mouse and keyboard will do much better than the laptop's built-in trackpad and keyboard.
- Headsets are useful for communicating with your teammates while playing multiplayer games. You no longer spend time typing.
Part 4 of 4: Life as a Gamer
Step 1. Choose a popular game
Very few gamers make money from this hobby, and far fewer rely on it for income. If you're serious about getting into the world of gaming, you should choose games that are played by millions of people, preferably those that have a lot of competition and offer thousands of dollars in prizes. Some of these games (such as League of Legends) are called e-sports, because of their serious international competition.
Even if you want to make money reviewing games or entertaining fans by recording yourself playing games, you should still focus on new and popular games, especially when you're starting this business. Otherwise, no one will be interested
Step 2. Create a unique name
Choose a name that is easy to remember and easy to spell. Use this name for all games and any game work you do. You can even use your real name, as long as you're consistent enough to use it for recognition. Check out the Sword Art Online anime. The main character, Kirigaya Kazuto, uses a combination of his names to create his character's name, Kirito.
Step 3. Create video content
Shoot a video or install a webcam, then show people how you play the game or review the game on YouTube or Twitch. If you can build a fan base, you can earn big through donations or sponsorships, bigger than tournament prizes.
- To advertise your channel, post the link of the video on game forums or some social media accounts.
- Some games, like Magic: the Gathering, also allow you to make money. You can write game strategy articles and then publish them on a website. This mostly applies to card collection games, as the secondary market wants to attract people to their websites to buy products.
Step 4. Spend a lot of time playing games
To be one of the few people who rely on tournaments for a living, be prepared to spend six hours or more each day playing the game.
