Let’s make a quick acknowledgement to start with: gaming is gigantic. Sounds like an exaggeration? We promise it is not. Gaming comes in a whole load of different shapes and sizes, from 5-minute free mobile experiences to months-long deep story-focused narratives that could change your outlook on the entire world. There’s something for pretty much everyone in the world of games – and while that’s great news, for sure, it leaves a lot of people wondering where on earth to start.
So, where do you begin? Tons of people jumped onto the gaming ship during the pandemic, when we were all stuck at home with no socializing options (and since many games have multiplayer versions and online chats, it’s not really surprising) – but if you missed the boat here, you don’t need to panic. You can join the gaming world any time, and there are tons of reasons to do so – from fun to thrills! The social element is a big pull for many people, but how do you get into any of this? Let’s run through some tips!
Start With Narrowing Down the Genre
First up, you’ve got to figure out what you want from your game. Fun, obviously, but what kind? A quick and simple game you can use to while away a long commute, or something a little bigger and brighter. Spend a bit of time figuring out what makes you tick, whether that’s real-time strategy, online casino games, multiplayer online battle arenas (MOBAs), or something else entirely – once you know, this world is pretty much your oyster. Gamification is everywhere, so your options are… well, essentially endless.
Note though – it doesn’t have to be just one, and you don’t have to choose right now! Experiment your heart out! Flick through a few different options, explore their offerings, and decide whether they’re for you – and if not, ditch them without guilt.
Maybe you’ll find that you’re only interested when you’ve got money on the line and your heart is pumping in the hopes of a big win, or you might find you just love to bury yourself in characters and narratives. Sometimes, the only way to figure this out is to have a go! Get it wrong? It doesn’t matter – just exit and try something else.
Get Your Game
Next, you’re going to need to get the game. Often, this involves buying it (although you may be able to get free trials, test something while with a gaming friend, or find a demo version online). You’ll likely need to sign up to a platform, whether that’s Steam, which is a PC program that has tons of games available to purchase, or on an online casino website. You might also download some free mobile games from the app store and log in to play – there are tons of good options here.
If possible, we’d totally recommend playing a demo version first if you can – and often, you’ll find it’s possible. Want to play online blackjack for real money and eager to get into your very first game? Why not try your hand at a few demo games first? Many casinos offer this, and it lets you get a handle on the game before you lay down any of your own cash – always a smart move.
What if you can’t try a demo? Well, YouTube is your friend: you can find tons of videos of people playing pretty much every kind of game, and watching someone else have a go will give you at least some idea of whether you’re likely to find the gameplay engaging. Sure, it’s not a guarantee – you might discover it’s not for you after purchasing – but this kind of research is always smart to do.
Branch Out
Found the game that makes your heart sing? That’s great, but don’t stop there – you’ve got a whole world of other games just waiting to be explored! Figure out what it is about the game that you love, and plunge in on finding similar options. If it’s a casino game like blackjack that gives you the thrills? Try out some other card games that combine luck and skill, like baccarat and poker.
Fallen in love with Skyrim’s lofty peaks and in-depth narrative? Try another detailed world like Red Dead Redemption 2, or Horizon. Alternatively, love the satisfying click of Tetris and games like Bejeweled? Why not see if the slots can make your heart sing in an analogous way?
Once you’ve figured out exactly what you love (and maybe hate) about gaming, you can start creating your own gaming hideaway with all your equipment and top games – and it will be better than ever.
Becoming a gamer doesn’t have to be daunting! You’ll be stepping into a wonderful, vast universe of possibilities, and when you mix in thrilling updates like the onset of VR… what can we say, except “Wow.” You’ll be sorry you didn’t try it sooner!
