Video gaming is one of the most popular hobbies and pastimes that we indulge in. In fact, it’s estimated that there were roughly 3.2220 billion gamers globally in 2023, and it’s expected to reach 3.320 billion by the end of 2024. That’s around 40.9% of the entire world’s population that plays video games!
However, if you’ve never played video games or consider yourself a complete beginner, then it can be daunting trying to get into the hobby. If you’ve noticed that your friends are having a lot of fun with video games, or want to connect with your colleagues by delving into video games with them, then we’ve got some advice to help you brush up on your skills. One easy way to get started is to discover arcade games online, which offer a great introduction to gaming with simple yet engaging mechanics. These games are perfect for learning the basics without feeling overwhelmed. Plus, they provide a fun way to bond with others while improving your confidence in gaming.
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Try not to invest lots of money into gaming right now
People who want to get into video games might see the price of things like gaming consoles and computers and be put off by the entry cost. Not only do you need a device that can play games, but you also need to consider the cost of buying games, peripherals like game controllers, and even things like subscription fees for different services. Gaming can be a fairly expensive hobby, especially if you’ve been gaming for a long time.
Gaming on different platforms
However, there are plenty of ways to get into gaming without feeling like you need to spend a load of money. For example, did you know that there are lots of different platforms to play games on–some of which you might already own?
Your smartphone is fully capable of playing some really great video games. If you own a tablet, even better! You can play lots of fantastic video games from all different genres, and you don’t even need to buy a gaming console or computer.
So don’t be put off by the seemingly high entry cost of video games. You probably have devices that are perfectly suitable for gaming. Sure, you might not have access to the latest triple-A titles with amazing graphics and gameplay, but there’s still plenty of fun to be had with smartphone and tablet games.
Gaming in the cloud
Another way to play video games without a huge investment is with a relatively new technology known as cloud gaming. It’s a technology that allows you to play the latest games, including graphically intense triple-A titles, without having to own a console or a powerful gaming computer!
It works by essentially playing a live video feed to you with very low delay so that it basically feels like you’re playing the game on your computer. Your inputs are fed into the system, they’re sent over the internet and played back to the computer running the game. It’s a clever system that lets anyone play the latest games without having a powerful computer or console. It’s also extremely convenient because you can play on any device that supports video playback. It could be your laptop, a smartphone, tablet or even a web browser on your main computer.
Instead of paying for games, you can pay for a subscription that gives you access to a huge list of games, making it a really cost-effective way to try different things. We highly recommend giving cloud gaming a try if you’re interested in playing video games because it’s a low-cost way to try out different things.
However, you’ll need a fairly strong internet connection that’s also stable. If you don’t, then the image will cut out and your inputs might feel really delayed, resulting in a fairly bad gaming experience.
Gaming on a regular computer or laptop
People often assume that you need a really powerful computer to play games on it, but the reality is that there are plenty of games that just work fine without a powerful computer. In fact, even a work laptop can be enough to enjoy some of the latest multiplayer games that your friend groups and colleagues might be playing.
League of Legends is by far one of the most popular free games that people play these days. While it’s a little demanding in terms of gameplay, it can run on virtually any computer or laptop from the past decade. That’s partially why it’s so popular–because it doesn’t require an expensive PC to get into.
There are also lots of indie titles on platforms like Steam that can run on low-end computers and laptops. Many of these titles, such as the ever-popular Among Us, can run perfectly fine without the need for a powerful or expensive PC.
So the next time you’re invited to a gaming session or just want to explore the world of gaming, don’t be put off by the high price tag of gaming computers and consoles. Gaming has become more accessible than ever, and there’s definitely a game out there that you can play right now without having to upgrade or buy new hardware.
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Getting into casual games to pique your interest
One of the biggest issues with getting into video games is that the games can be pretty overwhelming. Some of them have really long stories that could rival several seasons of your favorite show, and others have complicated button schemes and controls that might make sense to gamers but can be difficult to understand if you’re new.
That’s why it’s important to find easy games to get into when you first start out. No matter if you’re investing in a mid-range gaming PC or a video game console, there are usually always going to be casual games that appeal to beginners and people who just want to try out some simple games that don’t require a lot of time investment.
These kinds of games are available everywhere too. You don’t have to look at storefronts such as the App Store or Steam–you can even find these games online.
The New York Times has a section dedicated to games that are focused on things like logic. You can do a crossword, a virtual spelling bee, or even play the ever-popular Wordle. These types of games might seem really basic and boring to veteran gamers, but they’re a fantastic way to break into the gaming hobby as a beginner.
Once you’ve gotten used to playing some of these web-based games, you can move on to similar titles on your smartphone or computer. There are lots of puzzle games with simple rules that can become complex as they introduce new mechanics, or you can enjoy a laid-back story game that plays more like a film than a video game. These types of games are perfect for beginners because they don’t pressure you into making split-second decisions or battling monsters. They’re slower, they wait for you to take an action, and you can put them down and pick them up whenever you want.
Play games with your friends so you have some guidance
One of the best ways to get into video games is to just play with your friends and work colleagues when they invite you. They’ve probably known you for some time and are really eager to help you explore their favorite hobby, so they’re likely going to pick a game that’s fairly casual and easy to get into. Even if it’s a more demanding game with some action, they’ll know that you’re a beginner and will either go easy on you or help ease you into the game.
Having someone to teach you the controls and walk you through the game is a brilliant way to try new things and learn how to play. You can ask questions, you can test the controls, and you can take it at a slow pace so that you can actually learn instead of being thrown into a game with lots of action.
Watching videos and reading guides
Maybe you’ve found a game that you really like, or perhaps you’re getting into a game that your friends have introduced you to. If you want to improve and learn more about the game, then it’s never a bad idea to watch videos and read guides.
There’s almost always a gaming YouTube channel or Twitch streamer who will be playing the game actively and giving tips and advice. Even just watching them play the game can be a great way to learn and get better. There are also plenty of guides and blog posts on the internet. With such a huge amount of resources, it’s really easy to get into something new these days.
However, don’t feel pressured to get really good at a game if you don’t have the time. Gaming is about fun at the end of the day and it shouldn’t feel like a second job!
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Conclusion
Gaming is an amazing hobby that will give you so much enjoyment and opportunities for social engagement. However, it’s worth remembering that you don’t need to invest a lot of money to start gaming. It’s all about having fun, and it’s best enjoyed with a community around you.
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