Playing video games today is a much more accessible and popular hobby than 10 years ago. Unlike what a small minority of gamers would like to believe, it is not necessary to demonstrate your skills or join a clique to be able to define yourself as a "gamer". As with a book or a film, there is a game out there for each of us.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Find the Game You Like
Step 1. Decide what to play
When you are at the beginning, it is better to opt for what you have available. Buying a console or computer accessories can be a big expense, and it is better to have some experience in order to know how to make the best choice. If possible, play a friend's console before making any decisions.
- On a computer (PC) you will be able to play a large variety of games, although for the latest and most beautiful ones you will need rather expensive hardware devices. Desktop computers are much better than laptops for playing video games.
- A console (such as Xbox, PlayStation or Wii) is the cheapest choice if you do not already have a computer, and does not require special technical knowledge to be used. You'll have a more limited choice of games, and after a few years you'll need to purchase the next console model to play the newest games.
- If you don't have a computer or a console, you can use a smartphone, tablet or portable gaming device, or you can opt for "real" games, such as board or card games, described at the end of this section.
Step 2. Find the games
There are many recommended games below, broken down by the type of people they like. You probably already know what kind of game is right for you, even if you're not yet an experienced gamer, so quickly scroll through the text to find the description that interests you the most. By doing a quick search on the internet you will find the developer's website where you can download or purchase the game, and where you will find out on which devices it can be played. If you're not sure whether to buy it or not, search for a YouTube demo or video to find out more.
- For computer games download the free Steam software. It is a very popular platform for buying games. Plus, community offers and discussions are a great way to always find tips and tricks.
- Most of the recommended games described below have come out in recent years, and may still be available in game stores.
Step 3. Try casual games
They are perfect for passing the time and distracting you from everyday stress. In addition, they are generally easy to learn. This category of games has no real definition and is sometimes despised by those who call themselves "real gamers". However, this attitude is becoming increasingly rare. If you have never been fond of a game or if you are not sure which one is your favorite, take a look here:
- To find a great variety of games, try a mobile app store or sites that collect many different video games, such as Miniclip and Armor Games.
- Most Nintendo games are meant for single player enjoyment and for those who play with friends. Among them are Mario Kart, Wii Sports and Mario Party.
Step 4. Play games that require quick reflexes and precision
If you like fast finger movements and heart-pounding challenges, there are several games you might be interested in:
- Platforms that feature an obstacle course made up of blocks and enemies. Play the classic Super Mario, challenge yourself with Super Meat Boy or add story and combat with the Ratchet & Clank series.
- For games with fast finger movements, try Dance Dance Revolution or its keyboard version StepMania, or a shooter video game like Ikaruga or Radiant Silvergun.
- Sports games are usually updated every year, so you can play with the most famous athletes at the moment. Choose your favorite sport and you will probably be able to find the video game version, like in the case of Madden or FIFA.
- Fighting games like Super Smash Bros. or Guilty Gear stimulate competition and reward quick reflexes and muscle memory.
Step 5. Explore sandbox games
Just like in the case of a real sandpit for children, these video games provide you with tools with which to build your own entertainment or even your world. If you are good at pursuing your goals and throw yourself headlong into a project, these might be for you.
- Minecraft is certainly the most popular of these games. If you are looking for something with different graphics, try Spore.
- Sandbox games aren't necessarily casual games. Dwarf Fortress, for example, has garnered thousands of loyal players thanks to its incredibly complex world, whose graphics are all made up of text.
Step 6. Play to experience strong emotions
Dim the lights and get ready for an adrenaline rush. Games of this type are perfect for those who want great emotions:
- If you like action or adventure stories, play the hero in games like Prince of Persia and Assassin's Creed, or in the famous (and family-friendly) Legend of Zelda.
- If you love horror movies, try what it's like to be inside one of them with Silent Hill or Resident Evil.
- When you just need to leave it all behind, play Saint's Row or Grand Theft Auto and get into an absurd criminal spiral.
Step 7. Try an addicting role-playing game
Video games can immerse you in a story like no other form of art. Role-playing games (RPGs) are one example, even if they include very different genres. Here are some famous examples, each of which is capable of providing dozens of hours of gameplay:
- Some of the most popular RPG series that focus on the story and choosing the role to play are Dragon Age, Mass Effect, and Final Fantasy.
- Strange and unusual settings are typical of the Bioshock and Dark Souls series, while in Elder Scrolls you will find a classic and gigantic fantasy world to explore.
- On the flip side are games that have incredibly deep stories like Planescape: Torment and all the games produced by Spiderweb Software.
Step 8. Try multiplayer games that stimulate competition
In many video games there is the possibility to play in competition mode, but some of them are specific to test your skills as much as possible. The genres listed below are so complex that most players pick one and play just that, practicing to improve for tens or hundreds of hours:
- First Person Shooting (FPS) are best known for their online multiplayer game mode, in which players fight as enemy soldiers in a complex environment. Call of Duty and Battlefield are great introductory games to this genre.
- MOBAs (from English Multiplayer Online Battle Arena, literally "Online Multiplayer Battle Arena") are games in which you compete in teams, usually with a fantasy theme. Compared to FPS, overall strategy is more important while short-term reflexes and tactics are less important. Try Defense of the Ancients (DoTA) and League of Legends (LoL).
- In real-time strategic video games (RTS, from the English Real Time Strategy) you have clashes of civilizations, you have to build cities and armies and you wage war across the board with your opponents. In Starcraft it is important to make the right decisions quickly, while in the Total War series it is important to think about long-term strategy and careful tactical planning.
- MMORPGs (Massive Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game) allow you to play with hundreds of other players. You may have heard of World of Warcraft, but you might as well try Star Wars: The Old Republic or Guild Wars 2.
Step 9. Play without a computer or console
Not all gamers play video games. Most popular board games don't have a particular following in gamer circles, but there are exceptions. For some there are also very important tournaments that provide cash prizes:
- This is the case of famous board games that involve complex strategies, such as The Settlers of Catan or Dominion, easy to play even with non-gamer friends but which can require hundreds of hours of training.
- Tabletop role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons or Pathfinder allow you to develop stories together with friends.
- Trading card games (TCG) such as Magic: The Gathering or Yu-Gi-Oh! allow you to combine hundreds of pieces to choose the game style you like best. This type of game is a little more expensive than others, but many stores organize special events and promotions for beginners.
Part 2 of 4: Understanding Gamer Culture
Step 1. Expect fairly strong opinions
Most of those who call themselves gamers have very specific and strong opinions on their favorite games, and are willing to talk and discuss them for hours. This strong passion sometimes puts fans who suspect you disagree with their idea of a "real player" on the defensive; it can be boring and tiring, but it becomes less and less frequent as you develop friends in the gamer community and they see you playing and talking about your favorite games.
Step 2. Show sportsmanship
You will not always receive them, but the most experienced players will respect you because you will keep a friendly atmosphere. At the end of a match against a stranger, compliment your opponent or shake hands if you are playing in person. During a team game, do not berate a player who is not doing well, unless he is deliberately sabotaging the game.
When you're playing against your friends, boasting and throwing insults is usually normal. If someone gets angry, take a break so that tempers calm down
Step 3. Deal with bad behavior
With the spread of games, many communities have grown diversifying and being welcoming towards new members. On the other hand, there are also negative reactions from sexists and people who consider themselves "the real players". Jokes and teasing are usually ignored, but if it is about harassment or bullying, the perpetrators should be reported to the moderator or administrator. You will often find people willing to defend and help new players. If not, don't hesitate to find another forum or even another game with a friendlier environment.
Most games have a feature to ignore or block contact requests from other players
Step 4. Learn the lingo
In any type of game a specific jargon develops which to a newbie can be astonishing. There are some terms that are used in all games in one way or another, so use this list as a starting point.
- A newbie is someone who has just started playing. "Noob" is a kind of synonym, usually used in a derogatory sense (in Italian it often translates as "nabbo", "noob" or "nabbazzo").
- Afk (short for "away from keyboard") means that the player is taking a break.
- gg (from the English "good game", "good game") is a polite expression to use at the end of a match.
- 1337, l33t or “leet” derive from the word "elite" and indicate someone very good at playing. It's part of old school jargon and is often used today in a sarcastic or self-deprecating way.
- When someone is "pwned" it means that they are being beaten by an opponent.
Part 3 of 4: Improving Your Game Skills
Step 1. Practice with good opponents
A game night with friends will also improve your skills, but focusing on your weaknesses will make progress faster. The best way to learn, if your pride allows it, is to play against people who are better than you. Look at what they do and, when you don't understand, ask what the reasoning behind their decisions is.
Step 2. Improve your reaction times
Playing your favorite game is one of the best ways to hone your skills, but at some point it might be helpful to focus on a particular skill. Regardless of the type of game you're training for, a video game like StepMania can train your fingers to move faster.
Step 3. Learn from your mistakes
The ability to be critical of yourself is essential if you want to become a good player. If it is always the fault of bad luck, too slow internet connection or other factors that do not depend on you, you will never focus on what you need to improve. If you are particularly into a game, try to "replay" it in your head and analyze if there are any steps you can take differently.
Step 4. Upgrade your gaming devices
If you enjoy playing the newest video games, in multiplayer mode and with the best graphics settings, you may have to spend between 1000 and 2000 euros on computer upgrades. However, there are also cheaper accessories, which can make a gamer's life easier, and it is the option you should consider if you want to play older games with simpler graphics or games that don't require special reflections.
- A gaming mouse and ergonomic keyboard that fits well in your hand are key to many games. If you use a laptop, any external mouse and keyboard will be better than the integrated ones.
- A headset will help you communicate with other players in multiplayer mode, without having to waste time typing words on the keyboard.
Part 4 of 4: Earning a Living as a Gamer
Step 1. Choose a popular game
There are very few players who manage to earn from their hobby and even fewer those who earn enough to be called "income". If you really want to try this path, you will have to choose a video game played by millions of people, with a competitive environment in which players can earn thousands of dollars in tournaments. Some of these, such as League of Legends, are often referred to as “e-sports” due to the important international competitions.
Even if you want to earn money by writing video game reviews or entertaining your fans by making videos while playing video games, you will have to choose new and popular titles, especially if you are just starting out, otherwise no one will be interested
Step 2. Choose a unique and particular nickname
It will have to be something that stays in your head and easy to write. Use this nickname for all games and all things related to video games that you will be making. It could also be your real name, as long as you use it often enough to be recognized. A good example of this type is in the Sword Art Online anime, where the protagonist, Kirigaya Kazuto, used his name by combining the Kiri of the first name and the to of the surname to form Kirito.
Step 3. Create video content
Find a way to record a video or set up a webcam to be seen playing or reviewing a game on YouTube or Twitch. If you can build a fan base, you will be able to earn more donations or sponsorships than by participating in tournaments.
- Post a link to your channel on video game forums or social pages to let you know.
- For some games, such as Magic: the Gathering, you can earn money by writing articles on strategies to use while playing and posting them on specialized websites. This works especially for collectible card games, because retailers want to attract people to their website to get the products to buy.
Step 4. Invest time in the game
If you want to become one of the few people who make money by winning tournaments, you need to be prepared to spend 6 or more hours a day playing video games.
