Over the past decade, the gaming industry has been growing at an incredible rate. For example, according to GlobalData, the mobile gaming market will be worth $272 billion – yes, billion – by 2030. The speedy rate at which the game industry is growing has led to more people wanting to start playing video games as a hobby, which is completely understandable – after all, most people have a case of FOMO (fear of missing out!)
Luckily, whether you’re a fresh-faced newbie or a seasoned pro, there’s never been a better time to start gaming – be it for the first time or after a hiatus. If you want to adopt gaming as your hobby, check out the following guide, which has all the tips and information you could possibly need – including the details on which gaming platforms you should use, how to boost your internet connection, and much more.
What Are the Best Gaming Genres?
As of 2022, there are lots of new and exciting gaming genres to choose from. Popular niches include:
- Puzzle
- Battle Royale
- Adventure
- RPG
- Casino
- Sport
In particular, internet casino titles like video poker, among many others, have proven to be a true crowd favorite in recent years because most – such as Cafe Casino fun games – allow people to gamble with real money, which adds to the overall thrill and entertainment factor.
Whatever the case, think carefully about which genres you want to play the most, as this is important in ensuring you choose ones that you’ll enjoy without wasting money. Remember, it can sometimes cost a pretty penny to buy video games these days, so you’ll need to buy ones that fit into your preferred genre.
Choose Your Gaming Platform and Start a Subscription
The most important decision a gamer ever makes is the platform they use. Gaming consoles are usually a long-term investment, so be sure to choose wisely.
Right now, the main platforms for gaming are:
- PlayStation 5
- XBOX Series X/S
- PC
- Mobile
- Nintendo Switch
If you want a console experience, go with either the PlayStation 5 or XBOX Series X/S. Alternatively, if you would prefer something smaller, opt for a handheld console like the Nintendo Switch – this way, you can carry it everywhere with you and play it anywhere since it fits nicely into a bag.
Still, believe it or not, some gamers don’t invest in any platform. Instead, they simply stick with their existing smartphone or tablet, be it an iPhone or Android device. This is because most modern-day smartphones are built for gaming; they can handle high-quality graphics and multiplayer action – two major boxes ticked.
For example, if you want to, you could use your smartphone to download a ton of free games from the app store, such as Candy Crush Saga or Fortnite Mobile. Whether you’re on a lunch break at work or relaxing in your bed after a hectic day, you’ll be able to get plenty of gaming hours in from the comfort of your phone!
The Best Online Games to Play
Right now, there are seemingly thousands of amazing and popular games to choose from in the gaming world. Some of these games are available on various platforms, while others are exclusive. Some of the best titles currently loved by many players worldwide include:
- Fortnite (PlayStation 4/5, XBOX Series X/S, PC, Mobile)
- League of Legends (PC, Mobile)
- Call of Duty: Warzone (PlayStation 4/5, XBOX Series X/S, PC)
- Minecraft (PlayStation 4/5, XBOX Series X/S, PC, Mobile)
If you want to be part of a global community and interact with other players online, it’s recommended that you try one of these games. It’s also worth mentioning that some games – such as the above-mentioned Fortnite – are free to download.
Some mainstream games are free because they encourage players to purchase in-game content through loot boxes, such as character skins and weapons (which is the case with Call of Duty: Warzone). Ultimately, these games being free to play is great news for beginners since they don’t need to worry about dipping into their wallets to access games they aren’t sure they will like.
Create a Gaming Setup in Your Home
An average gamer will have some form of gaming setup in their home. This is handy for a number of reasons:
- It boosts concentration
- It helps gamers relax
- You can customize it to suit your vibe and aesthetic
The keys to a good gaming setup include smart lighting, a comfortable desk chair, a headset or headphones, and a high-quality monitor if you’re playing on a console or PC.
Remember, most gaming setups take at least a week to complete. You’ll need to order everything you need as well as unpack and organize it upon arrival.
If you have a spare room in your home, you can use that as the source for your gaming setup. If not, you’ll probably need to use your bedroom or home office for it.
Boost Your Internet Connection
Over recent years, single-player games have become quite dated. Now, it’s all about playing online against friends and other random people from around the world. However, when you play online, you need to make sure your internet connection is strong and stable.
To boost your internet’s strength, use a wired connection if you’re on a console. On the other hand, if you’re playing using a wireless connection, make sure to disconnect other devices on the same network and close any background apps whilst you’re playing.
Start Adding Friends
No matter which platform you’re using to game, you can start adding friends – usually straight away. Gaming with friends is excellent; it makes the experience a lot more fun and adds a social element to the games.
It’s especially common to play with friends on popular multiplayer games like Fortnite, FIFA, and Call of Duty, as they all come with modes that specifically encourage you to play in teams.
So, to get more enjoyment out of your gaming, make sure to start adding your friends after joining your preferred platform – but remember, this is usually only possible when your friends have the same console as you. Plus, you can also add random people, as you’ll likely speak to tons of randomers in game lobbies. However, if you do add unknown people, make sure you don’t share any sensitive information with them, such as your address!
Find Time to Game
Gaming as a hobby is a lot of fun – but you need to find time to do it if you want to enjoy games properly, never mind become skilled at them!
Usually, most people game in the evenings and on weekends, which is why you might find that the servers are slightly busier when playing during this time. This is normal and nothing to worry about (even if it slows your connection down).
When the weekend arrives, make sure to allocate yourself some time for gaming, even if it’s just for a couple of hours on a Saturday or Sunday, as this will allow you to progress at your favorite games and get better at them.
