Gaming is ubiquitous now. The majority of guys in the current generation play them, they’re getting more advertising than ever, and they’ve become part of the pop culture zeitgeist to the point that they’re a regular feature on shows as widely watched as Conan O’Brian’s. For those who haven’t picked up a gamepad in years, it’s tempting to dip a toe in the water and see if you like the temperature. But what’s the best way to try get back into gaming?
Indulge your curiosity
If you really haven’t gamed at all for a long time, it’s a good idea to get an understanding of what you’re jumping into. To find out what modern games are like and explore the hobby in a way that requires no financial investment and just a little time, consider watching some of the most popular streamers. On both Youtube and Twitch, there are a plethora of different people playing different games. It’s a great way to get a closer look at a game that has interested you and watching game streams can become an addictive hobby all on its own even if you’re not gaming yourself.
Taking the casual road in
For the initiates, then you might want a way to play that doesn’t take a lot of investment or space in the home. For that reason, test the waters by finding some game apps for your phone. Mobile devices are running more and more sophisticated games so you can get a wider range of experiences than the average mobile puzzle. You can play strategy games, roleplaying games, even fighting games on mobile devices nowadays. For some people, the touchscreen can feel a little awkward and unintuitive, but there are some cheap peripherals on the market that allow you to turn the phone into more a traditional gaming control pad.
Alongside your trusty allies
There are very few hobbies that can’t be made more fun by inviting your friends to share it with you and gaming is no exception. One of the biggest changes in gaming over the past decade is how huge the online component has become. Whether it’s competitive or cooperative, there are games in most genres that have some sort of multiplayer element to them. A friend can serve as a guide to a new game you’ve never tried, making it a lot easier to get into specific ones. Beyond being fun for the sake of it, you might find that it’s an easy way to share a hobby and spend time with friends that you don’t get to see as often in the real world, too.
With the best possible experience
Once you’ve found out that you are, indeed, a gamer who hasn’t discovered it for years, how do you get the best out of the hobby? Consoles are a simple, no-fuss entry point for most players, but if you’re willing to put the time and money into it, then perhaps you should consider building the ultimate gaming PC. To put it simply, it offers better experiences in just about every way. You don’t have to pay to play online games, you can enjoy much better graphics, and you will often find that gaming communities are much, much bigger on the PC. That’s not to mention that a gaming PC can easily run any other kind of software, so you’re getting a multipurpose tool, not just a gaming device.
With a trip down memory lane
If your gaming interest is being ignited now, there’s a good chance that some of your favorites from the past might have something to do with it. So, why not reignite that interest by revisiting some of them? You don’t have to dust off an old broken console, there are tons of releases like the Super NES Classic offering a modern convenient way to play some of the greatest gems from your childhood. Many of those old games are also available on consoles and mobile devices. There is an innately childlike wonder and thrill to playing video games and throttling back to the past to some of the first titles to really bring those feelings to life is a great way to reintroduce yourself to the hobby.
Remember, it’s all about fun first-and-foremost. Don’t feel like you have to get the latest trendy game just because your friends are on it. Go for what interests you and keep an open mind and light expectations. Gaming can be a perfect way to relax, but there are going to be plenty of gaming experiences not for you. Always try before you buy for that reason.
