Gaming doesnt always get the best reputation, you might hear judgement from people that dont play about it being addictive or violent, or just a waste of time. But that’s a narrow and one sided view of something that can make a brilliant hobby, as with anything in life it’s not for everyone but that’s not to say it can’t be great for the right person. If you used to enjoy gaming as a kid and want to get back into it or you’re just looking for a new hobby to take some of the stress out of life, read on.
Why get into gaming?
Gaming is fun, and sometimes we really should do things just for the fun of it. As kids we all used to do this all the time, everything in life was just about having fun and have a go at things, and as adults this can very much pass us by. Life might not be quite as simple as that now when you have responsibilities, but it doesnt mean that things need to be so serious all the time either. It’s good for your mental health at times to have a go at something without worrying about messing up or being bad at it, and with gaming you can do that and you can just enjoy some time to yourself doing what feels fun and enjoyable. There’s no pressure to be good at it or take it seriously. And unlike with other hobbies there’s no messy craft stuff to clean up, no materials that you need to go out and buy each time etc once you’re set up you’re pretty much ready to go and the rest can be done line. There’s nothing that can ‘go wrong’ which takes the pressure off whereas other hobbies aren’t always like that.
Gaming can help you to learn new things too, and the best way to learn is by doing something you genuinely enjoy as you’ll pick up so many new skills without even realising. You might end up trying out mods, experimenting with custom challenges or just testing out new ways of playing just to see what happens. A lot of it really just comes from messing around and seeing what works (and what doesn’t).
Which platform/ gaming type
Your first decision is to decide which platform you will be gaming on. If you’re going for a console you’re likely to be deciding between the Playstation and Xbox, the types of games you want to play and your budget will likely depict the best machine for you. Both are decent, so it depends on what you want to play. The other option for playing video and online games is PC gaming. If consoles and PCs don’t appeal, there are plenty of other ways to scratch the same itch. Board and tabletop games have had a huge resurgence, partly because they’re easy to learn and surprisingly social once you get going, they’re good if you prefer playing in person. Something like Catan or Ticket to Ride will keep you thinking without being overwhelming, and if you want something more creative there’s Dungeons and Dragons which gives you a whole world to build with friends.
There are also really simple options if you don’t want to commit to long sessions. That can suit the evenings where you don’t have much time. Phone apps and browser games are perfect for a quiet evening where you just want to switch off for twenty minutes. Puzzle games like Minesweeper, farming sims, word games etc, it’s all there and you don’t need any special equipment aside from your phone and you can play them without setting anything up. The whole point is that it doesn’t matter what style you go for because the benefit is the same. It’s something fun that gives you a break, lets your brain wander and gives you a bit of space for yourself
What will you need
A gaming desk thats specifically for your gaming can help you keep your setup organised. Look for desks that have things like cable management systems and plenty of space for your gaming accessories. That just makes everything easier to keep tidy. Some desks even come with built in RGB lighting to create a visually stunning gaming environment. Since gaming marathons can go on for many hours you need a supportive chair. Go to a store and physically sit in lots of different models to test them out. What feels comfortable will matter more than how it looks. A gaming chair will provide you with a comfortable spot and will support your head and neck properly. At a push a comfortable recliner armchair would do but a gaming chair would be the better option. If you’re a console gamer then a decent tv with clear, HD picture is going to be an essential feature in your gaming room as a clear picture makes games much easier to enjoy. One option for if you don’t have much space is mounting the tv on the wall, a sound bar is a good space saving alternative to full surround sound too which works well if you’re short on room.
A good gaming headset means you have access to immersive 3D sound that helps you to pinpoint everything in your game from enemys footsteps to generally enhancing the overall gaming atmosphere (which could be essential depending on the type of game you’re playing). Look for headsets with noise cancelling features, as well as a comfortable fit for long gaming sessions and a built in microphone for team communication. This makes it easier to hear what’s going on and talk to other players. A mechanical keyboard can make a world of difference in your gaming experience as the feedback and rapid response that you get from mechanical keys can give you a competitive edge. A high quality gaming monitor that has a fast refresh rate and low input lag will significantly improve your gameplay. Go with a monitor with a resolution that suits your gaming needs, especially if you play immersive RPGs and fast paced action games.
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