There are many different options when it comes to the best gaming platform for beginners. However, you must know that a lot depends on your device type, budget, and user-friendliness. Some top-of-the-line gaming platforms include:
- Epic Games (A wide variety of games for beginners require a PC)
- Nintendo Switch (Has an extensive variety of Nintendo games such as Mario, Zelda, Animal Crossing & Mario Kart, requires a handheld console). Switch 1, OLED & Switch 2 are your choices.
- You can start with PlayStation or Xbox Series S, which are the most affordable home consoles.
- Steam is another similar option, like Epic Games requires a PC. However, games are slightly more expensive than Epic Games.
- PlayStation Network requires a PlayStation Plus account. You can have free games every month.
- Nintendo Switch Online also requires membership to play classic NES, Super NES, and Game Boy games. To play continuously requires active membership.
Before choosing the platform for yourself, make sure that you have done the necessary research to get exactly what you are expecting from a certain gaming platform. Weigh in the pros and cons well before time, and then invest in the devices, online memberships, libraries, etc.
There are some things that you can consider before choosing just the right game for yourself:
- Understand your personal preferences, such as genres, gaming platforms, gameplay styles, and player settings.
- Research the games you like from the get-go, read reviews, watch videos if available, and join online communities e.g. (reddit gaming, steam community, guildtag) to better understand what you want.
- Set a budget for yourself and also look for discounts.
Know that you can also download free trials before making the final decision.
Console gaming offers optimized performance along with convenience. The plug-and-play approach allows users to enjoy their gaming sessions for a long, lag-free time. On the other hand, PC gaming covers different fronts with flexibility, such as higher graphics settings, hardware customization, and more. However, PC gaming comes with a higher price tag and requires frequent hardware upgrades. As far as mobile gaming is concerned, it does offer a portable gaming experience, but the small screen sizes and lag due to limited processor power can take away the charm from it.
First things first, you’d want to decide between a gaming PC or a console. Once you have invested in the main device after due diligence, you would like to get your hands on the peripherals, such as the monitor, keyboard & mouse, and sound system. Then comes the elements on which you will arrange the set-up, that is, the table and an ergonomically designed chair.
In short, these are the factors to keep in mind while buying your gaming equipment:
Personal preferences, budget, convenience, portability, and most importantly, your comfort.
Simply said, both Downloadable Content (DLC) and Expansion Pack are the same thing, as both are used to either add a couple of features, a new storyline, or extend the game’s life by adding bigger additions. DLC is mainly distributed through the console networks or the internet. On the other hand, the Expansion Pack or EP can only be installed after installing the game.
In simple terms,
Downloadable Content (DLC) = Mini Quests, skins, a few more missions, etc.
Expansion Pack (EP) = Bigger, newer areas to explore, even doubles the game content.
The term ‘Microtransactions’ refers to the process of purchasing virtual goods that can enhance the gaming experience after purchasing with a micropayment. They can be gems, coins, and even surprise random boxes, which is similar to opening a present. The virtual goods can range from cosmetics, virtual currency, expansion packs, bonus boxes, XP boosters, pay-to-unlock, different types of skins, enhancements, powerups, extra lives, and more. These Mini transactions build loyalty and keep the player interested in playing more. This also increases engagement and player satisfaction by receiving rewards. Microtransactions typically occur in free-to-play games. By allowing microtransactions in games, revenue can be generated for the game developers.
There are many different ways to improve your video game skills. For example;
- Understand the genres you are interested in
- Explore the platforms you have easy access to
- Customize your controls to have better command over the game
- Practice as much as you can, but take regular breaks in between
- Watch professional streams to understand how other players navigate through a game
- Watch Walkthroughs and get to know the game more from different gamers
- Choose the best gaming controller
- Avoid cheats & glitches
- Invest in the best gear
- Have a relaxing gaming chair
Lastly, don’t feel pressured to be pro at a game that you have just started playing!
A modern 3D game that supports multiplayer usually has a built-in feature that allows you to access the game server, where other players are searching for a multiplayer session. This is where you can find other players to play with online. You can also join gaming platforms such as Steam, Xbox Live, or even PlayStation Network to find many people of your interest.
Moreover, join Discord groups and servers related to your favourite games. Reddit is another social network where many people comment from their personal experiences. They are the real people. Leaving a comment usually receives replies, and in that thread, you can meet new people and even send them a DM. There is a Reddit chat by going to the user’s profile and opening the chat with that user.
A ‘lag’ in gaming terms refers to the delay between an input and its action on the gaming screen.
Online Gaming Lag:
The lag can consist of many factors, including network speed, hardware abilities, and the latency within the network of a gaming server. A slow network connection is the most common cause of lag in online gaming, but sometimes it is caused by heavy traffic or internal server issues as well.
Offline Gaming Lag:
Compatibility issues or a weak Bluetooth signal from a cheap wireless controller can also lead to delays and lag. This usually happens when the player presses the button aggressively, and the game’s response becomes slow due to repeated actions. Offline lag can sometimes be a memory or storage issue. A filledup harddrive takes a lot of loading time and does not deliver fast enough outcome due to the hogging resources. This also leads to a memory crash or unwanted lag.
Toxic players usually ruin a gaming experience, and the best way to deal with them is to remove them from your gaming list. You can also inform the game support and share the details of that particular gamer with other players, so the toxic player is pressured to either change their behavior or quit playing altogether.
If this does not work, then mute or block the toxic player. Play your game and focus on the tasks. Be positive and achieve the goal. If possible, report the abuse.
