Many newcomers to online gaming find things overwhelming. If that sounds like you, don’t give up too soon. Instead, take encouragement from this guide to online gaming for beginners, which offers useful and practical advice for newbies.
You’ll discover how to choose the right game for you, whether that’s family entertainment or more adult themes, including online casino games. Other topics covered include purchasing the right equipment, understanding etiquette and staying safe online.
Choose a Genre
Perhaps the most important thing for a video game novice to consider is the type of game you would enjoy the most. Firstly, it’s important to think about your personality. Do you have a short attention span? Are you a quick learner? What real-life hobbies do you have that might translate to the world of online gaming? All of these things can shape your purchasing decision.
A common mistake is to just buy whatever title is top of the charts. However, some of the most popular games are too complex for a beginner. And if you have to learn too many controls, skills and strategies too soon, you’ll just end up frustrated and disgruntled.
You should also think about who else is going to play the games. There will be different factors to consider depending on whether it’s for you or for a younger family member. The good news is that many games encourage the development of personal skills, including teamwork, leadership, decision-making and hand-eye coordination.
Top Games for Beginners
Complete newcomers should aim for games that are easy to pick up and play. The Mario Party series for Nintendo consoles is a great example of a game that’s both family-friendly and super simple to learn. Players move around the board, completing goals and playing dozens of quick-fire mini-games along the way.
Minecraft is another hugely successful title due to its open-ended nature and multiplayer possibilities. And if you’re after something extremely simple, check out Crossy Road, a Frogger-style app where you help the proverbial chicken cross the road. As you play, you’ll earn gold coins with which to unlock new characters.
Pick the Platform
When deciding what to purchase, the obvious ports of call are the most popular gaming platforms: PlayStation, Xbox and PC. These devices provide the best quality graphics and sounds, offering you the most immersive experience. However, such devices don’t come cheap – and nor do their games.
Believe it or not, the best gaming console for beginners could very well be your smartphone or tablet. Did you know that games played on mobile devices make up around 60% of the online market? Popular titles like Mobile Legends, Fortnite, Call Of Duty and Minecraft are all available to play on your phone. So if these games appeal to you, there’s no need to purchase a brand new gaming console.
Equipment Costs
If you do feel like splashing out, make sure you have the budget first. The likes of the PS5 and Xbox Series X will set you back around $500. But that’s before you purchase any games, which are priced at around $70 each. Not to mention extra peripherals, such as a second controller.
A high-end gaming PC, on the other hand, is pricier still. If you really want to push the boat out, you might spend around $1,000. That’s because a decent graphics card will cost at least $250 alone. But if you aren’t intending to play games that are particularly resource-heavy, portable devices are a more sensible alternative. Laptops for online casino gaming or playing older games, for instance, can be purchased for as little as $300.
Put Boundaries in Place
Studies have shown that a minority of people can become addicted to any form of gaming. So if you’re prone to compulsive behavior, you had better make sure that you set realistic boundaries and stick to them. But make sure you’re limiting the screen time of your family, too. Although games can certainly be beneficial to mood and personal development, too much time spent on devices can be harmful.
If you struggle to manage your playing time effectively, search for assistance. There are several tools that you can install on phones and gaming devices to help control excessive gaming.
Check Out Tutorials
It’s never a bad idea to prepare ahead of time before diving straight into a new game. Unless it’s a brand-new release, there will undoubtedly be many tutorials, strategy guides and FAQs available online.
A quick internet search will surely bring up an array of tips and tricks for all of your favorite releases. You might even find a complete game guide that walks you through everything you need to do, step by step.
There are also countless gaming communities to explore, including internet forums and social media groups. Here you can exchange advice, as well as make new friends to explore your favorite games with.
Keep Security in Mind
The internet isn’t always the safest of places, so make sure you have installed the latest security features on your console, PC or mobile device. Ensure the operating system is the most up-to-date version and check out the wealth of cyber-security options, including firewalls, anti-virus software and malware scanners.
Staying safe on the internet isn’t just about viruses, though. Remember that you never know exactly who you’re talking to when you make a new friend online. Don’t give away your hard-earned in-game resources without using a trusted escrow; otherwise, you could be scammed. And don’t arrange to meet strangers in real life!
Learn About Etiquette
Etiquette isn’t just about respecting your elders and knowing which cutlery to use. The internet is a world of its own, with many social rules and regulations you must follow if you want to fit in. As a general guideline, don’t spam chat windows, show respect to others and be kind. But each specific type of game also has its own etiquette to follow.
In MMORPGs, don’t go around killing innocent players, as this spoils the fun for others. Make sure to learn the unwritten gambling rules if you’re playing casino games, as there’s more than just entertainment at stake. And finally, online gaming has its own unique language, so make the effort to brush up on your communication skills.
Try Your Hand at Online Gambling With BetMGM
Gambling is one particular genre of online gaming that’s easy to learn, doesn’t require expensive equipment and is thrilling to experience.
Register at BetMGM to discover casino classics like blackjack and roulette, online poker tournaments and the latest video slots. You can also enjoy arcade-style variety games at a secure and user-friendly online casino.
