Starting anything new can be overwhelming to say the least. A new game or console can present a huge amount of fun and opportunity, but it can also be daunting as to where to start. To help you get that gaming confidence, we’ve got a list of top tips to help you get the most out of the world of gaming.
Find your Game
From car racing, adventure games to character led stories and world building, how do you know which game is right for you? There are thousands of options to choose from and just because everyone loves one particular game, doesn’t mean you have to play it too.
It can be useful to start with what topics and stories interest you the most, and see where your searching takes you. Sometimes watching gameplay and trailers or reading a review might spark an interest in a game. In the wonderful world of gaming, there’s options for everyone!
Follow creators
There are thousands of creators who love to share their gaming experience with the world. Live streams, first-looks and walkthrough videos are all across the internet for you to decide which game is the right one for you. Start with creators you know and like, and see who they follow and collaborate with. Finding new creators might get you to discover games that would have passed you by!
Start easy
You might be a seasoned pro or a complete noob at the game, if so, it is sometimes best to start easy and up the difficulty as you go. Starting a game at a low difficulty level, so you get to experience the story and build up your confidence with the game before getting too frustrated is a much more fun experience with a brand new game. If you find yourself stuck on a certain level for too long, watch YouTube videos, join a Discord group or ask the forums/chats for help.
Read the forums
Contribute to a positive Game Community; See what people are saying about the game you’re playing. Forum support is a great way to see what hints and tips people are giving away. You’ll be able to see what areas people are getting stuck on, and help each other overcome problems at various stages. You could also watch some gameplay on twitch and see how people are playing the game. If you’re unsure what game you want to start with, maybe ask the community what they would suggest.
Where to look? The list is endless, here’s a few: GameFAQs, IGN, GameSpot, Reddit, The Verge, VGR. With loads of online communities to choose from. For more on how other gamers start conversation in online forums view ours.
Find friends
Are there chat rooms in the community or in the game? Start by introducing yourself and talking about your interests. If you’re stuck on a tricky level, see if other people have had the same experience too, and ask how they got around it. Make sure to use direct questions like ‘Why does my PC keep crashing?’, ‘How can I win against this boss?’.
You’ll find that building relationships with fellow gamers can make a huge positive difference on your gaming experience.
Finding friends who are nice and not toxic helps to build confidence and boost each others’ self-esteem. You will all get better the more you play, so you can help each other through the different levels in the game. However, if you find yourself being bullied online, here’s our guide to the do’s and don’ts of how to deal with it here.
Please remember to keep safe on all forums and chats, for advice on safety and how to stay safe whilst gaming click the button below:
For more information and support for gaming and gamers, check out the our Unite Gaming hub here:
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This article is part of our #GamersUnite series. Visit the hub for more advice, tips and ways to support other gamers.
