Gaming is no passing fancy. Video games have been around since the 1970s and, with their steady increase in technological capacities, they are only picking up speed. In fact, the debate rages hot as to whether gaming should be considered a sport, and some schools are considering putting it in their curriculum. Others have even begun referring to video games as eSports.
In 2014, Robert Morris University-Illinois added them as a varsity sport, and was the first U.S. school to do so. Whether you’re just descending into the world of video games (and the ensuing Fortnite mania) or you’ve been gaming for years, you’re likely looking for ways to hone your craft. Need some inspiration? Read on for tips on how to take your gaming to the next level.
Work on Your Reflexes
This might sound silly but when you think about, you realize that video games are all about reflexes and reaction time. Just as with sports, reflexes can improve with practice. There are plenty of sports that can help with this, such as basketball and tennis. You can also work with small hand equipment to strengthen your fingers. And you can even turn this pursuit into a game. As this Livestrong.com article recommends, “Bounce a tennis ball or racquetball against a wall, standing seven to eight feet away from the wall. Throw the ball against the wall and move to catch it before it hits the ground. As your reflexes improve, move closer to the wall and throw the ball harder.” Try this at a playground that has the tennis walls that allow people to play with only one player. As your reflexes improve, you’ll notice your reaction time also getting better and, in turn, your gaming ability. You can also use apps designed to help you improve your reflexes; check out Finger Balance and keep your mind and reaction time sharp.
Use the Best Equipment
A video game isn’t just a video game. Try something innovative like playing on a streaming laptop—and realize that there are differences between consoles. The latest the experts are touting as the best is The PlayStation Pro. The reason this is next-level gaming is due to its ability to output 4K with high dynamic range (HDR). This and its ability to display brighter whites and darker blacks makes your content look more realistic than ever. It can play the latest 4K games as well as other 4K content, such as streamed movies and TV shows. And don’t throw away those older games, as some that were released as far as three years ago that can be patched to make them compatible. If you want to stay ahead of the gaming pack, make sure you reserve the latest models at the stores in advance. This will ensure you get it and you might also be rewarded with early bird bonus content.
Remove Distractions
If you’re trying to up your game, you’ve got to commit to this by removing any distractions. Play at a time when you know others won’t need you. Don’t have anything (music, TV, etc.) playing in the background. And if you don’t do well with chatting while playing, disable this feature. Or, invest in a new pair of noise-cancelling headphones to drown out the world.
Check Your Settings
What you may not realize is that you’re frequently being attacked during games because you can’t see your opponents coming. Make sure you’ve got the brightness turned up to the level that works best for you. When you turn up the brightness, colors will be sharper and you can see the bad guys coming.
Get Chatting
You might be surprised to find out how much you can learn by simply talking about gaming with other like-minded people. Discuss your game of choice and the tactics you take. Even better, bend the ear of the game store clerks, as these are the guys that are not only in the know, but they also love talking about video games. Engage in chat rooms and forums on your favorite game and, as always, YouTube tutorials are your friend.
Try Before You Buy
Reduce your gaming frustration by trying out games and consoles at friends’ houses before you make the actual purchase. Your local library might even surprise you with what they offer in this realm.
Pay Attention to Ergonomics
Just as you would when setting up a home office, you need to pay attention to how you arrange your gaming area. As noted in this article on ready2playsolitaire.com, “You may want to use a stability ball which can help to straighten out your spine. If you are playing active games, then remember to take breaks and stretch.” This will not only help your gaming but it will also keep you healthy.
Try these strategies and you’ll be taking your video gaming expertise to the next level in no time.