Gaming online covers such an enormous ecosystem of potential gaming options that it’s hard to know where to begin. For beginners, there are a few tips to get to grips with that will help you in your quest to enter this new market. Today, we will look at everything from online console gaming to alternative PC gaming ideas and sweepstakes games.
Demos, free-to-use platforms and finding a bargain
Even free-to-play games can be costly to play – we know that might sound odd, but free-to-play mobile games have transformed the whole model of gaming. The games themselves are free to download and play, but for players to progress in the game, move on to the next level or procure in-game items necessary to complete a level, game designers have implemented microtransactions to generate money.
This idea is relatively new – not so long ago, before mobile gaming, purchasing games was much more traditional. Instead of having everything constantly at your fingertips online, you would have to physically go to a store and buy a physical copy of the game.
That’s not to say that there aren’t bargains or games that offer genuine, cost-effective alternatives, though. The Xbox and PS stores offer free games and demos – they also run a range of promotions that vary from week to week, where top games are slashed by 60 to 70% in price.
Online sweepstakes gaming
Sweepstakes casino gaming is one example of a niche market that has succeeded by opting for a more cost-effective design. The differences between online casinos and sweepstakes can be quickly explained in a 5-minute guide, but it boils down to the method of currency.
Instead of depositing real money funds, you purchase sweepstakes coins, tokens or whatever they may be, but you can only use them on that particular site. By operating outside the conventional casino format, sweepstakes can act as demo systems or provide cheaper ways to play.
Gamers can also gain in-game experience without worrying about placing real money wagers and the monetary loss this can incur. Understanding how casino games work is imperative before registering and depositing funds. If you begin playing at a casino and do not know a game’s rules, this is a quick, surefire way to lose your cash.
Find the genre, platform or console that you like
I enjoy a variety of games, but usually, I’ll stick to sports games like FC 25. Despite the positive critical reviews, it is not a good game, in my view, especially when compared to some of the other classic football games of yesteryear. Madden NFL fares better, but I understand I’m barking up the wrong tree if you are not a sports game fan.
Online gaming isn’t just specific to a video console either; I know PlayStation 5 consoles and the gaming packages that accompany them are extremely expensive. Again, that’s not to say you won’t be a huge fan of what they offer, but do your research, ask people who own one, and don’t just dive head-first into an expensive gaming purchase that you might regret.
Some useful tools for deciphering whether or not a game, platform or console is for you include taking to social media and finding out what people have to say online. Although their views might not align with yours, plenty of gaming influencers on social media sites will comment on the latest releases, and many will also use their YouTube or Twitch channels to conduct more detailed reviews or playalongs of the latest gaming titles.
Find a like-minded community of gamers
I must say, approach this particular tip with an air of caution. I lived through a time when two dozen people from all over the world would join an Xbox game of Call of Duty, all with their mics turned on, and it was quite the introduction to the online gaming world.
Thankfully, more tools are in place now, allowing you to avoid the audio aspect of the game. However, if you do want to find people who have a similar penchant for gaming, or connect with people who have an affinity for the same gaming genre, then finding communities on social media sites can help.
Conclusion
Online gaming has become such a huge sector that it’s impossible to cover every angle today. Although variety can be entertaining and can stem boredom that can arise from playing the same type of games over and over again, it can be just as easy to get lost in a multitude of genres and fork out on expensive games that you end up playing only once.
Community, cost-effectiveness and finding the genre you most enjoy are the three pillars of exploring online gaming – at least, that’s what has helped me the most. Some of the top games in the world have scores of professional video gamers who will offer tips on their YouTube channels, Discord and other social media channels where gamers can connect.
I’d recommend finding free-to-play games or demo versions of games in genres you like so you can build a profile and understand the game designers who appeal to you most. From there, you can start bolstering your gaming library and learn how it all works through time and experience.
