As technology forged on steadily into the future, the gaming industry grew accordingly. Each successive decade has seen increases in the share of household that own at least one video game console, transforming gaming into a multi-billion-dollar industry.
With the rise of Virtual Reality, the proliferation of gaming will be even more widespread across the world. If you are a parent of a child who is entering the world of gaming for the first time, it can all be overwhelming and incomprehensible. While there is no doubt that there is quite the learning curve, it is essential to remember that it is not that steep. To aid you in this quest for comprehension, we will discuss the four things you should know if you’re new to the gaming world.
Build Your Battle Station
If you are creating your own gaming rig, or are helping your child build their first one, make sure to first be diligent in your research. When creating your battle station, it is essential that you not only invest in a PC, but also consider purchasing a gaming mouse and mousepad, mechanical keyboard, and consider adding a gaming desk and gaming chair.
Know Some of the Terminology
While there is plenty of slang, memes and terms unique to the gaming world, what many “gaming noobs” have trouble picking up on are the abbreviations or shorthand descriptors such as:
- Battle Station – Your battle station is what PC users refer to as their full gaming set up including a chair, monitor, mouse, keyboard, and rig.
- CPU – Central processing unit, which is the brains of any computer or console. It sends out electrical signals and inputs in to perform commands.
- DLC – Downloadable content, either free or purchasable content that comes out after a games release. This could range from small aesthetic outfit changes to a massive release of new game content.
- DPS – Damage per second, how much damage a character’s weapon, spell or ability can do every second.
- FPS – First person shooter, games focused on gun and other weapon-based combat where the player experiences the action through the eyes of their character.
- Gaming Rig – Gaming rig is your computer and the guts that compose it. With custom computers, you can make various upgrades to your rig that are either aesthetic or performance based.
- GPU – Graphics processing unit, if the CPU is the brains of a computer, the GPU is the soul, which was initially used only for 3d game rendering, but now is responsible for much computation work in its own right.
- Loot – The new gear, rewards or weapons a character achieves from successfully finishing missions, quests, or defeating enemies.
- MMO – Massively multiplayer online, online games which have hundreds to thousands of players playing online together, to interact, fight against, or band together.
- RPG – Role playing game, players go through an immersive experience where they are in effect their character. Their decisions affect the story, the character, and ends in a personal way.
Consoles vs. PC
When it comes to the debate of PC vs. console gaming, it is pretty unanimous that PC offers a superior experience for those willing to invest the money in it. While console gaming is cheaper and less work intensive, PCs can run at faster speeds, higher graphics levels, and higher frame rates, delivering unparalleled performance. When it comes to the mechanical experience, PCs grant players more precise controlling, especially for shooters. Although, in recent years, Microsoft has tossed around the idea that it will be adding mouse and keyboard support.
Know the Game Manufacturers and Creators
If your kid is asking for games or consoles there are three big console manufacturers to keep in mind:
- Microsoft – Xbox One
- Nintendo — Switch
- Sony – PlayStation 4
The most popular gaming publishers that are that are not under direct control of the big three console makers are:
- Activision Blizzard – Call of Duty, Overwatch
- Bethesda – Fallout, Elder Scrolls
- Bioware – KOTOR, Anthem
- Bungi – Halo, Destiny
- CD Projekt Red – The Witcher 3
- Electronic Arts – Fifa,
- Konami – Metal Gear Solid, Silent Hill
- Naughty Dog – Last of Us, Uncharted
- Obsidian – KOTOR II, Fallout: New Vegas
- Rockstar – Grand Theft Auto, Red Dead Redemption
- Ubisoft – Far Cry, Assassins Creed
Conclusion
As you enter the exciting world of gaming for the first time, you should be able to use this new information to your benefit in the unforgettable journeys ahead. Whether you decide on going the PC route or console route, each offer a memorable experience.
