Gaming has become a major part of the world’s entertainment industry. Forget dice, cards and counters – millions now play games on screens.
From a live streamed casino poker session to a solo adventure in outer space, games have become big business.
Thanks to the spread of remote internet access we can now play anywhere and anytime. But games have also become a big part of how we like to spend our time at home.
That’s why today many have found that for a really relaxing, engrossing playing session a dedicated space is essential.
Gaming set ups at home
You might be enjoying a long solo expedition in Call of Duty or scrolling around a leading casino site, browsing on these pages for a great new game. You could be slumped on the sofa, at the kitchen table or even in bed – but it’s hard to get truly engaged unless you have a proper gaming set up.
It’s easy to watch a pro gamer in action online. It’s fun to watch their skilled gameplay and see their reactions.
But it’s also great to have a peak at what a pro’s gaming set-up is like. It’s likely that the environment that we play in is a significant factor in how well we play.
They may have spent thousand creating the perfect situation for their online gaming. But they’re professional.
As an enthusiastic amateur what things are worth getting – and what things aren’t?
Gaming furniture
Gaming experts say the furniture in your gaming sessions is vital to how well you play.
Even if you are a keen beginner you will be eager to take on your friends. Ergonomic environments help you maximise your potential.
You need to be able to see and reach everything and to avoid eye, neck, arm and back strain. In short, you should be as comfortable as possible.
Do you need a pro set-up?
It’s all very well dreaming of having an environment suited to a professional e-sporter. But most casual gamers know it’s not worth investing huge sums to create it.
It makes more sense for amateur players to find used or budget alternatives. After all is your spare bedroom really big enough for a giant bespoke gaming chair, multiple monitors and huge surround-sound system?
- Desk
Instead, concentrate on the basics. You must have a stable desk or table so your screen is at the right height and won’t wobble.
And it helps if there’s a shelf underneath for consoles, amps and packets of biscuits.
Concentrate of finding one that’s sturdy enough to take the weight of your monitors and computer.
- Chair
A pro gaming chair can cost thousands. Don’t be silly.
You should be able to find something at a fraction of that. Look in junk shops, car boot sales and second-hand office supply stores.
Concentrate on back support, adjustability and comfort. Don’t pay extra for flashy design.
Reclining angles, smooth swivels, headrests and back support are worth more than fancy colours, jacksockets and built-in speakers.
- Hardware
Using a more powerful computer or laptop helps for tackling data-hungry gaming. Avoid playing games that freeze, stall or crash.
Remember you don’t need a super-computer to play online bingo and FIFA. The most important features for most home gamers are wi-fi, sturdy construction and a decent cooling system.
Think about your monitor though. A mega-processor doesn’t help if you’ve got a small sluggish screen with poor resolution.
The biggest screen size is good, but picking one on the basis of its refresh rate is better. High quality resolution means that you’ll enjoy gaming graphics a lot more.
Think also about getting a responsive and robust keyboard. The mouse and mousepad are under-rated as useful accessories too – they are where your hands are for hours at a time.
Note that a corded mouse may look old-fashioned but is more sensitive and reacts faster.
Some gaming experts recommend built-in illumination on the keyboard for fast character recognition. That’s an individual preference.
Using better quality headphones and mic will mean your gaming becomes more engaging. Decent speaks can be a big boost compared to your monitor’s tiny built-in units.
And have you considered how you light your gaming set up?
Total darkness may be cool but means you rely on illumination from the screen. When you are stretching for your cup of coffee that can lead to disaster.
Don’t overspend
Gaming is now one of today’s most popular home pastimes. Whether you are pro gamer or a casual part-timer, designing the best set-up can really improve your playing performance and enjoyment.
From VR headsets to multiple screens, it can be a bottomless pit. Don’t spend more than you need.
Playing is still about having fun – not trying to be world champion. Make yourself comfortable, then concentrate on enjoying the games.
