If you’re not much of a gamer, you may be confused and a little intrigued at the world of gaming today. Not only has it become the largest entertainment industry on the planet, but it seems most kids these days can game before they even learn to walk! That’s a little bit of an exaggeration of course, but it’s true that unlike sports, failing to keep up for a few years won’t leave you completely bamboozled about the current trends taking place.
That’s not to say those in their middle-aged years are absolutely out of their depth. Many grew up, or were at least teenagers when the earliest gaming consoles were coming out. So, this guide won’t treat you like a dinosaur who has never seen a gamepad in their lives. Odds are you may have relatives or friends interested in this fun hobby.
But if you want to get involved yourself, where do you start? Sure, you might enjoy playing Chess or Minesweeper online, but what about the world of big-budget titles?
Well, we’re glad you asked! In this post, we’ll explore a middle-age-focused guide to the wonderful world of gaming.
- The Main Platforms
You’ve likely heard of consoles like the PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch, but there’s also the world of PC gaming to consider. Each platform has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it’s worth taking a moment to understand the differences.
Consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X are dedicated gaming machines that offer a plug-and-play experience straight of the box. They’re designed to be easy to set up and use, with games that are optimized for the hardware (unlike PC gaming, where different games can respond differently to desktop setups and components).
Consoles are great for those who want a pretty relaxing gaming experience, and they often offer exclusive titles that you can’t find elsewhere, or at least, they’re exclusive for a time. That’s not to mention that many modern consoles have embraced streaming services and media apps, meaning you can exclusively use them to watch TV or movies if you like.
- The Place Of Desktop Computing
Above we mentioned PC gaming, and that’s right, this is no longer a “niche alternative” compared to the console market. Iit’s worth noting that you don’t necessarily need a dedicated gaming rig to enjoy a wide range of titles, either. Many popular games these days are designed to run on modest hardware like laptops, and with services like cloud gaming becoming more popular, you can even stream demanding games to your desktop or laptop without the need for a beefy graphics card. That being said, investing in a “good rig” often means spending upwards of a thousand dollars or more. Thankfully, with build guides on the internet, you can figure out how to do this fairly easily.
Desktop computing also opens up a world of indie games, retro emulators, and classic titles that may not be available on consoles. Often, this includes quirky narrative adventures to pixel art flashbacks, and the PC gaming scene has become both a mainstream option and a niche, with every possible taste served. Gamers who dedicate themselves to enjoying the best titles naturally find a home here.
- All Genres
One of the real virtues of gaming today is the sheer diversity of genres and experiences on offer. It’s not just all about shooting other guys, although you might have had that impression ten years or so ago. Now, we have epic role-playing adventures to casual puzzle games and immersive simulation titles. Many franchise you love also have a place, such as Harry Potter, Star Wars, Wild West games, and more.
Perhaps you’re drawn to the storytelling and world-building of games like The Last of Us or Red Dead Redemption (considered AAA experiences with Hollywood blockbuster quality), where you can lose yourself in rich stories and genuinely jaw-dropping graphical fidelity. Or maybe you’re a complete tactical wizard, preferring the depth of real-time strategy games like StarCraft or turn-based classics like XCOM, which challenge your decision-making and resource-management skills against a timer.
Heck, even sports games have come a long way and have the players digitally rendered with full licensing, including realistic graphics and authentic gameplay that can scratch that athletic itch without leaving the sofa. Franchises like FIFA, Madden, and NBA 2K have become annual traditions for many gamers, not to mention card traders on top of that like FIFA Ultimate Team.
But you don’t have to go all out. Casual puzzlers are great. You might have heard of Tetris. Did you know that Tetris Effect has been able to improve on that formula? It’s quite impressive when you consider the options available to you. You can’t say this about everything, but there’s almost certainly a game out there you’ll adore.
- Suitability, Convenience & Accessibility
The best thing about modern gaming is that not only every taste is suited, but every playing skill too, including controllers for those who experience disability. If you’re short on time, there are plenty of simpler experiences and mobile games that can provide quick bursts of entertainment during your commute or while waiting in line. We’ve all been there.
Accessibility features on the software side have also come a long way, with many games offering customizable controls, color-blind options, and even text-to-speech functionality as standard. That’s pretty great if you’re hard of hearing or have limited vision. In other words, you don’t have to be super able or super skilled to enjoy yourself. Gaming can be a haven for you as well.
Of course, many modern games also offer difficulty settings and gameplay levers that cater to different skill levels and playstyles. So for example, if you enjoy strategy but dislike dealing with limited resources to make your historical empire flourish, odds are you can change that setting. Developers realize that gamers want flexibility more than anything, even if that means choosing a lack of flexibility.
- Cost & Onboarding
You may be excited about all this, but quite understandably worrying about cost. It’s true, gaming can be an expensive hobby, especially if you’re just starting out. Consoles and gaming PCs don’t come cheap, and the cost of games can add up quickly, especially for the latest AAA releases.
However, there are ways to limit these expenses and ease into gaming without breaking the bank. One option is to start with a more affordable platform, like a previous-generation console or a budget-friendly gaming PC build. You could even purchase a Playstation 3, not 5, and enjoy a wide array of games with backwards compatibility for the amazing PS2 generation.
You can also often find great deals on older hardware and games, allowing you to build a respectable library from scratch. Moreover, on PC, digital sales take place all the time. With platforms like Epic or Game Pass, you can be given games for free or just have a decent library as part of a subscription you pay for.
You don’t need to have an expensive PC filled with RGB lights to game well. Just go for what looks fun!
- Multiplayer Features
One appreciated element of modern gaming that’s worth highlighting is the social aspect. You don’t need to game solo if you prefer not to – many of today’s biggest titles feature multiplayer modes that allow you to team up with friends, family, or even strangers from around the world.
Yes, that also includes a wide array of experiences. For example cooperative campaigns, competitive multiplayer modes, or simply exploring vast open worlds is possible. Even games that might not have full multiplayer options, like Elden Ring, allow you to play with others during specific times. If you can’t get out as much as you used to, gaming can be a great way to stay connected with friends or relatives. Some games even offer cross-platform play, allowing you to team up with friends regardless of whether they’re on a console or PC – this is a new development but frankly one of the best things to happen to the medium in years.
- Artistic Relevance
Finally, it’s worth explaining that gaming has evolved to become a legitimate art form in its own right. Developers are looking to make statements, not just toys, and that means there are incredible experiences out there to explore now.
Some of the best of these, like Journey, What Remains of Edith Finch, and Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice have achieved critical acclaim not just for their entertainment value, but also for their artistic depictions and ability to accuse powerful emotional responses. If you love art but see gaming as a somewhat inferior medium, think again. Even art has been used as a means of showcasing how gamifying certain challenges can help us explore visual art styles or writing in a new way.
With this advice, you’ll be certain to enjoy the wonderful world of gaming. We hope this post has given you a place to begin. One message that we hope came across is that you don’t have to worry about “being a perfect gamer.” The market is so open, you get to decide what you enjoy.
Image: Pexels – CC0 License
