Interactive gaming expert Justin Alpert Hawaii recently discussed his top tips for getting into gaming.
Gaming has seen a major resurgence due to the COVID-19. People around the world have been spending drastically more time indoors at home in efforts to stop the spread of the virus. Avid gamer Justin Alpert Hawaii explained that former non-gamers have turned to gaming for entertainment while stuck at home. However, many are struggling with the ins and outs of how to get into this exciting form of home entertainment.
“A majority of Americans played video games before the pandemic,” Justin Alpert Hawaii said. “But there are now so many new gamers entering the realm, and knowing where to start can save you a lot of time, money, and frustration.”
Sixty-seven percent of Americans play video games. Justin Alpert Hawaii explained that video games are often seen in a negative light, because they are not considered highly “productive.” However, recent research has shown that video games improve hand-eye coordination, decision-making, vision, and cognitive flexibility.
“You don’t need much to get started in gaming,” Alpert said. “You can start by testing out games on your smartphone or tablet. This will give you a feel for whether you’re interested in playing. From there, you can decide whether you’re interested in a gaming console, like a Playstation or Xbox, or would like to play on a personal computer.”
Once you choose your form of playing, you can begin to purchase games online or in brick-and-mortar stores like GameStop. Justin Alpert Hawaii suggested visiting these stores, as the employees are often expert gamers. They can help you determine which style of game you may enjoy at a beginner skill level.
Alpert explained there are numerous types of games. They include first-person shooter games, role-playing games, third-person shooter games, multiplayer online games, and more. It’s important to test multiple types of games to find out which style you prefer. This can be different for each individual gamer.
“I often recommend the Nintendo Switch for beginners,” Alpert said. “This console offers countless games and numerous options for beginners. It can also be played alone with the handheld device or with friends and family on a television screen.”
Justin Alpert Hawaii added that beginners will most likely want to avoid PC gaming off the bat, because many games have certain PC requirements. You may find yourself frustrated that your PC is not compatible, and this could lead to costly hardware upgrades. Start with a more beginner-friendly console and move to PC-style gaming once you feel comfortable.
“Getting started in gaming means choosing a console and playing,” Alpert concluded. “The best way to learn is to immerse yourself in a game you enjoy and play all the way through. You’ll be surprised how quickly you advance and become an active member of the gaming community.”