Since the arcade boom in the 1980s, video games have been viewed with skepticism from those who don't partake. However, the industry has grown and changed significantly since then, with a wider variety of console types, game genres, character archetypes, accessibility features and price points. This extensive and highly diverse industry forms a massive community. Despite the skeptics, video games continue to prove they're for absolutely everyone.
With so much to choose from and increasingly easy access to partake in video gaming, here is a small guide on how to find the right kinds of games or to participate in gaming culture at any level.
Affordability
One of the major concerns for beginner gamers is the equipment. As with most hobbies -- like sports, cooking, playing music, etc. -- money must be spent. When a lot of people look at PC gaming, they often see what they can only describe as a monster of a computer. It has flashing lights, looks to be about the size of a small oven, seems to have an infinite amount of wires and there are parts inside that seem impossible to pronounce. Not only that, but many owners of these beastly machines have expensive microphones, big headsets, gaming glasses, or a mouse and keyboard with way too many buttons.
However, none of those things are necessary to play video games. The truth is, gaming doesn't have to cost thousands of dollars. Many potential gamers already have all the equipment they need: A smart phone or an inexpensive laptop can handle any number of games, from adventures to puzzles. Alternately, some consoles, like the Nintendo Switch, retail for less than $300.
Meanwhile, many online video games are free to play and others can be acquired during huge sales or deals on sites like Humble Bundle. While something like the Nintendo Switch may seem too expensive, consoles can last for years if they are well taken care of. Many people still have functioning PlayStation 2s in their homes and that system was released in the year 2000.
Before buying a new computer or console, make sure the game(s) you want to play are compatible with the system, because there are games that do require powerful machines.
Time Commitment
Video games take time. This can be good or bad depending on a player's lifestyle. Some games can be played on a bus ride, some can take hours and some can theoretically be played forever. For example, in the game Minecraft, it is really up to the player how much they want to play. If they want to run in a straight line forever, Minecraft gives them that option as an open-world game. Players can also just play for a couple of minutes and then leave with zero consequence.
For some gamers, time is a particular barrier, due to work, family, social commitments, commute time and other factors. As a hobby, video games can become a time-suck -- but it's possible to find games that fit each player's lifestyle and schedule. Plenty of video games can also be paused or saved for players to resume later. Be it killing time or just enjoying time, the right game can do both.
Accessibility
As gaming expands and technology improves, accessibility features -- including closed captions, controller presets, the ability to skip puzzles, motion adjustment and more -- are becoming more common. The video game community is also demanding more accessibility from developers, or creating accessible content themselves.
Improvements are slowly being made to account for colorblindness, blindness, hearing impairments, motor impairments and cognitive impairments. Video games can do this with genres like Audio games and One-Switch games. Small companies also help include those with motor or cognitive impairments by modifying console controllers and customizing them to the individual's needs.
Unfortunately, these features are not ubiquitous -- but they may be eventually, with enough pressure from consumers and progressive thinking from developers large and small.
Games
Finally, there are thousands of available games in the world spanning different genres, ability levels and more. There are virtually as many different kinds of games as there are different kinds of people -- maybe even more.
If a potential gamer sees something they like, they can definitely find more in that vein. There are games for competitive people, games for people who like to stay fit, games for people who enjoy well written stories, games for people who like to micromanage and even games for people who just like to relax. A lot of games also help connect people all around the globe, enabling them to socialize and partake in fun activities together.
Video games are often pigeonholed as being one thing, but the reality is, the industry is ever-changing -- and that's a good thing.