The video gaming industry simply did not exist a few decades ago, when computers themselves were in their infancy and computers were expected to be used mostly in workplaces and for research. Computing pioneers, however, saw the potential for computers to provide entertainment as well as the means to work more efficiently, and they began to use their new technology to create games.
Over the course of the next few years, more games were developed and the trend for gaming saw consoles and home computers becoming more and more popular. Early players enjoyed the opportunity to engage with a completely new way of playing and mastered a range of skills to help them conquer their favourite games.
Soon, designers translated a number of traditional games into digital form and casino games were a popular choice as they were easy to replicate on screen. Players have gone from having to travel to a casino to play video poker, to being able to download an app to their mobile phone and play a choice of games whenever they choose.
This has led to a significant rise in the number of people who play online casino games, with the global total growing significantly year on year. The boom in casino players has led to a rise in the number of new casino providers entering the market, leading to a highly competitive and saturated market.
Casino games are not the only traditional game to turn into digital form with a variety of games including boardgames also making the move online which has contributed to the rise of online gaming. The proliferation of the internet, the rise in the number of smartphones in circulation, and the variety of games on offer have all combined to make video gaming a mainstream pastime that has billions of fans worldwide.
The development of gaming skills
From the very first days of computer gaming, the potential to move pixels around on a screen brought out the competitive spirit of the designers. They began to challenge each other to see who could get the highest scores, practising in their spare time to master the skills needed to succeed.
Today, video gaming skills are highly prized, with the top players having the potential to compete in international tournaments to win big cash prizes, not to mention the bragging rights of beating their opponents. Players train in the same way that elite athletes do to hone their skills and master the techniques that allow them to beat other players and the in-game challenges.
Whether they want to level up, beat a particular boss, or take on their friends in a tournament, many players want to improve their gaming skills and there are a few ways to do so:
Get the right equipment
There are so many different games around that any serious gamer will need to consider the hardware they are using. Gaming computers have become more and more popular in recent years as gamers have created a demand for high-spec machines that do justice to the high specs of the games they play.
Even those who play on their mobiles can now choose to upgrade to a dedicated gaming phone which has the features needed to get the best gaming experience. Additional kit such as steering wheels, guns, ergonomic controllers, and even larger screens can also be helpful, depending on the type of game you play.
Practice makes perfect
As with any skill, the real trick to mastering video gaming is to practice and familiarise yourself with the controls and the challenges you are likely to encounter. Playing regularly will help you to better predict the in-game challenges and allow you to gain the motor skills needed to conquer them.
When players get a new game, they often play for hours at a time to try and beat a particular boss or get past a specific obstacle. It is important to have regular breaks from playing, both to consolidate the skills you have learned, to give your eyes a break from the screen, and to avoid muscular problems such as repetitive strain injury.
Play smarter, not harder
Games that record your playing statistics can help you to refine your techniques, particularly in fast-moving games where it can be hard to tell how well you have done. By identifying your strengths and weaknesses, you can work on the skills you need to make up the shortfall between your current performance and what you are hoping to achieve.
If your aim is good, but you lack stamina, then you know what you need to work on, and if you are playing a game that allows you to complete specific challenges to improve your performance, then you can build up your character to be more effective. In some games, the statistics are the most important element, so studying your form is the best way to ensure that you get the results you want.
Take care of yourself
The enduring media image of a gamer is of a pale figure, hunched over their controller in a dark basement for hours at a time. While there certainly may be those that play like that, your gaming form will not be improved by sacrificing your health to gain the skills you want, so prioritise self-care even when you are in the midst of a gaming marathon.
Have some healthy snacks on hand for when you are in the midst of a gaming marathon and make sure you stay hydrated while you play. Set up your gaming rig so that you are comfortable when you are playing, ideally somewhere with natural light where you can open a window to let some fresh air in as you play.
Whatever your favourite game is and however you choose to play it, gaining gaming skills can be a hugely satisfying way to boost your confidence and help you to enjoy your favourite hobby.
