PC Gaming

Computers are practically everywhere and with that, access to the vibrant world of PC gaming. You can dive into any type of game – play alone or interact with the thousands of others online with you.

Some games you can play in your browser without downloading anything – these are called browser-based games. For other games, you may need to download an application onto your computer. When playing a game for the first time, it is important to be aware of whether your computer is capable of running the game. Most games will have a short description for minimum requirements and that includes software like your operating system (i.e. Windows or Mac)

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There are lots of types of PC games you can play. One of the major distinctions between these games is single versus multiplayer.

Single-player games weave narratives and allow you to build well-rounded characters that drive the game. You play at your own place and explore the world of the game. Multiplayer games are collaborative and allow you to play alongside friends or other gamers who happen to be on the internet at the same time as you. These games are often more competitive, as others are relying on you to win the game together. 

A hurdle you’ll find in every game is learning their controls. There is somewhat of a standard for certain genres. For example, in first person shooters (FPS), you’ll almost always be aiming with your house and moving with WASD. City building games have a standard of starting from scratch and gradually unlocking new buildings. Still, every game has its nuance and the developers know this and typically incorporate a tutorial at the start. Nobody ever fires up a for the first time game knowing exactly how to play so don’t worry if you’re not getting it right away. Most games have plenty of guides online if you want some extra help.

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Video games are a shared experience, as hundreds of people may be playing the same game at once, making it a good opportunity to connect about a shared interest.  Regardless of whether you choose a single or multiplayer game, any game you choose will have a community behind it, so you are never really “playing alone.” You’ll often find hundreds of Youtube videos of people discussing the lore of a game or showing how they approached a particular level. These are all opportunities to exchange ideas and pick up new ones for your own gameplay.

To find a game that’s right for you, check out Steam or GOG.com. And, when you find a game you like, look on chat platforms like Reddit or Discord to find a group of people to discuss your favorite game.