When you really love a video game, it’s more than just a fun thing to do that passes the time; it can become something you become invested in, and you’ll probably want to do all you can to enhance your gameplay and get more out of your favorite game.
That might not sound possible at first – after all, when you play the game, you’re probably already doing all you can to immerse yourself in it. However, the fact is there are many different ways you can get more out of a game when you start to think about it. Read on to get some ideas to help you get started.
Visit Locations
Depending on the game you’re playing, it can be a fun idea to go traveling and visit some of the locations featured in the game. If you’re playing a fantasy game or a game that has no set location, then this might not be something you can do (although it’s worth looking more deeply into the game – it might be that the game location was inspired by a real-life place after all), but if there is definitely a location, make it your mission to go there.
You can go to all the spots that you’ve only seen digitally before and take photos of yourself there, or even make a vlog about your travels so you can share it with other fans of the game. Not only does this idea mean you get to travel, but it also means you have a focus so you’ll really enjoy the trip while you’re away from home (even if it makes playing the game itself a challenge!).
Go To Conventions
There are conventions for everything these days, from movies to musicals to technology, so it could be that your favorite game has a convention (or con) devoted to it as well. At the very least, there’s sure to be a more general gaming con you can go to – and that’s the very thing we’re suggesting: go to a con and completely immerse yourself in the gaming culture.
At a con, you can meet other fans and make friends, you can see the latest games and tech that are going to be coming to the market in the near future, you can meet creators, and you can get involved in workshops that help you understand how games are made, among many other fund things (and of course, you can buy games while you’re there!).
Many people dress up as their favorite characters so you could do that too – it’s a great way to enjoy the day more. Of course, you might not want to get on public transport in your costume, so why not take it in a bag and get changed at the station once you arrive – you can leave your clothes in luggage storage and collect them when you’re done.
Join Online Communities
The last two suggestions were about getting out and about and meeting people in real life or going to new places, and although that’s exciting, it’s not going to be something that everyone wants to do or has the budget to do. Don’t worry, though; you still have plenty of options.
One that takes the best of these things and still gives you the chance to do it all from home and for free is to join online communities. When you think about it, although gaming can be a solo activity, it’s often the community aspect of it that takes it to the next level of enjoyment, so actively looking for an online community where you can discuss your favorite game, talk about tactics, chat about your favorite characters or how to defeat difficult levels, and so on, it always going to enhance your gameplay.
For one thing, you’ll feel good because you’re talking to (even if it’s actually typing) people who feel the same way about the game you love as you do – you’ll actually activate feel-good hormones when you do this, so you really will feel good as a result. For another thing, you might end up being able to play the game better because you get some hints and tips from people who know what they’re talking about.
Explore Other Games for Enhanced Skills
Diversifying your gaming portfolio can also significantly enrich your experience with your favorite game. By playing a variety of games, especially those that differ in genre and gameplay mechanics, you can develop a wider range of skills. For instance, strategy games can enhance your problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills, while fast-paced action games can improve your hand-eye coordination and reaction times. These skills are often transferable, meaning that they can help you perform better in your favorite game. Moreover, experiencing different storytelling styles, graphics, and interfaces can give you a new appreciation for the design and complexity of your preferred game, potentially deepening your overall engagement and enjoyment.
Experiment With Mods
Many video games allow you to download ‘mods’, which means you can make changes to the game. That could be different graphics, different maps, new characters, and much more.
Mods, or modifications, are a lot of fun, and they’ll often be free, created by lovers of the game just like you who want to have some fun and help others do the same. You can experiment with all kinds of mods until you find something that you like, and perhaps at some point when you’re feeling a little more confident, you might even make your own mod and ask your online community to try it out – what could be a better way to get more out of your favorite game than that?
