As if we weren’t already a nation of video game obsessives, lockdown brought about a huge rise in the number of people gaming and an increase in the number of hours people were spending doing so. Although the drawbridge has since been lowered and the world reopened, our love of gaming hasn’t rescinded.
Quite the opposite, in fact; a whopping 3.38 billion people played video games at some point last year.But if you’re to truly take your video gaming experience to the next level, then it’s time to consider set and setting in more detail.
How To Optimise Your Gaming Experience At Home
Creating the perfect space to play video games requires more than just setting up a TV and a gaming console or outfitting a PC to play computer games, that’s for sure. With this in mind, here are 10 tips for improving your home video gaming experience.
The Right TV
Not everyone can afford a flat-screen TV that takes up most of the wall, but a large television – relatively speaking – is the first step to bringing your gaming room up to speed. A 45” TV is ideal if gamers can find a good deal online or exercise patience until Black Friday, but even a 32” or a 24” flat screen will work.
Prefer PC games? It still might be worth investing in a larger television or monitor. Being stuck a few inches away from a screen for hours can really do a number on gamer’s concentration, not to mention their eyes and posture. Combining a large monitor or television with a wireless keyboard offers a perfect alternative for PC gamers who want to play in comfort.
Read: How to design the IDEAL gaming room
Comfortable Furniture
While there’s no beating a full-featured gaming chair, they can be extremely expensive and, frankly, are not as comfortable as you might think. Those outfitting their gaming rooms on a budget should consider a set of high quality bean bags, such as those designed specifically for gamers. The smaller models make a great alternative to expensive gaming chairs for solo gamers, while the larger ones can also accommodate guests.
And let’s face it; sinking into a beanbag brings a certain ‘in it for the long haul’ feeling that’s so suited to achieving that much sought after state of flow.
Ergonomic Accessories
Speaking of which, long gaming sessions can certainly take a toll on your body if you’re not properly supported. Ergonomic accessories are not just about comfort; they’re about maintaining good health. Consider investing in ergonomic controllers, keyboards, and mouse devices that are designed to reduce strain on your hands and wrists.
An adjustable stand for your monitor or TV can also help maintain the correct eye level, preventing neck and digital eye strain. For those who prefer gaming on a tablet or mobile, ergonomic grips can make holding the device for extended periods much more comfortable. Remember, the right ergonomic setup will not only enhance your gaming experience but also help prevent long-term health issues associated with poor posture and repetitive strain injuries.
Embrace Virtual Reality
For those looking to truly immerse themselves in their gaming world, introducing Virtual Reality (VR) is a game-changer. VR headsets and accessories can transport players into the heart of the action, offering a 360-degree experience that traditional gaming simply can’t match. When setting up your VR space, ensure you have ample room to move around safely – a clear zone is essential to avoid accidents.
Additionally, investing in a high-quality VR headset with good resolution and comfortable fit will make long sessions more enjoyable. This type of gaming also opens up a new library of games designed specifically for this format, such as exhilarating VR adventure games, fully immersive dystopian sci-fi landscapes, and ultra-advanced racing experiences, helping you explore new worlds in a way that’s simply not possible with traditional gaming setups.
A Dedicated Router
Love online games? Don’t we all? Tired of the rhetorical questions? Yeah, us too.
But if you answered in the affirmative to the first question, then it’s best to install a dedicated wireless router used only for game playing online. This will avoid issues with slow load times when other residents are using the household network, giving competitive gamers an edge and preventing unnecessary interruptions.
A Surround Sound System
Many modern games need to be played with surround sound to get the full experience. This is particularly true for some first-person shooters (FPSs), which are easier to play if gamers can get a decent idea of what direction things like gunshots and footsteps are coming from. A good surround sound system will make playing any game more enjoyable and may improve competitive gamers’ chances of winning, too, so it’s worth the investment.
A Mini-Fridge
Installing a mini-fridge in the gaming room doesn’t take up much space, but it does make spending a full day or night of gameplay so much more enjoyable. Both gamers and their friends will love the convenience of having a well stocked mini-fridge within easy reach and those cold beers (or cola, if that’s your jam) are the perfect lubricant to good times.
Soundproofing For The Walls
Do you live with others who aren’t as passionate about video games? More fool them. Anyway, it might be a good idea in the name of household harmony to invest in some soundproofing for your game cave, especially if it’s located near other people’s bedrooms or communal areas of the house.
Worry not; there’s no need to spend a fortune on hiring a contractor to do this. A layer of insulating foam, wall-mounted acoustic panels, or noise-reducing drywall should be easy to install. Gamers working on a tight budget can even add carpeting or thick curtains to the walls to create an extra layer of soundproofing. Who said you weren’t the model housemate, hey?
Read: Innovative soundproofing solutions for your city centre home
Balanced Lighting
Lighting may not be the most glamorous aspect of creating the perfect game cave, but it’s a essential component which deserves the necessary attention. Place an accent light on the wall across from the TV, and consider adding some task lighting to areas around the mini-fridge, as well as seats to make it easier for guests to get around without disturbing gameplay by turning on the overhead light.
Smart Ways To Hide Wiring
Gaming consoles require a lot of wiring, even if they feature wireless controllers and internet access. If these wires are just left loose on the floor, they can cause trips and falls and will almost definitely spoil the aesthetic. Cover permanent wiring with carpets, place it behind shelves and furniture, or tie it and hang it in the corner to avoid these issues.
When setting up a gaming console and TV far from the power socket, it’s always better to buy a high-quality extension cord rather than run each wire individually across the room. It cuts back on tripping hazards and makes the whole room look like less of a mess.
The Bottom Line
Creating the perfect game cave is all about balancing practical concerns with personal touches and convenient features. That should be your mantra going forward, we think. Keep the intended use in mind when choosing furniture, lighting, and other practical additions to make sure any guests will feel welcome in the space. Not only will guests appreciate the effort, but room designers will also feel more at home in a space that’s less crowded with wires and perfectly lit to avoid glare on the screen. And with that, happy gaming!