New Gamers: Tips for Getting Started

 When people start out with gaming, they might not want to tell other people that they have started gaming because they don't want to feel stupid about not being so good on the consoles.

They might start playing a game and start chatting to their friends about it, but the friend knows a lot about the game and they make comments about how slow their progress it. This could lead the new gamer to quit and stop playing the games.

If this sounds like you and you want to start out with gaming, then you should read further into this article, for some tips on how to become a great gamer.

Pick a Console

This year, the two new major consoles have been released - Microsoft's Xbox One and Sony's PlayStation 4. You might be tempted to just run out and buy both but think about what you can use them for.

One is more a complete entertainment machine and the other is aimed at gamers with better graphics. If you buy them both and you don't like gaming, you can re-sell them but you will lose money on them.

You might be better starting out with the one that can be used as a full entertainment system and then you will get some use out of it, even if you don't use it for gaming.

Social Networks

Once you have made a player profile on your console, have your gamer tag listed on your social networks and your current friends will add you. They will already know that you are a beginner and they are more likely to help rather than ridicule.

Practice Makes Perfect

Once you have bought a game and you have played it a few times, you will start to learn the controls and have a better idea of what you are supposed to do. You will start to notice a change in the way that you are thinking. For example, if you are starting out with Dead Rising 3, when you first play it, you will follow the story and run around killing zombies.

But, you will start to notice that you can pick up things on the way that will benefit you. These things might be food for energy or new weapons, or you might even jump in a car so that you don't have to run everywhere. You will think about surviving in the game and not just running around wondering where you are supposed to be going.

Stuck?

There might come a time when you are stuck and you have no idea how to get further on in the game. If this happens to you, then you should not worry; there are options that you can take.

In the old days, you would just have to figure it out, but with advances in technology, you can search for solutions on the Internet and even watch walk-through videos on YouTube. Once you have played more games, you will find that you will figure more things out and you won't have to go looking for help as much.

Play Online

Once you have played some games and you feel a bit more secure about your ability, you should start playing online against other players. This is a brilliant way to make friends and gaming will become more of a social activity.

Em L Rafferty is a blogger and she writes about her life at NerdAsylum [http://nerdasylum.net] If you liked this article you should visit her website at NerdAsylum for more great articles.

Steps to Become a Video Game Designer

 1. Be passionate!

Passion takes people far and if passion can be transparent in the work produced then skill becomes secondary. Employers look for people that know games inside and out.

2. Be a problem solver

There is a lot of potential for something to go wrong in video games like bugs and dysfunctions and employers absolutely need someone who are quick on their feet and comes up with solutions.

3. Keep up with the fast pace

The game industry works at a rapid pace. Although patience is required it is also very important to be efficient and meet deadlines.

4. Get the proper training

People cannot expect to work as a designer without the proper education in the field. There is very specific training that is involved with designing video games and most of it can be learned in school specialized in game design. Becoming educated about the industry and how the process works will be help people translate their knowledge and apply that to real world applications.

5. Gain experience

Knowledge is definitely important in any industry but what is most important is applying the knowledge to real world applications. To become a video game designer it is vital to apply the skills to test design capabilities and get more familiar with programs and applications. This can be done through internships or jobs where shadowing someone with more experience. Self teaching applications and doing projects for fun will also be good practice and add to the portfolio. Use websites and resources to take in as much knowledge as possible.

6. Build Portfolio

Create a killer portfolio and resume to be the best candidate for the dream position. The resume should include creative, marketing and business skills used for games that have been designed. Explain the game genre, target demographic, marketing hooks and business model for the games. Compile the work produced through schooling, personal endeavors, and professional experience in an online and print portfolio to showcase the work.

What will make you stand out?

Be able to communicate your design in a simple way, both verbally and in writing. Understand core game loops and break them down. Have the knowledge to explain exactly what makes a game fun. It is vital to understand disciplines you might work with. Be able to adapt to limited resources, time and budget. Most importantly, be excited about games and your work. Translate passion in anything and everything related to games.