Written by Ivo Teel — August 7, 2023 at 06:20

In the ever-growing world of gaming, changes and new trends pop up almost daily. One that has been around for a while now is that most games - even if they are single-player! - need a permanent internet connection. Online gaming has been on the rise not only thanks to mobile games, but big titles for PC or console are joining in, too. If you are relatively new to all this, things can get overwhelming. So here's a look at why that is and how you can join the fun, too. 

What's the online connection for?

Once you downloaded some latest releases, odds are that you'll need fully functioning online access. Otherwise, the game will refuse to work. This is because many games nowadays are in some way interactive and open-world. They invite other players into your own experience by allowing cross-platform chat or groups. But not everyone is comfortable having other real-life people walking around in their game to interact with. Especially if you're new to gaming. If you're a budding gamer, here's how to ease into playing with others.

Online gaming - the basics

If you're considering playing online with other gamers, it's important to know where to start. First, you'll need to get set up. The good news is that online gaming is accessible across every platform. Whether you have a PC, a newer generation console, a tablet, or your smartphone. If games are available for multiple platforms, chances are good that you can even play across all of them. Exceptions are usually older generations of consoles - or games.

You'll also need, as stated, access to an internet connection. The stronger your broadband connection is, the better. Mostly because it will allow for a smooth game experience without any lags or latency issues. This will not make the game itself better, but it will avoid disadvantages due to delayed actions or disconnects. You might also want to invest in a gaming headset so that you can talk to other players. If the option is available. 

There is a bunch of variety when it comes to the different genres of online games. MMOs, for example, are massively multiplayer online games and live thanks to the communities they created. They are most often role-playing games and offer great opportunities to find like-minded players. FPS (first-person shooter) or MOBA (multiplayer online battle arenas) have been around for a while, but have seen a massive upswing in the past years. It's worth getting to know the different types, so you can choose which types of games you feel comfortable playing. All come with a different type of community.

Acquiring the right equipment

We've already touched on the kit you'll need to get started. A console, smart device, or PC to play is the least. And it might be worth investing in a headset, too, but it's by no means a necessity, unless you'd like to explore voice chats.

You are using your internet for gaming, so a stable connection is required. You don't want your game to start buffering, lagging, or outright disconnecting you. This will always end in frustration. Take the time to research the best broadband speeds on the market. Check how good your speed should be and test your connection before you start playing. 

Terminology

One of the most confusing things when playing online is the very own language that has developed over the last decades. If you are new to it, it can be confusing to read through the chat, not knowing all abbreviations used. Terms differ from genre to genre, but there are some general and overlapping ones that are good to know. In competitive games, you will oftentimes find things like "GG" (good game), "GLHF" (good luck, have fun), or "PP" (pause please). In more cooperative games, you might encounter things like "LFG" (looking for a group) more often. When in doubt, the search engine of your choice will give you all the answers for your specific game. We recommend learning them to not miss out on any essential info once you're playing!

Challenges and staying safe

Of course, as with any interactions online, it's important that you keep safe. The overwhelming majority of players around you will be like you. But not everyone is friendly. You might find yourself in situations of cyberbullying or fraud - or addiction might creep in. It's important to prepare yourself and know what to do in those instances.

Protect your personal information and try not to give anything away to strangers - this includes your name! Use safety measures like VPNs and two-factor authentication for extra protection against hackers. Deal with toxic behaviour or harassment by blocking and reporting the user. And lastly: always listen to your instincts.

Let the games begin!