Games come in many novel variations, and as such even those naturally skilled at them will, at times, struggle with getting to grips with the peculiar nuances and subtleties of certain formats. In truth, video games have never had more scope for complexity and sophistication, meaning success in playing them often comes down to a combination of research and practice. In light of this, we will be taking a look below at some basics of how to master diverse gaming genres from strategic resource management sims to high-speed FPS thrillers. We’ll be exploring what features are common to all games, as well as covering the niche techniques or insider info necessary to get to grips with specific, highly specialized genres.
Do Your Homework
Knowing the core mechanics that underpin a certain game type can prime you to engage with that particular format in an effective manner. For example, in online slots games, knowing how to calculate the RTP rate of a title is among the most effective things experts and beginners alike can do in order to increase proficiency with this popular genre. Likewise, if you are playing a simulation racer like Assetto Corsa Competizione, then one of the best ways to improve would be to study real-world motor racing techniques such as trail braking, as this will be faithfully reproduced in the game. In a resource strategy game, such as Civilization VI, there is a large body of information that must first be studied in order to progress. Understanding how to balance the various systems necessary for your civilization to grow is achieved through a combination of trial-and-error and research. Games such as this are predicated on the assumption that players must do wider reading in order to get good at the game, as there are simply too many mechanics, systems and strategies to efficiently impart to the user through in-game tutorials alone.
Games with a large esports footprint also require research into the latest trends in the metagame. Simply put, the metagame is the sum body of all knowledge gathered by the gaming community around a game, including the relative merits and weaknesses of specific characters, weapons and attacks, as well as any glitches or exploits known to confer a definitive competitive advantage. Even if you don’t intend on utilizing this information yourself, it’s important to have an understanding of it so you will know how to counter opponents relying on these insights.
Train Your Core Game Loop
Games are built out of loops of activity. Take, for example, an RPG such as Skyrim. In such a title, the game loop broadly follows a pattern of questing for new items and additional experience points, levelling up and equipping new items, and then repeating the process with harder quests. In a competitive FPS game, the loop is even more simplistic: shoot your opponents until you yourself get killed, then repeat. Identifying the game loop of your chosen title is extremely useful as it highlights the basic skills you need to master in order to improve your gameplay.
Once you have identified this, you can then break the process down into drills and training exercises. For example, the FPS gamer would benefit from learning maps and weapon drop locations, identifying choke-points and danger zones where conflict is more likely to occur, and practice reaction speed and evasion skills to increase survivability. Likewise, someone focused on improving their skills in a sports game like FIFA 22 will want to break down the process of achieving possession and scoring into its constituent parts by drilling passing, positioning and shooting.
Imitate Better Players
One of the fastest ways to improve your skills in a chosen game is to emulate the tactics and strategies employed by superior players. You can do this a number of ways, such as tuning in to a Twitch stream, or observing them in live multiplayer matches. This can be a great way to get to grips with pacing and techniques in a certain title, as skilled gamers have already achieved a solid understanding of how to play well. It’s even possible to hire an in-game coach who can walk you through drills and identify areas for improvement in your own gameplay.
