Yes, Gaming is for You, Too!
- Elliot Gardner
- Jun 1, 2023
- 8 min read
A photograph of two people holding PlayStation controllers. On the left, a child in a green shirt sits on a couch looking forward. On the right, a person sitting in a wheelchair looks down at the controller.
"I only play match three games on my cell phone. I'm not a real gamer."
Over the past few years, especially as eSports athlete and Professional Twitch streamer have ramped up as professions, I've heard my primarily femme-identifying and older friends state that they could not possibly be -- or even become -- gamers.
The internalized gatekeeping is not their fault. The stereotype of the "filthy casual" has always been, surprise surprise, anyone who doesn't look like Nathan Drake: a grizzled protag with a five o'clock shadow and a penchant for grunting.
It's upsetting to hear folks say this regularly given how much we need different kinds of people jumping into the industry and redefining gaming spaces. A core, and oft-misunderstood element of feminist theory has always been that exclusionary spaces are harmful to everyone and disrupting them improves the economic, political, and social outlook for all.
Without a community of diverse voices introducing new ideas, the industry remains stagnant and harmful in its patriarchal construction. Simply by watching, playing, or talking about your favorite games, you are helping to dismantle damaging stereotypes. Bottom line: however you want to play is valid!
Have you ever thought about playing video games but have been too intimidated? Maybe you're looking to jump to a new platform and don't know where to start? Anything you try, remember that you are welcome. Let's take a look at some fun ways to start or extend your portfolio. Who knows where gaming will take you!
Table of Contents
Twitch
Much like American Football fans watch their favorite team every Sunday, video game fans can also enjoy exciting, engaging footage overlaid with fun commentary. Watching Twitch can be relaxing on a lazy day or exciting if you're following someone with intense mechanical skill striving for a new record.
Watching gameplay on Twitch is as easy.
Navigate to twitch.com. Twitch has a similar interface as Youtube.
In the search bar on the top of the page (or the fourth option at the bottom in the mobile app), type in a game title that you're interested in (for example, try "League of Legends").
Scroll until you find the Categories section. Click on the game title.
Once the page populates, start clicking on channels until you find one you enjoy.
Each Twitch Streamer is a small business owner, so your support for them goes a long way to elevating their place in the industry. Instead of searching for a game, try finding a streamer that shares your identity.
Once you're on Twitch, navigate to the Browse tab using the menu.
Then, select the Live Channels subtab.
In the search bar (or Filter and Sort in the mobile app), enter your tag of choice (for example "lgbtqfriendly") to find a community that suits you or needs your support.
An animated gif cycles through how to search via tags on Twitch mobile. The gif shows the Browse - Live Channels subtab. Then, it shows the user typing "LGBTQfriendly" into the Filter and Sort search bar.
Does this make me a gamer? Yes! By watching and supporting Twitch streamers, you can easily master the ins and outs of a game without even purchasing it. You're also likely to find communities that serve you and provide that extra confidence you need to play even MORE. Setting up a Twitch channel can also be a great first step into a career in gaming. Take a look at these helpful, healthy content creator tips from Goats & Pros Expert Writer Tiffany Nelson.
Mobile
In the summer of 2016, Pokémon Go arrived on cell phones. Pokemon Go was an Augmented Reality (AR) experience wherein your phone screen would display a friendly Pokémon standing on the grass right in front of you; just toss a ball to capture the creature. Folks of all ages emerged from their habitual hibernation and navigated to local parks to catch Pokémon together. Kids and adults alike embraced the outdoors by running around chasing after pocket monsters.
You can't ignore the power of mobile gaming! The App and Play Stores are full of free games that offer quick fun and help friends connect. Publishers have taken notice of the popularity of mobile gaming and have placed PC or console games onto mobile devices that are optimized for the on-the-go experience (this action is called "porting").
Here's a great list from TheGamer of mobile titles for beginners. Try out Animal Crossing Pocket Camp which will get you familiar with the characters from the popular Nintendo series. Then, you can also try AC: New Horizons on the Nintendo Switch console.
Follow these steps to find a new game on your phone.
Tap the App Store app (iPhone) or the Play Store app (Android) on your home screen or in your app menu.
Select Games on the bottom menu.
Scroll through options and genres. Puzzle games are a great way to pass time! The store also includes classic favorites like Solitaire and Mahjong.
Select a game and download straight to your device.
An animated gif cycles through how to find games on an Android Mobile device. The gif shows the App Store home page. Then, it shows the Games tab and the various options to select.
TIP: Watch out for mobile games that require you to pay a lot of money to play. Sometimes they'll ask you to buy coins for time or give you an extra life. These seemingly small purchases (called "microtransactions") can really drain your bank account over time and are often designed to take advantage of addiction. Check out reviews of the game in the Apple Store or the Play Store before you purchase. Microtransactions are becoming a major component of many games on multiple platforms, so keep this tip in mind whether on your phone, console, or PC.
Does this make me a gamer? Absolutely! Mobile games require mechanical and cognitive skill in a more directly accessible package. In fact, a phone is just another kind of console. The tool will continue to evolve as more powerful technologies emerge and are made compact for integration. If you have an interest in mobile games, you can even learn how to develop one.
Console
Once you purchase a gaming console, you have access to an extremely powerful platform that doesn't require too much maintenance. (You may need to dust the exhaust fan every few months.) A console is a bundle of hardware and software that you can plug in and play on. If you played Super Mario Bros. on your television at home, you played on a console!
For beginners, the Nintendo Switch offers a collection of whimsical, brightly-colored titles that can be both fun and challenging. Cooperative (or "co-op") games make the platform great for families, couples, friends, and intergenerational rivalries. The portable quality means you can bring it on trips -- like the old 90s-era Game Boy. The Nintendo Switch Lite is a lower cost alternative for those who will only play handheld. The Switch OLED has a gorgeous screen but is more expensive.
The PlayStation and Xbox also come in multiple varieties with differences highlighted for PS here (one has a disc drive) and Xbox here (variations in storage and power). If PC gaming interests you, but you want the console experience, the portable Steam Deck might suit your needs.
Each console can run a different selection of games, so if you have your eyes on a particular title, be sure it can run on your system of choice. All of these options support both relaxing and challenging games; however, I find that the Nintendo's focus on "everyone can play" marketing and production strategies makes the Switch significantly more approachable for folks of all ages.
Does this make me a gamer? Heck yeah! Many people credit systems like the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), Sega Dreamcast, or Atari 2600 as fostering their first and fondest experiences in gaming. Consoles have opened up generations of people to everything the industry has to offer. Travel through Hyrule with Link and fight zombies with Ellie; play on the easiest mode. Whatever your experience, be sure you're having fun.
PC
Stepping into PC gaming can seem intimidating -- particularly when computer specs aren't your forte (I'm in the same boat!). The good news is that a simple, more affordable laptop out of the box can play a huge collection of games.
A full overview of options would take a few articles to properly tackle, so take your time researching if you're looking for a particular kind of machine. Think about whether you like to play in one place on a more powerful desktop tower or potentially with a slimmer, portable laptop. For those wanting to start from scratch, friends have recommended build guides from both PC Part Picker and r/buildapc on Reddit. The virtual game store (see below) will list the minimum system requirements needed to run your game of choice or they will be visible on the physical box.
Let's dial it back: you can likely already play a whole slew of games on your existing computer without an upgrade. The best way to find something to play is to track down a store front.
Game Launchers/Virtual Stores
Much like mobile app stores, you can purchase computer games off of a store that will also launch your games and keep them updated.
GameHouse hosts some great point and click strategy games that you can play on almost any laptop. I recommend the Emily series! Both my mom (an avid gamer) and I (not as good) enjoy playing time management titles that are incredibly fun and relaxing.
The most popular launcher/storefront is called Steam. Once you download the Steam app to your computer, you'll have access to purchase thousands of games of many genres. Seasonal sales bring great deals for even the most popular titles, and there are a lot of free games to try. Check out this list of upcoming sales from PC Gamer; it's most often worth it to wait.
A screenshot of the SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS sub section in a Steam Store game listing. The Windows tab displays minimum specs for OS, Processor, Memory, Graphics, DirectX, and Storage.
You can also likely buy physical copies from your local store or on Amazon; however, publishers have been moving toward exclusively virtual releases for PC. Less clutter if you buy digital!
If you'd like to try some favorites from your childhood, or maybe you want to dive into retro gaming, launchers like Steam include many classics. Older games tend to have more straightforward interfaces and controller schemes. Get ready to play Roller Coaster Tycoon for hundreds of hours again. [Ominous carousel music plays in the distance.]
Does this make me a gamer? You guessed it... YES! Wherever you game, however you game, you are doing it right! Find a storefront that includes a favorite new point-and-click series. If a PC game doesn't suit you at first, keep trying different genres. There is also no shame in sticking to mobile for pick-up-and-play fun. If you're ready to get competitive, try out a eSports title, train hard, and eventually join a team. Here are some eSports career tips from Goats & Pros Expert Writer gianlubeer.
Like Chef Auguste Gusteau said in the beloved 2007 Pixar Film Ratatouille, "Anyone can cook, but only the fearless can be great."
Whether you are swapping gems on your phone or sitting at your gaming rig ready to race in Gran Turismo, you are a gamer. Like Remy in the kitchen of the fancy French restaurant, do not limit yourself because of how others may perceive you or your level of dedication to something that brings you joy. With a bit of courage, you can jump in and start changing gaming for the better.
All it takes is that first step.
I'd love to chat with you about how to get started in gaming! Send me a message on Discord: Circie#8890
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