How to Play

Do you recall your first experience with video games? Perhaps it was at a fairground arcade, or maybe during a gathering of friends at someone’s house over winter or summer break with a home console, or even a small game tucked away in a hidden folder on a school computer. In any case, your initial encounter with video games likely left you somewhat bewildered. Regardless of the setting, stepping into the digital realm for the first time can be disorienting, filled with unfamiliar controls, dazzling visuals, and captivating narratives that transport you to entirely new worlds. The sensation of navigating through these virtual landscapes, learning the rules, and discovering the potential for adventure is a memorable milestone in many gamers’ journeys.

This game playing often begins with the question, “What should I do?” Games often provide an open platform with inherent rules where the player must figure out the mechanics, the story, and the objectives on their own. This initial bewilderment is part of the learning curve, as players acquaint themselves with the controls, the game’s universe, and the tasks at hand. It’s a pivotal moment that sets the stage for the exploration, problem-solving, and enjoyment that gaming can offer. Due to the wide variety of video game genres, the interaction methods and thought processes required from players can vary significantly. Before delving into the teaching methods, they employ, let’s first consider the skills and knowledge that different types of games aim to instill in their players:

Action Games: These games often focus on reflexes, timing, and strategy. Players need to master controls for movements, combat, and weapon use, as well as learn how to assess situations quickly and make split-second decisions.

Role-Playing Games: RPGs can require a deep understanding of character development, inventory management, and strategic combat. Players must learn to allocate resources effectively, choose skills wisely, and interact with the game world through dialogues and quests.

Strategy Games: Whether real-time or turn-based, strategy games challenge players to think tactically and plan ahead. Resource management, troop deployment, and understanding the strengths and weaknesses of units are crucial.

Simulation Games: These games simulate real-world scenarios or complex systems. Players need to learn how to manage resources, make decisions that affect outcomes, and sometimes even deal with emergent situations.

Puzzle Games: Puzzle games test logical thinking, pattern recognition, and problem-solving abilities. Players must understand the rules of the game and apply them creatively to overcome challenges.

Adventure Games: Adventure games often involve narrative-driven gameplay, requiring players to solve puzzles, explore environments, and interact with characters to advance the story.

Sports Games: Sports games demand a grasp of the rules of the sport being simulated, as well as the ability to control characters or athletes accurately and strategically. Racing Games: Racing games require precision in control, quick decision-making, and an understanding of physics as they relate to vehicle handling.