Online gaming has exploded in popularity over the last decade, thanks largely to the growth of streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube Gaming which allow gamers to broadcast their playthroughs to millions worldwide. However, with the competitive nature of many online games such as Fortnite, League of Legends and Call of Duty comes inevitable frustration when simple mistakes cost hours of progress. In this article, we explore common errors people make when gaming online and provide expert tips on how to avoid these pitfalls.
Mistake: Failing To Properly Secure Their Accounts
It is stunning how many gamers use the same simplistic username and password combinations across accounts. When accounts are compromised by data breaches or hacking attacks, victims can lose hundreds if not thousands of gameplay hours in addition to bank and identity theft risks when payment information is involved as well. Cybercriminals actively target the gaming industry, which is worth billions given this tendency for poor account hygiene, yet it is easily remedied. Be sure to use randomly generated strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and avoid using the same login credentials across accounts. It only takes you a few minutes to massively improve your account safety.
Mistake: Not Doing Their Research On Gaming Sites
When starting out with online gaming, it is incredibly easy to stick with whatever site looks the flashiest or advertises the loudest. However, not taking the time to thoroughly research a gaming platform or online community can lead to major issues down the road in terms of unfair matchmaking, technical frustrations and even compromised personal data. Before creating that shiny new account and linking a credit card or PayPal account, be sure to spend at least a few hours browsing gaming forums and reading trusted review sites to ascertain how reliable, safe, and beginner-friendly prospective platforms and communities are. While flashy graphics and loud ads can draw us in, quality gaming communities tend to let their reputations speak for themselves through word of mouth. Avoid headaches by putting in the legwork beforehand. For example, say you’re looking for slot sites. It’s easy enough to Google “best slot sites UK” but it’s important to take some time to read reviews. Find a review site that you can trust before you sign up for anything, and especially before you part with any of your hard-earned cash.
Mistake: Not Utilising Available Resources
All too often, gamers hit frustrating walls in gameplay progression only to learn far too late that detailed tutorials and strategies have been available for free through fan sites, gaming wikis and community boards. Especially with complex strategy games or RPGs with intricate levelling systems, invaluable resources exist to shortcut the learning curve if one only knows the best places to look, which veteran players are usually happy to share. Make use of search engines to find detailed guides, character builds, maps and more rather than banging one’s head against unnecessarily steep difficulty curves. Check forums and community groups before tackling new challenges.
Mistake: Rushing Into Competitive Play Too Quickly
It is temptingly common for newcomers to online gaming to see seasoned streamers executing incredible manoeuvres and gaining huge competitive placements, then assuming they stand a chance rushing into ranked play immediately. Competitive brackets exist for good reason; they assume a baseline level of game knowledge and mechanical skill before matching players to avoid utterly lopsided matchups. Jumping the gun leads to blowout losses, which damage ranking and frustrate teammates. Be patient, hone your skills in unranked modes first and do not even consider ranked until completing extensive tutorial modes to know characters, maps, and game mechanics inside out. Once ready, competitive modes reward that diligence tenfold. This goes for online gambling too. If you’re unsure, look for free games or games where you can play for low stakes to avoid losing more than you can afford.
Mistake: Poor Communication And Toxic Behaviour
Frustrations inevitably arise, especially after blowout losses, yet allowing that saltiness to manifest as abusive language toward teammates or opponents breeds a spirit of toxicity that pervades communities and hampers enjoyment. Beyond basic manners, screaming players actively sabotage team cohesion and mental focus. Beyond reporting extremely abusive language, simply mute irritable players the moment their shouting becomes distracting. The reporting system deals with them. You need to maintain positivity and coordinate productively with teammates who communicate constructively. Shrug off insults by instigators, as they usually underperform after flaming anyway.
Mistake: Getting Scammed By Shady Third-Party Websites
As gaming has grown into a multi-billion-pound industry, an entire cottage industry has arisen of grey market key resellers, account traders, power levelling services and virtual item stores. While their budgets for slick advertising vastly exceed their legitimacy, many naive gamers learn the hard way that their rock-bottom prices come with zero purchase protection, stolen accounts or goods, and outright credit card fraud. Nearly all violate terms of service. As unbelievable as it sounds, thousands still take that fake risk believing warnings only apply to others. Do your wallet a favour and steer very clear.
Mistake: Ignoring Signs Of Addiction
The sheer immersiveness of online gaming worlds can foster remarkably powerful psychological investment and even addictive behaviours in susceptible personalities. While most gamers enjoy titles casually as entertainment, others display tell-tale patterns of avoidance, isolation and mood disruptions indicating gaming has become unhealthy and compulsive despite negative life consequences. If friends and loved ones communicate concern over your gaming habits, listen intently for the signs mentioned above. Proactively limit gaming hours, engage in offline social activities despite cravings and seek counselling for unhealthy attachments. Games thrive on behavioural addiction so self-monitor closely.
By being mindful to avoid the above common pitfalls, gaming online can be tremendously enjoyable whilst avoiding unnecessary costs, stress and wasted time. Do not let a few simple mistakes prevent you from experiencing all the fun and excitement online gaming communities offer when due diligence is taken to set yourself up for success. Game on!
