A Gaming Question
A Gaming Question
I'm 73 years old and preparing for retirement soon. I want to try playing PC games but don’t know where to begin. I’ve downloaded some inexpensive games from Steam but feel confused about how to play them. Are most games similar in keyboard controls? When I open a game, I’m unsure what to do next. If anyone can point me to a helpful website, that would be really appreciated.
Hey there, I’m not really scared by it. I’m 63 years old and began playing games around 2001. When I first used a PC, I always reformatted things because something confusing would stop me. Then I started looking up error messages or situations I encountered, and I learned how to fix them myself. Playing with a keyboard and mouse is similar. I read many game manuals and really appreciated having them. They clearly show which keys do what actions—often with pictures of the actual keys—and in games they give you on-screen prompts for interactive items that tell you which key to press.
Most games offer an options menu for adjusting controls. F1or ESC are typical ways to access menus. Bigger titles usually include in-game tutorials. At least most First Person Shooters use WASD and mouse/keyboard controls. Scroll wheel is often used for switching weapons and other tasks. Indie and lighter games can vary greatly depending on the genre. Platformers might provide numerous control options ranging from controllers to mouse/keyboard, while keyboard-only setups are common. Simulators demand extensive setup and nearly full customization of controls. Real time strategy games can be played with a mouse, though keyboard shortcuts are essential for advanced gameplay.
YouTube is an excellent platform for learning about games.
If you wish to discover various titles, consider Game Pass Ultimate. This subscription service provides access to a vast collection of games. Often there are promotions offering one month free, and you can cancel anytime before any charges apply if you’re not satisfied.
If you visit a game in your library and check beneath the head image, on the right side you'll find the manual, which many games include for reference. Also, getting a controller might be helpful—it has fewer buttons, making it less confusing. YMMW, of course, if you've tried one on a console, you might know.
Samurai Gunn 2 – Guide on How to Read The Manual in Game + How to Locate the Manual
The manual is a crucial element of Samurai Gunn 2, though it may not be obvious that it exists, particularly in Big Picture Mode.
steamlists.com
Aren't the main goal of gaming to discover its rules, rather than knowing them from the beginning? That uncertainty is often what makes the experience enjoyable.
Another perspective: absorb knowledge while playing, then apply it during gameplay.
Occasionally it was enjoyable when computer games were just starting out, and each one had its own unique style. Nowadays I simply want to launch a game and understand what to do without having to sift through lots of manuals.
I considered Star Citizen, but it felt overly complicated to reach the fun aspects. (And playing Eve Online reminds me a bit...)
Thanks, everyone. If I can't solve anything, I'll just return to solitaire and hearts.
Hey there, I’m not really scared about it. I’m 63 and started playing games around 2001. When I first used a PC, I always reformatted things whenever something confused me. Then I began looking up error messages or situations I encountered, and I learned how to fix them myself. Playing by typing on keyboard and mouse is similar. I spent a lot of time reading game manuals—it really helped because they clearly show which keys do what, and in games you get visual cues on the screen when you’re close to an interactive item that tells you which key to press. For more advanced games with many key bindings, I’d create cheat sheets listing what each key does, and keep them visible behind my keyboard tray. Over time, you get used to rearranging keys to suit your needs so they’re always within reach. When life gets boring, having fun hobbies like gaming can make a big difference. I faced that too when my health declined, making it hard to work or enjoy outdoor activities. Gaming has been a great solution for me—don’t give up before giving it a chance, it might work for you too.