With an estimated 3.24 billion gamers currently spread out across the planet, it’s safe to say that online gaming is a big part of modern life right now. Whether you’re a dedicated veteran of gaming or a newcomer to the scene, it’s almost certain that you will have played at least a few online games during your lifetime. As the most established gaming platforms on PC and console turn to developing more online content, alongside their wholly online counterparts in mobile and web-based gaming, an internet connection has become essential if you want to enjoy everything that the best gaming titles have to offer.
But what happens when you want to find something new? There is a such a wide range of options out there right now, that it can sometimes feel a little overwhelming when it comes to picking your next game. Or, indeed, your first ever gaming experience if you are currently unfamiliar with the popular hobby. Lucky for you, we’ve put together a guide to finding your next favourite online game, whether you play on PC, mobile, console or another device.
Game Store Lists
Your first port of call should be the lists put together by game stores themselves. This can include the App Store and Google Play, as well as Playstation Now, Steam, and GamersGate. If you’re an Apple user, then it’s worth checking out the dedicated Games section on the App store. Here you’ll find carefully curated lists of top games, divided into categories like Apple Arcade, Free, Paid and Coming Soon. Likewise, Google Play has similar lists, although availability of games will vary across different platforms. GamersGate kicks off their homepage with a list of best sellers followed by new releases, whereas Steam leads with special offers and community recommendations. The platform you intend to play on will help you choose which resources to use, but all of these stores are a great place to start your hunt for your next obsession.
Review Sites
Branching out from the gaming platforms themselves, review sites are another great place to go to find new games, new platforms and new developers. For example, if you’re into online casino games then Arabian Betting can offer you a comprehensive guide on the best casino sites for your part of the world. They investigate the most popular games and the best bonuses along with security factors like VPNs and payment methods. They also check out popular new gaming interfaces like live dealer casinos and put your mind at rest in regard to the legality of different gaming options in your country. GamesRadar has much more of a focus on the latest console titles, focusing especially on PS5 and Xbox Series X games. They have all the latest news on eagerly awaited releases like Call of Duty: Vanguard, Black Myth: Wukong and Halo Infinite, and have a massive selection of guides and cheat codes for existing games. This is the best place to go if you’re after the hottest news stories from the console and PC gaming world, though it is heavily skewed in favour of premium consoles from Sony and Microsoft.
Word of Mouth
The oldest, most tried and tested way of finding a new product or service is through word of mouth – and that applies to games just as much as it does to anything else. So, if you’ve got a friend, colleague or family member who is a fellow gaming buff, it’s worth asking them what a favourite title is that they’ve recently played. If you’re hesitant about splashing out on an expensive AAA title, then this is an especially good idea. That way, you get an honest review based on lived experience rather than the marketing spiel which is found in promotional material and in paid professional reviews. If you don’t yet have any gaming buddies, then it’s easy enough to find amateur reviews and opinions online. Head to any gaming forum and search for the title or titles that have piqued your interest and you’ll soon find a mixed bag of critiques that will hopefully help you to arrive at a decision.
Social Media
Of course, it would be remiss of us to end this article without mentioning social media. Platforms like Twitch, YouTube and Instagram are great places to go to if you want more info on a gaming title, a gaming platform or a device. YouTuber favourites include the hidden object adventure game June’s Journey as well as online multiplayer survival game Among Us. Then, of course, there are battle royale and melee games like Fortnite and PUBG.
