Tag: #gaming

Need A New Gaming PC? You Don’t Need To Spend A Fortune To Get One

Gaming PCs can be expensive but they do not have to be. There are plenty of ways that you can build and create a pc that is powerful and fast enough to play all of your games on. When it comes to playing games either singular player or multiplayer the quality of the game matters. You want to be immersed in the role you are playing to ensure that you get the most from the game every time you play. Your setup is important and quite often the setup you have has been determined by the budget you may or may not have. One place to start could be Allied store

Where To Buy Your Gaming PC

There are of course lots of places that sell new and reused gaming PCs and components but do you trust them and what is the quality like. It is all good and well buying from a cheap store but do you really know what you are getting? Buying cheap is a false economy and often if you buy cheap you end up buying twice. Sticking to shopping at stores such as Peach Stores will ensure that you do not fall into the trap of buying cheaply. There are so many scams around and people are quick to try and take your money so if a store looks too good to be true then steer clear. Always go with your gut instinct and remember that it is important to always read a store’s reviews to ensure that you are not being sold a bogus deal or a cheaply produced PC disguised as something better than it is.Also you should check out Fierce PC

The Basic Set-up You Will Need

To get going and to build a fantastic gaming PC you will need to buy at least one monitor with a decent-sized screen. The screen size matters and so does the quality. There is nothing worse than playing games on substandard grainy screens. Once you have your screen you then have to focus on the gaming headset which will ensure you can carry on playing PC games even after everyone else in the house has gone to bed. A good headset will produce high-quality sound with minimal cracking. Being able to hear every element of the game will ensure total immersion. Now that you have your screen and headset you need your keyboard, some speakers, a mouse, and a game controller, not forgetting of course a super comfy gaming chair that will let you play for hours on end. 

 

Buying components and items for your set-up may be time-consuming but you will get more control and choice over what you want to buy and why. Quite often items that have been pre-bundled together have been done so from a cost effect stance and not a quality stance. This might be OK for getting a beginner’s gaming PC up and running but if you are looking for something that will last then you need to look at putting together your own setup. One that is unique to you and your needs.

 

Why You Need To Focus On Quality And Not Quantity

You can quite often get more for your money when you buy cheap but is this really what you want to do, and more importantly, is this what you should be doing? Your gaming POC will get a lot of daily use and if you buy cheap equipment and components you will soon start to regret your decision, wishing you could turn back time. When you are putting together a PC you should always try and buy the best that you can afford. Components and accessories for PC gaming do not have to be expensive and there are lots of mid-priced products that are affordable and that provide you with the clarity you require. 

 

Even if you are starting in the world of PC gaming you will still not want to get cheap products as these will negatively affect your whole experience. To ensure that you get quality products each time you must read both the recommendations and reviews left by other users. Just taking a bit of time out before committing to purchasing will allow you to read up on what you want and need to buy. Even a little bit of research will stop you from buying a mass-produced plasticky product that potentially will not last longer than a few weeks.

How Playing PC Games Can Positively Change Your Life

Once you have your setup up and running it is now time to start having fun. Playing PC games either on your own or as a multiplayer with friends or acquaintances can provide you with a way to release stress and pressure at the end of a busy day, or it can provide you with some all-important me time which can be hard (but essential) to snatch each day. Playing games will make you feel better and it can help make you more successful in life which makes it even more worthwhile. Dedicating yourself to completing a game, a level or quest can change your attitude to everyday life for the better. Playing games can improve hand and eye coordination, and it can help you improve your social skills, especially if you play with other people via multiplayer. Great leadership skills can be seen when playing PC games, and you must apply your learned skills to real everyday situations. Merging both reality and fiction can ensure that you get the most out of your life and out of your time playing PC games.

 

With such a wide choice and variety of games and PCs on offer, it is important to try and narrow down your search criteria as much as possible before you hit the stores just to ensure that you get the most out of your gaming. Establish a budget and stick to it where possible. Overspending on PC components and accessories will not make you a better player. Practice, communication, a willingness to learn, and a positive approach all combined will make you a better player. Not forgetting of course time. You need as much free time as possible and as regularly as possible to play and practice PC games.

 

School children become aid working heroes in new Irish made video game. #Gaming #Sustainimals

Primary school children can become life-saving aid workers in a new Irish made video game that mixes fun with serious world issues like hunger and climate change. Sustainimals is a free online game where the player must support a community devastated by a massive storm and floods that destroyed homes, water sources and food crops.

The game also features fun mini-games that the player must complete to get aid supplies. They include catching compostable items in a brown bin as they fall from the sky and searching for locally grown items in a farmer’s market.

It was made by five third-year game design students at TU Dublin in collaboration with the international humanitarian organisation Concern Worldwide.

“Games can be educational and incredibly good fun to play, which is why we came up with Sustainimals,” said game developer Niamh Germaine (22) from Graiguecullen in Carlow.  

Kai Molloy Gaffey and Nikolas Antoniou of St. Brendan’s primary school in Artane, Dublin playing the new Sutainimals video game made in partnership between TU Dublin and Concern Worldwide available for free on the Concern.net website. Pic: Marc O’Sullivan

“We wanted to highlight the importance of sustainability in our game and the need for everyone to live with each other and our environment in a more balanced way.

“The main player is a cute cartoon animal called Wasiwasi (Swahili for Concern) who wants to live sustainably with the other animals in the community – which is why we called it Sustainimals.

“We really hope that those who play our game develop a greater level of empathy and understanding towards those who are struggling today with food insecurity.”

Niamh and the other developers on her team – Dubliner’s Matthias Greferath (21) from Stillorgan, Sonny O’Mahony (21) from Raheny, Kevin O’ Halloran (20) from Knocklyon and Serena Manassero (26) from Swords – created Sustainimals in just 12 weeks. 

They made the game for children aged between nine and 13 and hope that it will be played in schools around the country – but it is already getting great reviews from pupils at schools that got to play the game before its release.

“Sustainimals is one of those games that you can learn from but also have a lot of fun playing,” said Jaydyn Gannon (11) from St Brendan’s Boys in Artane, Dublin. 

Concern Worldwide said it was “honoured and very grateful” to have been asked to be a TU Dublin partner with this game, which shows some of the work its own aid workers do today in 23 of the world’s poorest countries.

Nikolas Antoniou and Kai Molloy Gaffey of St. Brendan’s primary school in Artane, Dublin playing the new Sutainimals video game made in partnership between TU Dublin and Concern Worldwide available for free on the Concern.net website. Pic: Marc O’Sullivan

 

“We applaud the TU Dublin students who made this fun and engaging game with Concern in mind, for which we are very grateful,” said Concern’s school and youth manager Noeleen Doyle. 

“They have created a game that can inspire an entire generation of children about the importance of living in a sustainable way as we try to reduce world hunger, climate change and violence.”

Sustainimals is one of TU Dublin’s Serious Games projects, which gives game design students the experience of developing games that both entertain and educate. 

Each year, students develop these type of games for not-for-profit organisations such as charities and social enterprises.

Veteran Irish game developer, Peter Lynch, who lectures in game design at TU Dublin, said they are “very proud” of their students and the games they have created for worthwhile causes. 

The university’s games programme and students will be moving to the new TU Dublin Grangegorman Campus after the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions. 

Sustainimals is available to play for free on the Concern website at https://www.concern.net/sustainimals-game and will work on up-to-date mobile and PC devices.

Old People Mayhem Sandbox ‘Just Die Already’ Is Available Now on PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PC!

Ever wanted to take on the guise of an elderly person, head out onto the street and get steamrolled by traffic, electrocuted by a tram line, and fired high into the sky strapped to a rocket? Yes? Really? Well, you may want to talk to a professional about just why that is but, more importantly,  Just Die Already – out today – just might be the game you’ve always dreamed of!

Curve Digital and DoubleMoose can today announce that the ‘old aged pensioner playground’ is finally available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch as well as PC on Steam and Epic Games Store, bringing its particular brand of multiplayer mayhem to gamers across the globe, whatever platform they’re playing on.

Just Die Already tells the tale of old folk who have just been kicked out of their retirement homes, competing with each other to secure a sweet spot somewhere new by performing dangerous challenges to qualify for free care. Players can either take on Just Die Already alone or compete in four-player online multiplayer (fully cross-platform too, thanks to Epic Online Services), ticking off dangerous challenges that put your life – and, indeed, every atom of your being – in danger.

What’s more, today we can also excitedly announce the first free post-launch update: Coming this June, Just Die Already will sport a brand new Player Versus Player mode, allowing players to pitch boomer against boomer, fighting for their lives!

The new mode will allow players to compete against their other old friends, taking part in PvP battles across four brand new arenas. It’ll be the first free update of many, with further exciting Just Die Already updates planned for the rest of 2021 and beyond.

A little golf journey is a new golf game stripped back. #Golf #Gaming #Plytonic

If there’s one thing the last year living through a global pandemic and lock down conditions has taught us all it’s that we need to switch off from the world and look after our own state of mind more often than we probably were before.  But what has that got to do with golf and video games? Playtonic Friends has partnered with Okidokico, creators of the chart topping OK Golf, to announce the third title under its new publishing label which sets out to answer that very question.

A Little Golf Journey is a relaxed, playful experience built around a stripped back version of the game of golf where it’s all about the journey, not the driver.  Explore diverse destinations, uncover each course’s secrets and tee off on the most relaxing round you’ve ever experienced.

“With our previous title, OK Golf, we received so much feedback from players about how relaxing they found the experience but we really thought we could take that side of it further and that’s where the core ideas for A Little Golf Journey came from.” commented Charlie Goatly, Co-Founder at Okidokico “We’ve removed all those stressful elements of a traditional round of golf and replaced them with beautiful imagery, a soothing soundtrack and a narrative adventure layer for those who want to seek it out. For us, it was all about creating a game we could truly escape into and get away from the pressures of daily life”

Gavin Price, CEO of Playtonic, added “After a year of nothing but home schooling, video calls and hardly leaving the house, the idea of not a round of golf instantly grabbed the Playtonic Friends team and we knew we wanted to help the guys at Okidokico make their next vision a reality. A Little Golf Journey is the anti Souls-like; there’s no pressure or frustration, just a pure, relaxed experience which is as deep as the player wants it to be.”

A Little Golf Journey will be launching on Steam for PC and Nintendo Switch later this Summer – join in the conversation on the official channels.

How To Stay Safe And Secured While Still Trying New Fun Ways Of Playing Online

Online gaming has become a sensation. With billions of people playing at last count, the gaming industry grows every day. There are hundreds of new games and ways to play.  It’s all literally fun and games, but safety concerns abound. If proper measures aren’t observed your security, personal information and privacy will be constantly threatened. 

 

Check out these simple steps you can take to stay safe and secure while playing online. 

Buy A Smurf Account 

In the online gaming world, every player has a reputation, particularly skilled gamers. This is why smurf accounts have been popular since as early as the 90s. 

 

A smurf account is a new different account that allows a player to play only under a name and account separate from their regular one. It’s like starting afresh, with no pressure or reputation to live up to. As a result, as explained at GooseSmurfs.com, players can go wild, play differently than their regular playstyle, practice their technique without messing up their original high score, playing with lower-skilled players as an ego boost, and elevating new accounts to expert level for sale to interested amateur players. 

Because of the vagueness and anonymity of smurf accounts, there’s a significantly less chance of being targeted for security breaches such as hacking. 

Beware Of Cheat Codes And Cheat Programs

 

One of the most fun parts of playing online is finding new games and progressing steadily to the top or the next level. Hitting a snag and struggling to make it to the next level when you’re playing is one of the worst feelings. This is why cheat codes are a thing. 

 

A cheat code or program is one that is designed to give gamers shortcuts so that they progress a lot faster than average. For example:

 

  • In shooting games cheat codes are sold that improve a player’s shooting by doing things like marking their opponents’ heads bigger and thus easier targets. 
  • There are cheats called ”wall hacks” which operate by allowing players to see the positions of opponents through opaque objects. Or to identify the location of the treasure.
  • ”Lag switching” let players stutter around a game’s map so that they’re difficult targets
  • There are cheats that allow players to hide their avatars for the duration of the game until the very end, winning by default 
  • Other cheat codes and programs give gamers the ability to heal their avatars over and over again

 

A cheat code may seem like a sweet deal, but the majority of codes and programs purporting to aid in cheating will do nothing but give your computer viruses. 

If you must cheat, rely on popular cheat codes, like the Konami Code. Created by Kazuhisa Hashimoto who was developing the video game Gradius back in 1985, it is the most famous cheat code. 

Beware Of Cyberbullies

Playing online exposes you to all manner of people. Online gaming platforms give you the ability to interact with other players. This is good and bad at the same time. 

These interactions mean the chance to exchange tips and tricks with other players, create bonds, beautiful friendships, and be thoroughly entertained. On the flip side, being exposed to all types of people also means being a potential target for online bullies and trolls. 

Gaming trolls do things like shouting at players in the middle of playing, constantly insulting everyone for making mistakes, and booing all the winners. 

Almost every online playing site offers channels for reporting toxic behaviours and rude language so make sure to report users who behave badly online. Block and report. 

Virtual Private Network

Discovering new ways to play online is fun, but all that surfing all over obscure parts of the internet exposes all your devices to not just viruses but spyware. 

This is particularly true whenever you use public Wifi. When you use public Wifi anyone with the password and basic tech knowledge can monitor your online activity. This is where Virtual Private Networks come in handy. 

A VPN is a piece of software that creates a secure connection over the internet by encrypting your information and shielding your online activity from cybercriminals and even your Internet Service Provider, or ISP. 

Use A Firewall

For added double protection, use a firewall even if your network is secure and encrypted with a firewall. 

A firewall is an electronic barrier that blocks unauthorized access to your computers and devices and is often included with comprehensive security software. Getting a firewall means that all of the devices connected to your network are secured. Did you know that most Internet of Things (IoT) devices are vulnerable entry points for hackers? 

Playing online doesn’t have to spell danger to your safety and security if you take steps to protect yourself. Using firewalls, buying smurf accounts, and reporting bullies are all examples of how to protect yourself.

GameSir F7 Claw World’s First Capacitive GamePad for Tablets.

Gamesir, a leading provider in innovative, high quality game peripherals are pleased to announce that the F7 Claw is now available.

When it comes to gaming on the go, tablets have a larger screen, longer battery life, better processing power and can provide a considerably better gaming experience than a smartphone. The GameSir F7 Claw can help to improve that experience even further. 

The GameSir F7 Claw has been specially made for on-screen control games. It doesn’t rely on Bluetooth for a connection; instead, the micro mechanical buttons and advanced chip mean a fast response and sensitive trigger operation. Thanks to the lack of Bluetooth connection, you don’t have to worry about installing any apps for key mapping – you can simply start playing straight away. 

The GameSir F7 Claw is compatible with all tablets on the market with a thickness range of 6mm to 12mm and will give up to 120 hours of battery life on a single charge. The suction cup design makes it easy to attach (and detach), and will be a comfortable hold for a long gaming session.

Featuring 3/6/9 turbo modes, and supporting recording turbo, the GameSir F7 Claw will enhance your tablet gaming. 

The GameSir F7 Claw is available for RRP £33.99. For more information head to https://www.gamesir.hk/products/gamesir-f7-claw 

How To Buy The Ideal Gaming Gear In A Budget: 6 Pieces Of Advice

When it comes to gaming, there are so many different accessories that you can add to your gaming rig to add to your experience. From VR headsets down to the mousepad, there are different things you should consider, as well as prioritise, especially if you are working with a budget. Here are some pieces of advice to help you when buying your gear.

Start With The Basics

Before you even go into the specs of your computer and buy all the gear that you have, one of the most important things you need to consider is the space you have to work with when setting up your gaming hub and station. The first thing that you need to consider is the desk itself. If you already have a desk, that is great, but if you don’t or if you feel that you don’t have a desk large enough, consider your needs. Desks will range from size and shape, from small office and study desks to huge gaming stations that are curved or L-shaped and can house all your peripherals and accessories. Do you want an entire desktop with multiple screens and plenty of storage space, or are you going to be okay with a small desk and a laptop for your gaming needs? These are important questions to ask yourself to save you from having to set up on your dining table.

 

What Types Of Gaming Are You Prioritising?

When you are looking to get different gear, you want to consider what games you are going to be playing. There are different genres of games, from racing and vehicle simulation games to shooters to strategy. All of these games will have different setups when it comes to how you play and prioritise different peripherals. The PC enthusiasts at laptopblogger.com/gaming-laptops-under-1500/ understand the desire to own all the accessories available, but you should consider what it is you need to prioritise for the games you want to play. This is important, especially in competitive settings where you want every edge you can get over your opponent. 

 

Do You Prefer Controllers Or Mouse And Keyboard?

Even if you are not playing in a competitive scene, but you are playing the majority of your games to enjoy the single-player experience, there is other gear you want to consider. Your own preference will play a role in how much you spend on your peripherals, and if you are transitioning to computer gaming from consoles, you might prefer the use of a controller. You have to consider the input, but most computers have the ability to connect a variety of controllers to your liking. A controller could also end up saving you money versus spending on a high-end keyboard and mouse. This all boils down to your taste and preference, and there is no wrong choice in this manner.

 

Invest On A Good Pair Of Headphones

One thing you need to consider when you are gaming is your audio. If you are playing off of a laptop, one of the best investments you can make is on your headphones. The speakers on a laptop won’t usually be a priority, and you will often have to fight against the noise coming from the fans. Do yourself a favor and invest in a good pair of headphones to give you the best auditory experience possible while gaming.

 

 

Stay On Budget

If you only have a certain budget, you don’t have to worry. There are plenty of things that you can do to play all the games you want without breaking the bank. If you have your eye on certain gear, keep it in mind and always be on the lookout for discounts and sales. There are always alternatives to the items you want to buy, whether it is keyboards, mice, or headphones, and plenty of the better options may be cheaper if you are willing to do some research.

 

Comfort

One of the key factors when you are buying gear around your gaming set, is comfort. If you are looking at a gaming chair, for example, you don’t need to go out and buy the most expensive one just because your favorite streamer uses the same chair. There are many options that prioritize your comfort and even your posture. Even some office chairs have been tested and are both comparable or even better than some gaming chairs. Prioritize what is comfortable to you, and this will go a long way to keeping your set for a long gaming session.

 

Every gamer is different, from the games they play to the different play styles of the same game. It is important to consider these variables when setting up your gaming environment and understand that you don’t have to have the exact same gaming setup as everyone else does in order to enjoy your hobby.

Civilization-building game ‘Before We Leave’ launches today on Steam. #Gaming #Building #BeforeWeLeave

Balancing Monkey Games, in partnership with independent games label and developer, Team17, has today brought its non-violent, civilization-building title Before We Leave on Steam. Set in a world rebuilding after an apocalypse and ripe for exploring and recivilizing, Before We Leave launches on Steam with brand-new content, including scenarios and weather that affects fatigue, crop growth, and movement speed; in-game performance updates; as well as the multiple waves of content first released on Epic Games Store during the past year when it was exclusive to the platform.

The new scenarios and weather update are also available to players on Epic Games Store.

The game’s Steam launch comes with a slew of incredible content updates that have been added to the game since it first launched a year ago. This includes

  • The Kraken Comes: An update bringing submarines, trading ships, the Kraken guardian, and underground shelters.
  • Over & Under: An update rolling out new overlays for better experiences, new UI and UX, new languages, and more.
  • Paving the Way: A visual upgrade, new roads, new resources, new type of Warehouse, new effects, and more.
  • Biomes & Beasties: Three new island biomes, new visuals, inclusion of animals, discoverable secrets, and more.

Before We Leave is available to purchase on Steam and the Epic Games Store for $19.99/€17.99/£15.99.

Old People Mayhem Sandbox ‘Just Die Already’ to Launch on PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PC on May 20th 2021. #Gaming

Having spent the last 12 months couped up in our houses, it’ll soon be time to collectively step out and breathe in the fresh air. Of course, that’s all before we strap two live fireworks to our tender bodies, propelling us up into the sky before we come crashing back down to the ground, landing in the open jaws of a handy shark who has taken refuge in a nearby river.

Oh wait. No. That’s Just Die Already – the old aged pensioner playground that Curve Digital and DoubleMoose can today announce will be launching on PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch as well as PC on Steam and Epic Games Store on Thursday May 20th, 2021.

If this is the first time you’ve heard about Just Die Already – and, given we’ve all had so little to do during the last year that even thankless tasks such as “reading a book” or “making conversation with a loved one” have almost seemed legitimate, we frankly find that hard to believe – then hold onto your dentures: Just Die Already tells the tale of old folk who have just been kicked out of their retirement homes, competing with each other to secure a sweet spot some place new by performing dangerous challenges to qualify for free care.

Players can either take on Just Die Already alone or compete in four-player online multiplayer (fully cross-platform too, thanks to Epic Online Services), ticking off dangerous challenges that put your life – and, indeed, every atom of your being – in danger. You’ll lose limbs getting eaten by sharks, you’ll break every single one of your bones, you’ll get squished and squashed and shot to pieces and, if you’re lucky, you’ll stay alive long enough to earn your place at a prized retirement home.

“Just Die Already might be a fictional tale of OAPs competing for spots in retirement homes, but given the folks in those homes have food & drink, company, and – most importantly – haircuts on tap, I’m starting to think I should join then,” offers DoubleMoose co-founder Armin Ibrisagic. “Seriously, after a year of COVID-dodging, there’s not a single person in a retirement home who doesn’t look younger and fresher than anyone at DoubleMoose. At least we can now take on the comparatively sprightly forms of Just Die Already’s cast of characters when the game launches on May 20th.”

For more insights into Frank’s mind, the protagonist of Just Die Already, follow the Twitter account here: @JustDieGame. Be warned: Frank does not hold back…or even know what Twitter is, really.

Just Die Already will launch on PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch as well as PC on Steam and Epic Games Store on Thursday May 20th, 2021 for £11.99/$14.99/€13.99.

Until then, you can pre-order the game on Steam here or on the Epic Game Store here.