For many avid video gamers, having the right space and environment to play and spend time in is crucial for immersion and to ensure an enjoyable gaming experience. According to the Global Power of Play survey from the Entertainment Software Association of Canada, many associate gaming with a variety of benefits. In Canada, 76% of survey respondents stated that playing games helps them feel less stressed, while 63% report feeling less anxious when gaming. Likewise, 63% also state that gaming helps them feel happier.
At the same time, video games in the age of the Internet have long been associated with the ability to connect with friends and loved ones, even remotely. Half of all global gamers play with others online on a weekly basis, and more than a third play with other people in person. Another element connecting gamers around the world is the proliferation of the esports industry, providing an intense, high-stakes avenue for gamers and fans worldwide to convene.
The more time you spend gaming or following esports, the more important it is that you create a comfortable space for yourself and any visiting gamer friends. Below, we’ll share some tips for designing a gaming room for esports enthusiasts:
If you’re an esports enthusiast on top of being a hardcore gamer, there’s no doubt that you spend a lot of time watching video games as much as playing them. Nowadays, many gamers like to have a separate screen for media viewing next to their gaming or streaming activities. This type of section will typically feature larger screens rather than esports-level high-frame rate monitors that tend to stay at 24 or 27 inches so you can see details better.
A separate entertainment section in the gaming room is perfect for cross-platform games, as larger screens and farther viewing distances are perfect for console gaming. For example, esports fans betting on Overwatch can seamlessly switch between the entertainment section and their gaming setup. When watching Overwatch esports events on Thunderpick, players can learn from pros like “leave”, who is an unstoppable Hanzo or Tracer player, and immediately apply their learnings in their games by switching over to their PC. While we wait for more Overwatch esports events in the wake of the sequel, gamers can also watch ranked Overwatch content on platforms like Twitch or YouTube to learn and get better at the game.
Another gaming room essential is soundproofing. Above, we explained how a separate entertainment viewing section can elevate the look and feel of your gaming room. This can also mean installing a powerful sound system for a more immersive viewing and gaming experience. While this is certainly a benefit for you, this can also be a nuisance for next-door neighbours or other residents in the house.
Fortunately, there are many ways you can soundproof your gaming room. tips from Popular Mechanics, hard surfaces like drywall, plaster, and tile can reflect and amplify sounds. As such, it’s important to turn to soft surfaces to help absorb sounds. You can opt for noise-dampening materials like soft foam rubber, dense polyester fibre, or cork, or even use thick blankets and moving pads to cover walls. You can also use rugs to absorb noise from hard floor materials like wood, tile, or laminate.
You shouldn’t overlook the importance of ergonomics when designing a gaming room. Gamers can spend hours grinding ranks or boss fights at a time, and that can mean a lot of time being spent seated or slouching. As such, investing in ergonomic furniture for the gaming room can be advantageous not only for aesthetics but also for your health and comfort.
In a previous post on “Crafting Life-Enhancing Ergonomic Furnishings”, we highlighted how poorly designed furniture can lead to chronic health issues like carpal tunnel syndrome, neck strain, and back pain. Even if you don’t like the look of ergonomic office chairs, many modern gaming chairs today from brands like Razer have done a great job balancing the gamer aesthetic with a focus on elements like lumbar support and adjustable arm, back, and headrests.
Finally, another key element of a gaming room is the lighting. This will widely differ depending on your preference and style as a gamer. While some gamers may opt for the classic RGB, there are also other sleeker ways to style lighting options for a gaming room. Sticking with your favourite colour or matching your gaming room’s lighting to your favourite esports organisation’s colours can also provide a cohesive look for the room.
More importantly, investing in lighting is also crucial for ensuring you aren’t gaming and grinding in a dimly lit or totally dark room. Gaming in optimal lighting can prevent eye strain and headaches in the long term, which is essential if you plan to game long-term without distractions and inconveniences.
