Gaming in Canada now goes beyond the typical “one-size-fits-all” entertainment style. As such, preferences matter a lot, and a big determinant of what you enjoy is your preferred play style. So, it’s about asking the right questions like: do you like fast paced or relaxed conditions? Or is it strategic over casual? Perhaps you prefer to go solo than socializing when playing? Knowing these will help you to choose games that align with your natural style.
But if you are still unsure, we’ve prepared this guide for you. By the time you’re done, you’ll be able to confidently choose game types that actually match your playstyles.
What Shapes a Player’s Style?
The first most important decider of play style is personality; many people underrate how this affects gameplay. Depending on it, you can either be competitive, exploratory or analytical. As a competitive player, if you go for games that center around exploration, you’ll find it unnecessarily long and frustrating. The same goes for other personalities, and as such, it is best to select titles that suit you.
Then another underrated factor is time availability. This determines if you’ll opt for short sessions or long immersion games. Either way, some games are most enjoyed when you sit with them for extended hours. So, as someone who doesn’t have the luxury of time, your aim is short arcade games that throws you into the action immediately.
We should also mention that mood and purpose matters too. Are you gaming for stress relief during weekend downtime? Or is it for social connection? Your answer to these matters in determining your style.
In everything, we must stress that there is no “best” style. What someone else finds engaging may not be as engaging to you. So, choose based on what suits you.
Fast-Paced vs Thoughtful Gameplay Experiences
Source: Pexels
For us, pace is a major decider of the core play types and based on it, we can bring out two categories:
- Action-driven games: These titles don’t depend so much on strategy. Rather, they are reactionary, and so depending on speed and response. As a result, you get instant feedback on actions, giving that adrenaline rush to your play.
- Strategy-based games: For those that like to take things slow with planning and calculated moves, this is where you fall into. Titles under this category require patience and proper strategy to get the best results.
Within each “category,” there’s a good selection of variety. For instance, for fast paced, there are the likes of Mortal Kombat, Call of Duty, Fortnite, Asphalt, etc. So, it doesn’t mean you’re playing the same genre.
And with strategic titles, there’s options like Age of Empires, XCOM 2, Slay the Spire, and many others. Under this, table-style card games are also getting more popular in Canada, with options like blackjack online in Ontario appealing to players that enjoy balance, rhythm and decision making without rushing the experience. There’s just so many options at your disposal.
Solo Players vs Social Gamers
As a gamer, you will also have preferences as to how you want to play. While some prefer independent play experiences, others want multiplayer or community-driven formats.
Those who go solo tend to tilt towards Role Playing Games (RPG) where they use one character to live through a story. For them, it’s more about exploration than competitiveness, and it works for them.
And for some others, they prefer shared digital spaces. These categories of gamers tend to play multiplayer titles like sports that connect them with those with similar interests. For them, it’s about using features like:
- Voice chat
- Online lobbies
- Co-op modes
Irrespective of what you prefer, it is best to always prioritize your natural enjoyment.
Matching Game Types to Everyday Routines
One of the hardest things to do is balancing your gaming habits with everyday routines. Even after growing up as a gamer, once the challenges of 9 to 5 come in, many people can’t keep up again. Unfortunately, that’s life. However, it doesn’t have to be like that for you.
If you want to balance it, you can engage in short play sessions during breaks and longer relaxation sessions in the evening. Combining it this way makes it easy for you to keep up.
To also aid your choices, here are some situations and the genres that go well with them:
- Quick Sessions: Light puzzles or reflex games
- Immersive play: Story driven or tactical games
- Casual fun: Visually engaging or rhythm-based formats
Basically, you have to be flexible with your choices to fit your gaming habits into the modern Canadian routines. That will make a world of difference if you’re struggling to keep up.
Signs a Game Doesn’t Match Your Style
If you’re not enjoying yourself while playing, there will be signs. For starters, you’ll feel the need to rush through, just to “complete” the game. And in the process, you probably get easily bored of it, even just after a few sessions.
At times, you may even find that the visuals, sound and overall game pace feel more stressful than fun. If that is the case, there’s a high chance that it doesn’t suit your style.
Whatever you choose to do about it is entirely up to you. Just remember that sometimes, it’s okay to take breaks and try something else.
