Summer – NoobTubeTV

Warmer Weather Doesn’t Necessarily Mean Less Gaming

Now that spring has started to grace us with nicer weather it is starting to become more difficult to want to plant myself in front of a TV or monitor for hours of gaming. Also, over the last few weeks I have found my interest in ‘new’ releases to be less than prime for commentary or even some sort of review. Why? Frankly, because video games have become rather dull in their current state of shooting guns or scoring touchdowns based on some sort of twitch reflexes. While most gamers rarely have a difficult time setting aside a few minutes/hours during the week for their favorite titles; it becomes increasingly frustrating to see the days get longer and temperatures warm up and have a desire to stay inside after a cold winter.

There are a few solutions to this conundrum.

1 – Open The Windows and Doors – While this might seem obvious, there is a lot to be gained from having some fresh air come into your gaming area. Just considering some of the basements and man caves in which I have been an invitee, they should sometimes be referred to as a ‘Stank Zone’. Give your gaming domain a chance to air out and in the mean time you should also consider recycling all of those Mountain Dew cans and throwing away all those White Castle bags.

2 – Walk or Ride a Bike to a Friends Place – I grew up in the country (cornfield, Ohio) but that didn’t stop me from walking to my neighbor’s house 1/4 mile away to play some Tecmo Super Bowl on his SNES – even during the winter. Give your car or your parents’ car/drive time a break and walk if you can to game out for a bit. Hanging out in person opens you up for other gaming as well (that is coming up)

3 – Tabletop/Card Games/RPGs – Until recently I had never really experienced gaming from any other perspective than on a video screen. I have started to put more time and effort into playing Magic The Gathering. While games like this are for a relative niche group of gamers, I would highly suggest to any of my fellow/former jocks to give these games a fighting chance. I grew up in a home with caring parents that were sometimes confused as to what some games really entailed. To make this clear for any of you out there that are reading this as a concerned parent – Magic The Gathering is NOT a tarot card game. Dungeons and Dragons isn’t satanic… and yes, you might need to lighten up a bit.

One thing that can be stated about the types of games in item #3 is that it will allow many gamers/nerds/geeks to feel like they belong to something. Being a geek can be a lonely title, but when you are building decks based on your own creativity and growing knowledge or slaying dragons with friends there is something gained that takes away all of those lonely moments.

Take this nicer weather as an opportunity to get some fresh air, walk around your neighborhood or socialize and meet new people in the process.

Becoming A Better Gamer – Your Introduction To A Summer of Gaming

A lot of people have extra time to play video games in the summer. Whether you or your kids are on summer vacation or if it is just a rainy day, you should look at each opportunity to game as a chance to get better at your past-time.

There are a few things you can do to increase your skills without making it too much of a chore –

Track The Amount of Time You Spend On Each Game – One thing people tend to forget is they play the games they enjoy and once you can determine your 3 to 5 most played games it will be much easier to prioritize your skill building through this practice.
Use Different Techniques and Strategies – You have to make sure that you don’t depend on any one technique, strategy or tactic when playing any game (especially online multiplayer). In Modern Warfare 3 you should make it your mission to master at least four to six different primary weapons. If at some point you run out of ammunition and you pick up a new weapon like the MK14 it would be a good idea to learn how to handle it.
Exercise – Get outside and move your body, sweat and listen to your favorite music. One of the things people don’t realize is that the more you sit in front of your TV the lazier your body and mind become. It is vital for everyone to get themselves into decent shape anyway, but if you work out you will notice a marked improvement in your gaming, decision making and reflexes.

What are some of the things you like to do to build your skills in gaming? Hit us up in the comments below!

What Is A Pro Gamer?

Is an artist a pro artist? That is something that should come to mind when you start thinking about being a pro gamer. Did you start playing video games to make money or have a good time enjoying a hobby. That hobby might have eventually turned into an obsession (even and unhealthy one). The bottom line is that most people will eventually come to terms with one thing when it comes down to facing reality.

It is a funny conversation to have with a gamer, ‘going pro’. In reality it is the top of list for many people that think their skills in a game will pay like they are some sort of NBA Draft Pick.

Crowd — Are you a member of the crowd paying for a ticket or are you one of the 8-10 people on stage? The moment you are honest with yourself is the moment you might start enjoying your games (especially online) without throwing a fit about lag or even your KDR.

If you win an MLG Tournament (1st Place) you will have a shot at $10,000.

If you consider the perks to winning every tournament every year, you might be in line for between $30,000-80,000. Depending on the tax breakdown for your respective state of residence you might get more or less. This is of course assuming you are winning every match and the best in the world.

Keep in mind that you have a lot of work to do to be the best at any game. This entry isn’t meant to kill your dreams; this entry is meant to help you see that being a pro gamer is really a matter of debate and in some cases – delusion.

Earlier we talked about facing reality…

Reality is that when you decide that gaming is about going pro and making money rather than enjoying what you love simply to enjoy it – you will begin hating what you once loved because it will turn into a job.