There's a new trend sweeping America's youth- what experts call "gaming" just might be the most popular thing since "Star Wars." "Gamers" are people who play these "video games." But how exactly does one play a "video game?" Read on to find out.

Step 1: Finding Your Game

Before you can play a game, you have to have a system to play it on. Systems will be covered in a future editorial. For now, we'll focus on getting your game.

There are several ways to obtain video games in the year 2012. Rental services* like Gamefly allow gamers to pay a monthly subcription fee to rent unlimited games. You can also buy games new or used* from your local video game retailer. If you have a friend who is a gamer, you can even borrow* a game from him or her!

*Note: Renting, buying used, or borrowing games will not always give you access to all content. Several online features may be locked out unless you input the code included on the online pass bundled in with a new copy of your game. If you lose your online pass, contact customer service. If your online pass has expired, contact customer service. If the code on your online pass is illegible, contact customer service. You can also buy an online pass for $10-$20 online at the online store online.

Step 2: Starting Your Game

Now that you have your game, insert it into your system. You may be prompted to download updates or install your new game. Wait until the updates have finished. This may take a while, so do a few Sudokus in the meantime. When the updates have finished, select the game icon on your home screen. Now, you're ready to enter the World of Gaming.**

**Note: If your game system of choice is the PC, you may be required to stay online at all times while in the World of Gaming. Be sure to maintain a steady online connection at all times, or you WILL be booted from the World of Gaming. If you would like to remain in the World of Gaming on your laptop during a road trip, contact your local ISP and car mechanic, or you WILL be booted from the World of Gaming.

Step 3: Playing Your Game

Now the fun begins! Decide which mode you would like to play in your game. Most games nowadays will include a single-player*** mode and a multi-player**** mode. Jump in and get ready to play! A well-designed game will teach you the basics, but if you get stuck, take a look at the instruction manual.***** Happy gaming!******

***Note: In order to access retailer-exclusive game content, be sure to have bought your game at the right store. Before having bought your game, you should have gone online to see which store you wanted to buy your game at in order to decide which retailer-exclusive content you would prefer to play. You may also need to go back in time and preorder your game of choice in order to access preorder-exclusive content. Some games will require you to clear the game before accessing the retailer-exclusive and/or preorder-exclusive content. Be sure to beat the game on a high enough difficulty, or you will be asked to beat the game again in order to access the retailer-exclsuive and/or preorder-exclusive content.

****Note: If your gaming system of choice is the Xbox 360, be sure to sign up for an Xbox Live Gold account, or you will be unable to play online with others. Certain games may also require you to sign up for a separate online account and buy downloadable content in order to get the full game experience.

*****Note: Instruction manuals may not be physically included with your game. If this is the case, go online to the game marketplace of your respective system and download the intruction manual. Be sure to have input the code on your online pass, or you will not have access to the instruction manual.

******Note: If you begin to feel too happy, take a break.

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@Secret_Tunnel

I don't really see why you're complaining. Most videogames do this sort of things. Hell, Contra 4 didn't even let you see the last two levels of the game until you beat played it on a higher setting. Although I agree that if you paid for DLC or a pre-order bonus you should probably get it from the get-go.

Posted by

Tranquilo

on: 01/30/12, 21:42

Edited:

01/30/12, 21:50

I'm going to print out this editorial and tape it on my TV. For reference, just in case I forget how.

Posted by

GameDadGrant

on: 01/30/12, 23:40

Tranquilo said:

@Secret_Tunnel

I don't really see why you're complaining. Most videogames do this sort of things. Hell, Contra 4 didn't even let you see the last two levels of the game until you beat played it on a higher setting. Although I agree that if you paid for DLC or a pre-order bonus you should probably get it from the get-go.

Exactly. Best-case scenario, you'd just be able to unlock the skins by playing the game. Then they could do whatever they want. But when they give you that skin as a bonus for preordering, then you're entitled to it and should be able to use it whenever you want.

On a related note, SSX's online pass seems pretty fair.

Posted by

Secret_Tunnel

on: 01/31/12, 05:33

Edited:

01/31/12, 05:38

I miss the days when the toughest thing you had to do before playing a game was maybe blow in it.

Day one updates, free/paid DLC, store-exclusive codes for on-disc content .... gamers shouldn't stand for it.

Posted by

Chocobo_Rider

on: 01/31/12, 22:03

@Secret_Tunnel I kind of think it's funny. Mostly because I think these retailer-specific preorder bonuses need to die in a fire and anyone who supports them deserves to get boned.

Ok, maybe not. But still.

Posted by

Zero

on: 01/31/12, 22:23

Posted by

Secret_Tunnel

on: 08/09/12, 10:04

Edited:

07/29/13, 10:53