From parlor games through to tabletop games and games consoles, there seems to be little airtime granted to the mother of all gaming platforms: the computer. Since the early days of personal computing, it’s been to the desktops that we looked for new and exciting ways to entertain ourselves, and there’s no need to turn away from our laptops now when it comes to gaming. This guide presents just four fantastic games that you may have never heard of, all of which are great fun to play from the comfort of your computer.
Fortnite
This is the game you will likely have heard of, although you may not be aware that it’s incredibly easy to play from your computer. The Battle Royale bonanza has had many around the world transfixed and addicted for months. In spite of its simple 100-man free-for-all format, it’s proving a solid favorite amongst all kinds of gamers, with many spending the time to adjust the appearance of their character in order to gain kudos when ‘on the island.’ It’s good, cheap fun and your laptop speed may well give you the edge when it comes to slaying your foes.
Dice Games
It’s a little bit like gambling, a little bit like Bitcoin mining, and quite a bit satisfying! We’re talking about the new phenomenon of Satoshi Dice. You’ll find the basic principles on their website, satoshidice.com, which details the requirement for you to have some Bitcoins in your possession to play. By tapping into the casino feel while simultaneously providing a nerdy alternative to casino gambling, it’s proving a hit with those who like the small thrill of taking on a randomized computer system at their own game.
Wikipedia Race
Have you ever had a Wikipedia Race? It’s potentially the nerdiest game going on the internet, and it’s great because two people on opposite sides of the world can play as long as the parameters are set before you play. The aim of the game is to get from one topic (for example, Cheese) to another (San Francisco, perhaps) as quickly as possible, by using the hyperlinks embedded in Wikipedia to navigate through the labyrinthine site. It might sound boring, but one play will show you how creative you’ll have to be to truly outwit your opponents!
Steam
Most PC gamers have heard of Steam, and most non-PC gamers have never heard of Steam. It just so happens that Steam is your portal into a world of high-quality, cheap and cheerful games from the distant past of PC gaming as well as from the cutting edge of new console releases. It’s a riot of exciting options and, quite often, they hold incredible foresail prices for some of your favorite classic games, whether it’s Age of Empires, Civilization or Theme Park World. It’s compatible with PCs or Macs, which means you’ll be able to enjoy all kinds of games without heading out to buy the disk.
Computer gaming refuses to retreat into obscurity, and these four examples of PC gaming havens should inspire you to search pastures new for your hit of gaming pleasure.