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Is your set-up allowing you to compete at a professional level?
3 mins average read time
Much like traditional sportspeople need the perfect conditions to train and compete to their peak, the professional gamers competing in the Commonwealth Esports Championships; (and those aspiring to reach that level) need to tick a few boxes to ensure that they’re performing the best that they possibly can.
A simple change that will drastically boost your ability to compete, is ensuring your internet connection is top-notch. Being stuck with high ping, effectively lowers your reaction time and your ability to fluidly play the game — imagine if you had to wait half a second before making any move in a game of football or rugby.
Wireless broadband is prone to “ping spikes”, meaning that in the heat of the moment players are unable to fully trust that their internet connection will remain stable. It’s the same as watching Netflix buffer but with heavier consequences. However, having an ADSL or VDSL connection will make life much easier when you’re trying to win a game in the dying seconds. Having fibre internet alleviates this issue even further, ensuring that you’re operating at with both low ping and at peak efficiency 24/7.
Even after using the best internet available to get on the lowest ping, many aspiring professional gamers still ask how they get from playing with their mates to playing on the biggest stages around the world — and getting paid to boot. Here are some pro tips to get you where you want to go in the world of professional gaming around your set-up.
Is your space positioning you for success?
Have space carved out in your house to properly concentrate and be comfortable while gaming. In fact, the right set-up can mean less stress on your back and joints and a healthier experience when online for hours at a time. Making your gaming table a standing desk will assist in neutralizing the scientifically proven, potential repercussions of sitting for long periods. Standing can also help keep your energy and focus up. Of course, now, there are seats designed expressly for gaming, giving you a wide range of options that are ergonomically engineered for the physical positions often needed when gaming. The right chair will keep you comfortable and support your spine. A padded gaming mat will allow smooth movement of your chair when rolling and additional support when standing. A monitor stand will allow you to easily adjust your screen height to keep it at the right level and ease pressure on your neck. Finally, don’t overlook lighting. A dimmer switch on fixed lighting or a lamp with adjustable levels can help you see better and help with eye strain. The jury is still out on the actual benefits of blue light glasses, but they are pretty cheap, so why not give them a go to safeguard your eyes during extended screen time?
Invest in the best
It may not be obvious but having the best quality equipment available will dramatically improve your ability to compete with the best. The most important upgrade any aspiring pro should make is ensuring their internet speeds are up to scratch. When games require split-second decision making, lowering the delay between your inputs getting to the server can be the difference between winning and losing.
Alongside fast internet, a proper mouse and keyboard will also mean those inputs are passed on that split second fast. Having a powerful desktop computer is also a major bonus, especially as it allows you to get started in content creation without much trouble — but don’t be too concerned if you’re beginning your journey on a laptop, if you can run the game fine, you’ll be set until you find the opportunity to upgrade.
What to know more about the best internet speeds for serious gaming? Click here.
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