The Covid-19 lock-downs across the world have had a dramatic effect on our society, as self-isolation rules force more and more people to stay at home to avoid the effects of the pandemic. In hundreds of countries, social events have been cancelled, and outdoor hobbies have become extremely difficult to pursue. Indoor hobbies, conversely, have seen a surge of popularity during the pandemic. Gaming is at the core of this wave of new interest, and the rate at which Nintendo Switches are flying off the shelves makes it clear just how many people are picking up a new console, possibly for the first time.
Many of these people trying out gaming for the first time are turning to their game-playing friends, family, and loved ones in order to get started in the hobby. The world of modern gaming is an intimidating one to approach for the first time, full of questions about which console to play on, and which games to play. To help out those gamers looking to introduce their non-gamer quarantine companions to the hobby, here's our breakdown of some of the best games to play with first-timers.
Games to Play Together
The granddaddy of accessible, mass-appeal games, Minecraft has captured the imaginations of millions of players of all ages since its 2011 release. The initial simplicity of its block-based world, which slowly broadens and deepens with time, is the perfect introduction for a new player. Another advantage of the game is that it's able to run on a wide variety of consoles, meaning that new players are less likely to need a potentially-expensive device to play it on.
Another fantastic co-operative game for playing with non-gamer friends is Stardew Valley, which is also available on a huge variety of devices ranging from the Nintendo Switch to iOS. Taking an even slower pace than Minecraft, Stardew Valley tasks players will renewing a family farm in the sleepy and rural Pelican Town. The game's relaxed pace and simple mechanics are perfect for new players of any age, and the clean pixel visuals and evocative soundtrack are instantly enticing.
Games to Play Against Each Other
A lesser-known title compared to most in this article, Armello is a clever, turn-based strategy game available on PC, MacOS, Linux, PS4, Xbox One, iOS, Android, and Nintendo Switch. Each of Armello's animal heroes represents a different approach to winning its battle for the throne, and each has their own strengths and weaknesses that are easy to understand and utilize. The excellent soundtrack and great animation work help to elevate what is essentially a virtual board-game, broadening its appeal.
For people looking for an even more familiar experience for their non-gamer friends, look no further than Tabletop Simulator. With extensive DLC and a lively modding community on Steam, Berserk Games' virtual tabletop is host to a vast array of converted board games, allowing separated families to continue playing their favorite titles together. The physics-based controls are easy to pick up, but offer deep customization for those inclined to make the most of them.
Games That Are Fun To Watch
For those gamers who only have one system to play on at home, introducing non-gamers to co-operative and competitive games may not be an option. Thankfully, there are quite a few games out there that are either as fun to watch as they are to play, or great to play as a team even with only one controller. The best of these titles are those games that combine movie-like scenarios with engaging narratives and compelling characters. Examples include the haunting and heartfelt The Last of Us, the Indiana Jones-esque adventures of Nathan Drake or Lara Croft in Uncharted or Tomb Raider, and the mysterious sci-fi world of Horizon: Zero Dawn.
Horror fans are well catered for in this category too, with a swathe of narrative horror games that are every bit as fun to watch as they are to play. Titles like Layers of Fear, Outlast and Until Dawn are perfectly set to draw both players and spectators into their dark worlds, full of grotesque paintings, terrifying brushes with insanity, and ancient, supernatural terrors.
Thankfully, for the more faint of heart, there are also several excellent narrative games that won't test the nerves quite as heavily. These walking-sim titles are perfect for curling up and playing together, whether exploring the atmospheric forests of Firewatch, uncovering the heartfelt stories of Gone Home, or meeting the wonderfully human characters of Tacoma.
All in all, there's never been a better time to introduce non-gamer friends to the hobby. The sheer range of excellent titles on offer means that there's something out there for everyone, and although the ideas above are all safe bets, its always best to try and find something that really appeals to the interests of the intended audience.