Play to win is an Australian trait that is well known in the world of sport. It’s an attitude that has drawn a mixture of disapproval and grudging admiration among opponents in sports like cricket and rugby, where Australia’s ruthless determination has won the nation plenty of medals but few friends.
That attitude looks to be alive and well in the world of gaming. From casino games to eSports, gaming culture is flourishing down under and more Australians own a game console than a surf board.. However, it is in the world of mobile gaming that things are really taking off. This medium represents more than half of the entire gaming market.
Whatever the platform, however, Australian gamers tend to equip themselves well. The right gadgets can enhance the experience and even more importantly, at least from an Australian perspective, can add that extra one or two percent to your performance. Here are some of the gadgets that are trending down under at present.
Ergonomic controllers – the casino player’s friend
Casino gaming is a unique niche within Australia’s gaming world. It tends to be occupied by older individuals than average, and ones with above-average disposable cash. Mobile casinos are massively popular Down Under as the simplest way to access web-based pokie machines, but fiddly handset controls can ruin the fun. An external controller with sculpted design is just the thing.
Customizable controllers give eSport players more options
Here’s an example of how different types of players have different needs and priorities around the same accessories and gadgets. For the casino player, the priority is comfort and ergonomics. An eSport player wants to customize the controls to his exact specifications, just like you adjust the seat height and the mirrors before driving off in the car. There are so many little accessories for controllers now it is worth taking some time to be clear about which ones are going to have a material impact on the game or games you most commonly play.
Immersive audio is like eyes in the back of your head
Sound is about more than background music to add atmosphere. In some games, it can provide vital information such as cues to an enemy’s approach. Serious Australian gamers are seldom seen without a good quality headset that allows them to distinguish between different types of audio cues in a way that just wouldn’t be possible from the speaker on your phone, TV or laptop. Having said that, comfort is also important. In the Australian climate, the last thing you want is a tight and heavy set of headphones. The best sellers feature moisture-wicking materials to help players keep their cool, however tense the game might become.
A gaming chair for comfort and focus
It’s funny, we have been aware of the importance of ergonomics in the workplace for decades, and businesses spend serious money on office chairs that are fully adjustable. It is just as important for gamers, who might spend even longer in one position focused on a screen. It’s not about comfort for comfort’s sake, either. Just as a business knows a comfortable employee will be more productive, so a comfortable gamer will not be distracted by a stiff neck or a back spasm at a critical moment. Remember, it’s all about those small percentages.
Gadgets make sense for all gamers
It is interesting to see how popular gaming gadgets are in Australia. We have been a little tongue in cheek comparing them with the Australian will to win at all costs, but in all seriousness every one of these gadgets makes a lot of sense on all levels.
After all, even if you are just playing for fun and are not seeking that extra two percent, you’ll have a lot more enjoyment if you are comfortable, have optimum handset control and the best audio. Whatever your motivation, when it comes to gaming, it’s a case of gadgets for the win.