How to Play a Multiplayer Game on a PC

Whether you want to play a PC game with a friend or you're seeking the opportunity to make new friendships online, try playing a multiplayer PC game on the computer. Here are a few tips on how to make the most of your game and your multiplayer experience.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Create a list of game titles that match your interests. Write beside each title the PC specs required for that game and any accessories (controller, light gun, webcam or microphone) that you'll need for basic game play or for a fully interactive gaming experience.

2. Verify, before purchasing a game from your list or installing a borrowed one, that your PC has a decent video card and speakers, a compatible game installation drive (if you're are not purchasing your game online for immediate download) and enough hard drive disk space and memory to support the installation of the game(s) you have chosen. If you are considering Massive Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs), you'll need a high-speed Internet connection.

3. Buy a boxed game at a retail store, online retailer or purchase one online for immediate game or MMORPG environment download. If you have set up an account for a free game or MMORPG, skip this step.

4. Follow the installation instructions for your chosen game and install the game on to your PC. If you own an external hard drive, install your game onto the external drive to reduce memory and hard drive resources drain and resulting video or Internet connection lag time.

5. Play your game with one or more additional players by following the gaming instructions or video game guide. In the case of MMORPGs, the website can provide you with a FAQ link and an online community of other gamers to help make the game more enjoyable.

6. Join online groups or gaming clubs to learn more about your game. Through your new network of gamers, you can learn about secret aspects of your game, read game cheats to help you past an area of the game that has proven too difficult or frustrating or move the gaming experience from your PC and into the real word through live gaming events and conferences.

Tips & Warnings

• Playing PC games for hours on end can cause serious medical problems such as poor posture, eye, carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow and "player's thumb," which are the result of near-constant stress or strain on joints, tendons and nervous system. Take regular breaks every 20 minutes or so to allow your eyes to refocus and your muscles to relax, do not play for more than an hour at a time and stop playing immediately if you experience headaches, numbness or tingling, muscle or joint pain or burning sensations. If any symptoms continue for a lengthy period or fail to go away, seek immediate medical assistance as such symptoms can be the sign of a serious injury.