How to Put Together a DIY Gaming Station
The world of DIY always goes through certain trends, usually as people go about trying to recreate something they saw on a TV show or at the crib of their favorite celebrity. This can be anything from feeling the need to cover a back yard in decking, stripping back walls to uncover fashionably bare brick, or turning a garden shed into a man cave or mini writing retreat.
The latest fad to add to this list is that of the gaming station, a place designed to cater to every possible need an avid gamer could have. Here we look at exactly what goes into creating your very own DIY gaming station.
Why Do You Need a Gaming Station in the First Place?
Any serious gamer will want to be comfortable, and to maximize their performance when playing competitive games. A gaming station is all about achieving these goals by setting up your room and equipping yourself with the gear that you need to be the best. This may be as simple as a comfy chair and decent monitor, or it could be a full blown setup that is tailored not only to gaming, but also to broadcasting.
Any gaming streamer worth their salt makes sure they always have a few vital accessories to hand. These include a high-grade webcam that gives their beloved viewers a crystal-clear image, as well as a sharp and snappy microphone that cuts out annoying background noise. These are relatively easy items to pick up, and will transform any gaming station into a place that can enable new streamers to build an audience and community, whether they are into battle royales, poker tournaments or endless rounds of FIFA or NBA 2K.
Now let’s delve into more detail regarding each of these items.
Lighting and Color Thematic
If you are planning to transform a box room, shed, or spare bedroom into a gaming station, the likelihood of it being sufficiently well lit and decorated is slim to none. Remember, if down the line you begin wanting to stream yourself gaming or release video content on YouTube, people will take note of your surrounds. Some gamers even mount fancy light arrays and graphics on the walls behind them to give their stream that extra professional feel.
A Gaming Chair Can Save Your Back and Your Neck
Long periods of dedicated gaming often mean being stationary for hours on end, so ensuring your desk, chair, and screens are all set up correctly is vitally important. The best companies to check out for top of the range gaming chairs include Razor, SecretLab, and noblechairs. You’ve got a bit more flexibility when it comes to desks, but if you do want to spend a little more then opt for an adjustable electric desk, so you can game as effectively standing up as you would sitting down.
Make Sure Monitors are Up to Scratch
You tend to get what you pay for in life, so it’s important to do your research before making a major purchase, especially when it comes to knowing which computer screens will be best suited to the sort of gaming you wish to partake in. There are more choices available than ever before, with everything from curved screens to oversized screens, bringing different qualities and benefits to the table. Some good brands to check out are Razer (Yes, they make chairs and screens), Asus, and Gigabyte.
Hardware and Software to Get You Stream Ready
If all you plan to do with your gaming station is use it to game at a recreational level, then you could stop your gaming station montage here. However, if you become tempted to try your hand at streaming your gaming exploits you will also need a good quality mic, a similarly high-tech webcam, as well as some lush Twitch overlays to give your stream that wow factor. The webcam most streamers plump for is the Logitech StreamCam, while the mic tends to be the Blue Yeti X.