I am all about having a positive playing experience online. I am 31 years old, gaming is not my job. It is simply a recreational passionate hobby of mine. My Halo rank has no influence on my life whatsoever. That’s right, you heard me. I fully realize that my life will continue along its happy way, even if my rank goes below 30. Actually, my rank is always below 30 and I lead a fabulous life. See, point made.
I have said several times over that Xbox Live is a predominantly negative place. The randoms that infest it are often times untolerable. I have written two articles about how you can help improve the general atmosphere of Live, the first one about the golden rule of do unto others and the second one covering the importance of utilizing the feedback system. Now I am going to discuss how you can mold your own experience and create the exact atmosphere you are craving.
I think one of the most important parts of creating a positive experience for yourself is finding like minded gamers. If you are going to spend your free time playing video games, you want to find people who play the same way as you do. Finding a good fit is invaluable to your overall playing experience.
Are you a super competitive person who wants to dedicate hours each day to improving your skills so you can dominate the ranked playlists? Look for those players that share that passion. They have to be willing to invest the same time that you will be investing. I can’t imagine having that as my goal without a solid support system behind me. The randoms of Live tend to quit at the first hint of failure, which is certainly not what you are looking for. Find a team that will support you in your goals and also seek the same support from you.
Are you on the opposite end of the spectrum and simply looking to have a good time when you game, win or lose? Would you like to play and chat at the same time, making small talk and jokes as you enjoy the game? If you are fielded with competitive players, they will get frustrated with your chatter. However if you are in a room of similar minded people whose first priority is enjoying each other’s company, everybody will have a fantastic time.
Are you someone who finds yourself somewhere in the middle? Do you like to win and play strategically but don’t mind the loss as long as you are playing competitive games? Do you enjoy the chit chat, you just prefer it to be contained within the pre and post game lobbies? Find those people that feel the same way. People that enjoy focusing on the game but know how to enjoy themselves whether they win or lose would be a perfect match for you.
Do you remember Choose Your Own Adventure books? Dude, I loved those. I always read each option and then selected the one that I liked the best. I don’t think I read a single one the way you are supposed to. Anyways, your Xbox Live experience is similar in the fact that it will be what you make of it. You choose your own path. You create your own experience. You hold your own fate in your hands as far as if you will enjoy your online time or not.
There are so many different clans and communities out there that offer something unique. Some offer competitive play. Some offer recreational play. Some offer adult only experiences. Some offer female only experiences. The possibilities are near endless. Spend your time researching and finding a good fit for yourself. Find a place that is full of like minded gamers so you are ensured a good time. If we all fill up our friends list and spend our time in full parties, all of those randoms will be left to interact with each other instead of us.
Choose your own adventure in the land of Xbox Live. Your gaming happiness depends on it.
Funny. Dan Hsu from EGM touched on this in August’s issue.
Nothing more to say — you and Hsu said it!
That’s awesome. He says in one paragraph what I took 2 articles to say! Article #2 in my series is actually all about the feedback system. I strongly believe if it was better utilized, people would be much happier.
If there is one thing I have learned on XBox Live over the years, it is that you need to take charge of your own experience. I can guarantee randoms are not going to give you what you are looking for.
Great read & loving the blog! As an Aussie gamer, we need to contend with the three foot marines as well as “international lag” which really detracts from an otherwise awesome MP experience (talking Halo here….). Fortunately there are a lot of great local gaming communities as you’ve mentioned, many of which are for the more mature gamers. I only tend to play arranged/custom games with friends these days and the experience is always positive.
Great read yet again!
Getting active in a clan or community really heightens Halo experience as well as the XBL experience as a whole. I strongly encouarge anyone who enjoys gaming to do so.
Not only are you happy with the group you play with when you find that speical group of people; but also you get to be a part of something special.
*cough8bitbrigadecough*