1. Don’t Cheat To Get Ahead
Cheating is always frowned upon, no matter what game you’re playing. Of course, when it comes to gambling, cheating is illegal and should never be done. This includes counting cards or working with another player to manipulate the outcome of a round of blackjack.
In video games, cheaters can use third-party software or exploit bugs to manipulate a game’s rules in their favour.
You’re not gaining an advantage when you cheat in an online game. Not only is the likelihood high that you will be caught eventually, but you’re also ruining the game for anyone else. You may also get a bad reputation, since no one wants to play against a known cheater.
2. Always Be A Team Player
You’ll be playing with or against other people in most online gaming worlds. This means that you need to build relationships, especially if you’re playing in a team or working with other gamers towards a common goal.
When it comes to online casino games, it is actually sometimes best to know when not to engage with others. This is especially true for live dealer games. The availability of live table games impacts how UK players choose casinos, and you don’t want to be a reason why someone stops gaming because you were being too obnoxious at the poker table.
It all comes down to knowing when to interact and maintaining mutual respect for other players, whether they’re in your team or your opponents.
3. Be A Good Sport, Even When Losing
Knowing how to lose gracefully is very important when online gaming, especially if you’re playing with a headset and other players can hear or see you. Being a good sport is about remaining respectful and polite, and not moping or cussing when you lose.
The same is true when you’re winning. Boasting, bragging, and strutting your stuff is distasteful. When you’re playing online casino games, there is real money at stake, and you need to be both a gracious winner and loser.
4. Be Considerate Of Other Players
Being a good sport also means you’re considerate of the emotions of other players at all times. There are already too many harmful trolls on the internet who get a thrill from bullying other people, and you don’t want to get a bad reputation.
Many gamers turn to online games for a fun time or a quick distraction. They want to interact with people from other countries. It is everyone’s responsibility to make it a welcoming place, be aware of cultural differences, and keep in mind how your actions or words may impact others.
5. Take The Scenic Route
Think of a game like Skyrim. There is the main Dragonborn quest, but when you talk to non-playable characters (NPCs) you will quickly stumble upon dozens of fascinating side quests which will have you exploring all corners of the map.
Most gamers know that to get the most out of their game, they need to take the scenic route to destinations. Skip the fast travel and ride your horse where you need to go. You can level up your skills, get new weapons or gear, unlock more quests, or stumble upon hidden collectables.
6. Become A Hoarder
This rule applies to games where you can collect gear and equipment as you play. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a dedicated gamer who hasn’t turned into a hoarder of potions, elixirs, weak weapons, and items they’ll never use; convinced they need to keep them.
This unwritten rule is certainly true for role-playing games (RPGs). You find a super-strength, single-use healing potion in a chest, and decide to hold onto it for the rest of the game because you might just need it more later.
This means that you’re finishing your game with a pack full of unused items and the promise that you’ll do better next time.
7. Don’t Give Unsolicited Advice
One rule that has stood the test of time since the creation of video games is this: don’t give your advice unless asked. It can be incredibly triggering for a frustrated player if someone is quipping in with unsolicited advice, whether they’re placing bets on an online slot machine or playing a round of online chess.
People who want advice will ask for it, and offering your opinion can feel belittling, even if you were only trying to help.