Whether gaming is your hobby, passion, or profession, a dedicated gaming space is an absolute must. Video games are all about immersion, and creating an atmosphere that complements your favorite games helps you get the most out of them. Plus, having a well-curated setup also improves performance and promotes proper ergonomics. While not every gamer can afford a Twitch-worthy gaming den, there are a few essential elements that no one should go without.
“People often underestimate the long-term rewards of investing in proper gaming equipment,” says Brad Lunt, CEO of GoatGuns, a premium collectible toy model firearm brand that provides shooter fans with intricate, non-firing, build-it-yourself 1:3 scale models of their favorite in-game weapons. “Your gaming space can have a huge impact on your performance while also boosting immersion. It can really bring your favorite games to life.”
An Ergonomic Setup
A strong PC gaming setup should be built around the monitors, as they are the piece of equipment you’ll interact with most directly. To maximize comfort, arrange them so that they’re slightly above eye level, as this will reduce the strain on your neck. There are plenty of computer mounts, including adjustable and multi-monitor ones, that can radically improve your setup.
Next to the monitor(s), the chair is probably the most important piece of equipment in your entire gaming room. “Traditional desk chairs force your spine to bear the weight of your arms, torso, and head, which often causes people to slip into a slouch by default,” says Lunt. “By contrast, a chair with lumbar and neck support, adjustable armrests, and a padded backrest ensures short-term comfort while helping you develop better posture in the long term.”
Finally, select a spacious desk. A standing desk can be a good investment, but effective placement of your chair and monitors can achieve a similar effect at less cost. Still, it’s important to ensure that your desk is optimized for comfort and performance, giving you enough space to easily move your mouse without knocking anything over.
Immersive Lighting
Though often overlooked, lighting is essential to a room’s atmosphere and has tangible effects on our moods and behavior. Just imagine watching a horror movie in a theater with the bright house lights all on: it’s almost impossible to feel truly terrified.
When designing your gaming space, you have plenty of agency over the mood you want to create. There are a wide variety of LED lights that attach to your wall or desk and can sync up with your computer or TV to change colors to compliment on-screen action. For gamers who prize immersion, these light fixtures can be game-changers.
Cool Collectibles and Memorabilia
A space isn’t truly yours unless it is full of items that express your personality. Having posters, books, and figurines from your favorite games marks the space out as your own and helps engage your creativity.
Collectibles help bring games to life, mirroring your in-game achievements and bringing you closer to those imagined worlds. A durable, well-designed piece can be a powerful reminder of your favorite games and best gaming experiences. It can be tempting to want to put favorite figurines on your desk, but, if you plan to do so, place them where sudden movements will not knock them over or cause them to fall.
“One of the most rewarding parts of gaming is collecting in-game gear,” says Lunt. “Much of it is beautifully designed and serves as a testament to your skill. Being able to have a tangible representation of the items or characters that really mean something to you helps you develop an even deeper connection with these artifacts.”
Organized Cables
It’s common for gamers not to realize just how many cables their setup requires until they’ve gotten all their machines set up and found themselves confronted with a dense forest of wires. It’s important to start thinking about cable management from the get-go, and even to minimize it altogether by opting for wireless products.
Of course, not every piece of equipment can be made wireless, so you’ll need a solid plan for managing the cables you do have. Fortunately, there are plenty of workstation cable organizers and cable ties that make it easy to streamline your cable setup. Running your wires underneath the desk or around the wall minimizes the potential for cables to become unplugged or damaged.
Smart Storage
If you’re serious about gaming, chances are you’ve got much more than just a console and a screen: you’ve probably got headsets, controllers, a game cartridge collection, and even multiple consoles. It’s obviously more convenient to have all of this readily available, but it’s not always apparent where to keep all of it. The last thing you want is to risk losing or damaging an expensive and essential piece of hardware.
Investing in a combination of all-purpose and specific shelves is key to maintaining order. For console gamers, it’s smart to have multiple shelves or drawers in which to store extra consoles and keep your games neatly organized. To get the most longevity out of your controllers and headsets, it’s a good idea to invest in specially designed holders that prevent wear and tear.
Finding a winning combination of these five elements might take a little planning, but it’s more than worth it. Having a space that’s as unique as you are helps transform your gaming time from play to experience.
