For a billion-dollar industry, videogames can be intimidating for a lot of people. I made a slideshow breaking down the steps to helping someone get into gaming.

1. How I Taught My Girlfriend To Play
Videogames
By Christian Slaugh
Photo taken by Christian
Slaugh

2. Do you know someone that wants to get into games but is
intimidated by all the buttons, systems, and camera controls?
My girlfriend was one such person and I was able to turn her into a
fan of the hobby.
You can do the same for someone with these easy steps!
Photo by Anton Porsche, taken from Pixabay Photo by Robin Higgins, taken from Pixabay

3. Step 1: Start Super Simple
Photo by Rafael Javier, taken from Pixabay

4. Nope. Even simpler than that.
While modern Mario games may be suitable for newcomers,
3d games and camera control can be tough to deal with for a
beginner
Super Mario Odyssey. Nintendo. (2017)
In-game screenshot captured by Christian Slaugh

5. There we go!
Four directions: left, right, up, and down
Two buttons: run/grab and jump
Super Mario World. Nintendo. (1991)
In-game screenshot captured by Christian Slaugh

6. From there, you can look at 2D adventure games like the
early Zelda titles. They are simple to control, but encourage
exploration and puzzle solving as well as combat
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. Nintendo. (1992)
In-game screenshot captured by Christian Slaugh

7. 2D Games that involve exploration as well as shooting
projectiles are great because they require reflexes and
critical thinking
Super Metroid. Nintendo. (1994)
In-game screenshot captured by Christian Slaugh

8. Step 2: Try New Genres

9. Many gaming genres have solid
entries in 2D. Exposing someone
to these genres without having
to worry about too many buttons
or 3D elements could be a great
introduction for them
Fighting Puzzle
Racing Sports
F-Zero. Nintendo. (1991)
In-game screenshot captured by Christian Slaugh
NHL ‘94. EA Sports. (1993)
In-game screenshot captured by Christian Slaugh
Street Fighter II.
Capcom. (1992)
In-game screenshot
captured by Christian Slaugh
Tetris & Dr. Mario.
Nintendo. (1994)
In-game screenshot captured
by Christian Slaugh

10. Step 3: Make the Jump to 3D

11. Doom is a perfect steppingstone from 2D to 3D because it
involves 3D movement but no vertical camera control
Doom. Id Software. (1993)
In-game screenshot captured by
Christian Slaugh

12. Mario’s first 3D game introduced many gamers to camera
controls and is still a great introduction to 3D to this day
Super Mario 64.
Nintendo. (1996)
In-game screenshot captured
by Christian Slaugh

13. Like learning 2D games, you can start to incorporate more
complex mechanics like puzzles and more-open worlds
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina
of Time. Nintendo. (1996)
In-game screenshot captured by Christian
Slaugh

14. And that’s about it! From there you can help the person find
more games that suit their tastes and introduce new play styles!
Make sure that you’re patient and helpful along their journey!
Photo taken by Christian
Slaugh