From eGame champions to amateur gamers, anyone who has sat and played video games for more than an hour at a time understands the importance of the gaming environment. Comfortable seating, lighting that isn’t too bright, and adequate sound are just a few of the aspects to consider when designing a gaming space.
The good news is, if you’re moving into a new home – or you just happen to have the energy and time to rearrange your space – then you’ve got the perfect opportunity to design the game room of your dreams.
How Big Should a Game Room Be?
Traditional recreation rooms must be a certain size, in part because the equipment (think pool tables or theater screens) takes up so much space. This is also because it’s expected that there will be several people in the room at any given time.
With computer and video games, this isn’t the norm.
Think about your gaming habits and what space would make sense for you. Are you strictly a solo gamer? Your game “room” can be as small as a corner in a bedroom or living room. On the other hand, if you enjoy hosting multiple friends for game night – something that has become increasingly popular as consoles have transformed – then you might do better with a spare room dedicated to the sport.
This will also depend on what sort of display screen you’re using. PC gaming often requires less space (although that’s not a guarantee), whereas modern consoles allow you to play a video game from across the room – if your TV is large enough.
So the short answer is: It depends. We recommend a larger space for game nights, but feel free to set up in a corner or small spare bedroom if it suits your needs.
What Do You Need for a Gaming Room?
Again, this will vary based on individual needs and preferences, but there are some generic aspects that should be available in all game rooms.
Adequate Wiring
You will need at least one – but probably several – outlets to run your systems. Display screens, consoles, sound systems, and chargers all require an electrical source, so be sure to pick a room or space that has outlets located in convenient spots (raised or ceiling outlets can come in handy sometimes).
Additionally, you’ll need to pick up some equipment. Power strips are a necessity, but not all are made equal. Specifically, you will need a power strip that is also a surge protector; this will prevent your equipment from becoming damaged during power spikes or surges. No one wants to lose progress due to a sudden blackout, but that irritation is amplified if you later learn the ensuing surge when power was restored fried your equipment.
For PC gamers, an uninterruptible power supply (or UPS) is a smart investment. Not only will your equipment be protected in the event of a power surge, but it will continue to run should the rest of your home lose power.
Display Screens
When gaming, not only do you need to be able to take in the overall picture, but often you’ll need to focus on various areas of the screen, read text, or process several visual cues at once. If you’re a casual gamer, you can probably get by with a reasonably-sized 4K TV. If you’re picking out a TV that will double as the family’s movie screen every Friday, don’t just go with best gaming quality; rather, go with what makes the most overall sense for your budget, space, and uses.
But for a lot of gamers, video quality is an important aspect that affects the overall experience. After all, we’re often looking for an immersive experience that allows us to appreciate the picture quality and details that go into game development. For the highest quality, consider the LG OLED 4K Smart TV. They come at a hefty (and often prohibitive) price, but you will receive the best picture quality for gaming. Important note: It’s got all the bells and whistles, so do some research and decide if you need the full experience.
Research is also highly suggested if you’re looking to buy one or multiple monitors for PC gaming. The LG OLED equivalent is the ASUS ROG Swift, a pricey model that delivers amazing images and a fast refresh rate. A more affordable option? The BenQ EL2870U has a slower refresh rate but doesn’t sacrifice picture quality. BenQ also has a projector model that’s popular for those looking for a larger-sized screen.
A Gaming Chair
If you’ve ever tried to curl up on a couch and game for hours on end, you’ve probably found yourself readjusting every few minutes, to avoid risking the inevitable strained joint or muscle. Gaming chairs are a great solution to this; they are designed to keep you comfortable while minimizing the strain on your body (primarily through serious lumbar support).
An ergonomic desk chair will do the trick, but there are plenty of tricked out options that, if absolutely nothing else, will make you feel really cool while you’re gaming. Go for a popular racing style game chair with various color options, or up your comfort level with a gaming chair that has a built in back massage! If you’re looking for support and the cool aesthetics of a gamer’s chair but don’t care too much for the extra tech, a basic high back chair is also an option.
Tabletops and Storage
Of course, no gaming room is complete without a desk or entertainment center, as well as plenty of storage. An L-shaped corner desk is a great option for those who plan to use multiple monitors while gaming, as you can easily shift perspective as needed. An ergonomic standing desk is another great option for minimizing the strain on your back.
You’ll also need some sort of storage for games, upgrades, extra equipment, snacks, blankets, and anything else that might make your gaming room a real sanctuary. If you don’t need much storage or don’t want something that will take up a lot of floor space, go for a tiered, rotating cube shelf. A wall-mounted shelf is another space-saving option.
If you’re using a TV anyways, might as well get a console stand that’s got enough space to store games and gadgets. Pick up a bookshelf or two for even more space. Rest assured, no matter your gaming aesthetic, even modern craftsman, there’s an entertainment unit for you out there.
The last thing you need? Friends! Of course, this is assuming you’ve already got a console, controllers and games. If not, I’m personally a PlayStation loyalist, but there are plenty of options to consider. We could all use a little less stress, and video games are a great way to work through that; trust me, you don’t want to pass up the opportunity to add a gaming room to your new home.
Kian Zozobrado joined Builders Digital Experience (BDX) in 2019 as a content writer. A graduate of Southwestern University with a degree in English, Kian is passionate about the written word and making connections. Outside of work, Kian also serves as president of the Board of Directors for the Writers’ League of Texas.
How to Decorate in a Modern Farmhouse Design Style