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Should Video Game Developers Adapt Popular Literature?

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Should Video Game Developers Adapt Popular Literature

Graphics and gameplay are crucial to a good game experience, but that’s not the only thing that matters with games. What makes games so compelling is, at the end of the day, their narratives. Games are increasingly capable of conveying sprawling worlds and complex narratives. And as consoles and platforms get better and better, the potential of new games expands.

Some good examples of this include games like the Final Fantasy series, which is known for its sprawling fantasy world. Far Cry is another game that is known for its epic saga of political conflict and struggle. A good game is made even better by its narrative, which is why game developers are always on the look out for the next great story.

While many games are impactful because they’re original creations, there are other games adapted from popular culture and literature that have also seen the same level of success. These include games like The Witcher series, as well as the Pokémon franchise.

The popularity of game adaptations brings up the age-old question: should game developers adapt popular literature? We’re here to say yes, and here are a few examples that would shine on your gaming screen.

The Windup Girl

The Windup Girl is a novel by Paolo Bacigalupi that examines contemporary issues like global warming and biotechnology. Set in Thailand in the 23rd century, it’s a rich novel filled with commentary about ethics, community, politics, and the environment.

Bacigalupi was able to capture the richness of Thailand in his novel, and it’ll be interesting to see how that could be reflected in modern gaming graphics or VR. The subject matter is also incredibly thought-provoking, which could make a game adaptation the source of much buzz and anticipation.

Circe

Circe by Madeline Miller was one of the biggest hits of 2018. A follow-up to The Song Of Achilles (which also did quite well), the book details the life of Circe, a minor goddess and enchantress, as well as her encounter with the famed Odysseus.

Greek mythology isn’t new to games, and the recent success of dungeon crawler Hades can attest to that. Adapting Circe to a platform or console could bring the myth to more people, and challenge game developers to work details like Circe’s herbs and potions into their graphics, as well as her spellcasting in gameplay. Plus, she would be a compelling female protagonist, which is unfortunately rare in gaming.

The Andromeda Strain

There’s something compelling about a medical thriller, and Michael Crichton’s The Andromeda Strain is perfect proof of that. Combining tech, disease, and humans’ underlying fear of mortality, Crichton’s novel is a thrilling race against time that has spawned an entire genre of its own.

A game adaptation of The Andromeda Strain would be especially timely given world events. Developers could use VR to create a particularly immersive experience. The mix of science and adrenaline could definitely launch a whole genre of gaming, in the same way that the original novel launched Crichton’s career.

The Lies of Locke Lamora

There’s nothing more fun than a video game romp through a densely populated virtual city. Scott Lynch’s novel The Lies of Locke Lamora was the first in his The Gentleman Bastard Sequence, and remains one of his most popular novels to date.

Its popularity is due in large part to the dynamic characters and fascinating world. Game developers would do well to explore the seedy criminal underbelly of Lynch’s Camorr, which calls inspiration from historical Venice. Players could pick through a diverse cast of characters to scheme, steal, and speed their way through the city for hours of entertainment.

The Long Ships

Ever wanted to play a game that explored Viking Sweden? The Viking saga The Long Ships, written by Frans Gunnar Bengtsson, could be just the thing. A historical novel that immerses the reader deep into the tenth century, it highlights courageous Red Orm and his journey from captive to Viking.

The Long Ships would be an especially exciting topic for a game. Developers could create mini-games out of building longboats or looking for materials, and fast-paced gameplay could recreate the excitement of the Viking Age. Overall, it’s a good choice for people who love a bit of history and conflict at the same time.

From Work To Gaming | Which Laptop Is Right For Me?

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Not all laptops are the same, we all know that. One convinces with razor-sharp images, the other with incomparable power and the next is simply uniquely light. With the thousands of variants and options , it is easy to lose track of things. We will therefore help you to clarify the question: which laptop is right for me?

Laptop: what is important to know?

First, let’s start with the basics. Most laptops differ considerably in their basic properties , the built-in hardware and the installed software. So that you can make an initial assessment, we have put together a few factors that you should weigh before you answer the question “which laptop is right for me”. If you have answered these, you can order your gaming laptop in the GamingGuru shop !

First of all, you should ask yourself what you are actually using the laptop for . So you probably have completely different performance requirements when you need it for university than when you want to use it for gaming. In addition, the question arises of whether you want to transport it regularly or whether it should be a replacement PC at home, because that will also limit your weight. Last but not least, it remains to weigh up whether the laptop should be your primary device, because then it is of course better if all options are open to you with it. If, on the other hand, you also have a desktop PC, you can make some compromises in terms of performance.

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It depends on the size

Yes, you heard that right, when choosing a laptop, the size is definitely the decisive factor and, for some, the first exclusion criterion . The size of the housing is also decisive for other factors – particularly obvious: the screen size. Here we differentiate between five main sizes:

  • Very small: 10 “(about 25 cm)
  • Small: 11 “to 12” (about 28 to 30 cm)
  • Normal: 13 “to 14” (about 33 to 36 cm)
  • Large: 15 “to 16” (about 38 to 41 cm)
  • Very large: 17 “(about 43 cm)

A larger screen means that you have more space and that you can see more details – at least if the resolution and the corresponding hardware play along. This is also the reason why most gaming laptops have a large to very large screen, because this is essential for gaming.

Of course, the size also influences the weight of your laptop, because of course, the larger the case, the heavier the device. So, especially if you want to use your laptop a lot on the go, you should consider making compromises here. Laptops for schoolchildren and students in particular are usually narrow and small so that your arms don’t fall off when you carry them.

Out and about in the world: battery life

If you travel a lot with your laptop, you will probably place a particularly high value on the battery performance. In order to keep this as high as possible, some manufacturers refrain from excessively powerful models – because: Power needs electricity and both together are only possible in moderation.

Conversely, this also means that gaming notebooks rarely have a high battery power, after all they have to have enormous power to start various games. The same applies to laptops for photographers, because their displays have to show an incredibly wide range of colors, which is simply not possible without the appropriate power.

For presentations & Co .: interfaces

One point that many people forget when asked “which laptop is right for me” is the number and selection of interfaces. This is especially important if you want to connect your laptop to other devices on a regular basis. Do you often give presentations or regularly introduce new products at work? Then an HDMI connection (and ideally also a DVI connection) is indispensable.

However, if you want to gamble online, we can only recommend that you buy a laptop with a LAN connection . Because the fact is that a connection via cable is much more stable than one via WLAN – and what is more frustrating than when the message “Connection Lost” suddenly appears? If you want to gamble on your laptop, you should definitely have some USB 3.0 ports available. These allow you to optionally connect a particularly fast external hard drive or external graphics card.

Intuitive, practical & customizable: the operating system

When the question “which laptop is right for me” comes up, another decisive factor is the operating system . We want to anticipate that there is definitely the possibility of changing and adapting this after the purchase. However, in our experience, many laptop users want a finished end product.

Three operating systems that are particularly popular are currently established on the market : MacOS, Windows and Linux. Of course there are countless others in addition to these, but they are less well known and therefore usually not preinstalled on the laptops. The decision regarding the operating system should be based on your personal preferences.

Windows: Most used and widely loved

Windows has been the winner when it comes to the most widely used operating system for several decades. The majority opts for the Microsoft system, especially on the desktop PC . It is easy to use and can also be easily adapted to individual needs. Another big plus for gamers is that virtually every game runs on the latest Windows versions – the other systems cannot claim that.

MacOS: Simple and intuitive

The Apple MacOS, on the other hand, is still the test winner when it comes to intuitive operation . Since we are talking about laptops, it should also be noted at this point that Apple is definitely catching up here – but is still a long way from reaching the number of users that Windows is presenting. Nevertheless, if you use several Apple devices such as the iPad or iPhone, you will be pleased with the unbeatably easy communication between the devices. In addition, most games are now also optimized for use on the Mac – the question here is more whether the Apple hardware can keep up.

Linux: individual and tricky

Have you discovered your passion for programming and design ? Then you are well served with Linux. Because the open source operating system offers you countless possibilities for customizing and trying out and is even free of charge. However, it has its “quirks” and is rather unsuitable for those who are looking for a simple, intuitive way. Getting started is definitely easier with the user-friendly Ubuntu offshoot. But watch out for gamers! Not every game runs flawlessly on these two systems!

The ultimate gaming laptop

If you answered the question “which laptop is right for me” with a gaming laptop, then we would like to give you a few tips on the way. First and foremost, performance is particularly important for gaming: This means that the laptop should run stably even under high load .

In addition, it should have the best possible graphics quality , because this is the only way you can really immerse yourself in the gaming experience. But that is no longer a problem nowadays, because even the renowned graphics card manufacturers NVIDIA and AMD offer their flagships as powerful mini versions for the laptop. Do you want to know more about it? Then be sure to check out our article on gaming laptops .

Alternatives to the laptop

If you are still unsure and the question of which laptop is right for me has not yet been clarified, we would like to introduce you to some alternatives to the laptop that might better suit your needs :

  • Convertible models where you can switch between tablet and laptop mode.
  • Touch notebooks that you can use not only with the keyboard, but also with touch.
  • Tablets, which are usually easier and more intuitive to use (by the way, are also available with Bluetooth keyboards).
  • All-in-one PC for at home, with all the necessary hardware built into the screen.
  • Compact PC tower, a tiny housing that can be placed anywhere.

All in all, we can only say that there is a suitable computer for everyone. It doesn’t always have to be a pure laptop; convertibles have proven to be particularly useful in everyday university life. On the other hand, pure tablets are a great way for hobby photographers to edit pictures while on the move, watch videos, and just surf the net a little.

Final Fantasy Vii Remake | This Is What Awaits You

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Without question, one of the most popular JRPGs and hardly any gamer has completely avoided the hype. With 15 original game titles, over a dozen books and even some film adaptations, as well as pieces of music specifically for or based on the series, Final Fantasy is not only one of the best-known, but also one of the best-selling video games of all time. Now the publisher Square Enix has decided to reissue one of the most popular parts. Find out what you can expect from the Final Fantasy VII Remake and what you need to know before playing here!

Final Fantasy Vii Remake

Final Fantasy – a success story straight out of a fairy tale

Did you know that the original Final Fantasy part, which appeared in 1987 for the NES, was actually supposed to be the last release from the game developer Square? In fact, that’s where the “final” comes in the title. But what began as a parting gift quickly became the studio’s savior and so a series was created that still inspires millions of players around the world.

The origins of a legend

After Masafumi Miyamoto and Hironobu Sakaguchi, the founders of Square, saw no way out, they apparently thought that now was the right time to break all the rules . They wanted to develop an RPG that has never been seen before. Four heroes should control the players, who go through an open, gloomy world and experience adventures to ultimately save the earth.

Anyone who knows the background of the development will soon notice the depressive mood that overshadows the game and somehow gives it its unique flair at the same time . Ruins shape the landscape and in more than one situation you as a player have the feeling that there is no way out.

While the producers were already in the process of clearing the studios and looking for new jobs after the release – Sakaguchi wanted to start studying again at the university – the positive reviews rolled over. Suddenly things were looking up, and Square saved a whole new RPG series saw the light of day. But the original game was designed in such a way that it was impossible to continue. Without further ado, the pattern emerged that still characterizes the Final Fantasy Games today: New heroes always face new adventures with ever new game mechanics.

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True masterpieces: Final Fantasy VI & VII

In 1994 and 1997 Square celebrated further, at the time almost unimaginable successes with the classics Final Fantasy VI and Final Fantasy VII. For the first time, the player no longer finds himself in a medieval world, but in a post-apocalyptic world with a steampunk look.

The characters are also more versatile than ever. Sometimes you control a thief who sneaks up very quietly, sometimes a martial arts artist who only fights with his bare hands. The background stories are told in detail and cast a spell over gamers all over the world.

But not only that: For the first time, the developers also received praise for the unique soundtrack . The composer Nobuo Uematsu had his hands in the game and worked out memorable, catchy tunes for the players for days. Even today, the two popular titles are celebrated and played with as true fan favorites, which is why a remake was probably not too far-fetched.

A new age has arrived: Final Fantasy today

In the 10th part of the series , Square said goodbye to the steampunk world and moved on to cyperpunk. Metal structures and futuristic inventions shaped the gaming experience and referred to the series’ dark roots. But the company could not celebrate a real success again, so in 2003 Square united with its biggest Japanese competitor Enix. Together, the companies also managed to establish themselves in the western world.

The release of the two MMOs Final Fantasy XI and XIV was definitely decisive for this success . Finally the players could play together online. But at the same time one of the characteristics that had made the games so popular suffered: Suddenly, you were constantly only controlling one character. But the characters of other gamers came to the rescue in boss fights – a style that seemed to please, because even today, especially Final Fantasy 14, is experiencing an enormous increase in players.

Final Fantasy VII vs. Remake 2020 – a classic reinterpreted

The first rumors of a Final Fantasy VII remake surfaced as early as 2014. But it wasn’t until E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo) 2015 that Square Enix made the announcement official. The reactions were mixed: some could hardly wait, the game was a true classic, while others were afraid of all the details that could be lost in the new edition.

The original FF7 appeared in 1997, more than 20 years ago . It is the first in the popular series of games to use 3D graphics. Specifically, this means that the game characters moved in front of a pre-rendered background. But what is now ridiculed as a simple production was the first cornerstone for the modern designs of the JRPG.

The story of the new edition

While the game designers have changed some of the graphics, the story remains fundamentally the same : The player will also control the former Shinra soldier Cloud Strife in the Final Fantasy 7 Remake. He has teamed up with the AVALANCHE eco-activist group to fight his former employer.

Reason: The Shinra organization won its money by unfair means. They withdraw all of its life energy from the (invented) planet in order to make a profit. In the long run, however, this process would mean the end of all life. So, together with Tifa, Aerith, Barret and Sephiroth, Cloud takes on the fight – you can of course switch between the characters as usual.

A graphics dream comes true

In the remake, the optics will look a little different than the original, because Square Enix naturally uses high-end technology here . A completely new gaming experience is offered graphically because that is the difference between the remastered and remake versions. Here you dive into new, previously unknown worlds, get to know a new Kapf system and can look forward to many new (but also old) acquaintances.

In the new Final Fantasy VII you can look forward to a real-time combat system in which you will also be able to use magical items during the fight scenes. The development studio has also confirmed that some of the popular minigames will also be reissued – which, unfortunately, we will only see when we play.

The full gaming experience

It is typical for the old Final Fantasy versions that the characters communicate exclusively in Japanese. That can quickly become exhausting for the German player. Because it means constantly reading the subtitles in order to really understand the context.

In the Final Fantasy VII Remake, however, Square Enix relied on full synchronization . In addition to Japanese, the game will also support the following languages: German, English, Spanish, French, Italian and Portuguese.

Final Fantasy VII Remake Release

The release date was originally announced for March 3, 2020. However, Square Enix announced in January 2020 that the release would be postponed by one month to April 10, 2020 . According to Yoshinori Kitase, one of the game producers, the reason for this decision is that you need a little more time to fine-tune the game.

However, this date only applies to all PS4 players, because PC gamers and Xbox fans will have to wait another year . However, it is already clear that the game will definitely be released in individual episodes – how many is not yet known.

Final Fantasy 7 PC system requirements

Even if it will take a while before the PC version of the FF7 Remake finally appears, there is already some information on the minimum requirements . So that you can prepare yourself extensively and in good time for the release and then not be surprised with lags and pixel mud, we have summarized the system requirements (as of the end of January 2020) here.

After the one year of Sony exclusivity has expired, you may need to upgrade your computer, because the new JRPG is not completely undemanding. You should have at least an Intel Core i5-2500K 3.3GHz or an AMD FX-8320 installed as a processor. However, for the full gaming experience, an Intel Core i7-6700K 4-core 4.0 GHz or AMD Ryzen R5 1600 is recommended.

As a graphics card, you should at least use a GeForce GTX 960 (2GB) or the Radeon equivalent R9 380. However, for the ultimate setting, an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070 or an AMD Radeon RX Vega 56 (8GB) is required. Your RAM is best between 8 to 16 GB and you should definitely get DirectX 11 up and running. You can also expect the FF7 to take up around 50 GB of your hard drive.

Case Modding For Beginners | What Is Actually Possible?

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PC components around which fish swim, microwaves in which a real monster PC has found its home and of course many colorful LEDs that illuminate the whole thing in an exciting way. Have you ever seen these crazy pictures? All of them are – albeit particularly unusual – examples of case modding. How this actually works and what is possible if you want to put your gaming PC in the limelight at home , we’ll tell you now!

Case Modding For Beginners

What is case modding anyway?

Anyone who gamble has probably heard of PC modding or computer modding. Both terms basically refer to the same phenomenon. Roughly broken down, modding is derived from the English “modification”, meaning change. And that’s exactly what it’s about: changing the look and technical components of a computer.

On the other hand, case modding specifically deals with the design of the housing – the case. For this purpose, the various components are set in scene using LEDs, for example, and the outer and inner walls as well as the various components are painted and given logos.

So that you can really marvel at this spectacle while gambling, the right housing must of course also be found. Plexiglass is often used to make the inside of the PC visible. Sometimes even the most diverse (everyday) objects are modified into a PC case with a little tinkering – such as the microwave mentioned above. This process in turn is referred to as Case Construction (also: CaseCon for short).

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The heart of PC modding: the housing

Do you want to know which doors are open to you when it comes to case modding? Then we would like to give you a hand. But before we start designing the interior , we have to lay the foundations. This forms the housing itself, because this will later house all LEDs, cables and components. When choosing – or designing – you have a number of options. We’ll reveal which ones!

Always a great view

For many, the glass window on the side is essential so that the case modding is really worthwhile. However, since this often has to withstand the higher temperatures that arise with the high performance of the components, it should ideally be made of Plexiglas . Because real glass is unfortunately often not suitable for this environment.

The synthetic glass, on the other hand, has exactly the right properties for the gaming PC: It is particularly stable and can withstand extremely cold as well as extremely warm temperatures that can arise in the case. In addition, it is very easy , which is particularly noticeable when you visit a LAN party. Speaking of transport: The acrylic glass is also extremely break-proof. But the glass replacement still has one disadvantage. It is quite sensitive to scratches. So, especially when cleaning and transporting, make sure that you do not leave any permanent traces.

Of course, what is particularly interesting for you with case modding is that it is wonderfully easy to individualize. The manufacture can different colors , and even gradients are produced. It can be made transparent or milky – depending on what you have in mind! By the way: custom-made parts are often available for comparatively little money.

From anthracite to cyan: color design

It is not just the window that defines the future appearance of your housing, the color is also essential. Since most cases still come in black, white or maybe even gray, it can make sense to lend a hand here. This is particularly easy with the help of special foils or stickers . You can often purchase these and are adapted to the standard sizes of the various mini, midi and maxi towers.

Of course, you can also design your own stickers – for example with the logo of your new esports team . Or what is your favorite game? You will often find different stickers for case modding with their logo, your favorite characters and Co. If you don’t find the right one, you can order it from the printer of your choice.

However, the results become more spectacular and individual when you start painting yourself . To do this, you must first thoroughly clean the surfaces to be colored and lightly roughen them with sandpaper. Then you walk evenly around the housing with a spray bottle and from a distance of about half a meter. Et voila: Your individual case has been created. Incidentally, it is best to prepare patterns, logos, etc. beforehand with a stencil – this makes designing much easier for you and prevents mistakes.

Unusual and individual: modding components

In addition to the housing, the existing components can of course also be designed individually . While this is very difficult with the mainboard and should really be left to the professionals, with a little basic knowledge you can trust the graphics card and the cooling.

While the GPU usually has fans mounted on the underside, the surface usually consists of a smooth plate. No connections should lead to these, then you can simply repaint them . You proceed similarly to the rest of the case, but make sure that you mask off the sensitive partitions. Don’t you dare Then look around carefully before buying. Because most graphics cards are available in different versions from different manufacturers. One of them will surely fit your setup.

The same applies to water cooling. Because while it still has technical advantages over conventional fans – as we have also highlighted in this article – it is an important component, especially in case modding. Because often the liquid can be easily colored and is sometimes even pepped up with fluorescent substances. This creates a real, individual eye-catcher!

For the right ambience: gaming lighting

We have just mentioned the fluorescent liquids in water cooling. But that doesn’t have to be the only glowing component. Because the housing with the right LEDs becomes a real spectacle . This part of case modding is roughly summarized as light modding. Even if you have bought a finished case, you can give it an individual look very quickly.

This is particularly easy with special LED strips or chains. These are often simply glued into the housing and provide indirect light . The power is either supplied directly via the mainboard (if it has such a connection) or operated via a battery. You only have to decide beforehand whether you value an RGB color change or whether you want to commit yourself to a color.

For more highlights you can also use fluorescent tubes and give your housing a three-dimensional flair. Another variant are LED fans. These are available for the CPU as well as for the graphics card and as a case fan. Ideally, they can all be programmed separately and give your case exactly the look you want.

Well hidden: hard drive and cable management

Unfortunately, even the most beautifully illuminated housing only works if the cable management is right. After all, who wants to stage a tangled cable? That’s why we want to give you a few tips on how to make your case look tidier:

  • Double back wall : Insert a second back wall through which you can thread cables. You can hide it behind her and move it from A to B.
  • Cover for the power supply unit : The cables all lead into the power supply unit, so this should also be hidden so that they are not visible again at this point.
  • Modular power supply : A modular power supply is recommended so that the cables can be reduced to a minimum.
  • Cable sleeving : You can buy sleeves for your cables, usually made of polyester. You simply pull this over one or more cables. That looks nicer than pure cable ties and gives you additional options for color design.

What you need: case modding tools

Do you want to tackle your project now? Whether you want to make a letterbox for your new case or just want to attach some LEDs – depending on the difficulty, you will need different case modding tools. We have put together a rough list for you here:

  • General: folding rule or ruler, cardboard & paper for masking
  • For gluing : squeegee, cutter knife
  • For painting : protective goggles, sandpaper, if necessary painter’s tape & stencils, spray can (alternatively: brush, sponge and / or painter’s roller and paint)
  • To work on metal : metal scissors, hacksaw, file
  • For the LED strips : scissors

You can achieve even more individuality if, for example, you have access to a 3D printer and print entire walls yourself. A CNC milling machine is also perfect for processing the metal and plexiglass. So if you want to design your own steampunk, military grade or cyberpunk case, you should address the relevant trades.

How To Find The Best Gaming Mouse | The Most Important Tips

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Whether CS: GO, PUBG, Fortnite or LoL : You inevitably need a mouse for all of these games. It should not only be comfortable to hold , it should also react quickly and, ideally, have a few additional buttons. But which is actually the best gaming mouse? We’ll tell you here what it should be able to do and what you have to pay attention to!

How To Find The Best Gaming Mouse

The best gaming mouse: that’s what sets it apart

Before we go into more detail, we would like to briefly summarize what actually characterizes a good gaming mouse . In some points it differs significantly from the conventional office mouse.

However, in terms of their basic functions, they are initially the same: As a rule, they have two horizontally arranged buttons with which you can operate various PC applications. There is usually a mouse wheel between these. They come either wired or wireless. But that’s about the similarities. We have briefly listed the differences:

  • Ergonomics . The gaming mouse is usually much more ergonomic and is therefore still comfortable to hold even after long use.
  • Operation . The best gaming mouse for many games has a few additional buttons that can be assigned macros.
  • Reaction . When gaming, it is important that the mouse reacts precisely and, if possible, without delay – this requires good sensors and a high polling rate.
  • Software . In the best cases, the mouse is easy and individually programmable, which means that it can be adapted to different games and also types of gamers.
  • Lighting . Gaming mice are often heavily lit – after all, we spend a lot of time with them. However, this is of course not necessary.

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Gaming mouse: what to look for?

We have just listed the rough factors that you should consider when buying a gaming mouse – these are exactly those that distinguish it from a conventional office version . But before we dive deeper into the subject, one thing first: There is no such thing as one, the best gaming mouse for everyone.

The choice always depends on your individual needs and preferences . The genres you play will also play a role in the decision. A shooter player often has different requirements than someone who likes to play MMO RPGs. There are even differences between the individual games. We can only give you a little guide to help you make a decision.

Comfortable for several hours: ergonomics

The most important point is of course your health . Anyone looking for a gaming mouse will likely have a good time of the day in front of the PC. In addition, you usually have the mouse in your hand for significantly longer periods of time when gaming than in normal office use – here a large part of the input is also made via the keyboard.

So it is all the more important that the gaming mouse is gentle on your wrist . Unfortunately, a conventional variant very often ensures that the area is severely kinked. This posture can cause a pain syndrome, which can run through the hand up to the shoulder. It is accordingly important to prevent this.

While there are now some office mice that pay particular attention to ergonomic factors (especially those that arrange the keys vertically), these are usually completely unsuitable for gaming. The best thing to do here is to use a mouse that feels good in your hand. There are special models for small and large hands as well as for left and right-handers that are precisely tailored to their needs.

A matter of milliseconds

Response time is often crucial, especially when gaming . If you see your opponent and can press the trigger a few milliseconds earlier, it must of course react accordingly quickly so that you ultimately emerge as the winner. There are several factors that determine this mouse-to-game transfer speed.

Gaming mouse with or without a cable?

It can make a huge difference to professional gamers whether a mouse is wireless or wired. Because it is unfortunately still the case that the wireless models are a few milliseconds slower than their wired siblings. For the casual gamer, however, that seldom makes the decisive difference.

A wireless gaming mouse, on the other hand, brings a high level of comfort for most gamers . On the one hand, you don’t have to constantly retighten the cable, on the other hand, you can really use it anywhere. For example, do you want to watch a movie on your PC from the sofa? Just take the mouse with you!

However, it also has one major disadvantage: it has to be charged . If the battery runs out in the middle of a game and the mouse stops responding, it’s just incredibly annoying. There may also be more problems between the drivers – a wireless mouse must always be installed, while most other models are plug-and-play. The fact is that many gamers prefer a wired mouse, but this is by no means necessary!

Between laser and infrared: sensors

The sensor is the heart of every mouse . He feels exactly where it is on the ground and how you move it. In the meantime, two types of sensors have established themselves which are equally suitable for gaming: laser and infrared sensors (also called optical sensors).

A few years ago the use of both variants was highly controversial, but experts have since determined that there is no significant difference in transmission. However, a laser mouse can be used on all surfaces without any problems. The optical variant works best on a mouse pad. In addition, the laser is usually more energy efficient and often more precise, but such statements cannot be 100% generalized.

DPI and CPI: a matter of taste

Manufacturers often advertise with particularly high DPI (dots per inch) or CPI (counts per inch) values . These basically state how fast the mouse pointer can move across the screen. A mouse with a DPI of 1000 will move 2.54 cm over the image per second.

However, the best gaming mouse is not the one with the highest DPI value. On the contrary, a high DPI is in most games ineffective . You will never need more than 2000 dots per inch when playing. Much more important when gambling – especially if you want to play different games – is that you can change the value quickly and easily. This is usually possible using buttons behind the mouse wheel or on the side.

From hand into play: polling rate

The polling rate is often more decisive for gamers than the DPI. In broad terms, this value indicates how quickly the mouse transmits input to the driver and thus also to the game. A higher polling rate means that the driver asks more often where your mouse is and what you are doing with it. Conversely, this means that mice with higher values ​​in this range react faster .

The best gaming mouse for most gamers has a polling rate between 500 and 1000 Hz. A lower value can cause stuttering and limit the response time. However, if you decide on a high polling rate, make sure to check whether the drivers also support it – you can usually find good reviews online.

Interact, activate defense, crouch: additional keys

The best gaming mouse comes with a few additional buttons. You often need these for additional actions in the game . As a rule, these keys can be assigned so-called macros. You can either set this directly in the mouse software or program it in the game.

This is particularly useful if, for example, you want to quickly peak around the corner, want to throw a grenade or want to use a special skill in MMO RPG. However, too many buttons can quickly become confusing . For casual gamers, we recommend 2 to 4 additional ones.

By the way: In many cases, the mouse wheel can also be used as an additional button. In some cases, you can even assign three actions to it: By pressing on it and pressing left and right, various skills are triggered.

More (more or less) useful features

A gaming mouse can have a few other features. These are sometimes more, sometimes less useful when gaming. We have summarized them here for you. The decision as to whether you need this is entirely up to you and depends primarily on the games you want to play.

  • Mouse correction : If an almost straight line is drawn, it is automatically smoothed. What is useful in graphics work falsifies the mouse line when gaming and often acts as a hindrance.
  • Lighting : Some mice light up in one color or can be set individually. Can be helpful if you define different settings for different modes and combine them with a color.
  • Vibration . Can display warning messages using sensors. Useful if you play very focused and want to hide the life bar, for example.
  • 10+ programmable buttons . Smart for MMO RPGs with a large skill bar, but less so in other games.
  • Additional weights . Can be useful to adjust the weight individually and especially to different users.
  • Mouse acceleration . DPI is adjusted based on the speed at which the mouse is moved. It takes a lot of getting used to, but often useful for precise reactions, especially in shooters.