How would you bring a non-gamer into gaming?

[DrgoFx]

When I ask this, I don't mean a general non-gamer. Pick someone special, someone specific. What methods would you use to bring them into the gaming world? What games would you suggest? Have you already succeeded in this? Failed?

For me, I've been showing my girlfriend games and I've first started off with Little Big Planet 2, just to get her used to buttons and such and it's a relatively "easy" game, not too much difficulty, and it's fun co-op. I mainly just let her continue when she wanted and eventually we both got very compedetive, and she beat me a few times legitimately.

We then shifted over to some "RPGs" Like Assassin's Creed, which she loves for the record, and she's currently working on a character in Skyrim. She loves racing games, though, and she loves making explosions. So currently, our favorite to play together is Twisted Metal. I wouldn't say she's a gamer, not yet anyways, but she does have a good respect for the medium.

And this is slightly uplifting I guess. Captcha: Happy Trails

 

[Lucem712]

I would suggest LBP2, Rayman Origins. Anything where I can observe them and help them out, without trying to take control (as you might get the urge to do so). Nothin' too competitive, though.

Though, my first conversion to more serious gaming was my bestfriend. She came over, to watch movies or something and I happened to be mid-quest in Fallout 3. She got interested, I handed over the controller and she fell in love. Sometimes, it just all syncs. (Though, I wouldn't suggest that to anyone as it could be a very rocky intro to complete no-gamers)

 

[Lilani]

I'm thinking of my parents, I think games could brighten up their free time a bit. Maybe try them out on some Valve games. Portal and Portal 2 first, I think. And then L4D/L4D2 for co-op, and HL2 and its episodes for single-player. They're simple and relatively short, but very well made and extremely engaging.

 

[ArmorKingBaneGief]

I'd tell them about the Hot Coffee mod.

 

[skywolfblue]

I'll second Portal + Portal 2.

I've gotten a few people who were previously staunch game-haters to break a smile while playing those games.

 

[DrgoFx]

I'll second Portal + Portal 2.

I've gotten a few people who were previously staunch game-haters to break a smile while playing those games.

My girlfriend loves the Portal series, she nearly died laughing during the first one, she also found the insane rooms creepy.

 

[Spy_Guy]

Minecraft multiplayer on easy.
Build a house together.
Profit.

 

[T3hSource]

I'll just leave this video here: http://penny-arcade.com/patv/episode/sharing-our-medium
It will give you good tips how to get someone into gaming,that is if they're interested.

 

[The Consequence]

Feed 'em chips. And cheese . . . and more chips. thusly, perfection will be achieved.

 

[King of Asgaard]

Invite the person over.
Pop in Dark Souls.
Leave for an hour (make up an excuse).
Return to the inevitable carnage.
Laugh long and hard.
(Of course, some might kick ass, but it's not very likely)

 

[Fleetfiend]

I think Viva Pinata is another game that's easy to jump into. It's also really fun, and Trouble in Paradise has co-op.

I dunno that I've ever really gotten someone "non-gamer" into gaming... wanted to sometimes, but then I realized that they were mostly lost causes and it just wasn't going to happen.

 

[DrgoFx]

Invite the person over.
Pop in Dark Souls.
Leave for an hour (make up an excuse).
Return to the inevitable carnage.
Laugh long and hard.
(Of course, some might kick ass, but it's not very likely)

I would do that to my friend...I've actually brought him over one day and forced him to play the Impossible Game. He raged. Hard. I honestly wished I recorded it.

 

[Ilikemilkshake]

It's already been said but Portal. The entire game is a tutorial so it does a good job at teaching how to play. Plus it's funny and engaging but short enough that it might actually make people want to come back for more.

 

[scorptatious]

If I ever get a non-gamer girlfriend, I'd probably introduce her to gaming by having her play Journey. The game is fun, simple, straightforward, there's no way to die as far as I know, and it's absolutely gorgeous.

As other people have stated, the Portal games could also work as well.

 

[SuperNova221]

I tried to get a non-gamer into EVE Online once, what I've learned from that is stick with easy stuff. Avoid anything fantasy/sci-fi-y unless you know they're quite big on that to begin with and just start with something easy to pick up, modern setting, and not too spectacular. Once they get the hang of that and start to enjoy the mechanics of whatever your choice was, let's say some FPS, maybe start them on some more stylised FPS's, and different settings that I said to avoid earlier. They should be much more receptive and willing to try it if they don't have the whole getting used to it hurble to tackle at the same time.

Another thing is if they don't enjoy games, they don't enjoy them. It is a possibility so there's no need to force them to play. Other things I remember hearing is to always congratulate them on doing stuff well but try not to be condescending by congratulating every little thing. Also never take the controller away from them. Feel free to give advice but keep patient and let them learn at their own pace. Taking the controller away is sort of the same as saying "You're rubbish and I'm impatient, let me get you past this bit then you can continue with the easy bit." Very discouraging.

Edit: T3hsource (sorry if I spelled that wrong) linked an Extra Credits video which is where I stole most of my advice from iirc, so just wtach that instead. It's relaly good.

 

[BloatedGuppy]

It's really dependent on the individual in question. If you had some Uncle that was a history buff, you might lure them in with a historically rigorous war game. Someone who was really into reading or more traditional narrative structure might enjoy a linear, story heavy RPG.

If the question is "What are some good, generic titles for hooking my non-gaming girlfriend on games" the answers are as follows:

Step 1. Popcap (Any)
Step 2. The Sims
Step 3. An MMO, preferably one with heavy character customization options.
Step 4. Poof! Your girlfriend is now a gamer, and you need to buy a 2nd system to avoid arguments over sharing.

 

[DugMachine]

I don't think i'd try to bring anyone in. Most people just tend to find their own way in if they actually like playing games. Most people who don't play just don't like them or never caught on to them, and I doubt trying to push them into the gaming world will make them like it any better.

But if I had to suggest a few games to dip your toes into i'd say... Portal and Minecraft. Maybe a simple FPS like COD or TF2

 

[Fijiman]

I would probably try to get the person to watch me play for a bit while playing something that I believe might interest them, or I would get them to play one of the LEGO games with me. I could also always just pull out my old GBA, put a Pokemon game in, and tell them to have at it for a few days. It would really depend on the person and what they would be willing to do.

Not trying to beat them over the head with a controller while preaching about how good a game is and demanding that they play it too is also something to remember when when trying to get someone into gaming.

 

[RedLister]

Invite the person over.
Pop in Dark Souls.
Leave for an hour (make up an excuse).
Return to the inevitable carnage.
Laugh long and hard.
(Of course, some might kick ass, but it's not very likely)

I laughed far more then i should of done at this idea. Does that make me evil? D: