For someone who has always been more reader than gamer, picking up a video game for the first time felt like learning a new language. Everyone around me seemed to understand terms, controls and strategies that made no sense to me. So I decided to find out what it was all about.
Over 20 hours, I set out to review three different video games to discover how the gaming world would welcome an inexperienced gamer. I based this on the ease of learning, social access and overall enjoyment of three different games.
From chaotic races in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, to building farms in Stardew Valley, and finally my try at defence in Rugby League Live 4, the experience became less about winning and more about discovering why so many people love gaming in the first place.
The Nintendo Switch seemed like an easy place to start. It felt less intimidating, with its light, compact and tablet-like familiarity. And the best part … I could play it anywhere.
This is where my journey began.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
I must preface this by admitting this wasn’t my first time playing Mario Kart. Like many Gen Z-ers, so many years later, I thought it would be the perfect “safe” place to start.
Ease of learning
On the surface, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is incredibly simple: race to the finish line as fast as possible. That clarity made it immensely less intimidating than I expected.
But what I underestimated was the controller itself. The Nintendo Switch has far more buttons than necessary (18 to be exact). For someone without gaming experience, even remembering which buttons boost versus which drift took time to gauge.
Single vs multiplayer
Playing alone in bed was a comfortable introduction. I could make mistakes without embarrassment, crash into walls, and come last. The experience changed completely when I connected the console to the TV and played against someone else.
Even though I lost every race, it became significantly more enjoyable. The real-life competition added an energising social aspect that I had never considered.
Overall enjoyment
The thrill I received from a simple game such as Mario Kart was unexpected. The flexibility, social engagement, and competitive nature of the game gave me confidence that the video game landscape may actually be a place I could spend my spare time.
Stardew Valley
Now we’re getting serious. After easing myself in with Mario Kart, I was ready for something that involved a longer commitment. That’s when I came across an article here at The Owl titled “Top 10 Cozy Games for Beginners” and discovered Stardew Valley. $16.99 later, I had it purchased on the Nintendo Switch and was ready to start playing.
Ease of learning
With Stardew Valley being my second interaction with a controller, I had some understanding of what each button might do. That being said, I did spend the first hour or two pressing every button until I got the result I wanted … but it worked!
If I made a mistake, my character would just stand there looking slightly confused, much like myself. But eventually, I found myself becoming more comfortable with the gameplay.
Single vs multiplayer
In Stardew Valley, playing alone felt immersive rather than isolating. I could enter this fictional world, talk to other characters, build relationships, complete tasks, and slowly create something of my own. It reminded me of reading books, but with interaction, not imagination.
When I tried multiplayer on the PlayStation, the experience shifted again. Unlike Mario Kart, which was highly energetic and competitive, Stardew Valley felt like quiet teamwork. It was social collaboration rather than social competition.
Overall enjoyment
Stardew Valley was addictive and immersive. The freedom and constant progression of the game made it easy to keep playing for “five more minutes”, similar to how I would say “one more chapter” when reading a book.
Rugby League Live 4
Now came the final game, and the one I was most excited for: Rugby League Live 4. I picked up the PlayStation, put the headset on, and began my journey of leading the Manly Sea Eagles to greatness.
Ease of learning
This was, by far, the most difficult game I played.
Unlike Mario Kart and Stardew Valley, Rugby League Live 4 didn’t succeed in easing me into the game. Even after completing the tutorial, I felt like I’d barely learnt half of what I needed to know. The combination of buttons required for basic attack and defence became overwhelming.
My main struggle wasn’t knowing what to do in the game, but remembering how to do it in real time. At times, I didn’t know if I was supposed to actively defend or let the game take over. Sitting back and watching the game handle plays felt pointless and, to be honest, a little boring.
Single vs multiplayer
Unlike the previous games I played, there was little social aspect to Rugby League Live 4.
Playing alone left me to learn the ins and outs of the game solo. I competed against the game itself by choosing the level of difficulty I required (naturally, I chose rookie).
However, having someone to call on when my own learning was struggling made a difference. It gave me confidence whilst providing me with an opportunity to develop my gaming skills and techniques in a genre I love.
Overall enjoyment
At first, enjoyment was hard to find in this game. I’ll admit, I was looking at the book on the desk, thinking, “Just one chapter, then I’ll get back to the game.”
However, after persistence, things began to change; I started winning. Not consistently, but enough to give me a small confidence boost each time I played.
The variety of customisation on offer was also a huge factor in my enjoyment. Choosing my own team, selecting a stadium, and deciding which team I want to thrash was half the enjoyment for me. It added a layer of personal connection that other games didn’t offer.
Final thoughts
Before starting this experiment, video games felt like a foreign world. However, I was surprised by just how enjoyable it could be for beginners and experts alike.
Stardew Valley offered comfort and creativity, while Rugby League Live 4 revealed how overwhelming gaming can feel without prior experience. But Mario Kart 8 Deluxe stood out for one simple reason: it made me want to keep playing.
After 20 hours of gaming, I realised it’s not an activity you’re instantly good at. It’s about curiosity, connection and the excitement of learning something new; even if you spend the first few hours driving into walls.
Original photos by Kiara Lucock