Photo by JESHOOTS.COM on Unspla
Written by Maine Dela Cruz
Today, the world has become more and more reliant on an always-on and connected experience. As surging COVID-19 cases limit social interactions, gaming online offers a safe way to explore different worlds and meet up with our friends. Online gaming offers never-ending challenges for gamers, keeping them glued to their screen. What’s more, game designers keep on improving graphics from time to time to provide the best user experience.
Players of Online Games Are Making the Shift
As gaming computers and game consoles have become more and more powerful, the demand for uninterrupted online gaming skyrockets. Download and upload speeds have been a requirement for users who aim to enjoy hassle-free gaming. To keep up with the changing times, you need a stable internet connection at home. These days more and more have been changing their internet providers and considering fiber as the ideal solution for both gaming and HD video streaming.
What is Fiber Internet?
What’s commonly called fiber-optic internet is a broadband connection that uses fiber-optic cables. In this type of connection, data is delivered via pulses of light through pipes made of glass.
Why do avid gamers find it the most dependable setup for online gaming?
Read on to find out!
5 Reasons Why Fiber is Best for Gaming Online
People find this type of connection best for gaming due to higher bandwidth, faster download and upload speeds, higher ping, lower latency, and no data cap.
Higher bandwidth
Bandwidth refers to the maximum capacity of an internet connection. Fiber-optic internet can handle high-bandwidth households with multiple users performing various tasks simultaneously. Streaming games, in particular, requires more bandwidth than typical online gaming sessions and therefore needs a more reliable connection. What users often look for in ISPs is the ability to provide responsive communication for multiplayer games. It would also ensure that your game response times are better.
Faster download and upload speeds
Download speed is defined as the amount of time required to transmit a file from an online server onto your device. Meanwhile, upload speed is the amount of time required to transmit data from devices onto online servers. In terms of internet speed, the differences between fiber optic vs DSL, satellite internet, and cable internet in terms of download and upload speeds become apparent when gaming. With faster download and upload speeds, you can experience a higher ping rate and lower latency, and ultimately smoother gameplay.
Higher ping rate
The term “ping” refers to the time it takes for data set to be transmitted from devices to servers on the internet and back to your device again. The faster the ping rate, the faster your internet connection would respond after the request and provide a result. In turn, you get a quicker response time when playing games.
Lower latency
This feature refers to the delay between you pressing a button and the game responding. Low latency means a shorter delay, while high latency results in a longer delay and more interruptions, known as lagging. Lag is a major turnoff for a gamer. Thankfully, fiber ISPs can provide you lower latency.
No data caps
Cable internet service providers employ data caps. This means they have the discretion to set a maximum connection speed based on usage amounts and lower this speed once you hit that limit. Without data caps, you can play all you want without the fear of hitting the data cap. Aside from playing computer games, you can explore other possibilities as a player, like streaming.
Video Games to Stream
By this time, you already know playing video games doesn’t just entertain but also rakes in money. If you think you have the potential to be a pro-gamer, or have a huge following to be a streamer, you can earn while playing online games. As of writing, Twitch remains to be the leading live-streaming platform for gamers, with tens of thousands of viewers each day. If you have no idea what game content to stream, we can give you some ideas. According to an article, here are the top video games on Twitch that you can stream:
14. Teamfight Tactics
The objective of the game is for the player to be the last one standing. It’s a strategy game in which you form a team to battle for yourself. Teamfight Tactics is a League of Legends offshoot that is based on Dota Auto Chess, a Dota 2 mod.
Despite its label, Teamfight Tactics continues to be a popular game to stream. Famous streamers like jukes, who have a 1.9 million following, have been playing it.
Currently, this game has 22.3 thousand viewers and 1.9 million followers.
13. Resident Evil Village
The 8th major installment in the Resident Evil franchise, Resident Evil Village (or VII.I.AGE (great marketing logo)) is another horror-themed survival video game that has been a cult favorite of many.
The game takes pride in its detailed graphics, intense first-person action, and masterful storytelling that makes your gaming experience more realistic, enjoyable, and scary!
As of this writing, Resident Evil Village has 19.6 thousand viewers and 144 thousand followers.
12. Dead by Daylight
Dead by Daylight has currently 23.9 thousand viewers and 9.9 million followers.
Not only this game drives your adrenaline to win the game, but the horror theme of Dead by Daylight will also surely keep the audience watching with one eye closed.
The game combines horror, action, and survival, bringing the thrill of being the game’s Killer or one of the four Survivors.
11. Hearthstone
Who says card games have to be dull? When Blizzard Entertainment released this free-to-play, fast-paced strategy card game that’s simple to pick up and a lot of fun to play, they certainly delivered.
What is it about this game that makes it so popular on Twitch? As amusing as it may sound, online gamers do not necessarily pick violence when they wake up. With 29.6 thousand viewers and 8.7 million followers, Hearthstone is one of those games you would want to enjoy playing.
10. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
Currently, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive has 29.2 thousand viewers and 29.3 million followers.
Also known as Counter-Strike: Global Offensive or CS: GO is the fourth installment in the Counter-Strike Series, developed by Valve and Hidden Path Entertainment in 2012.
It is one of the old-school games where you can play with your friends and meet new people, the same reason why it is still popular now. As the game evolves through the years, we can see new gameplay modes, matchmaking, and leader boards.
9. Dota 2
There are presently 38.2 thousand viewers and 14.4 million followers for this multiplayer online duel on Twitch. Despite being published many years ago, this cult favorite continues to top popularity rankings for both players and audiences. Dota2.com, the game’s primary website, claims that millions of people play the game every day. This is proof that even after almost eight years, players still need their Dota fix regularly.
And for a seamless experience in this video game, ensure that you have a high-speed internet connection.
8. Apex Legends
Apex Legends is a newcomer to the gaming scene. Although being one of the most recent games published, provides us the thrill of playing character shooters in which players team up to battle for glory.
The game was published in February 2019 for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One, and it has since risen to become one of the most popular games. It has a good amount of followers, with 66.7 thousand viewers and 12.4 million followers. It only means active watchers are very much interested in seeing you play.
7. World of Warcraft
WOW allows users to explore the environment, fight various monsters, accomplish missions, and interact with NPCs and other players. Despite the fact that it is a long-running massively multiplayer online game, it is still one of the most popular. WOW has 44.3 thousand viewers and 8.7 million Twitch followers as of this writing.
6. Fortnite
Despite the recent issues with Epic Games’ Fortnite, the game is still one of the most-streamed with over 45.5 thousand viewers. With 74.2 million followers on Twitch, you’ll surely catch the attention of Fortnite fans. And who else should we expect to get the highest views on playing Fortnite but top streamer Ninja himself?
5. Call of Duty: Warzone
The best thing about this game is that everyone can play it for free. This means you don’t need to own the full version of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare to enjoy the play. The setting of the game is a classic free-to-play combat arena where you can choose between Battle Royale and Plunder.
As of this writing, the game has 57.3 thousand viewers and 12.6 million followers.
4. Valorant
This free-to-play (F2P) first-person hero shooter game has over 66 thousand viewers and over nine million followers. Valorant combines hypernatural powers with tactical shooting abilities. Choose between 15 Agents to battle up to 13 rounds in Competitive and Unranked modes or Deathmatch and Spike Rush.
3. Minecraft
If you’re looking to play a more child-friendly online game, choose Minecraft. It challenges its players to explore, socialize, and modify a dynamically generated map made of one-cubic-meter-sized blocks. To date, Minecraft has 66 thousand viewers and 34.5 million followers.
Among the sandbox video games, Minecraft is the most popular as it brings out the creative, smart, and skillful streamer in you. Although there are stressful and challenging parts, this game is less stressful compared to the others. As their slogan goes, ‘The World is Yours For the Making’.
2. League of Legends
LOL has over 148 thousand viewers and 30.3 million viewers. What makes LOL one of the most streamed online games is its feature that allows you to compete or team up with your viewers live. If you want to engage with your viewers, this is a good option.
1. Grand Theft Auto V
In terms of popularity, Grand Theft Auto tops the most-streamed games chart. Currently the most viewed game on the platform, it has more than half a million viewers and over 45 million followers. With this figure, you can most likely attract an audience.
Tip: Use the game’s storyline to connect with your viewers by playing Michael De Santa, Franklin Clinton, or Trevor Philips and take over San Andreas!
Healthy Habits When Gaming Online
While video games provide a good distraction from the stresses of the outside world, be wary of its health risks. As they say, “Too much of everything is bad.”
According to a Harvard article, too much gaming can cause repetitive stress injuries, or overuse injuries, obesity, vision problems, and addiction or internet gaming disorder (IGD). As with many other activities that have potential benefits and harms, moderation is the key.
Parents with minors should be wary of the gaming habits of their children.
Most of the harms that come from online games can be improved, if not avoided altogether, by developing healthy gaming habits. Here are healthy habits every gamer should observe:
Stay Hydrated
Have you ever noticed your eyes or joints getting sore when playing online games? Chances are you are experiencing the adverse effects of dehydration. Never deprive your body of the water it needs to function. If you must, set a timer to drink every 15 minutes.
If you are the type who reaches for a soda when they feel thirsty, it’s time to change this habit before it’s too late. Contrary to popular opinion, water can actually make you feel more energetic and healthier.
Eat Nutritious Food
You are what you eat. In other words, the food you put in your body has an immense impact on your health and how you feel. Even if you are only playing online games, dieting like an athlete won’t hurt. Homecooked meals will always provide you with benefits. And as previously mentioned, avoid too many processed or sugary foods and drinks, and take pride in the succeeding results.
Take Frequent Breaks
Long online gaming sessions without breaks can take a toll on your body. By cooking your own meals and preparing your drinks, you press pause and move around. You can also practice the Pomodoro Technique. In this method, you break your workday into 25-minute chunks separated by five-minute breaks. A simple 5-minute walk and stretch session will help get your blood circulating and improve brain function.
What you reap from this includes improved mood, cognition, and health that will optimize your online gaming skills when you return to the action.
Rest Your Eyes
Gaming causes an incredible strain on your eyes. However, most of us tend to overlook this condition. If you tend to have migraines during or after gaming, this could be the culprit. Periodically stretch out your eye-focusing ciliary muscles. Take some time to look away from your display and focus on distant objects. Walk over to your window and enjoy the natural light — your eyes will appreciate this.
Get Adequate Sleep
We know how it goes, one more turn then you’ll head to bed. The problem is that one last turn quickly turns into hours extra of gaming. Sleep deprivation is an epidemic in the US, and reducing your sleep in exchange for more gaming time can be extremely detrimental to your health. Sleep plays an important role in your physical health. For example, sleep is involved in the healing of your heart and blood vessels, helps promote concentration, and maximizes your athletic performance. People who don’t get enough sleep are more prone to weight gain as well, so if your health is a priority — getting enough sleep is crucial.
Exercise While Online Gaming
While this might sound contradictory, you can actually exercise while online gaming. The average battle royale round can last anywhere from 15 seconds to over 30 minutes, and with a squad of teammates, you can spend nearly half an hour staring at them after dying early. Grab this opportunity to squeeze in a quick workout. With such a generous timespan there is the possibility of burning some serious calories while your friends keep fighting.
Win Your Gamer Goals with Streamtech Internet!
Whether you opt for a massively multiplayer online role-playing game, a free-to-play game, a card, or a sandbox game, Streamtech has your back! The best internet provider for gaming offers superb speeds, stability, and reliability. Streamtech, the newest wave in fiber internet in the Philippines, offers affordable home internet plans that let you exceed your limits through the power of fast and affordable connectivity.
Streamtech empowers you to play and surf to your heart’s content. They have subscription bundles perfect for gaming and other online needs. The bundles also come with home internet plans, optional cable TV, and peripherals for your game streaming needs.
If you want the best fiber internet in the Philippines, get Streamtech now and enjoy an upgraded internet experience and enhanced connectivity!
Visit its website and Official FB Page for more details.
