Let’s face it- the internet has not only changed how we live our lives but it has also transformed the way we play games online. When it comes to broadband connections for gaming, it can be confusing for you especially when you are not techie at all.
Most people don’t even do their research before opting for internet service. All they do is find an internet provider, subscribe to its internet package and are just happy with the way it is. Well, it is crucial to have an in-depth understanding of the broadband connection you have signed up for and how it can have an impact on your online gaming experience.
Chances are you have already come across different myths about the internet connection for gaming. Well, we are here to debunk some myths about online gaming. So, without further ado, let’s go on with it.
You Need Ultrafast Internet to Satisfy Your Gaming Needs - Myth
Many people assume that supersonic internet speed is needed for online gaming. There is no denying the fact that high-speed internet is required for gaming in general, but it is certainly not the be-all, end-all. What you need to know is the fact that the routes your game data take from your computer to the game server and back are often more crucial than the speed of your connection. There are a variety of games out there that don’t even require faster connection speed. For some games, 10-20 Mbps is good enough.
While a stable internet connection is essential, the number of devices connected to your internet router and the online activities you or someone else in your household is engaging in through the same connection at the same time also matters a lot. This means that you need to focus more on the usage of the internet around the house rather than investing in an internet connection that comes with blazing-fast speeds.
Bear in mind, the stability of your internet connection to the game server holds so much importance when it comes to online gaming. In case, you don’t have a stable connection, you can consider opting for a dedicated router. It is something that can help you greatly with connection stability and prioritizing activities. Not only that, it also ensures that you get a seamless bandwidth like never before. The leading and reliable internet service providers like Spectrum leave no stone unturned in boosting your internet connectivity. Just take a look at the Spectrum internet prices and check if you can afford a standalone service or bundle.
When it comes to transmitting and receiving data, what you need to know is that online games do not need a lot of data. Of course, you don’t want your gaming to suffer when your roommate is downloading a movie or a family member is watching Netflix. Therefore, you should consider opting for higher speeds. When you have a stable and high-speed connection in place, your gaming is less likely to be impacted by other constraints on the network.
A Lot of Data is Required for Online Gaming - Myth
As there is a large number of people out there who believe that having a high-speed internet connection is important to play the game properly. Such people also assume that video games consume a lot of data. So, if you are someone who uses an internet plan that comes with data caps, then this could leave you in distress. Of course, you would not want to exceed the limit or pay extra if you have a data plan.
Well, it’s time to leave all your worries behind because we have good news for you: Online games use up a lot of your data is nothing but a myth. You would be surprised to know that video games require very little data and they also take up very little bandwidth. This simply means that you can have a smooth and lag-free gaming experience even if more than one person in your household is gaming at the same.
Like we said earlier, ultrafast internet speed is not required for regular video games. However, what you need to remember is that it is crucial to download games in small patches otherwise, you might end up exceeding the limit of your limited monthly data. If you are new to gaming, you may face this problem quite often.
Another important thing that you need to keep in mind is that downloading and streaming at the same time is not a good idea. When you stream your favorite movies or TV shows on video streaming platforms like Netflix or Amazon Prime, it uses up a lot of data and ultimately results in hindering your gaming experience.
You Can Do Nothing about Fixing Lag in Your Game - Myth
It is important to know that in-game lag can be caused by an array of things including home connection, hardware, software issues, ISP connection, and so on. If you face in-game lag more often, then it is probably due to the route your internet service provider takes to get to the game server. If your ISP manages to take the right route, you are more likely to have a faster game response like never before.
At times, the ISP takes the optimal routes. And there are times when they focus more on creating the sub-optimal or most cost-effective route rather than the fastest routes.
When internet providers take longer routes, it hampers your overall gaming experience. In some cases, it encounters congestion along the way (for example, when other people in the household exhaust the speed of the internet by streaming different videos or downloading music). This is more likely to hit your game performance and you end up lagging.
Certainly, you can fix this problem just by upgrading to an internet plan that can handle multiple devices without affecting your gameplay.
Wrapping Up
Now that we have busted some common myths about game, we hope that it has cleared up all your confusion about how internet connections affect your gaming experience.
In this age of competitive gaming, instead of frantically mashing buttons to beat your competitor, focus on keeping a steady connection.
Article by: Caroline Eastman
Caroline is doing her graduation in IT from the University of South California but keens to work as a freelance blogger. She loves to write on the latest information about IoT, technology, and business. She has innovative ideas and shares her experience with her readers.