Get your nongaming significant other into gaming (video games and/or table-top)

My wife, Megan, and I.

One of the hardest things any gamer can deal with in their personal life is trying to explain to their non-gamer significant other (SO) why their choice hobby is fun. Harder still is seeing if they will join you in your passion. Most recently, after years of asking, I got my wife to play video games (and even table top gaming) with me. I decided that I would give some tips on how I got my wife to try out my favorite pass time.

Game Choice

Having your SO jump right into Call of Duty multiplayer probably isn't your best bet. While using a controller with two joysticks, two triggers and eleven buttons is easy for you, you probably have had years of practice. The first time my wife held an Xbox 360 controller, she was immediately overwhelmed. (I also made the mistake of throwing her into Halo: Reach.) While I had been using a controller since the NES, Megan had barely held hold any controllers.

With that in mind, it may be in your best interest to try a game that uses only a few of the face buttons. I found the Lego games to be a great start. Lego Harry Potter was Megan's first choice. It was an easy and smooth game to try out. Also, it had multiplayer should we have decided to play together (more on that later). I also found that the Rayman games as well as connect games are good. If they aren't into consoles, you can also try handhelds. The Nintendo 3DS is a great console as it has a lot of games for people new to gaming and experienced alike. With a lot of special editions, variations (2DS and 3DS XL) and colors, you are bound to find something they like (Pokemon for example).

If even playing those games sounds daunting, have them just watch you play a cinematic game. For example Mass Effect, The Last of Us, or Transistor are great adventures that can play like a movie or anime. I will sometimes ask Megan to make the decisions in Mass Effect to get her more involved. It is engaging and can be fun for both people.

If you are like me, you may also play some table-top gaming like Dungeon & Dragons or Palladium. Oddly enough, Megan was more willing to try out this type of gaming over video games. At first she was very hesitant. but after watching my group play over the course of a few weeks, she became more interested. Also, I have an awesome Dungeon Master (Pat, you rock) who let her create whatever kind of character she chose. Fast forward a few weeks and now she is stoked to get her own dice.

Ease your SO into the idea of playing with you and your group. Invite them sit in on the game and watch. Let them get to know the group (if they don't already). Feeling welcome is one of the main things that needs to be established. It is hard to suspend disbelief if you don't feel comfortable with the group you are in. From there, let them check out the different types of characters and classes. They may be drawn to the art and idea of creating a fun class. You can then ask if they would like to create a character and join the game. If they say no, no worries. If they say yes then this leads me into my next point...

What I am currently playing.

Be patient

They are going to have a lot of questions. Let them ask all the questions they may have. If they need to look at the controller or character sheet a million times, let them. Be patient and understand that this is all foreign and may be very confusing. Everyone is different and learn at their own pace. Megan had trouble getting into Halo: Reach yet was easily able to figure out Rayman.

Sometimes, it is best to let them learn on their own. While you might think it is easier if you explain it, it can be stressful to have you always watching them. I know when I am learning something, I prefer to do it alone. If they come to you with a question, just remember what your old school teacher used to say, "There is no such thing as stupid questions."

Play multiplayer games

Well, the title says it all. One of the main reasons you want your SO to play games with you is to spend time together. Party games like Mario Party or Wii Sports are great games that are small, bite-sized, ways for you to play together. Another option is to use the Kinect if you have an Xbox 360 or Xbox One. The Dance Central games are fun for when you have a group of people over. Throw in a few drinks and you will really have something. Nothing is as funny as watching a bunch of tipsy people trying to dance like the King of Pop, Michael Jackson.

Just look at those moves.

Once your SO has the hang of using the controller and feels a little more comfortable playing, then introduce more complex multiplayer games. Right now, Megan and I are enjoying Diablo 3: Ultimate Evil Edition together. With me being a crusader, and her choosing the demon hunter, it allows for some crazy adventures. Diablo 3, for Megan, is a good evolution in her gaming choice due to her love of the Lego games she enjoys. There are a lot of similarities that make is so it isn't overwhelming. If you are fan of FPS games, maybe starting out with Portal 2 would be an option. The controls are a little tougher, but not as hectic as say Call of Duty or Battlefield. 

Have fun  

The main reason to play with your SO is have fun together. Gaming is meant to be a fun experience. So sit back, grab your drink of choice and have a great time!