Editor’s Note: SocialMonsters.org sponsored this story.
According to a study by the Entertainment Software Association, the average age of gamers is 35. This means that the first generation of kids to grow up with a Nintendo in the house now have careers and families of their own. They might be older, but they haven’t traded in their controllers for a set of golf clubs just yet. In fact, this demographic sees gaming as a great way to bring people together and stay in touch with old friends.
Here’s a simple fact: Just because you’re getting a little older doesn’t mean you have to stop playing video games, and it certainly doesn’t mean you have to stop having your gamer buddies over for a gaming party. In fact, now that you have a little bit of expendable income, you can up the sophistication factor on your next gaming get-together. No more paper-thin microwave pizza or crowding around a tiny TV on the floor of your dorm room. Now you can enjoy your favorite first-person shooter in comfort and style. Here are three ways to make your next gaming party a truly luxurious experience.
Beer and Food Pairings
Instead of a few cases of cheap, watered-down swill, buy a few six packs of craft beer and create a food menu that pairs well with your choices. Start with Guinness’ Nitro IPA, which has just the right amount of hoppiness with a smooth straight-from-the-cask finish. Pair it with spicy foods like buffalo wings or a curried chicken. Thinking about hosting a gaming barbecue? Go with a darker beer like Founders Imperial Stout, which is the perfect complement to roasted pork or sausage. If you want to go with seafood, Brooklyn Brewery’s Brown Ale has a malty backbone that makes it ideal for serving with grilled salmon.
Put on a Display
Hosting a gaming party is the perfect excuse to upgrade your entertainment center. Start with one of the best reviewed TV’s of 2015: The Samsung JU6400, an entry level 4K LED that can punch way outside its weight class. The JU6400 has two features that make it perfect for gamers. It has little to no motion blur, which means that every “Halo 5” match will look crystal clear no matter how chaotic the action. It also has an insane viewing angle, which means that everyone can get in on the action even if they aren’t front and center. Like most flat screens, the JU6400 doesn’t put out the best sound so make sure you pick up a Bluetooth enabled soundbar as well. The Samsung HW series offers great surround sound in a compact package, and there are no cords for your friends to trip over.
Comfortable Seating
Now that you’re a little older, you can truly appreciate the value of a comfortable chair. When it comes to gaming, you can’t do better than the ergonomically designed Black Series Gaming Recliner. The curved design and expertly placed foam padding means that you won’t cramp up during a decisive sudden death “Street Fighter 5” match. It even has built in speakers and headphone jacks so everyone can enjoy their own personalized audio experience. Best yet, the Black Series Recliner is compact and stackable enough for easy storage so you keep one (or several) in the bullpen for your next party.
