Sim racing has grown in popularity, partially owing to the fact that not many of us can possibly afford to do the real thing and zoom around tracks all over the world. Modern tech makes the experience much more realistic. Wannabe racers can get a home setup that allows them to have the full experience of driving and competing but without having to actually get in a car.
So what about those times when they can’t be at home or they want to play another game? Some other games may have a use for people when it comes to building certain skills or strategies.
Blackjack
Playing blackjack has the potential to help sim racing fans with their strategy skills and understanding the ways to take emotion out of things and focus on what cards are dealt – literally and figuratively.
Playing blackjack online is an option for those who want to test out different strategies – the game has some level of human involvement but largely comes down to the cards dealt. A bit like racing, players adapt to what has happened already and may need to make decisions quickly about how to proceed with a plan. It is one of the casino games that involves decision-making (such as whether to hit or stick) and some players choose to play this kind of game either for free or for money to hone certain skills.
Blackjack’s outcomes are random and do depend on the deck of cards and what comes next, but the reaction and strategizing are not random. Speed of thought is sometimes needed and there might be a limit on how long someone has to choose whether they want to stick or not and this can translate to sim gaming.
A lot of people have a similar outlook on puzzle games which have the same quick thinking required to try and solve the problems and this can translate to the (virtual) racing track. There’s a huge mental side to sim racing that people are trying to get better at if they want to hit the top of the esports world and grow their skillset. Solving puzzles could well help!
FPS Games
First-person shooters are one type of game that might help with sim racing. These games make you think fast while navigating tricky environments. In games like Call of Duty or Battlefield, you need to react instantly to avoid getting taken out.
The same quick reflexes are crucial in sim racing. When you’re speeding down the track, even a tiny hesitation can lead to a crash or a missed chance. First-person shooters can train a player’s reflexes, making them more responsive when in the driver’s seat – this is no random theory and studies have backed up the fact that it can be a way to boost reaction skills for players. Plus, staying cool under pressure is something both of these game types have in common. According to those studies, there is “evidence that the very act of playing action video games significantly reduces reaction times without sacrificing accuracy.”
Strategy Games
Strategy games might not be the first genre people think of when looking to improve sim racing skills but there is a method to this.
Strategy games might seem like an unusual choice, but they can also be helpful. Games like StarCraft or Civilization require you to think ahead. Planning your next move and predicting what your opponent might do is key. In sim racing, strategy matters too. Knowing when to push your car hard and when to play it safe can make a huge difference in a race. A good sim racer understands the balance between being aggressive and cautious. Strategy games can help players develop this kind of thinking.
Rhythm Games
Rhythm or music games sit in their own corner of the industry, and while they might seem out of place here, but they have something to offer too. Games like Dance Dance Revolution or Guitar Hero demand perfect timing and coordination. Getting the timing just right in these games can translate to better control of your car in sim racing.
Some rhythm games have gone viral before due to their gameplay and the fact they may have catchy music. They also help develop hand-eye coordination and timing, both essential for sim racing. They teach you to stay focused and maintain a steady rhythm, which is crucial when driving on a race track.
Conclusion
These are some of the top examples of games that may work out parts of the brain used in sim racing – people all have their own specific experiences and preferences when it comes to their spare time and some are happy only ever playing on sim racing games. Other people might want something a bit different and other games are definitely an option that people may consider.
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