Many larger homes have dens or family rooms, and these have traditionally been used for family activities such as watching television or playing cards or board games. Their primary function was to keep the formal living room clean and tidy in the event that unexpected company should stop by. In today’s hi-tech world, few families actually play cards anymore and fewer yet actually watch network television.
Today families either stream movies and television shows through subscription-based platforms like Netflix, Hulu or Amazon Prime or they have cable television. In any case, if you find that your family room needs a makeover in 2022 to keep up with the digital demands, it’s time to do a DIY family room to game room conversion. Here are a few tips to get you started.
Start with a Gaming Desktop
You may already have a game console but that will factor in as well. The reason it is suggested that you get a gaming desktop is because the gaming processor has a fast CPU and can handle unbelievable graphics. Yes, your console can do that as well, but can your kids do their homework on a PlayStation or Xbox?
You can keep the game console hooked up to the television so that more than one kid can be playing a different game at the same time, or you might want to binge watch your favorite series on Netflix while your teen happily tries to defeat the enemy in Warfare.
Keep the Décor But Upgrade the Technology
Another tip would help save a ton of money. There is really no reason at this time to do anything with the décor. A game room really isn’t much different in appearance from a family room except for the technology. Here you might want to ensure that you have wireless connectivity in your family-soon-to-be game room.
While you may have been watching Netflix with a wired cable connection, it is far easier and cheaper to have a router that will connect with both the game system and the desktop gaming system. Can you imagine how many wires you’d need to run if everything was wired? Since you rarely watch live tv, get rid of the cable and have Wi-Fi installed instead for your favorite streaming services.
Don’t Forget the Headsets!
Since you won’t be doing much redecorating, perhaps it’s wiser to invest in a few good quality head sets with noise canceling properties. This makes it possible for several people to be doing different things and none of them bothered by, or bothering, anyone in the room. It pays to have one set for every member of the family even if they may not all be in the same room at the same time often.
But, for those times that they are, it makes the transition complete. It’s now a game/entertainment room where everyone in the family can do their own thing without fighting over who watches what when or who gets to use the game system first. Also, there’s still no mess in the living room so all is well that ends well!