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As the weekend approaches, many people consider what plans they’ll make with friends. Some imagine having a night out at the latest club or concert, while others might instead think about getting out of town for a hike or trip to the country. But sometimes, nothing sounds better than staying in and having fun at home.
Whether looking to save a bit of spending money or simply rest after a busy work week, staying at home is a great way to practice self-care. Unfortunately, deciding to stay at home can be boring—especially if you’ll be at home alone. Still, the ongoing development of entertainment-based technology and improved internet connections mean there are plenty of options.
Each year, large companies like Microsoft and Sony spearhead new experiences for gamers, while other groups like Google have instead created unique experiences in virtual formats. Looking for tech tips to have fun while staying at home? Keep reading.
Find a Unique Interest
Often times, tech-based recreation revolves around social media apps, along with video streaming sites like YouTube. However, one of the easiest ways to have fun online is to try something new. For example, Texas Hold’em poker is one of the world’s most popular games.
The card game gained popularity in the last decades thanks to popular televised shows, which introduced many viewers to the game and its intrigue. Today, there are quality online poker providers that introduce newcomers to the basics—all in a dynamic and engaging format.
Look for an (Affordable) Platform
Regardless of what pursuit you decide on, finding an affordable and quality platform should be a top priority. In keeping with the poker example above, players can keep a look-out for welcome deals, which are offered to newcomers. Online poker aside, the same is true for video streaming and gaming platforms.
For example, PC gamers who want to give their wallets a break can Google ‘free PC games’ to find catalogues of downloadable titles, from Raid: Shadow Legends to Forge of Empires to Genshin Impact. Keep a look out for indie-based gaming sites, as these games are created by solo artists and are often heavily discounted. These games can be found on websites like Itch.io and Humble Store.
Search for an Experience
Not all tech-based entertainment is based on games, video streaming, and social media. In fact, many companies are now creating dynamic ‘experiences’ for online browsers. For example, Google rolled out a series of new projects, including virtual museum tours in 2020. These can be accessed online through the Google Arts & Culture page, including tours of the National Palace of Sintra to the Forecort of the Wazir Khan Mosque to the Trevi Fountain.
The same goes for other unique locations, like the Cincinnati Zoo in Ohio, United States. The zoo regularly hosts live streams that showcase what’s happening with its most popular animals. These include the zoo’s panda exhibit and a very special hippo named Fiona, who has become an internet personality.
Another similar project is the National Aquarium in Baltimore, United States. The museum has a fully virtual museum tour that lets users guide their own adventure—all from an internet browser. The program is designed to be compatible with most devices.
Make a Social Connection
Lastly, the internet is a prime location to make a new friend. One of the latest experiences available is Facebook’s Metaverse. The Metaverse keeps social interaction at its core while introducing many to a totally new VR experience—but what about people who don’t have a headset yet?
Those without VR headsets don’t need to worry, as there are other options when it comes to virtual realities… no special hardware needed. Those looking to have fun and establish a sense of community can dive into casual games like Second Life, The Sandbox, or World of Warcraft. Each game creates a unique world for people to join, which includes open-world formats where they can continue interacting with other users over a long period of time.
