Making an FPS For Non-Gamers! (Updated)

Patreon: / games4nongamers
Twitter: / games4nongamers
A few years ago I began a "quest" to find out how to teach my parents how to play 3D video games. This was the first tool I've created to help with that issue and teach "non-gamers" skills that are needed to enjoy this art form. This video has been a long time coming, but here is how I taught six non-gamers the basics of playing first-person shooters.
Link to Training Program AND List of Important Things►etra-etra-games.itch.io/a-beg...
Twitter► / etra_games
----------Chapters----------
0:00-Why Learning Games Is Difficult
0:55-What can we do To Fix This?
2:02-Setting Up The Controller
3:18-Prototype #1: 3D Space
7:38-Prototype #2: Dual Inputs
9:45-The Grand Finale
11:08- What To Play Next?
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#GamesForNongamers #GameLiteracy

[@EtrasGames4NonGamers]

Patreon: www.patreon.com/Games4NonGamers Twitter: twitter.com/Games4NonGamers Link to Training Program AND List of Important Things► etra-etra-games.itch.io/a-beginners-guide-to-fps-games Twitter► twitter.com/Etra_Games

[@tgshotoftcr2256]

I remember my first game that taught me how to play games: Timez Attack. I had it on an old laptop, and watching this video reminded me of a time when I was just like a non-gamer in this video. Hopefully you have success with this project, and maybe some concepts in Timez Attack could be useful. Cheers! -GS

[@dingus_maximus]

I remember having my mom play Minecraft many years ago. She walked forward until she ran into a block, tried walking into it and jumping (but never both at the same time), and promptly gave up. I think we Gamers™ really take our experience for granted, so something like this is very much appreciated and puts a lot in perspective. The comparison to phonics also really helps to show what it’s like for a non-gamer to be thrust into a new experience they know nothing about!

[@aykarain]

fun fact: i use shift for capitalization rather than caps lock because yes

[@derekc.7689]

Something that might help is "flashing" a new button prompt at the center of the screen before moving it back to its normal position, to draw special attention to the fact that a new action is available. I love that you're doing this, and I'm looking forward to seeing more of the curriculum!

[@EtrasGames4NonGamers]

Already implementing that in the new programs :D . Thanks for the suggestion, cause that addition definitely helps! And thanks for the comment, any comments and shares help my video and I appreciate all the support.

[@Craftal]

My gf had never played any games and she asked if she could start a character in Elden Ring. I knew it would be difficult but it really put into perspective how little games do to really welcome newcomers to the medium as a whole. You're absolutely right that there isn't really a great path from introductory to fluency in the gaming world. This is a noble goal and I hope it gets you lots of success and a healthy sex life.

[@thatonegachakid4310]

the last part maDE ME GO huh???!?!?!?!

[@MurdokSampson]

I've played games a long time and also found Elden Ring tough to play. Not the difficulty of the combat, but just figuring out what to level, understanding what different items do, etc. After a few playthroughs I've realized all of the stuff is explained with tutorials/tooltips, but I instinctively ignored them.

[@LucasGleason]

Ok thats nice but that is the strangest compliment ive ever heard

[@oonmm]

When I was a child, and started to play Wow, I was always asked if I could heal - which I said "yes" to. Because I was a Druid who had healing spells. I never healed someone though, because I thought they just wanted to know if I had the skill to heal. I was also asked to "tank", and had no idea what that was. I knew what a tank was, but I didn't have any idea what it meant in the game.

[@sheep4483]

@@oonmm this healing story is so fucking funny

[@TheRealAspect]

This and your main channel deserve so many more sunscribers.

[@EtrasGames4NonGamers]

Thanks for the support! Sharing would help me a lot to reach that goal.

[@TheRealAspect]

@Valkzi℮ he's looking to put his teaching non gamers videos in this channel, his main channel is called Etra Games

[@oksaire2221]

I am proud to say I am, in fact, a sunscriber.

[@viviraptor]

i never knew the gaming community needed something like this until now. not only does this teach the basics in a straightforward manner, but you've also taken into account the psychological concept of "flow" to make sure new players stay engaged. i've tried to play games with my 50+ y/o mom several times, but it never works out, because she either gets bored or too confused. i usually end up getting frustrated for her. gaming "phonics" lessons like this are an awesome concept, and definitely something i might invite my mom to do. i hope you'll consider making more of them for other genres of games in the future. maybe a 2d platformer, a rhythm game, maybe even a visual novel? just putting those out there. i really want to see this idea get off the ground, so keep it up!

[@Glide9441]

The chain part seems cool and yes every non-gamer looks around for no reason, nice video/game tutorial.

[@EtrasGames4NonGamers]

Thanks for watching!

[@wertez9129]

Man i remember when i was a little kid i couldnt press both buttons at once in platformers, after like 20 min i had to teach my brain how to do it

[@timeforamazingchest5271]

This is really cool! It's so easy to forget since I've been playing video games since early childhood that I had to learn how to navigate the virtual space and get used to the controls, and you're so right when you say that the industry has a nasty habit of just assuming everyone who plays a game is a veteran at it already. We all had to learn how to eat with cutlery to begin with, even though we take it for granted later in life! You've done a great job here trying to understand and communicate the experience "non-gamers" have and I hope that you get much more recognition for this because it's really useful and interesting to watch. Giving them the opportunity to actually have fun will really help bridge the generation divide and just help foster bonds between people in general, so thank you for your hard work.

[@EtrasGames4NonGamers]

Thank you so much for your support and kind words :)

[@redstoneman_]

Honestly your doing a very great thing,. Its difficult for a new person to jump right into gaming, as you stated in the video, I hope that you can finish your passion project so all the newcomer gamers play it and learn the gaming industry easier and more efficiently. Honestly your doing what everyone wants, but no one has put it into action. Can't wait to see the new updates and things to come!

[@howlouttonight]

Out of curiosity, will your phonics series eventually have a game that helps players learn how to use a controller? My dad who's only played games like Pac-man and an unsuccessful attempt at Wind Waker is looking to try and play, but finds that there's too many buttons and that he's used to using the right stick for movement (as the way arcade games worked) and gets confused every time he needs to use the left stick. He's looking to eventually try Portal and although I've tried to steer him towards the PC version, he wants to try it when it comes out on the Switch. Love the work your doing and can't wait to see more!

[@snarpking]

Best part of the video is the part about making stickers out of sticky notes. Video turned into one of those 5 second crafts kind of things for a second there, except it was actually a pretty cool idea.

[@EtrasGames4NonGamers]

5 Seconds Crafts should indeed have more explosions.

[@smth35]

I really enjoy gaming and making games, so making more people able to play games would be my third winner. I have been doing some more 2d platformers recently, and i can confirm this is how a non-gamer usually jumps: 7:50 Now i have been thinking of doing something similar, but for platformers, and mostly how to maintain focus on the screen, rather than the keyboard.

[@EtrasGames4NonGamers]

If you make any progress on a project like thatI'd love if you reached out to me on Twitter (@Etra_Games). Thanks!

[@ilikeceral3]

That’s a brilliant idea! So many games are different, making basic literacy games for each genre would be a godsend.

[@arielortega9428]

It's incredible, I had never thought about how difficult it can be to start in video games until I wanted to teach one to my mom, I know she will love it but first she must learn, and what you do will help her a lot, and not only her but many people, keep it up, you deserve more visits. And, for finish, Could you do something like that but to play it with controllers? Pd: sorry, I used a translator so, i tries...

[@EtrasGames4NonGamers]

Hello! I hope to add controller support in the future. Thanks for watching!

[@arcviper27]

The fact that you're working on an entire curriculum for this is insane. Keep up the great work!

[@BoredYoshi]

this is honestly way too underrated. you're litterally teaching people how to play video games its actually really awesome

[@bonboomori]

Do a game like that, where the beginning is teaching you how to play games, then introduce a story aspect like you meeting a character who is shocked that there's a new person after so long or something so you can teach them things like menus items and text and puzzles

[@franksonatra]

I didn't grow up with consoles, just a PC (and with very few games at that), so I know how to play 2D games that are not platformers, but I definitely have struggled with 3D games a lot. Even in Roblox I would bump into things, unable to jump or do literally anything. So I really appreciate this educational gaming curriculum! I think the 2nd part of this curriculum should be teaching mechanics like save, load, and inventory - then maybe later on, HP, MP, consumables, then even later, concepts for turn-based fighting. Also, as a disabled person with a cocktail of disabilities that made me impossible to even finish Deltarune, I think having an assist mode, which eliminates the need for fast reflexes, or an audio adjustment button, for help with audio cues, and also (options for) larger text for the "look around, walk, etc." instructions on the top of the screen of your 1st game would help (because I can't read it). Seeing gamers with disabilities on the website Can I Play That probably will help too! Cause there Are lots of ways to reward the player even if they use assist mode (no mocking). Thank you for reading this :D

[@ask343]

You're amazing with this stuff, I'm gonna show my mum this game since I'm getting her more into video games

[@EtrasGames4NonGamers]

I hope it helps! Thanks for watching :)

[@GHOUSTTM]

I felt the panic and devastation on the last part of the mega tutorial

[@Ishbosheth.]

This just popped into my recommendations, and I was surprised how little subs you have. This is a really interesting concept and its well produced :) nice

[@delcaprascalar1860]

remember to add moving targets to more advanced levels and to even more advanced levels an explanation to what are the health and ammo mechanics

[@kyan2632]

I might use this with my friends and mom. I'll put the results here once I do it.

[@TerminalVelociRaptor]

Not sure I've ever subbed to a channel so fast. Did everything I can to get you into the algorithm!

[@EtrasGames4NonGamers]

Thank you so much! Any help is appreciated.

[@kjdubs5877]

I never realized how many aspects of video games require real training to understand. A lot of mechanics in games feel so natural

[@gameygeemer4142]

Man, it's always wild to see that people have issues with picking up a mouse to reposition it, since I didn't even learn that in the context of video games.

[@optccaptain]

9:40 Oh no! DA STAIRSSSS!!!!! Also 10:27 Killed me XD I'll give the game a try ro someone that doesn't play if I encounter someone who doesn't!

[@EtrasGames4NonGamers]

Thanks for the comment! I'll try to aim for some more bits of comedy in future full videos, not just these remakes.

[@ilikeceral3]

I’d love to see videos showing the playthroughs. It’d be neat to see how other people figured it out.

[@RAFMnBgaming]

This seems like a really cool idea. I might have a tinker around to see if I can make some teachy games too.

[@judsongaiden9878]

Kinda cool how you're applying your Alphys/Ralsei-like mentality (Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff, represent!) to training rookies on the FPS genre-go-nuts. Btw, do you think a trackball would be more appealing to rookies or old-timers? It's gotta be an old-school symmetrical trackball. Offset ones are too hard to use for FPS gaming (or gaming in general). Symmetrical ones also have the advantage of being ambidextrous. 9:35 Wait, did you actually give that gun grenade launcher-style indirect-fire physics?! That's kind of avant-garde for a training simulation. That MIGHT put yer rookies on the fast track toward comprehending indirect-fire and the sighting systems associated with it (if you wanted to add aim-down-sights gameplay mechanics) should they feel compelled to get into games like S.T.A.L.K.E.R. (which is an "advanced class" sort of game series). 9:57 [[1996 Quake flashbacks]] 10:54 Nice homage.

[@gracegittinger9596]

I always get so excited watching your videos, you're really doing God's work. I hope you continue to get the recognition you deserve!!

[@EtrasGames4NonGamers]

Thanks for the kind words :]

[@zym5435]

Thank you for the camera thing! I remember years ago I tried TF2 for the first time, but never got into it because I didn't realize you could move the mouse with the camera (and later even when I did, found it was too difficult before I got an external mouse as opposed to a touchpad.) Planning on trying this with my dad, who has some experience, then my mom, who has none. I've mostly played Mariokart and some simple 2D platformers with him on the family Wii, and an attempt to play Portal 2 coop with him was, while fun, ultimately somewhat frustrating at times due to having to explain basic concepts (it didn't help that the controller started drifting halfway through, rip). If it works out, I might try it with my mom as well, who has zero video game knowledge, the only game I ever got her interested in was Wii Fit Plus, and even then I had to walk her through setup step-by-step multiple times before she could play on her own. (like, things like navigating the Wii menu and stuff.)

[@BluBambi]

subscriber number 5,960. Amazing content, this types of channels like game theory or food theory, very cool.

[@Xartab]

Adding a comment to feed the algorithm because this needs to go mainstream. Simple concepts are usually very hard to internalise (meaning, that playing a video game requires learned skills).

[@Kayther33]

this wonderful what a honorable objective, im subscribing

[@EtrasGames4NonGamers]

Thanks! I appreciate it.

[@nathanh775]

Hey, do you still need testers? My dad would probably like to try this Edit: also, that part about them (non-gamers) pressing a key --> releasing --> next key is SO true, and your videos have really helped me understand why they do what they do. Thanks!

[@decell7085]

You can also add a target at below the edge.

[@nooodisaster]

So cool! Never thought about there being no "phonics book" equivalent for games, but it's true

[@notstardream]

i feel like im missing out of something with both my parents being good at games

[@Dnedri]

Want to see more interactions with guns & maybe new additions to gameplay, such as sliding. Good luck on you way..

[@comradeski6683]

This is great! Do you think you can create another one for third person video games?

[@EtrasGames4NonGamers]

Stay tuned!

[@zamas8141]

i was a controller gamer and it took me 1 week of playing minecraft to learn how to play, from looking at letters to moving mouse, it was hard

[@millakatariina64]

My mom is just insane, the only game we had played was Ace Attorney and then the next game she wanted to try out was botw and she's actually doing really well! (We got past the great plateau!) Pressing multiple things at once is still a bit tough and especially moving the camera while walking around, but she's definitely been improving as we've continued playing the game! I try to help her remember what buttons to press and what things to pay attention to, but otherwise she's doing great all by herself. Taming a horse was really hard, but we managed to do it (though I quickly stole the controller for the L smashing) and she is a bit scared of fighting. Dodging is nearly impossible (though we did practice a bit), but hitting the enemy and walking to them after they get knocked back is pretty much all you need for a lot of enemies thus far and she's gotten really good at it, so :) She's also really good at sniping!

[@ajbrady4357]

Some people get sick when playing 3D games, is there some way this could be trained? I know this is a thing for VR, and it can take time for people to “get their legs” but maybe the game could include some motion sickness section

[@davidjohansson4556]

i am not sure if this can be trained out fully but im sure different options would help some people atleast

[@EtrasGames4NonGamers]

It's something I'm looking into, but not ready to work with it yet. Thanks for the comment!

[@cameraman1862]

My mom used to play Doom and Wolfenstein 3D

[@liamaincraft7614]

underrated, you deserve so much more

[@blacklight683]

You should have made the cake 3d and edible just for a little ":D I did it" at the end

[@bxbby1458]

Makes me think how much my knowledge on fps game’s could get me a phd in fps games

[@zackbuildit88]

One game I’ve been using to help my mom learn how complex games operate is Captain Toad on the switch! With how the controls are more limited for much of the game, it helped her learn them at a more comfortable pace than when I had tried with others. She did have some experience with games from Wii Sports, super Mario, and Zelda 2 though, so it may not be the best option for a first time. Do you think it could be modded into something better?

[@devak45167]

I’m trying to teach my sister a FPS and I think the hardest thing for a non-gamer that gamers take for granted is coordination with the two analog sticks to balance movement and aim (looking) at the same time. I see her a lot moving then stopping to look and aim. It’s a very separate process for her, those two things. I am struggling how to be a good and patient teacher because I literally don’t remember how I learned that it was so long ago

[@EtrasGames4NonGamers]

On my Patreon I have a free new fps tutorial

[@nekajuii]

Not asking for a video, since its a very long game, but what are your thoughts on Detroit: Become Human for someone that has never played games? My mom loves movies and TV and I think Detroit's story-driven nature reminiscent of an interactive Netflix film would be a great introduction into games for those types of people, but I'd love to hear your thoughts before I give it a try with her.

[@muffinV136]

Now I know how to teach my grandma to play my type of games on my favorite controller, keyboard and mouse.

[@Eli-Galaxy]

I think a good idea would be to use game ideas from websites for kids (like pbs or cool math) since that’s where I learned just remake them so it doesn’t seem like your down talking adults. Fire boy and water girl I think would work pretty well since it’s basic and can be a lot of fun working with another person especially someone else who isn’t familiar with games (and it’s a win teaching two people at the same time). Along with the fact that they can make their own fun so a process that should be frustrating like dying a lot can be enjoyable. I think a key problem with games for newcomers is failing isn’t fun but by making it fun it would lower the frustration and keep from getting bored. Games like Gang Beasts are also fun regardless of winning or losing. Lots of pro players may have trouble controlling the characters yet still can find joy in doing dumb stuff.

[@thegamingidiots7012]

another tip for WASD change them out with the arrow keys if they are not typing, but change them back when they are

[@AbsoluteDani-gy7dj]

A while ago I tried to get my dad to play Call of Duty: World at War with me. He did eventually learn the controls, but would usually look down to see them time and time again. We both used Xbox 360 controllers, which are pretty good, although my dad always had a firm press on the joy sticks even when I told him not to do that. I think I did more work through the game (campaign mode) than I should have.

[@ElaEhDoTempoDoBob]

maybe you should make the glow the same collor of the label you used on the interact button

[@grizzlyyy777]

i love this so much omg

[@JoubertJrDupuy]

I love the work you're doing. My Fiance has been wanting to play an FPS (Borderlands) with me but has a hard time navigating the First Person aspect. She's great at 3rd person though (she loves the Arkham series). This tutorial seems PERFECT for her getting use to not having the extra peripheral views of 3rd person. I was curious, is there a way to choose a controller for the FPS tutorial? The controller seems to work in moving and jumping (with "A" on xbox) but the interact doesn't seem to work nor are the constraints of the tutorial working. Is it simply not configured for a controller? Keyboard and mouse seem a bit too jarring a leap for her. Thanks again for your work!

[@EtrasGames4NonGamers]

Yes! Check my patreon pinned post. My nongamer tutorial creator is customizable and supports any of the main controller types :]

[@garnet1918]

This channel is awesome.

[@fakedungeonmaster5740]

I think it would really help if you put in how your fingers should be positioned on the keyboard

[@JaneSable]

Amazing vid, but I don't know if picking up the mouse should be taught because it creates bad habits for FPS games. I think having a wide enough mouse pad/surface would help better since it seemed like the people were form-fixed on the idea of the mouse pad being the only available space. New gamers have very in-the-box thinking it seems

[@novarl4115]

"where can i read video games?" *pulls out readable video game*

[@axel-ft9kq]

0:43 what about tunic it has an ingame manual explaining everithing

[@Taehl]

"Hello, and welcome to the Black Mesa Hazard Course"...

[@TortillatheHun_]

I would REALLY appreciate a video like this for controllers. I have an autistic sister who I gave my old Xbox to and would like to teach her how to play Minecraft. The main thing she struggles with (as well as my mom who plays Pokémon Violet on her switch) is camera movement on the right stick.

[@EtrasGames4NonGamers]

Then subscribe to this games for Non-Gamers channel I'm messaging you from right now. A controller based recreation of the project in the video is on my Patreon right now for $5 :]

[@bxbby1458]

What way you be moving your mouse I just slide it across the same way I slid it to the other side

[@lauraMartinez-hl3zf]

Wait I just realized you made that fnaf 6 and the ucn video!!! I knew you sounded familiar!

[@EtrasGames4NonGamers]

Yep :P

[@outspade]

i think i did something wrong my mom just beat the entirety of dark souls ii hitless im scared help

[@EtrasGames4NonGamers]

FEAR HER POWER

[@AzzyWaves]

very good vid!

[@haleyeason5277]

Can I use this to learn to play a fps with someone who uses an xbox?

[@InnoKitty]

how does this have only 8k views???

[@yesiplayrhythmdocter7814]

Make this for experience gamers with explosive jumping and other things

[@ponderingponderer3010]

Need something like this on console! Great work man

[@biggay2748]

I want to speedrun this so bad

[@BirchTreeReborn]

Golly I hope you make it controller compatible and add a controller UI. My Aunt went out of her way to buy a gaming computer and an Xbox controller to play video games with my brothers and I but has no idea how to play video games.

[@lin31932]

i guess its time to speedrun this

[@TheBiggestNaturals]

Does this work for an Xbox controller

[@Glide9441]

Your Game Stop looks exactly like mine lol (you don't live in Pennsylvania or Maryland right?).

[@EtrasGames4NonGamers]

Nope! Illinois sadly.

[@MsTatakai]

I think Portal is a great game to intruduce ppl into FPS to be honest... is fun and teaches you how to interact and the importance of momentum

[@NinossoniN]

I never understood why there isnt something like this in every game, like a tutorial for different level beginners, some whom NEVER played anythign before, its so unintuitive from a profit stand point as well, why block off such a big part of the market? Good job, been searching for this for my gf

[@mrlang7818]

Can I use an Xbox controller with this

[@jonathah]

Where can I read video games sir?

[@EtrasGames4NonGamers]

Best part is that the cool Gamestop Manager didn't even know the question I was going to ask him. I just said I would ask him a question aggressively and he achieved victory.

[@jonathah]

@@EtrasGames4NonGamers lmaoo

[@BluShiGuy]

Nice

[@NeteruSolink]

Is there any way I can change the texts in game? I want to translate it to my language so my dad can play it

[@EtrasGames4NonGamers]

Not exactly. However, I recommend checking out the Journey program linked on my latest video as step 1. That comes with quite a few translations.

[@Simptember]

Thanks man, you helped my girlfriend with this.

[@mr.cauliflower3536]

Hey, not something huge or urgent, but it would be good if you could make your game very lightweight, so our grandma can play it on her electric kettle. Though if you put it on steam that would be reasonable since we could just let our granny play it from her kettle with remote play, as there is no way in hell we're letting her directly use our computers which are worth like $2k and have thousands of hours of progress on them.

[@randomguy377]

Noice jjba reference

[@Markomilicic012]

I think that the flow is lost when you teach the player how to use the gun and how to jump

[@orion6184]

I don't sub to a lot of people - this was more or less a litmus test to see if my dad could load up KZbin I do like you though. Should make that clear.

[@ScoutOW2]

Whyd you make a new account? Couldnt you have just renamed?

[@NoobsterDS]

Im only here for an FPS game for a challange since im good at arsenal

[@idontmakestuff]

hey etra, would it be possible to make a version of this game for mac?

[@EtrasGames4NonGamers]

Planning on it :)

[@idontmakestuff]

@@EtrasGames4NonGamers Thanks!

[@gavingaming854]

@@EtrasGames4NonGamers when is non gamers play undertale

[@shaveme2991]

I swear I remember you doing some type of localization update that could change the game to Spanish but I can't find it anywhere. If you do have it, could you refer me to it? If I just imagined this in my head, then I'll just leave a recommendation for a translation to Spanish.

[@EtrasGames4NonGamers]

I did for the Journey program, and am adding A LOT of languages to the remake I am working on. Thanks for the comment!

[@mrfoxfam562]

as a gamer, seeing new players struggling to walk in the game pains me

[@gamer2morrow]

Where can i get this game ?

[@EtraGames]

Look at the pinned comment. Thanks for watching!

[@gnawmon]

Wait weren't you making game with unity?

[@EtrasGames4NonGamers]

I started with Unreal Engine back when this video came out. One reason there was such a big gap between these videos and the Journey videos was because I needed to completely learn programming and Unity, which I now greatly prefer :)

[@morgenross6295]

I need a console version of this

[@EtrasGames4NonGamers]

My nongamer tutorial creator on my free Patreon tier has full controller support :]

[@morgenross6295]

Thank you. I’ll check it out

[@TheRaiden316]

A few suggestions, from someone who played the hell out of games that actually taught you things: F for flashlight, crouching, the dreaded jump/crouch, and grenades.

[@EtrasGames4NonGamers]

Thank you! I'm hoping my non-gamer tutorial system will allow people to easily add any of that!

[@jazzie-noodle]

Now help me teach my friend to play chess lol

[@kiusharon]

Hmmm ... but .. the controller??? Help

[@EtrasGames4NonGamers]

Hey there. This is my new games for Non-Gamers channel. I have a new version of this program with all controler support on my Patreon for $5 :]