There’s nothing quite like emulating your heroes in a video game and sports ones offer the perfect opportunity to do just that.
Online gaming remains a popular hobby in the United Kingdom, with around 10.85 million players. This number is expected to rise further in the coming years, potentially bringing more sports fans on board.
Whether you’re one of these newbies or an experienced player, picking the right title can provide hours of enjoyment. These tips can help you decide which one you buy next.
Football
EAFC (Formerly FIFA) dominates this space and the latest addition could be a hit with fans again. There are plenty of modes to try, such as Kick-Off and Career, where you can control your favourite teams. Alternatively, enjoy a more personalised experience by creating the best squad in Ultimate Team, or design a footballer and take on the opposition with friends in Pro Clubs.
Football Manager is another brilliant option, allowing you to take the reigns of clubs across the globe. You’ll need to perfect your tactics, grow your youth academy and avoid getting sacked, as you attempt to climb the league table or win international tournaments.
Motorsports
There are racing games for a range of ages and they help you feel the need for speed as you aim to finish on the podium. Mario Kart is a classic and remains one of the most popular games in the UK according to YouGov. It’s an ideal family activity but competition can get fierce, so try not to fall out!
If you’re after something a little more realistic, F1 24 is a superb choice. You can take control of the official drivers and race online against others for a thrill. It can also be made more immersive with a racing wheel and pedals.
Tennis and golf
The likes of Top Spin and PGA Tour put you right into the action as you face the pros. Both titles let you play as one of your heroes or recreate yourself in digital format and live out your wildest dreams as an athlete.
Each of these has relatively recent editions that are the best looking and most responsive to date, offering a smoother experience whenever you pick up the controller.
You’ll find lots of other exciting options in stores and online if these aren’t quite your speed. However, signing up for memberships like PlayStation Plus Extra and Xbox Game Pass can give you access to a selection of sports titles to try.