As a kid, I had this vision for what my dream gaming setup would look like. On one end, a large screen with all of my gaming consoles hooked up to it. On the other end, a nice comfy couch for me and my friends to sit on and enjoy the action. Lined along the walls would be all of my games and gaming memorabilia. Even as an adult, I had it in my mind that I would work towards creating a setup like that someday.
These days, my wife and I are pretty settled into our house. I have the basement as a space to create this gaming den of my dreams. Money is still an issue, but that’s not what’s ultimately stopping me from assembling some version of that dream setup.
When my wife and I first moved in together, we cozied up in a small condo. The only space for me to play was in the corner of our living room. I’d never really played console games at a desk before, but it was the only space we had. Propped to the side was my laptop, where I got into the habit of blogging while gaming. Having the ability to game and write at a desk made it convenient for me to jot down notes as I played, then having the ability to flesh out my thoughts on the spot as soon as the game was over.
Over the years, the desk setup has become even more important to the way that I experience the hobby. Video production and streaming have become a huge part of my gaming life, both of which require me to sit and play at a desk. Even when I’m not streaming or writing, I’m rarely ever just playing a game. I might be taking in-game screenshots for the website or for social posts. I might be gaming while a YouTube video plays on the other screen. Multitasking has become a part of how I consume games.
As great as it would be to have that big TV and sofa like I always imagined, I don’t know if I’d even use it at this point. There are other tasks I partake in while gaming nowadays, and I’d probably side with using the more ergonomic solution for my multitasking needs. Granted, it’s not the best when others are here to play. At this point though, I’m gaming in this space alone 99% of the time. Once in a blue moon, my brother will come to play, but we’re usually streaming that too, making the couch setup a moot point.
At this point, my dream setup would probably be a nicer version of what I already have. Bigger desk. Bigger monitors. A more powerful streaming PC. More gear to facilitate hearing the game audio and PC audio at the same time, but I’m researching the logistics for that now. Essentially, a setup that allows me to game and create in one spot. It’s not nearly as comfy or as idyllic, but it’s probably what will work best for me for the foreseeable future.
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In Third Person 
For a second, I thought the first picture was of your living room and I was going to say how envious I was at that set-up, lol! It looks comfy!
We have the same ideas as you when it comes to gaming set-ups. When our older sister moved out, instead of converting her room into one of our own bedrooms, Rachel and I surprised everyone in turning it into a den which has become a combination of a gaming room and office. We have the television with our consoles hooked up around it and a donated couch across the room to play from. It’s Rachel’s newer laptop that we use when streaming while gaming there.
With desktop streaming, I would love to have more room for a second monitor, at the very least, but we’re making due for now. Having more space for bigger desks and monitors is a goal for the #doublejumpmansion.
I’m glad your set-up is working for you! It certainly helps to make entertaining streams! 🙂
It is a nice setup! Maybe someday when I win the lottery and the main gaming/streaming/content creation station is complete, I can splurge on a more “traditional” gaming setup.
Love your story about the game room/office! I just imagine your family being totally left in the dark as you worked on the room and then one day, you host a big reveal and the reaction is a mix of shock and confusion lol
I don’t know how I’d live without two monitors. Even away from streaming, once I started using two at work, I couldn’t go back.
And thank you for the compliment on my stream! ❤ Always a good time when you two drop by. And of course, you two run a fantastic show that I try to catch every chance I can get! http://twitch.tv/xdoublejump for those who have yet to check Kris and Rachel’s stream out!
Steff and I have dreams of making my streaming room more modern and functional as a general hang-out space, but it’s been tough to squeeze that into our plans. That said, I do want to dress up the space on camera with more plushies, art, and personal mementos. Snorlax Bean bag chair is a start, but the space needs more!
I thought that originally too! That first gaming setup pic looks nice. But @Jett its even better to see that you are still gunning for your dream setup and using what you do have. The one with the snowball mic looks pretty cool too.
The picture with the snowball mic is my current setup.
Yours battlestation setup is most impressive! I’m envious.
Thanks!
With enough time, I’m sure you’ll be able to form the perfect setup for all your gaming and creation. Who knows, maybe your new setup will blow any idea you had as a kid, out of the water!