When you crack open a cold one, which ale are you reaching for first? A bold IPA? A crisp lager? The reason perhaps is that weight-giving stout that has been striking your taste buds. The beer industry is large, and the drink you pick is not merely about your taste: it gives a clue to how you play and what types of online games are going to capture your interest. Hoppy, exciting ales may be in line with tense, strategy-intensive games, and smooth-lamers may bring to mind chilled drinks and storytelling. Tasting the tastes and styles in beer is an entertaining way to learn what interests you in the gaming world.

Think about it; beer and gaming practically share the same DNA! They’re often consumed in social situations, and they can be as lightweight or complex as you want them to be. Here’s the thing, though: are you being as discerning in your choice of games as you are in your choice of beverage?   As if you’re strictly a lager loyalist or a craft beer adventurer, there’s a game out there perfectly matched to both your taste buds and your play style. So, pick your poison and we’ll tell you what to stock in your Steam library! 

The Universal Favorite 

We’re not going to judge, so be honest. When you’re chilling with friends and someone suggests a round, what’s your go-to? It’s larger, right? We get it; Lager’s crisp, refreshing, and just so darn reliable. 

The digital gaming universe has its lagers too, in the form of easygoing, all-access titles that are playable by just about everyone. Think Mario Kart, Rocket League, or even a mobile gaming standard like PUBG Mobile. Much like your bevvy of choice, these digital escapades are approachable but still guarantee a good time. They’re perfect for those Friday night unwinds, when nobody wants to think too hard, or sit through endless title screens before being able to get stuck into the gaming action. 

Experimental Crafts

If there’s one thing that can be said about some people’s taste buds, it’s that they’re never going to be satisfied with a basic beer. Maybe you want distinct flavors, welcome surprises, and, preferably, just a hint of weirdness. If hazy IPAs and small-batch seasonal releases are what get you going, it’s time to get experimental with your gaming habits and look beyond the obvious. 

Forget Mario Kart and say hello to casino slot games. Hear us out! We’re by no means suggesting a round trip to Vegas just to spin a few rounds of slots. Thanks to the wonders of modern tech, casino slots have been reimagined into future-proof digital gaming experiences. In the same way that the geekiest of craft beer brewmasters plays with hops and barrels, slots developers play with cutting-edge mechanics and sound design when crafting new spinners.

Online casino slots are designed for quick, bite-sized sessions. You can explore a variety of games and hop between them in the same way you might sample different brews over an afternoon, enjoying each experience without committing hours to a single one.

The Stout Specialist

Let’s switch gears for a moment. Not every beer drinker wants to play Guess Who? with each mouthful. Some of us enjoy a slow drink, one that we can sit with, sip, and just let the rich flavor unfold. Yep, we’re talking about stout!  Stout isn’t for everyone, sure, but this deep and roasty ale has its own unique appeal. And since it’s best enjoyed slowly, we can’t think of a better gaming equivalent than narrative RPGs. The RPG genre, like the brewing industry with expensive beer, is incredibly diverse, but narrative RPGs stand out for their scale and cinematic quality. 

Found at the opposite end of the spectrum to lightweight staples like online slots, these RPGs are layered and progressive, and are often equipped with side quests and increasing difficulty to keep you hooked. Titles like Witcher 3, Disco Elysium, and Red Dead Redemption II will lock you in for multi-hour gaming sessions, so we don’t advise loading them up just before bedtime! If you’re looking for a partner for a slow stout evening, though, we can’t think of anything better.  

Hopheads United 

You know the type: the IPA drinker who insists you simply haven’t lived until you’ve tasted something that punches you in the face with its grapefruit bitterness. IPAs are loud and unapologetic. And if you’re firmly placed in the hophead camp, you might be wondering if there’s a video game out there that can live up to the edgiest of IPAs. Lucky for you, there’s an abundance. Although you’ll find a lot of today’s AAA releases are becoming more hard-hitting, if you want the meatiest of games to sink your teeth into, opt for an eSports title. 

Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2, Valorant… These games are intense and often polarizing (think: love ‘em or hate ‘em, no in between). They’re not going to hold your hand, and they’ll demand ultra focus, but boy, is that victory oh-so-sweet when you finally manage to claw your way to it after losing 20 times in a row! 

Explore the Drinks Menu

Nor is there any strict rule that accompanies beer or gaming at the end of the day. It is the fun of exploring what interests you. One afternoon, you may sink into the adventures of Geralt with you a deep, smoky stout. Another, you would be able to spin the reels of an extraordinary slot and enjoy a hoppy IPA that is bold. Worst-case, you have learned a new brew and a new game to talk about. Best-case? You have fallen on your dream couple.