Of the trade fairs I have attended in recent years - Gamescom in Cologne or the CAGGTUS in Leipzig - I knew that the market for gaming chairs is huge. You are spoiled for choice between dozens of international suppliers, and yet it is difficult to find a model that is not only visually appealing, but also ergonomically convincing. My back is sensitive, and if the seat doesn't fit or the backrest can't be adjusted properly, I notice it immediately. So the big question was: could a manufacturer I hardly knew before be the solution I've been looking for for so long?

Slanted gaming chair roulette

In the Paradox24 store, I first came across the different product lines they offer. There's the Commander range for solid beginners, the Vanguard range, which is a little more upmarket, and the Ultimate chairs for those who want a luxury version. There is also the Ergo-One range, which is almost like an ergonomic office chair from the premium sector.

Looking through the pictures, I immediately noticed one detail: The seat appears to be tilted slightly backwards. At first glance, this seems inconspicuous, but for me it was a real plus point. I know this feeling from the car - if the seat is slightly slanted, you automatically have more stability and don't constantly slide forwards. It's small differences like this that make the difference in the end.

My pact with Paradox24

After some hesitation, I finally clicked on "Order" and opted for the Vanguard Space Comms with leather cover. Four days later, the box arrived on my doorstep. It weighed a whopping 24 kilos and was immediately inspected by my cats, who thought I had ordered them a new climbing tree. Even lugging it up to the fifth floor was a bit of a workout, but well - maybe that was the first test to see if I really deserved the chair.

By the way, I also have to confess one thing to you - more on that later.

Leather wasn't actually my first choice. Anyone who has ever stood up from a leather chair in summer knows the feeling of the back sticking to the material like a sticker on a car windshield. But my partner really liked the look and I thought to myself: if need be, the chair would go to her desk. Which is what actually happened, but more on that later.

From the box to the throne

Assembly was straightforward. Everything was well organized, the instructions were included in several languages, and the German version was not only clearly translated, but also provided with clear pictures. It took me less than 15 minutes to assemble the chair - without breaking a sweat or getting angry - but with the help of a Makita drill driver. Without this, I estimate the assembly to take 20 - 25 minutes.

One positive thing I noticed was that every part was neatly finished and could be fitted precisely. There was no fiddling around, no crooked holes, no tugging at unruly screws. The whole process seemed very well thought out. Once assembled, the Vanguard was stable in the room - and was waiting for its first seat test.

How the Vanguard performs when seated

My first impression was: Wow, that feels light. And not in the sense of cheap, but pleasantly flexible. The chair rolled effortlessly across the floor, almost too quietly not to sneak into the study at night. At the same time, it felt stable - no creaking, no wobbling, no queasy feeling that something is about to give way. The base of the chair is made of an extremely durable plastic that looks light but is extremely stable. Unlike my previous Backforce One, which seemed almost oversized with its solid steel base, or the Dowinx, where I had the feeling that the plastic would break away from under me at any moment, the Vanguard has struck just the right balance.

At this point I should briefly explain, why I've become a little wary of gaming chairs - and why it's so important to compare them with my previous models. Until recently, I used the Backforce One myself because I thought the badges were great at the time. To be honest, I hardly paid any attention to anything else - a big mistake, as it turned out later. Even after the first few weeks, I had the feeling that I was slowly slipping forward off the chair when working upright. Especially when you sit at your desk for several hours concentrating, this quickly becomes a pain. Before the Backforce, I had brought a Dowinx chair into the house. However, that was a really short guest appearance. It tortured my back for a whole six months until I gave it away without further ado. In both cases, I experienced more frustration than joy.

Back to the Vanguard: I also quickly noticed the difference when sitting down. I didn't slide forwards, the seat provided stable support and the combination of backrest and cushion ensured that I could work and play in a relaxed manner. I couldn't help but grin - finally a chair that not only shines on the outside, but also gives me the feeling that my back is being taken seriously at a very good price-performance ratio.

Features that have made the difference for me

I was particularly impressed by the pillow. Instead of slipping around on the chair with rubber bands, it holds magnetically. Simply position it, move it and you're done. So simple, so ingenious - and above all so comfortable. I was also impressed by the lumbar cushion - it also has a slight incline that adapts well to my back. Unlike the Dowinx, where it was more of a plush cushion, or the Backforce, where there was none at all, here it actually relieves my back and is pleasantly flexible with memory foam.

The backrest can be adjusted in several stages so that I can switch between concentrated work and relaxed leaning back at any time. The armrests are also simple but functional and stable. They can be adjusted in height and reliably support my arms without too much gimmickry.

And a side note for all those who like really good designs: Paradox has prepared some real eye-catchers for your gaming setups. Gamer ladies in particular get a real eye-catcher with the Paradox Vanguard Pink Princess an extra portion of pink behind the desk - but unfortunately it wasn't for my partner. 😘

My confession

With a price of around 279 euros, the Vanguard is in the mid-range of gaming chairs, but for my taste it offers much more than you would initially expect. It was easy to set up, the workmanship is high quality and the seating comfort is impressive. The fact that I immediately bought a second model after my first positive experience - this time the fabric version - speaks for itself.

I have now had the choice of upholstery: the leather chair is now at my partner's, while I have secured the fabric version and ordered it a second time. The fabric is pleasant to the touch, breathable and robust enough not to be worn out even after years of use. Clearly the better choice for me. So my confession is simple: I originally wanted the leather chair for myself, but gave it to my partner. For me, the Paradox Vanguard Space Comms fabric ultimately more of an option because it is more breathable. In the end, we now both have a Vanguard at our desks. Top!

After two weeks of use, both working and playing, I am completely convinced. The Vanguard is stable, comfortable to sit on, has a well thought-out design and offers small details that were simply unbeatable for me. For me it was Paradox24 a real surprise - a brand that I didn't know before, but one that has really impressed me.

Finally, I have some pictures of the setup and the two different gaming chairs for you. Feel free to join the discussion and share your feedback on our Discord Community Server.

The post How my butt made peace with this gaming chair from Paradox first appeared on SPIELECHECK | English.

The financial prospects in e-sports

E-sports is not just a testing ground for digital Duels, but also a lucrative source of income for the best of the best. At the beginning, many newcomers face financial challenges, as the income from smaller tournaments is often low. However, as experience and popularity increase, so do the prize money and income from advertising and sponsorship - just like in traditional sport.

For example, the prize money at "The International 2021" in DOTA 2 reached the astronomical sum of 40 million US dollars. Top players such as "N0tail" and "Faker" have already amassed millions through their success in e-sports. These profits show that e-sports can be far more than just a hobby. It is now a professional field with enormous financial potential that is worth conquering.

Prejudices in e-sports and the image of gamers

Despite its success, e-sports still struggles with many prejudices. Some people still believe that all gamers are overweight and socially isolated, which clearly reflects an outdated image - then as now.

Studies have shown that violent video games do not necessarily lead to aggressive behavior, and the reality is that gamers can be found in all age groups and life situations. Video games are not just for entertainment, but also promote skills such as strategic thinking and teamwork, which are valuable in many professional fields.

PC setup for beginners: DIY vs. ready-made PC

Choosing the right gaming PC can be a challenge, especially for beginners. The decision between a do-it-yourself PC and a ready-made PC depends on various factors.

A DIY PC usually offers better value for money and the freedom to select all components according to your own wishes. This not only promotes an understanding of the hardware, but also makes it easy to expand or improve the system.

For those who want to invest less time in planning and assembly and prefer a ready-to-use solution, ready-made PCs are a good option. Anyone interested in a detailed overview will find here found.

Cost comparison: All-rounder PC vs. budget PC

A good gaming PC does not necessarily have to break the budget. A budget PC can be put together for around 1000 euros and, with the right settings, is ideal for most games. An all-round PC that costs around 1500 euros (or more) offers more performance and is better suited to those who, in addition to gaming, also want to perform more demanding tasks such as video editing or Streaming want to do. Regardless of the budget, it is important to find the right balance between price and performance and to invest in important components such as the graphics card and processor.

E-sports - A conclusion

E-sports is undoubtedly an exciting and constantly evolving industry that not only provides entertainment, but also offers a wide range of opportunities. Professional opportunities opens. Choosing the right set-up and overcoming prejudices are crucial for success in this scene.

In addition, e-sports offers unique insights into the fusion of technology, sport and media, opening up new perspectives for both technology enthusiasts and those with sporting ambitions.

The importance of e-sports goes far beyond pure gaming and includes aspects such as team management, psychological support and technological innovations that make the sector an exciting field for future developments.

Ultimately, it is the dynamic and inclusive nature of e-sports that makes it a fascinating world in which anyone can achieve great things, regardless of their physical abilities. What role do you want to play in this emerging arena?

The post E-sports - a world full of opportunities and misunderstandings first appeared on SPIELECHECK | English.

GamesCom 2023 - Part One: Friday, 25.08.2023 (9 a.m. - 8 p.m. 27 euros), all ticket types still available

Literally left out in the rain.

Arriving at the North Entrance at around 10.30 a.m., we could already see the numerous visitors who were delighted. Finally another GamesCom without restrictions. But why are we all standing outside and can't get into the entrance hall? Anyone who has ever visited the trade fair knows how spacious the entrance area is.

Just at that moment the heavy rain came. The GamesCom organizers had probably planned this as a clever concept that visitors are only allowed to enter the fair in batches. But with what background? After finally arriving inside after 15 minutes, you are greeted by the smell of wet clothing and transpiring bodies. Dripping wet, resentment slowly grows. Perhaps this was just a clever marketing move by the trade fair operator? That you swap your soaked shirt for a dry merch T-shirt right at the start?

Next hurdle ahead, the ticket scanner. The decision was made to only allow visitors to enter in batches, even though the scanner is already regulating them...

GamesCom's hall hopping

The first exhibition halls are finally in sight. You quickly realize that this year, too, there are not nearly as many exhibitors on site as in the years before Corona. Advantage: the sardine can effect is more bearable due to the wider walkways. However, the tried and tested bottlenecks remain. We all know THE stairs. Caution: lots of physical contact is inevitable. But nothing can be done about this in a hurry.

One thing that does not stand out positively are the exhibition stands. Dear exhibitors, where has the attention to detail gone? Sometimes huge stands that are only green or blue. A stand with the most "hyped" game of 2023which houses a small simulation chair with a gameplay demo tucked away in the far corner. Apparently computer-savvy people don't like bells and whistles? Is that really the case?

All in all, it's an average performance this year, dear GamesCom organizers and exhibitors. You are the professionals after all these years! But we all know that feeling when suddenly, all of a sudden, the last weekend in August is just around the corner.

To end on a positive note: The status of a NThe presentation of the new streaming service (unfortunately one of the few) was really a feast for the eyes. The goodies that were offered there were a lot of fun. Thank you very much!

GamesCom 2023 - Part Two: Saturday, 26.08.2023, evening ticket (valid from 4-8 p.m. 9 euros), tickets sold out

This time, Peter, the weather god or whatever you want to call him, was at least merciful to us. It was still warm and humid, but the sky wasn't weeping.

Unfortunately, the admission problems continued on Saturday. This time we wanted to use the south entrance. Just like the day before, there was a considerably large crowd of people in front of the ticket scanners. To be fair, it should be mentioned here that the south entrance is directly at the Rear exit of the station Cologne Trade Fair/Deutz.

To avoid the huge rush, we wanted to test how successful we would be at the West/East entrance to the fair. Surprisingly, despite the streetcar stop (Kölnmesse), the afternoon rush here was bearable and we made good time. You quickly realize that Saturday is the day with the most visitors. With highlights like Gronkh's autograph session or Lara Loft's meet and greet, it's not surprising.

If you want to play one of the popular games, you have to be prepared for long waiting times (especially on Saturdays). Here you can the coveted folding chair Remedy. Transporting the chairs can be a challenge for other visitors. Carried like a Surfboard under the arm, you should be careful not to get the frame in your face.

We spent most of our visit on Saturday in the merch area and bought a few little things for our shelves, as we had already spent the previous day exploring the other exhibition halls. under the microscope have.

My conclusion on GamesCom

The character of the games fair is being pushed more and more into the background by the now immense influx of influencers. Anyone who would also like to see or meet a (gaming) celebrity definitely has a very good chance at GamesCom, because you don't just see familiar faces behind barriers. The admission organization and the exhibition stands, which sometimes felt carelessly arranged, should be reconsidered. The GamesCom is still a nice way to meet people you usually only interact with in stream chats.

By the way: The health app / fitness tracker is happy about the countless steps that have been collected.

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Disclaimer: If you're wondering how the journey was on the respective days: We traveled by car both days, as Tommy got a press ticket again this year and thus a free press parking space. So, thanks to the really cool gimmick from Kölnmesse, we parked in the press parking lot at the North Entrance of Gamescom 2023 - at least on Friday.

Unfortunately, the press parking lot was already full on Saturday afternoon and we parked in parking garage P22, which is about a 10-minute walk from the trade fair. But there is also a commendable note here: A shuttle bus runs between the parking garage and the North Entrance approximately every 10 minutes. Unfortunately, however with a small hookbecause a daily fee of 20 euros, regardless of the parking duration, is steep. Sure, we're in Cologne, everything here is somehow overrated and trade fairs and trade fair prices are generally not cheap (especially when it comes to food and drinks), but it shouldn't go unmentioned. But we were lucky and didn't have to pay the parking fee thanks to our press pass.

The post GamesCom 2023 from a visitor's perspective first appeared on SPIELECHECK | English.

Facts and figures: 1,000 participants, 22 questions and the gaming world

The extensive study with 1,000 participants provided interesting insights into the world of gamers. The quantitative survey consisted of a total of 22 questions covering a wide range of topics. In addition to gaming habits, the Opinions and perceptions of the participants on various aspects of the professional gaming scene.

The age groups of the participants were carefully divided to ensure a representative sample. They ranged from 16 to 55 years old, which made it possible to examine the differences and similarities in the attitudes and behaviors of the different age groups. The average age of 33.8 years shows that both young and experienced gamers were represented in the study.

The gender distribution of the participants is also interesting. With a share of 63.1 percent, more men were represented in the study than women, who accounted for 36.5 percent. In addition, 0.4 percent of participants were classified as diverse. This distribution partly reflects the image of the gaming scene, in which there are traditionally more men than women. The findings from the study can therefore shed light on how this inequality affects the perception and behavior of gamers.

Video games at any age: results of the study on equality

It turned out that video games are played at any age. Furthermore, none of the study participants stated that they never play or play less than once a week. The group of 16 to 17-year-olds in particular play video games almost every day (57%), while this proportion is significantly lower among the oldest participants aged between 45 and 55 at 29.9%. Nevertheless, they also play video games regularly, and at 57% they make up the largest proportion of those who play video games. several times per week.

Satisfaction with gaming equipment: the preferences of different age groups

When it comes to gaming gadgets, all gamers have similar preferences, such as a good graphics card, a powerful processor, a high-resolution monitor and an ergonomic gaming chair. The 44 to 55-year-olds are the most satisfied with their current setup (13%), while the 18 to 24-year-olds are more satisfied with their current setup (13%). Need for improvement see. A comfortable gaming chair is particularly important to them, as 46 percent of them are dissatisfied with their current one.

In contrast, they see less potential for improvement in terms of technical equipment. In the age comparison, they were the least likely to say that they would like new monitors and graphics cards. The group of 16 to 17-year-olds is the most satisfied with their processor. Only 16% of them would be willing to replace their current processor, which lags far behind other age groups. On average, almost 32% say they would like a more powerful processor.

Pay in the gaming scene: perceptions of equality and insecurity

Another interesting aspect is the pay of men and women in the professional gaming scene. Only a few participants believe that men are paid less than women (12 percent), with the group of 18 to 24-year-olds most likely to agree. The oldest Age group (44- to 55-year-olds) is of the opinion that women are paid less, at just two percent.

However, many respondents, especially the youngest participants, are not sure about this topic (45%), while the oldest respondents are even more uncertain (46%). This study shows that there are still uncertainties and challenges in relation to equal rights for male and female gamers. It offers valuable Insights into the perception of the participants and offers approaches to solving this problem.

Click here for the study: On the same level? A study on equal rights for male and female gamers

The post Equal rights for male and female gamers? Insecurities in the gaming scene first appeared on SPIELECHECK | English.

An interesting topic that comes up from time to time. There are many points that speak for and against it. In a total of 60 minutes, this question is taken apart and examined from many angles. Right at the beginning, the percentage of Gaming videos. Almost 35 % of the videos on YouTube are gaming videos. These are reviews, gameplays, LPTs and much more that are shown on screens every day. In addition to the main question, many other issues are clarified and discussed at length, including marketing-specific questions, for example. Furthermore, the last decade and the history of "Let's Plays" will be examined in more detail.

Guests on the show were: Andre Bürger (VIS Games), Michael Cherdchupan (Insert Moin), Sgt. Rumpel (Ex-LPT / Looterkings)

Format with story for Lets Play

For my part, I have drawn a positive conclusion from it and find it admirable how much the gaming scene has established itself. On my Twitch channel For example, we play various games and discuss all kinds of topics in the chat that we are currently encountering and that are on my mind. YouTube channel you can find some great Lets Plays in which I calmly pursue my conviction that the Lets Play is a wonderful format. In short: my hype is far from over, and the internet proves that there is still a lot of room for improvement. Nevertheless, everyone should and can form their own opinion and simply watch the 60 minutes of entertaining talk. It's worth it... and perhaps it's also a topic that could be well covered in a Just Chatting stream can be targeted.

Part 1 you will find here and part 2 here.

The post Is the Lets Play HYPE over? first appeared on SPIELECHECK | English.