Preparing for release night: snacks, seat and storage

A good release night needs three things: enough free storage and a download started in time, snacks that do not stick to the controller, and a seat you can still sit on properly after three hours. Most of it takes twenty minutes a few days ahead.

Storage: check first, then delete

The size of a game is on its store page. Launch-day updates often add to it, so keep more free than stated.

1. Check three days ahead. How much is free, how much does the game need? Add a buffer.
2. Remove the big things first. Back up save files if your system does not do it for you.
3. Pre-load if offered. Some stores let you download before launch.
4. Update system and drivers beforehand. Not on the night itself.

How long will the download take?

Data in gigabytes times 8,000, divided by your speed in megabits per second, gives you seconds. That is the theoretical best. In practice it often takes longer, especially when many people download at once.

In Germany, you can measure what your line really does with the Breitbandmessung, run together with the Federal Network Agency. If you can, connect your console or PC to the router by cable.

Snacks that do not stick

Anything that makes your fingers greasy or sticky will end up on the buttons. Go for food you eat with a fork or skewer, or take with one hand without looking.

Cook ahead: a stew or pasta salad waits in the fridge and needs no pause. Keep a bottle of water with a firm lid within reach. The German Nutrition Society says there is no safe amount of alcohol for health; and on a night that needs concentration, the beer can stay in the fridge anyway.

The seat: three hours is a long time

• Distance and height. Place the screen so you do not keep tilting your head.
• Light. No window or lamp reflecting directly in the picture.
• Cables. Charging cable or spare battery within reach, headphones charged.
• Back cushion. Sofas are built for short films.
• Breaks. For screen work, Germany's workplace rule ASR A6 names five minutes of recovery time per hour as a proven recommendation, according to TÜV Rheinland. That rule is for jobs, but it works as a guide in the evening too.

The plan

An away message for your phone or a shirt with the right slogan is at Gone for now. And if the household has questions afterwards: a survival guide for partners.

Frequently asked questions

How much storage should I keep free?

At least the size shown in the store plus a buffer for updates. How large depends on the game, and it is usually in the description.

Is a network cable worth it?

If the router is within reach, usually yes: a cable is generally more stable than Wi-Fi. Measure both and compare.

Is an all-nighter a problem?

Once, usually not. Even klicksafe, a German online-safety initiative, writes that not every night spent gaming is a reason for concern. If it becomes a habit and sleep, work or relationships suffer, take an honest look.

Sources

1. Breitbandmessung, zafaco GmbH in Zusammenarbeit mit der Bundesnetzagentur
2. Neue Arbeitsstättenregel ASR A6 empfiehlt pro Stunde fünf Minuten Erholungszeit bei Bildschirmarbeit, TÜV Rheinland
3. Häufige Fragen: Gesunde Ernährung, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Ernährung
4. Digitale Spiele: Kinder beim Gaming begleiten, klicksafe