How do I start playing video games? A beginner's guide

Heard a lot about Grand Theft Auto or Uncharted? Want to give games a go but not sure where to start? Here's a quick introduction

Recently, several non-techy friends have sidled up to me and asked, in hushed conspiratorial tones: "Keith, should I be playing video games?"

It's an interesting question for two reasons. First, I write about video games for a living; that's my job. So what did they think I was going to say? "No, they're a massive waste of time"? Secondly, a few years ago, people my age were feeling guilty about playing video games, now there are people feeling guilty that they're not. This is progress.