View Full Version : PC Gaming: Death and Reality.
PacManPolarBear 11-14-2007, 08:55 AM November 14th, 2007
by PacManPolarBear (http://sarcasticgamer.com/wp/index.php/author/pacmanpolarbear/)
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Consoles have taken over. There, I said it. Despite all the fantastic titles available for the PC (http://sarcasticgamer.com/wp/index.php/category/pc), we just can’t compete with the unholy plethora of console games hitting the market. In particular, this holiday season is a catch 22 for PC (http://sarcasticgamer.com/wp/index.php/category/pc) gaming. On one hand we have some of the most spectacular titles in years hitting the shelves. On the other you have the high monetary cost of upgrading your PC (http://sarcasticgamer.com/wp/index.php/category/pc). With a whole slew of wicked console titles available, people are looking at the requirements for the new high end PC (http://sarcasticgamer.com/wp/index.php/category/pc) games and shaking their heads.
I have heard this line for years “PC (http://sarcasticgamer.com/wp/index.php/category/pc) gaming is dying”! Ummm…no, no it is not. PC (http://sarcasticgamer.com/wp/index.php/category/pc) gaming is not as popular as console gaming, does not have as many big budget games being released, but it sure as hell is not dying. Anyone who has played the Crysis (http://sarcasticgamer.com/wp/index.php/category/crysis) demo on max settings, COD4 on max, or Gears Of War on max knows that without question PC (http://sarcasticgamer.com/wp/index.php/category/pc) gaming still delivers the ultimate video game experience. And since PC (http://sarcasticgamer.com/wp/index.php/category/pc) ownership has become almost as necessary as having a phone, there will always be PC (http://sarcasticgamer.com/wp/index.php/category/pc) games.
All of the major studios have turned to the consoles because that is where the big money is. Even the RTS genre, which has long been a PC (http://sarcasticgamer.com/wp/index.php/category/pc) gaming bastion, has begun to surface on the consoles. Personally the idea of playing an RTS with a controller is about as appealing as a Spice Girls reunion tour concert, but that’s just me. Video games (http://sarcasticgamer.com/wp/index.php/category/video-games) are still born on a PC (http://sarcasticgamer.com/wp/index.php/category/pc) though, and no matter how popular consoles get, they will never be at the forefront of technology. One of my big gripes with consoles has always been that after year 1 of a consoles lifespan, they are no longer anywhere near current PC (http://sarcasticgamer.com/wp/index.php/category/pc) gaming potential.
Sure we have to suffer the delays that come from cross-platform releases. We even have to share our world with console gamers given the growth of PC (http://sarcasticgamer.com/wp/index.php/category/pc) games that are compatible with XBL. Whoever thought that was a good idea has incurred my wrath! Way to burst my bubble Games For Windows!
On the bright side, there will ALWAYS be games for the PC (http://sarcasticgamer.com/wp/index.php/category/pc). Developers will constantly be pushing the boundaries of technology, and want to see their digital babies grow up to be all that they can…something only a PC (http://sarcasticgamer.com/wp/index.php/category/pc) can provide.
What really burns my bacon is the cross-platform releases. The PC (http://sarcasticgamer.com/wp/index.php/category/pc) version almost always gets released last, and since the game dev’s are primarily making titles for the console, the PC (http://sarcasticgamer.com/wp/index.php/category/pc) version is nowhere near as earth shattering as it could be. Well, ba hum bug! I refuse to convert. PC (http://sarcasticgamer.com/wp/index.php/category/pc) gaming is, and always will be where all the best video games (http://sarcasticgamer.com/wp/index.php/category/video-games) are played. You console jockeys can play CoD4 on console all you want, I’ll be playing it on PC (http://sarcasticgamer.com/wp/index.php/category/pc) in all its high resolution glory, and laugh. PC (http://sarcasticgamer.com/wp/index.php/category/pc) gaming has been “dying” for over 20 years now, and will continue “dying” for decades to come.
I’ll believe it when I see it.
darkwonders 11-14-2007, 10:03 AM Why can't PC and Consoles co-exist? Is there something against the code of gaming because of it?
I wish I could afford a really nice PC. But the truth is, I can't yet. In the next few years I plan on building a high-end PC, but until then, I like to enjoy pretty games, which a console can bring, at a fraction of the cost.
Amathev 11-14-2007, 10:08 AM It might just be me but I think one of the main causes to the 'death' of the Pc gaming is because it's just so damn easy to download games illegally and for free.
darkwonders 11-14-2007, 10:30 AM It might just be me but I think one of the main causes to the 'death' of the Pc gaming is because it's just so damn easy to download games illegally and for free.
That usually doesn't work if they want to play games online...
Amathev 11-14-2007, 10:46 AM True, but we're not all online-players. It also gives a pretty good idea of what the game's like and if you really want to play it online.
Even mmorpgs like WoW have private servers.
Sharde 11-14-2007, 11:22 AM In the past, PC has all been about the good controls of a FPS and the Online component. To date still, it's ruling that area but consoles like XBL are catching up.
I still don't enjoy any FPS with a controller, I think it's horrid and inaccurate, though to be fair I don't practice alot. Consoles do have much better RPGs though.
I think within a few years they will get to the point where there won't be any huge, definiting "You have to have that system to be able to do this" kind of features. Consoles and PC's alike will have roughly the same abilities. Due to it's versatility though the PC will always be a staple and I don't see it dying anytime soon, if ever. Sorry, not going to happen.
KeavyRain 11-14-2007, 02:12 PM While I do understand why people say PC gaming is superior I just don't care for it. My first console was the NES and I didn't get my first computer until I bought a Mac in 1999.
All I'm saying is that for some of us, all we know is console gaming so don't bash us because we grew up in a family that didn't have a PC.
Evl0ne 11-14-2007, 03:10 PM I started out as a pc gamer, spending 1hr or 2 scripting then having an awesome time playing sheep dog :o, over the years I stayed true to pc even though I did buy consoles I still loved my pc's (i am still running 10 of them).
It wasn't till the time of Xbox & ps2 that I started to fall away, the cost of getting new video cards, more ram & hard disk space was killing me, you could buy a video card for a pc or buy 3 games for your console, as a gamer I know which I prefer & I want to play not argue with drivers cause it's not certified by MS for the next 30min.
There are some cool games on pc and always will be if your willing to outlay the money you will always have better graphics & more content.
As for console controls vs pc controls - how can you compare????
my 360 i have your standard controler & a racing wheel (comes with real smoke:rolleyes:) - the controler didn't long to get used to & i like it :eek:
my pc i have a creative game pad, a ms joystick, a full flight stick pro with rudder pedals, a old T2 racing wheel, a guillemot force feedback wheel & a gaming keyboard\mouse. so to me changing from the 1 to the other was no big leap.
I now play my 360 more than anything else now but I will never play a rts on a console, the one thing I don't miss with pc online gaming is some one using a aim bot or something like that in a fps :mad:.
I don't believe Pc gaming is dying I think it's dormant, as people such as my self want fast food gaming, I get home from work turn the pc on & it wants this, that & some of that, where a console you turn it on & play.
I have said it before that "I think that a console & a pc will become the one thing"
Which for some people this idea is scary I don't know why - a gamer is a gamer PC, PS, Xbox & even a Wii gamer :D.
Amathev 11-14-2007, 03:17 PM It was about a week ago that I realised that I really don't want to spend more money on upgrading my computer.
Now I'm getting a 360.
chrispenny 11-14-2007, 03:19 PM IAnyone who has played the Crysis demo on max settings, COD4 on max, or Gears Of War on max knows that without question PC gaming still delivers the ultimate video game experience. And since PC ownership has become almost as necessary as having a phone, there will always be PC games.
QFT
One of my big gripes with consoles has always been that after year 1 of a consoles lifespan, they are no longer anywhere near current PC gaming potential.
QFT
Glad you made this post PacMan. I agree with everything you're saying. There will always be a place for PC gaming.
Evl0ne 11-14-2007, 03:23 PM On a side note PacManPolarBear i have all but 2 of those pc games in picture
DudeWithGun 11-14-2007, 03:47 PM Oh man, you have no idea how happy I was to see this. As a major PC gamer I cannot stand it when people say PC gaming is dead, sure it does not in any way have anywhere near as many players as some of the consoles and thats fine, who wants a bunch of 12 year olds screaming into their mics? If you a PC gamer you have a nice rig and if you're lucky enough to score SLI or an 8800 then any PC game will look better than the Xbox360 version. Although I would like to see more cross platform games all come out at the same time and not a year later.
Duke Nukem forever!
Lono_Lives 11-14-2007, 04:12 PM PC Gaming is dead.
PC Gaming is dead.
You are braindead >.>
Lono_Lives 11-14-2007, 04:51 PM You are braindead >.>
If i was braindead, how did I type this? Or this? or this? or...:rolleyes: Hmmm?
Riddle me that batman.
chrispenny 11-14-2007, 04:55 PM You are braindead >.>
QFT.
PC gaming will never die. Console fanboys like Lono just hope it does. Why, I don't know. I personally think that the more competition there is, the better.
Lono_Lives 11-14-2007, 05:01 PM QFT.
PC gaming will never die. Console fanboys like Lono just hope it does. Why, I don't know. I personally think that the more competition there is, the better.
No fanboy here, I love pc gaming, Total war series, half life series, counterstrike, Day of Defeat, the Ship, anything Valve related... Battlefield 1942, battlefield 2... etc..
facts are facts, and I like messing with you pc fanboys.:D
keith22 11-14-2007, 07:38 PM pc gaming will never die a pc gamer can own a console fps gamer any time and last but not least pc owns any possible console on the planet since new gfx cards and cpu will never ciese to exist. Don't get me wrong im a console gamer to but their is no competion between the two. And yes the pc exclusive titles are becoming to lack but that doesnt mean it's dead lol just look at one xmaple from the many crysis. Their is no way on earth a 360 can do that kind of gfx only a top notch pc can
SWSilentkiller 11-14-2007, 09:44 PM I myself am a console gamer, however for the last few years I have been going into PC gaming. The problem I have is that I can't afford it, My PC can't run most of the current games. So If I want to play any of the current games then I have to spend about $1000 on building a new pc that's decent and can run today's games, and about $50 on the games themselves, and to be honest I don't have that kind of money, to be honest I don't have any money at all.
PacManPolarBear 11-14-2007, 09:50 PM Well money is one of the big factors. And I'm not knocking anyone who goes console because it is more affordable. More and more PC gaming is for working class adults...and a few rich teens and/or hard working teens. I semi-justify my PC gaming with the ungodly plethora of non-game related stuff I do on my PC's. I am also a frugal, deal chasing maniac.
Seriously, with the advent of upgrade plans from any PC shop worth a damn, things are actually looking up these days...compared to 8 years ago when upgrades were needed every 6 months or less. Of course that does not help if you don't make that initial purchase.
And then you have foolish gamers who buy from chains...and I just got no sympathy for them. Case in point...my neighbor just wasted almost $5000 on a dell gaming rig I could have built for around $3200 given enough time to shop for parts.
I agree it's possible to spend shitloads on a gaming PC.
But honestly, that's just silly, because 2 months later, it'll have dropped $1000 or more in retail price.
How about upgrading your PC to run Crysis and the likes, for only $500?
Check this article out: http://www.firingsquad.com/hardware/...ng_pc_upgrade/
Console gamers have to stop saying PC gaming is too expensive.
An arguement I will accept though is that you guys are too lazy too look for these performance-value parts.
And you don't want to fiddle around with putting it together yourself.
But hey, with this article you can be halfway there.
Use it if you want to, don't use it if you don't want to
LEGEND 11-15-2007, 01:17 PM PC Gaming is dead.
Real constructive. :rolleyes:
We have had this argument about a million times before, get over it. Stop making more threads about this. PC gaming is there for people who want the best graphics and gameplay and can afford it, console gaming is for 40 year old's going through a mid-life crysis (no pun intented) who just want to look cool and hip towards there teenage son...
chrispenny 11-15-2007, 01:44 PM And then you have foolish gamers who buy from chains
That's about the worst thing any person can do.
Not only do they charge you a stupidly crazy price up front, but then every time you want to upgrade they'll charge you extra for installs n such.
And then of course there's the fact that you wont be able to open your box or you void the warranty.
KeavyRain 11-15-2007, 02:19 PM And then you have foolish gamers who buy from chains...and I just got no sympathy for them. Case in point...my neighbor just wasted almost $5000 on a dell gaming rig I could have built for around $3200 given enough time to shop for parts.
Not only that but he also gets 10GB (at least) of "Trial" software which I have discovered is a pain in the ass to get rid of. I tried the best I could to clean that crap off the HDD on my friend's PC then out of frustration I ran out to Fry's, bought a copy of Windows XP, formatted the HDD and installed it.
I know a lot about those store-bought heaps because I have a friend who brags about how much he knows about PC's and PC gaming yet when Bioshock crashed because he was trying to run it on max settings on his four-year-old Dell OPOS* "Gaming Rig"** who does he call for tech support?
Me. I freely admit I don't know jack about PC's. I own a Mac and what I know about Mac's comes from me hitting up Google when I have a problem or want to know how to do something.
To sum it up: To be a PC Gamer it helps to know stuff about PC's. Not saying you need to be an IT guy but when you're asking a guy on a four-year-old Mac who uses Google for tech support what graphics card you should buy you should spend your "PC upgrade fund" on a 360 or PS3 instead.
*Overpriced piece of s***
** If I used that term any more loosely it would put out after "Hello"
PacManPolarBear 11-15-2007, 02:47 PM ^ The thing is, almost every major city has tons of quality PC shops, and damn near everyone has at least one geek friend. Plus the internet. Buying from a chain is just lazy. It's like people who buy cars without researching them first, only to realize that their car is a lemon and no longer worth anything. I don't know about you guys, but I don't spend 1000's of dollars on anything without doing my homework.
I work at my uncle's PC shop all the time, and 90% of my work is reformatting hard drives for people who bought packaged pc's. And if you already have a 2 year old PC, spending $2000 to upgrade is pretty dumb. With some savvy shopping you can easily get your PC ready for the next two years for $1000 or less depending how good your old rig was.
The two ways I maximize my savings are buying store demo pieces, and buying from shops that include upgrade plans. Back in the day Alienware was great, now they are just another waste of money with limited selection and long service wait times. The ONLY company I would even consider buying a full rig from is Falcon Northwest. I had a Frag Box for a while for tournaments and it was awesome.
My other beef with chains is the stuff they throw in to make it look like a great deal that most people will never use. Like BluRay, TVtuners etc... I have a bunch of friends with that stuff and they have yet to use it. Axe that stuff out of your rig and bam, drop the price by $500 or more.
I upgrade every second Christmas and spend around $500-$700 ish. Which I consider very reasonable considering everything my PC provides on top of gaming.
But PC gaming is not cheap and never will be. It takes time, money and patience. And since most people are in short supply of all three, consoles are the answer. Which I am cool with, consoles are fun too. I guess.
ExiledBlood 11-15-2007, 08:42 PM There's nothing wrong with console games. I still play pc games often, but I'll never say I have a decent pc for it. Lately you've had to had the most expensive stuff to play any good games coming out. This is what drives people to going to the console. And a lot of pc games make you pay monthly fees to play online. Xbox live is like one payment for a year. Console gamers just spend less money, and receive roughly the same product.
PacManPolarBear 11-15-2007, 09:03 PM The only PC games that require monthly fees are MMO's. But thanks to XBL and Games For Windows, we gotta pay to play online...just like console gamers, which sucks big time. I have never had any interest of playing against the console community, or paying for something that has been free for over 20 years.
DaDillsta 11-15-2007, 09:08 PM I personally am not a major PC gamer either, but because all I really have is a bad laptop, lol. But I don't foresee PC Gaming death as a whole, because PC's are always upgrading and upgradeable and PC's will continue to get better and better and so will the games. A console can only go so far with the hardware it has.
chrispenny 11-16-2007, 12:07 AM The only PC games that require monthly fees are MMO's. But thanks to XBL and Games For Windows, we gotta pay to play online...just like console gamers, which sucks big time. I have never had any interest of playing against the console community, or paying for something that has been free for over 20 years.
Wait what?! Since when do we have to pay to play online?
Are there PC games coming out in the near future that are going to have a monthly fee? (other than MMO's I mean).
PacManPolarBear 11-16-2007, 01:17 AM ^ Yep. Most titles under Games For Windows use XBL for online play, which means ranked, quick matches and more will require a paid XBL subscription.
LEGEND 11-16-2007, 10:38 AM ****ing Microsoft.
LittleTom 11-16-2007, 02:11 PM I have never had any interest of playing against the console community, or paying for something that has been free for over 20 years. I agree.
Looks like M$ is getting even more greedy.
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