If console gaming is cheaper, why are all the games so much more expensive?

[Ympulse]

I spent $1,400 on my computer two years ago.

At the current rate, it will take 14 years for my computer to become dated (not obsolete) for gaming purposes. In those 14 years I can guarantee you'll have to replace your xbox or ps3 at least once.

 

[Mute52]

They charge more because people who buy games on consoles will do so without any hesitation or question.
They don't ask "Why am i paying 50 extra dollars for this service?" or "why is this game 10-15 dollars more than a PC copy?", they just pay it.

 

[AnotherAvatar]

Uhh.. honestly with the PC I've just built I doubt that. This thing was built with the concept of being too strong for this generation, and it is, and as such it will probably last me quite some time. Also most games come with graphics adjustment sliders, so no, I wouldn't need to upgrade to handle every game, if my system can't handle something in the future I can just reduce the settings and run it. This makes the MAJORITY of games playable without any upgrades, Crysis-like games where you need an elite rig are rare.

Plus, what I'm talking about here isn't upgrading, I'm talking about how 360's RROD with a still alarmingly high rate. If you buy more than one 360 because your first system red ringed outside of warranty: Congratulations, you just paid more than you would for a really nice PC.


Do feel free to read all of my comment before you snip out a small part and try and comment on it, that's like that forum equivalent of talking over someone.

I did read your post, and if you did over build, then yes, you're right, it will outlast most pcs. PCs do have the wonderful option to spend extra now to spend less later. Something consoles may never have. That was just what caught my eye. If you're going to blatantly state something that has never in the history of gaming been proven possible to be true, I am going to have to stop you at it.
The RROD fiasco caused Microsoft to extend warranties, so RROD outside of warranty became less and less of an occurrence. When it did, it was a 90$ fix. I had three RRODs, and only paid once. If you were to say, get extremely unlucky, then, yes. You could potentially spend more on an XBOX360. But by the time my original warranty was up, about 6 months after I paid my 90$ I took it in to Gamestop for a trade for the elite model.
So, (300+90)-120+180=450 a little higher after taxes. No, I'm still not getting a gaming PC for that. You and I both know I can get a low end gaming PC for that, but what if I want to play newer games? I have a much better gaming rig than what 450 will get me, and it's not even built for gaming.
Potentially, yes, costs can get out of hand with consoles too. But unless you're into motion gaming, it's really not going too.

Fair enough, but now that gamestop no longer takes RROD 360s (and haven't since I last worked there, which now is almost 2 years) that number goes up a little bit. Also don't forget that as each new generation of tech comes out the last generation gets cheaper, I honestly feel like you could build a beast of a computer for 450 if you built it yourself, maybe not a Crysis at max settings PC, but an every other game maxed probably.

Still, that is a lot of hassle, and I will acknowledge that consoles are much less finicky than PC (except the RROD), and also don't forget to factor in that you paid for controllers, maybe a wi-fi card, battery packs. However the choice is yours. I'm just trying to say, as a former employee of a console-centric store, and as a former console gamer who recently finally made the leap to PC, I feel that PC is the better value, with a lot less hidden cost and more potential for longevity.

Also, sorry about that not reading comment, I took that off once I thought about it for a second, childish of me to even put that up in the first place.

 

[Bigeyez]

Most people can't build a gaming computer though.

I don't understand this. Building a computer involves:

1. Asking the guy at your computer part store if the various pieces you're looking at will mesh (he will know). If they don't, he will offer you alternatives

2. Putting your new (or re-used) tower on the counter

3. Open the box with the motherboard, open the manual and follow the pretty pictures

4. Open the CPU box, open the manual and follow the pretty pictures

5. Open everything else except the PSU and install them in any order, following the pretty pictures

6. Install the PSU following the slightly harder pretty pictures

7. Close the side of the tower, plug in the monitor

8. Plug in, turn on

9. Insert Windows 7 disk, install

10. YAY

Your other points about having to wait and buy on sale? That's not hard, and is actually generally good financial sense in day-to-day life. Just get one game you really, really like and buy the good deals as they come, and you'll have a major backlog by the time you're done with the first game. And you'll have bought 15 PC games (or more) for the price of 5 console games.

If you think the average gamer or consumer period can or wants to do this you are waaaaaaay off.

Everyone can do this if they have functioning digits. End of story.

And if they value their precious convenience over $400-$500 savings, then whatever.

You are seriously over estimating how much the average gamer/consumer knows about computers. Most probably wouldn't be able to tell you how to even open their PC case off the top of their heads, let alone even attempt to put in or take apart any components. Again think AVERAGE here. not Average on the escapist or your circle of friends but AVERAGE out of the millions of gamers out there. Including the ones who only play games for stuff like Madden or call of duty. (nothing wrong with that just making a point)

 

[jklinders]

Console gaming is not cheaper...if you buy a lot of games.

A properly set up PC will last more than one console generation and has more function. It also has a bit more hassle. So really it's a matter of taste. I prefer the control scheme and customization of a PC. Others prefer the consoles. To each their own.

 

[lacktheknack]

Most people can't build a gaming computer though.

I don't understand this. Building a computer involves:

1. Asking the guy at your computer part store if the various pieces you're looking at will mesh (he will know). If they don't, he will offer you alternatives

2. Putting your new (or re-used) tower on the counter

3. Open the box with the motherboard, open the manual and follow the pretty pictures

4. Open the CPU box, open the manual and follow the pretty pictures

5. Open everything else except the PSU and install them in any order, following the pretty pictures

6. Install the PSU following the slightly harder pretty pictures

7. Close the side of the tower, plug in the monitor

8. Plug in, turn on

9. Insert Windows 7 disk, install

10. YAY

Your other points about having to wait and buy on sale? That's not hard, and is actually generally good financial sense in day-to-day life. Just get one game you really, really like and buy the good deals as they come, and you'll have a major backlog by the time you're done with the first game. And you'll have bought 15 PC games (or more) for the price of 5 console games.

If you think the average gamer or consumer period can or wants to do this you are waaaaaaay off.

Everyone can do this if they have functioning digits. End of story.

And if they value their precious convenience over $400-$500 savings, then whatever.

You are seriously over estimating how much the average gamer/consumer knows about computers. Most probably wouldn't be able to tell you how to even open their PC case off the top of their heads, let alone even attempt to put in or take apart any components. Again think AVERAGE here. not Average on the escapist or your circle of friends but AVERAGE out of the millions of gamers out there. Including the ones who only play games for stuff like Madden or call of duty. (nothing wrong with that just making a point)

Point made... my point is, though, that ANYONE can stitch together a functional computer in one afternoon with less than an hour of research. Obviously they have to care, and if they don't then they shouldn't bother, but ANYONE CAN do it, so "build your own PC to save money" is a valid argument for "PC gaming is cheaper in the long run".

I know an annoying "Call of Duty or Nothing" fanboy who I'd generously say has a decidedly mediocre intellect who mocks all PC gamers, but if he woke up one day and thought "I wanna build a computer!" for whatever reason, I have full confidence that he could do it easily before evening.

 

[Redryhno]

It could be because you live in New Zealand, everywhere I've seen here in the area around Texas have PC games being at least ten bucks more than a console game.

WHAT?! Dude, I live in Colorado, and our PC games are always cheaper, even in store, but ESPECIALLY with steam. Fuck man, I got the entire GTA series, from the originals all the way through to the expansions for IV for 13 bucks from steam. I am sure that if I walked in a gamestop right now I couldn't get just GTA4 for 13 bucks.

Sorry 'bout the New Zealand thing, but I just assumed it was because I've seen a few threads from NZ complaining about the prices there, and I saw the NVD and for some reason blanked out the surrounding text.

I can get new console games for sixty anywhere and used for at most forty if the game's like a week old and most of the time those go for thirty, thirty-five. PC games on the other hand, you can't find used and the few times you do, you're missing the manual and the discs are scratched and it still costs fifty, while the brand new "model" is sixty-five to eighty depending on you depth of depravity, love of the game and burning money you have on you. Console games a hell of a lot cheaper here, then again, we do have a pretty good deal on state tax here. so that may be it.

 

[J Tyran]

You are seriously over estimating how much the average gamer/consumer knows about computers. Most probably wouldn't be able to tell you how to even open their PC case off the top of their heads, let alone even attempt to put in or take apart any components. Again think AVERAGE here. not Average on the escapist or your circle of friends but AVERAGE out of the millions of gamers out there. Including the ones who only play games for stuff like Madden or call of duty. (nothing wrong with that just making a point)

Unless somebody has trouble getting their shoes on the right feet in the morning they can learn how to build a PC. Besides the fact that its not the difficult in the first place there are thousands of guides, step by step instruction videos, compatible parts lists and finally you have countless forums filled with considerate and helpful people with enough patience to guide somebody through any problems they might have during a build and offer advice on parts.

 

[Bigeyez]

Unless somebody has trouble getting their shoes on the right feet in the morning they can learn how to build a PC. Besides the fact that its not the difficult in the first place there are thousands of guides, step by step instruction videos, compatible parts lists and finally you have countless forums filled with considerate and helpful people with enough patience to guide somebody through any problems they might have during a build and offer advice on parts.

Unless somebody has trouble getting their shoes on the right feet in the morning they can learn how to REBUILD A CAR ENGINE. Besides the fact that its not the difficult in the first place there are thousands of guides, step by step instruction videos, compatible parts lists and finally you have countless forums filled with considerate and helpful people with enough patience to guide somebody through any problems they might have during a build and offer advice on parts.

See what I did there? No it is not that easy for the majority of people who game or own computers. Saying its so easy is subjective and means nothing.

 

[General Vagueness]

Console games always have inflated prices because licensing fees have to be paid to Sony and Microsoft for using their system. It's how Sony and Microsoft make money off the console. PC games don't have to pay the licensing fees, so generally the new release price is cheaper, though some publishers have started charging the same as consoles for PC games and simply pocket the extra cash themselves. Steam sales make PC gaming even more attractive financially, if you buy lots of games, as one can get a lot of games for much less than buying their console counterparts.

You forgot Nintendo, who started that in the first place as quality control. There's also the factor of some consoles being more difficult to develop for, so they take more people, more time, or both, raising the price a little.

 

[Fijiman]

At this point you don't need to upgrade hardware anymore for PC, not unless your machine is ancient, or wasn't built for gaming in the first place.

Mine is both, which is exactly why I can't play PC games.

Why not spend all your time on one great working machine instead of splitting it up b/w a focused gaming device and a clunking web surfer.

Because I can and I'm broke, that's why.

Either why you look at it, gaming is expensive. If you play PC you have to pay a lot for the system and other bits, but the up side is that you can get a lot of different games fairly cheap most of the time. If you play console, your system is not that expensive, but games and accessories can get really expensive.

 

[Whoracle]

I don't know what people find so hard about building their own PCs...

Quick Guide - You need
1 (one) power supply
1 (one) CPU
1 (one) mainboard, fitting for your CPU, just ask the store
1 (one) graphics card, with there being 3 (three) distinct GPU manufacturers, namely AMD/ATI, nVidia and Intel, of which you want one of the first two
1 (one) soundcard, optional, since every mainboard has an onboard one, either way
2 (two) RAMs at 2 (two) gigabyte each
1 (one) DVD drive
1 (one) Hard disk, size upwards of 250 gigabyte
1 (one) case

Onto the build guide:
Open the case, screw the mainboard in, screw the power supply in, then connect/insert the card(s), cpu, RAM, DVD and HDD into - and here's the important and hard part - THE ONLY SOCKETS THEY'LL FIT.

Hard, isn't it?

If you're just into upgrading your office PC, then open it, slip more RAM and a new GPU into it, and done.
Oh, don't forget to install the drivers that come with the GPU.

You don't need "special GPUs fitting to your system", it's all built for mix-n-match.

And, buyers guide: If you don't know how many jiggahearts your RAM should have, look at the back of the box of any current PC game, then buy what it says under "recommended specs".

Upgrading the office rig is something even my mother manages, and learning to build one from ground up is about 30 minutes of reading...

Disclaimer: I don't care if console or PC gaming is cheaper, but it's a damn MYTH that building a PC is hard, a myth that people who want to get at your money propagate, and a myth I dearly hate, so excuse the rant.

 

[Sovvolf]

snip

I don't think its hard to "build a computer" I mean, its pretty much a jigsaw puzzle, just stick them in the right slots. The problem I have (I'm not a PC gamer) when it comes to building a computer is knowing what means what. I'm currently in the process of trying to build a computer so I can game and do my 3D animation stuff with. However, when I look inside and at the parts... I'm just confuzzled, I have no idea what I'm doing, whats good or bad, if one will work with the other how they work and why... That kind of thing.

Might not seem too bad for you but for me its scary stuff, specially when you don't have the money to waste on buying the wrong parts. I never grew up with a PC, it was way too expensive for some like me so the parents just bought us a console to share and thus turned more to console gaming.

I eventually did get a hold of a PC for myself though it was more of an hand me down pre-built, I found installing games on it an hassle, not so much the waiting times, more of the fact that if you've not got the right stuff, right build and such, the game will flat out refuse to work or you'll have to hunt for patches for them.

While with the console, I can stick the game in and play it. It's more convenient I guess.

 

[J Tyran]

Unless somebody has trouble getting their shoes on the right feet in the morning they can learn how to build a PC. Besides the fact that its not the difficult in the first place there are thousands of guides, step by step instruction videos, compatible parts lists and finally you have countless forums filled with considerate and helpful people with enough patience to guide somebody through any problems they might have during a build and offer advice on parts.

Unless somebody has trouble getting their shoes on the right feet in the morning they can learn how to REBUILD A CAR ENGINE. Besides the fact that its not the difficult in the first place there are thousands of guides, step by step instruction videos, compatible parts lists and finally you have countless forums filled with considerate and helpful people with enough patience to guide somebody through any problems they might have during a build and offer advice on parts.

See what I did there? No it is not that easy for the majority of people who game or own computers. Saying its so easy is subjective and means nothing.

I can actually rebuild an engine and build a PC and its far, far harder to rebuild an engine. Comparing thousands of complicated parts, many of which need to be tightened to precise levels and/or assembled in a very specific way and are often very fiddly to fitting half a dozen parts and a dozen wires together is a poor analogy.

I suppose you could say that if someone can learn how to do a basic service (change filters, plugs and oil) they could learn how to build a PC. Cooking some basic home dinners is more complicated than building a PC. Literally its half a dozen parts and a dozen wires, how hard can that be?

 

[Neonit]

my theory was always that the correct anwser to your question is
"because they can"
because lets be honest - what are you going to do about it? on pc's there are..... some things.... that make it less desirable to put high prices on games.

also, yeah, some tribute has to be paid to the gods.... i mean, makers... gah, i mean sony and ms.
and if i recall correctly ms and sony dont make that much money on sales of consoles, so they pump prices up. not 100% sure about that though, but i do know that there are other companies that do just that so it seems plausible to me.


ps building computers isnt hard. its mostly "putting the part in the only place where it fits". its often even color coded. i mean babies can do it with their slightly less costly toys, why cant you? xD
tbh i think the only part that i think might give some trouble is installation of cpu and cpu cooler, depending on type it might even involve screwdriver and a "bit" of force. but cpu isnt really the thing you replace often anyway.....

 

[Laughing Man]

Why does no one ever include the price of xbox live or the cost of a decent tv in their price analysis of console gaming...

Why does no one ever include the cost of a monitor, mouse, keyboard and the Operating System. See this works both ways.

I've stepped in to this sort of debate a few times over the years and the facts have always been the same. Consoles are cheaper than a gaming PC. You cannot build a PC for the same price as a new console that will deliver a game play experience that is as good as the console.

Easy way to kill this argument stone dead is as follows, take a multiformat game since it's fairly new lets use Batman Arkham City.

The recommended specs for this game are

http://www.game-debate.com/games/index.php?g_id=909&game=Batman:%20Arkham%20Asylum%202

Core 2 Duo E8190 or AMD Athlon 2 X4 6400e - £50 (The E6600 is around the same spec and readily available)

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CP-388-IN&groupid=701&catid=6&subcat=567

GTX460 or Ati 6970 - £113.99 (The 460GTX is the cheaper of the two)

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-140-OK&groupid=701&catid=1914&subcat=1830

4Gig - £43 for some cheap slow arse ram

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MY-285-CS&groupid=701&catid=8&subcat=144

Win 7 - £70 (That's the OEM you can install it once version.)

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Microsoft-OEM-software-intended-builders/dp/B004Q0PT3I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1326233282&sr=8-1

Motherboard £36 (Cheapest LGA 775 board I could find.)

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-139-MS&groupid=701&catid=5&subcat=1490

Total = £312.99

That's core specs before adding monitors, keyboards, mouse, hard drive, case, PSU or Optical Drive.

Price of a brand new PS3 = £189

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sony-Playstation3-160GB-Slim-Console/dp/B005EL3ACK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1326233466&sr=8-1

You would be hard pushed to build a PC that would meet the minimum specs for that kind of price.

The debate is tiresome as it is totally one sided, let me restate it one last time

You cannot build a gaming PC for less then the cost of a gaming console and have it deliver a gaming experience of a similar quality. That's a FACT!

 

[Bigeyez]

I can actually rebuild an engine and build a PC and its far, far harder to rebuild an engine. Comparing thousands of complicated parts, many of which need to be tightened to precise levels and/or assembled in a very specific way and are often very fiddly to fitting half a dozen parts and a dozen wires together is a poor analogy.

I suppose you could say that if someone can learn how to do a basic service (change filters, plugs and oil) they could learn how to build a PC. Cooking some basic home dinners is more complicated than building a PC. Literally its half a dozen parts and a dozen wires, how hard can that be?

If it were so easy then the majority of consumers would do these things themselves. The fact that they don't shows that it's not that easy and/or worth the time/money/effort/etc for them to do it themselves. Which brings me back to my original point which was that PC gaming just isn't worth it to the average consumer, pricewise/timewise/effortwise/etc.

While it's great that YOU can do these things the average consumer can't. Again saying it's so easy is subjective and means absolutely nothing.

Edit: Argueing the ability to learn how to do something means nothing. Sure everyone has the ability to learn how to build a pc/fix a car/cook pasta/whatever, but it doesn't mean that any of those are easy or simply worth the barrier of entry to everyone or even the majority of people. I think there is a geniune misunderstanding of the average gamer here. The average gamer may not know much about PCs at all outside of bare basics. Being a gamer DOES NOT mean you are tech savvy in any way. It just means you play games, which range from Facebook games to Angry Birds, to the Wii, to the PS3, to someone with a custom built PC rig they did themselves. Only one of those requires you to know anything about computers besides the basics.