Azaraxzealot said:
again, easier, simpler, and more reliable to just buy a console, because no average individual would do this research (meaning, everyone i know, including all the people i know who work with computers for a living)
See, this is the exact problem surrounding PC gaming. People are too lazy to put in some simple research (and yes, it really is pretty simple) so they just automatically assume that a gaming PC will cost them upwards of $2000 every few years to maintain, when that couldn't be further from the truth. If I'm not mistaken, I believe this topic was created to dispel some of those assumptions.
and then, when someone makes another Crysis or Starcraft 2, you need to buy ANOTHER processor or graphics card. then open up your computer, then take out the old one, then put in the new one (all while being extremely careful not to short out the motherboard, and who the hell knows about anti-static wrist straps? not your average joe, that's for sure).
First of all, unless you were already planning to upgrade, no one is going to buy another CPU or GPU for a single game (unless they're extremely reckless with their money, in which case I doubt it'd be exclusively for PC components).
Secondly, you make replacing a CPU out to be some sort of daunting task, when it's actually quite simple; also, making sure to be grounded is extremely easy and doesn't require a scam like anti-static wrist straps.
PC gaming is an exclusive club only reserved for those who are so absorbed in their own world that they think EVERYONE should know what they know (which is not the case). It's like an expert astrologist expecting the average person to know the names of all the constellations.
Yes, there are some elitist assholes in the PC community but you can say that about anything. Have you really never seen an Xbox vs PS3 argument?
The average person just knows about pre-built computers and consoles (building a computer is a bit too intimidating for the average individual). They don't want to have to spend 500 dollars on a machine that MAY run their games, so they'd rather go with a machine that they know WILL run their games.
Again, this is just about ignorance and laziness. Also, $500 will run pretty much every modern game; you might have to (God forbid) turn some settings down to low, but it'll run them.
It's just the way we average people work. This isn't me projecting myself on others, because I have been apart of plenty of social groups and know hundreds of people. And so far I only know ONE who knows how to do PC gaming right. Plus, the Silicon Valley (where I live) is supposed to be full of people who know their PCs right?
All this means is that the hundreds of people you know either just honestly prefer consoles (which I can accept), or prefer consoles because of the preconceived notion that PC gaming is some terribly complicated task that you can only achieve through years and years of study and years and years of saving up, when it's really the opposite.
Then, even if you build the machine, you still have to jump through DRM hoops, get yourself some anti-virus (again, average Joe thinks pirating is too risky and doesn't know about "free" anti-virus software) and then you need to actually find the games you want to play.
I'll agree with you on that point about DRM, but there are plenty of issues on consoles as well. For instance, I find the idea of paying for multiplayer quite absurd. As for antivirus, Googling "antivirus" brings up a page full of free antivirus software. Googling "good antivirus" brings up reviews on which are better than others. I'm sure the Average Joe knows how to use Google.
Knowing about proper "form fits" with different motherboards, where you need to go to find free stuff, and what where you can find the best components for the best prices is more inconvenient to learn than just bringing home a PS3 or Xbox 360.
It's just pure objective fact.
Knowing about proper "form fits" with different mobos is as simple as reading a number on the box (seriously, 1366 slots for 1366 slot CPUs, 1156 slots for 1156 slot CPUs, etc.), and the rest of your points are countered by just being a good shopper. I highly doubt that you go out and buy the first thing on the shelf, rather than going out and looking for a good deal.
All of your points are trying to justify being lazy and not doing the research. If you find that PC gaming is too much trouble for you, then fine. Just don't go around and spread these outlandish ideas like
and then, when someone makes another Crysis or Starcraft 2, you need to buy ANOTHER processor or graphics card. then open up your computer, then take out the old one, then put in the new one (all while being extremely careful not to short out the motherboard, and who the hell knows about anti-static wrist straps? not your average joe, that's for sure).
