Poll: PC vs Console reasons

[GundamSentinel]

just plug it into the T.V and plug a controller in

That's just the point, I don't want to plug my laptop into my TV every time I get home, be it wired or wireless. Part of it is that I sometimes want to do something other with my TV when gaming. And it just feels stupid having my laptop on my desk, my TV across the room and me on my couch in yet another corner. I don't like the hassle. And hassle is one of the main reasons I quit PC gaming in the first place. Also, strategy games with a controller? Good luck with that.

Maybe not very strong reasoning, I know, but then again, sitting on a couch is not the only reason for me to prefer console gaming.

 

[Weaver]

I'm mainly a PC gamer but
1) Your computer requires a keyboard connected to get past POST.

2) You're going to need a keyboard and mouse to launch those games. My living room would make for an incredibly awkward setup in regards to this. I would need like a 12 foot keyborad and mouse wire, or a wireless one which I hate.

3) Most people are going to have to move the computer to their living room. This is just a weird spot for it, because when I'm done gaming I want my PERSONAL COMPUTER to remain, well, personal.

 

[Fishyash]

The couch reason is quite a bit more legitimate, as it goes hand in hand with the ease of use argument.

You will definitely have an easier time setting up a console for couch use than a PC. And if sitting on the couch is that big an issue, then it seems perfectly legitimate.

But the controller argument doesn't really seem very good for me. In fact, PCs have superior controller support than consoles do. You have a wider variety of controllers (flight sticks for example), and if you're a PC gamer, IMO you're missing out if you are limited to a mouse and keyboard. Poor controller support is a valid counter argument to that, but that would also go hand in hand with the ease of use argument, since there are ways around the poor controller support (...sorta).

 

[Nieroshai]

Well... I have a console right now hooked up to my TV that came with all the cables and 1 controller. With PC, I have to buy the cable, buy the controller, synch and configure the controller, and set my computer to use my TV as a monitor. The big reason the consoles win there: convenience. BUT if you already have all the stuff and get it configured, it's all the same, so whatever. Consoles win here by the slimmest of margins. To go further would be to open the debate of which is better overall, which I'm honestly mixed over in my opinion.

 

[Bostur]

For me the subject is one of interior decoration, not technical platforms. In order to play games on a couch one needs a screen with a suitable size, and suitable input methods. Whether the box has a Sony sticker or Coolermaster sticker matters little to me.

Consoles, PCs, phones, tablets, they are all basically interchangable computers. We have our input devices, output devices and processing units. I'd prefer if these were completely interchangable but unfortunately the industry sometimes likes to make artificial limitations. Like making computers that can only run that company's prefered software. Sony and Apple tend to be the main culprits so I like to avoid their hardware.

If my stereo could only play CDs from one specific record company, I'd buy a more versatile solution. But in the world of gaming we accept similar artifical limitations. Lets stop doing that and expect the right of choice as consumers.

 

[way2sl0w]

1. steam
2. steam
3. steam
4. steam
5. steam

Why bother with splitscreen when everything is on-line anyway? The only reason people use splitscreen was because internet access wasn't universal. However, 20 years later, internet is widely used.

Not to mention splitscreen relies on a very specific TV specs or else it looks terrible.

Steam does almost everything you ask and is the most widely used gaming platform in the world. Its user base is even larger than World Of Warcraft.

1. Steam showcases PC exclusives.
2. Steam tells you which game got bad reviews.
3. steam is so cheap used games are more expensive. I dare you to find a brand new Serious Sam: BFE for 10$. Especially since its AAA and was 10$ only a couple months after its release thanks to steam discounts and coupons.
4. steam has achievements, but why bother for virtual trophies?

Yes. I know about steam and think it's great. However, it doesn't solve the problem of used games because atleast gamestop will allow me to return a used game for a refund (in 7 days) if it turned out to be shit or I can sell it back on craigslist for close to the same price after I'm done. Achievements aren't unified for all games, and not all games have achievements. And split-screen is still very much relevant for me because I have a 'casual' gaming friends to play coop with but they don't have a gaming PC/console of their own and the only time they can play is the few hours they can get away from work/wife/kids to hang out. Thus if I have to choose between console/PC for a multi-platform game I'll go with console.

 

[legendp]

Well this dissolved into the standard "YOU SUCK ELITIST!" "NO YOU SUCK FAIL-GAMER!" argument now didn't it?

They both have their pros and their cons.

Want to be able to get newer technology, with a lot of range of use and ability to customize? PC.

Want something that requires zero fuss, tech know-how and, most importantly, the reliability that any game you buy for it WILL RUN. PERIOD? Console.

Those are the only real reasons for me, anything else tends to be personal preference. Some people like having every game work on their controller, some like being able to swap between controller and mouse + keyboard.

Egg on, apply directly to the forehead! Thank you for that thought captcha.

I agree that they both have there pros and cons (something that a lot of people seem to of ignored was that I steated I was cool with consoles, there still good to game on and convenient). I wanted this.. debate to be about things like using thing's like peripheral devices and if they are justified reasons for choosing one or another when in most cases you can do both these things on consoles or PC. It was not suposed to be a flame war of PC vs Console (despite what the title may say, I hope people read my opening comment rather than just the title), and some people seem to think I am another PC elitist, sure I have a PC and prefer it but consoles are good too. I guess I shouldn't be surprised that there is a little bit of flaming, but I am hoping people on the escapist can at least keep it down and debate whithout having a go at each other

 

[way2sl0w]

Steam gives you REFUNDS if you call support. Hell, they even pulled gave out refunds en masse when Stronghold 3 turned out to be shit. This isn't a "you must keep it" service anymore.

Secondly, achievements are worthless.

Oh I didn't know that. Secondly, yes achievements are worthless but I just CAN'T help it. I want a little icon proving I beat a game even though I know no one else cares.

 

[Asuka Soryu]

Who cares?

Tens of thousands of people.

Why does it matter what people choose as their gaming device?

1) Developing for a PC is free. Developing for a console requires the company to buy a license to do so(costing the company money it could use to further develop a game)

2) Developing ports is also costly, as often times developers more familiar with a system must be called in to code for it to run on a different PC/Console system. This means hiring people(or a 3rd party studio) that would otherwise be unnecessary. Again costing the developer more money.

3) It is restrictive in terms of what you can do, as you have to develop for your lowest common denominator. Hence controls can be unnecessarily simplified to the point where it's bad for the game. And graphics can and often are stunted. Often times the mouse is not properly coded for resulting in weird sensitivity rates(such as mass effect games or Skyrim.)

Either way, it's a personal choice and your arguments are as valid as arguing with someone that it's wrong to eat something you feel is wrong for them to eat.

If someone feels that a console is better for them, that's their decision. There's really no point in arguing it. Unless arguing with people for the sake of arguing.


All three things you listed won't stop me from picking up the WiiU, or getting an XBox 360, or whatever console I feel like.

 

[Windcaler]

Read below before answering poll

Something that I have been noticing a lot (well I have always noticed it), is that whenever a pc vs console debate comes up people usually use a reason for preferring Console over PC is that they prefer to sit on a couch and use a controller. I have even seen people say this on the escapist, and it really annoys me. You guys do know you can use a controller on PC and plug your computer into the T.V and play on the couch. Now this is not a debate over whether or not console or PC is better. consoles are great for convenience, they're cheap and easy to use, and they have many great exclusives but the excuse "I prefer a controller" or "I prefer to be on the couch" should not fly because you can do both those on a computer, just plug it into the T.V and plug a controller in (now I know it works both ways, you can use a mouse and keyboard on console using 3rd party hardware if you choose and plug your console into a monitor).

So my question is do you think controller or T.V should be reason for playing on console or pc

Personally my answer is no. it should not be a reason for debate in what you prefer, I know everyone is entitled to there own opinion (I mean this in it's self is an opinion) but saying "I prefer console because of a controller" just feels narrow minded (in my opinion). what do you guys think, am I being arrogant and narrow-minded myself, am I overacting. Are they're any other excuses that annoy you when someone ses they're preferred hardware to play games on. I apologize if I have offended anyone, (Keep in mind that I think both console and Pc are good to game on).

Edit: for example you could use this card to transmit a wireless signal to T.V, I don't know about other options. You don't have to move your computer
http://www.guru3d.com/news/galaxy-outs-slick-nvidia-gtx460-with-wireless-tv-connectivity/

Edit 2: Aright there some good points for not wanting to move your computer to a T.V but what about using a controller debate

Edit 3: ok, so this seems to have gotten a lot of attention, and A few (alright a lot) seem upset about the forum name. I apologise if the word excuses came accross as a bit strong, I should have said reasons, I will change it.

To be fair most of the people Ive heard mention the controller/couch aspect of preffering consoles goes into a personal comfort zone. Some people just legitimately like their couch, or reclining chair, more then chairs that tend to be used with desks. I think thats reasonable, when we're gaming we all want a comfortable chair (or whatever you use)

While controllers can be plugged into our PCs there's also the fact that, for me, playing with a controller when close up to my monitor feels odd. Between the distance and the input/viewing device(s) some people can experience discomfort. Again thats not good, we all want to feel comfortable when we play our games

If someone makes the claim that I like my big screen, or I like a controller, and they know that they can use these devices with the PC then I agree that these seem like superficial reasons to prefer a console. However if someone says that "I dont like PC because when I plug in a controller I feel odd/uncomfortable" then thats a legitimate reason that should be respected

When were discussing things like this I think its important to listen to what is said and how it's said. Its very easy to overlook simple details like that

 

[flames09]

My pc can hook up to my tv and I can play it from my couch.. problem?

 

[RhombusHatesYou]

Total War would work on consoles

The newer ones wouldn't... Shogun 1, Medieval 1 and Rome (maybe) could probably be done but anything above that is generally to much of a resource pig to work with a console's tiny RAM... and even then they'd have to put a lot of limitations on things like the max number of stacks/units/troops that can take part in a battle.

That's not to say the RTS genre couldn't be shared with consoles... with a bit of futzing around and bothering to add kb+m support would go a long way but the Total War series, especially Empire onward, is not one that really can be shared without massively altering the experience.

 

[RhombusHatesYou]

some people seem to think I am another PC elitist

To be honest, with some people around here it doesn't take much for them to start throwing the label of PC Elitist around. Of course, on the flip side, there are some people around here that it doesn't take much for them to start acting like elitist arseholes.

I think Musafa said it best when he talked to Simba about The Circle of Butthurt.

 

[Andytizer]

There's a lot of options for using a PC on a TV from a couch (a guide is up here: http://pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/PC_Gaming_On_A_TV_And_Couch)

I use my own PC as an HTPC and as a gaming couch PC. Mostly I use a controller, but I also have a fantastic Ikea DAVE laptop desk which I use to put a wireless keyboard and mouse. It sits close to the couch (with legs that slide underneath) and it very comfortable.

The most important thing when selecting a TV is to get one with low input lag, it's vital for gaming in general.

 

[VeneratedWulfen93]

Total War would work on consoles

The newer ones wouldn't... Shogun 1, Medieval 1 and Rome (maybe) could probably be done but anything above that is generally to much of a resource pig to work with a console's tiny RAM... and even then they'd have to put a lot of limitations on things like the max number of stacks/units/troops that can take part in a battle.

That's not to say the RTS genre couldn't be shared with consoles... with a bit of futzing around and bothering to add kb+m support would go a long way but the Total War series, especially Empire onward, is not one that really can be shared without massively altering the experience.

You see I dont get that. Lots of console games have plenty of huys onscreen at once. Viking, Space Marine, Left 4 Dead, Ninety-Nine Nights. I've always been a fan of the Total War series as a whole. To say a console couldn't play Rome is a tad silly. I have that game and its amazing with massive armies and such but it didn't take a heavy toll on my computer when I didn't even have a decent graphics card. Its pretty much PS2 level from what I've seen, graphics wise. There was a Monday Musing on the xbox dash about the consoles actually, the person believed that developers continuously push the boundaries of a the 360 (which I agree on) and while new consoles are on the way people are comfortable and familiar with their consoles as they are now.

 

[TorqueConverter]

Steam can go a eat a dick. There I said it.

I like the service but see zero difference between Steam and other services such as Impulse. I do not like this monopolization of the digital distribution market present with Steam. DD is great so go enocurage other services while you're at it. The competition present the free market, and all it's advantages, is best represented in a gaming context as the PC platform.

It's an open platform. It has all control types. It's design is owned by no one. It only exists and continues to progress as a result of the free market developing new hardware for it. To encourage Steam above all other DD services is to go against the very principals of the PC gaming platform.

Maybe I'm just being naive but worshiping Steam like it's some sort of godsend because it's a DD service while ignoring other DD services, simply because Steam is all you know, makes you sound a lot like a console gamer. You know, the whole "I play only console because I don't know any better.." reasoning they give us with things like "I like to use controllers and play on the TV". You Steam fans come across very much the same, but perhaps I'm just naive to Steam's advantages?