Why is PC gaming "dead"?

[Delusibeta]

So for the cost of an Xbox, a Playstation, and a Wii COMBINED (maybe even a nintendo DS!) I can build one PC...

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Not trying to be offensive, but I think THAT is a major reason why PC gaming isn't so popular, to be able to play most modern games, you'll have to spend more then you would to get at least TWO consoles (that's not even counting games or DLCs.)

Counter argument: for the price of one Off-The-Shelf PC and one console COMBINED, you could build a gaming PC that does both what the console does and what the PC does.

Since you've posted on this forum, I'm going to assume that you used a PC of some description to do so. How much did it cost, all included? $500? $600? Add in the cost of a console ($200?) and we're into the ballpark for constructing gaming PCs. While I'm not going to refute the rest of your post, most of that website is concerned with choosing your components, where there's forums which could help with that, or websites such as Tom's Hardware.

 

[RhombusHatesYou]

News like Space Marine on the PC instead of being a console exclusive helps that fact. *Hi Fives Relic.

You know I have a theory that Relic always wanted to have Space Marine on the PC as well but had a little bit of a problem convincing THQ that an action title rather than a new DoW installment would fly with PC gamers, hence them getting word out early that it was console exclusive to stir up enough of a shitstorm from existing Relic fans that THQ had to take notice... and right or wrong, it's still a good theory.

The other cool thing about Space Marine coming to PC is that maybe having that IP to scratch their 'action' itch, future DoW installments will go back to their proper RTS roots.

 

[Aur0ra145]

snip

So for the cost of an Xbox, a Playstation, and a Wii COMBINED (maybe even a nintendo DS!) I can build one PC...

...

...

Not trying to be offensive, but I think THAT is a major reason why PC gaming isn't so popular, to be able to play most modern games, you'll have to spend more then you would to get at least TWO consoles (that's not even counting games or DLCs.)

Trust me, it IS hard to get into PC gaming, especially since the average person doesn't know diddly about graphic cards or even a slight thing about it. If you're really determined and try to look up how to build one, you're greeted with something like this...

http://www.build-gaming-computers.com/

While I'll admit that site does look helpful, it's practically a BOOK of info, most people really don't have enough patience to read through all of that, each page is linked to a sub-page practically, and suddenly building a PC sounds more like a summer project instead of some easy thing to do when you have the time.

If you like PCs, that's fine with me, you clearly have more patience and funds, but for me, even building a PC sounds too hard, especially while trying to balance school and a social life. I guess I'll just be stuck as one of those sad little children pressing their nose up against the shop window of Steam and sadly fantasizing of all those amazing PC exclusives.

I understand that. My dad just the other day said he wanted to build his own PC (after me talking endlessly about how easy/cheap it is to do it versus buying one from a vendor.) It took him a while. A very long while. A very very long while to put it together (I gave him most of my old gaming stuff (which is now a bit above average office computers) and held his hand when picking out the extra things he needed.) Then I stood over his should as I made him put it all together. Then I made him install the OS on the new HDD. Then I made him get drivers for the computer. So on and so forth.

I can see where it would be very difficult for a computer illiterate person to get into computers. But we're from a generation raised with computers. We should know something about them and how/why they work.

When considering PC's for gaming, all everyone talks about is the CURRENT GEN, CURRENT GEN, CURRENT GEN stuff and how you must have a monolith to play them, speaking strictly PC Gaming. Though, no one ever talks about how even a decent computer from today's "Standards" can blow through games made a year or two ago.

I love going back and playing old games, Then if I feel like it, I can hop on Black Ops and run a few rounds, then revert back to Star Wars: Rebel Assault II, because let's face it, that game was AWESOME!

And yes, a Gaming PC is expensive. But, it doesn't only solely play games like consoles (netflix aside.) I use my "Gaming PC" for school reports, work, classes, gaming, finances, web surfing, posting on the escapist, editing pictures, sending e-mail, watching movies, listening to music, etc.

I like getting the most bang for my buck, that's why I think a Gaming PC was the right choice for me. This baby has written hundreds of term papers, helped me pass my first 3 1/2 years of college. Made me money. Allowed me to play games. And cured boredom.

Any ways, good discussion, I think we are both correct in our own ways.

 

[RhombusHatesYou]

suddenly building a PC sounds more like a summer project instead of some easy thing to do when you have the time.

You know what the most time consuming part of building your own PC is? Taking the time to shop around for good deals on the right components. Once you've got all the parts in front of you it can take between 10-90 minutes to put it together, depending on the number and type of components and your confidence in putting them together.

The entry barrier to PC gaming isn't as high as it used to be and it definitely isn't as high as a lot of people seem to think it is. In the end, it all comes down to a matter of if you can be arsed doing it or not.

 

[bloodychimp]

There are more big name games coming out for consoles, but most of them are shovelware and rehashes. Between Blizzard, Valve, and the indie developers releasing really good games on Steam, I've put more time into PC games than any console games this year (actually, I don't think I've played my Xbox for more than Reach and Bioshock 2).

 

[Foxbat Flyer]

PC Gaming will never die... consols are only taking over because they are cheaper...

 

[ServebotFrank]

No its not dead.

The notion comes from its evolution.

Someone can argue its dead based on exclusivity.

If you look at PC gaming and remove all MMO titles and titles that are ports of console titles you can see your left with only a handful of top shelf releases per year and a shit ton of smaller more indie titles and casual gaming efforts. Now with PSN & XBL breaking more and more into the indie/casual realm its taking a huge chunk out of what little was left on the PC plate.

This year what did PCs get as exclusive titles? Starcraft 2, Civ 5 and arguably the leader of the pack in Indie/casual was Amnesia the dark descent. Beyond that name 10 other non MMO exclusive and notable titles this year. If you cant then you see why people think PC gaming is dying, when you compare to any console and see how many games are released per console per year.

Actually most of those "console ports" were exclusively intended for the PC alone but something would come up like people bitching about it not being for 360. Left 4 Dead was announced to be PC only but changed to be multi-platform and even on that game you can clearly see that it was meant to be played on the PC (What with User Generated content.) As for games for this year you have me there. Controls are simpler since you don't have to cram a bunch of options onto what, 9 buttons? Graphics can be stunningly pretty and you don't have to update constantly I built this PC in 2007 and it still works like a charm in terms of games. Multi-player mods are just a blast to play. Speaking of which tons of people make mods on the internet; most of those are fun. PC gaming is not dead, nor is it dying if you think not go look at Steam. If they're hard up for cash do you think they would be selling games for like five dollars?

 

[fluffy chicken 2]

It's not dead, but it is dying. It's becuase it is a whole lot easier to pirate games than on a home console. If you go into a store, all their PC games are a lot cheaper than their console counterparts.

 

[tikalal]

I've always kind of hoped Microsoft would release a solution that breaks the barrier between the 360 and a PC. Say you buy a game for your 360 and pop it in the drive. It registers to your Xbox Live account and you can now download it for the PC if you want, and vice versa. Your achievements and saves cross over regardless of which platform you happen to be playing it on. See what I'm getting at here? DLC is no longer Xbox specific, but Xbox Live specific, etc, etc.

Microsoft's current Games for Windows effort is not appealing at all, and I think they could really capitalise on the PC market and get a leg up over their competitors if they did this.

The only reasons I can think of why they can't/won't do it are:

1. People might no longer want to pay for an Xbox Live subscription. It's a grossly unfair payment and one they get away with just because it's so precedented if you get what I mean.

2. They're a huge gelatinous blob who couldn't possibly organise themselves enough to achieve something like this.

What do you guys think? This would pretty much mean that the only barrier between console and PC gaming is the hardware itself, and segregation in multiplayer when it would be unfair to have mouse/keyboard vs a controller.

 

[EBHughsThe1st]

It's not dead. Hell, the Mac gaming is doing better than ever. Valve is keeping it going. As is Blizzard. I'm still new to the PC/MAC (I can say that. Steam on Mac. STEAM ON MAC.) Gaming scene, but I say it's fine. Just overshadowed by the consoles.

 

[That Greek Guy]

i used to be a console gamer
i have all the newer consoles since launch and used to only play those. Pc was there just for its exclusives. And then i discovered steam.
Holy *** was i suprised when i found just cause 2 for 7$ instead of 60$.
i have yet to buy anything for a console ever since. Its just so much more expensive

 

[Nouw]

News like Space Marine on the PC instead of being a console exclusive helps that fact. *Hi Fives Relic.

You know I have a theory that Relic always wanted to have Space Marine on the PC as well but had a little bit of a problem convincing THQ that an action title rather than a new DoW installment would fly with PC gamers, hence them getting word out early that it was console exclusive to stir up enough of a shitstorm from existing Relic fans that THQ had to take notice... and right or wrong, it's still a good theory.

The other cool thing about Space Marine coming to PC is that maybe having that IP to scratch their 'action' itch, future DoW installments will go back to their proper RTS roots.

I just hope it's a good game, so it can spawn a few sequels, multiplayer and DLC. After all, we all want to play as one of the most original and badass Space Marines right?

I also can see truth in that theory. It isn't like Relic to ditch their entire existing fanbase.
I swear in the really early days of Dawn of War 2 production (was in their community forum) they said 'We're going to revisit the original Dawn of War games later' or something similar.

More proof that PC gaming isn't dead, it's quite alive and kicking.
[sub]7007th post, yay![/sub]

 

[RhombusHatesYou]

(What with User Generated content.)

Small correction...

User Generated Content is content made by the user with in-game editting tools.
User Created Content is content made by users with tools not supplied in-game (1st and 3rd party mod tools)

Small but significant difference... well, significant if you've ever been into the game modding scene.

 

[IamQ]

Someone get the picture!

Yessir!

I wonder when someone will make an upgraded version of that picture, since that picture is about 3 years old.

 

[Danceofmasks]

I've always kind of hoped Microsoft would release a solution that breaks the barrier between the 360 and a PC.

They were experimenting with getting Gears 2 games that combined 360 and PC players ...
During playtesting, they found that having a kb+mouse is such a huge advantage mediocre PC players were dominating elite 360 players.

Now, rather than fine tuning their system (not that I'm suggesting this as an option, but making a mouse for the 360 wouldn't be rocketscience), they decided it's too hard and tossed the idea in the bin.

 

[m72_ar]

Because growing market = PC gaming is dying right.

Most games sold on PC are rapidly moving toward digital distribution and those sales are not accounted by NPD. And guess where all the Doomsayers are getting their sales number from.

Only Valve, Stardock, Direct 2 Drive etc, know how strong PC gaming actually is and they're not telling.

 

[RhombusHatesYou]

News like Space Marine on the PC instead of being a console exclusive helps that fact. *Hi Fives Relic.

You know I have a theory that Relic always wanted to have Space Marine on the PC as well but had a little bit of a problem convincing THQ that an action title rather than a new DoW installment would fly with PC gamers, hence them getting word out early that it was console exclusive to stir up enough of a shitstorm from existing Relic fans that THQ had to take notice... and right or wrong, it's still a good theory.

The other cool thing about Space Marine coming to PC is that maybe having that IP to scratch their 'action' itch, future DoW installments will go back to their proper RTS roots.

I just hope it's a good game, so it can spawn a few sequels, multiplayer and DLC. After all, we all want to play as one of the most original and badass Space Marines right?

Yeah but I suppose I can put up with playing Ultrasmurfs.

And I supposed as an old DarkEmos player I should just be glad it wasn't the Space Puppies.

I also can see truth in that theory. It isn't like Relic to ditch their entire existing fanbase.
I swear in the really early days of Dawn of War 2 production (was in their community forum) they said 'We're going to revisit the original Dawn of War games later' or something similar.

Once you look at Space Marine, DoW2 almost looks as if it was done as a 'proof of concept' that they could do more action oriented stuff with their new engine.