PC Gaming is Dead

[WaitingForNehalem]

I was right there with you up until a couple months back. I finally got sick and tired of the (general) level of immaturity on LIVE.

So I finally bit the bullet and built a gaming pc. And I haven't looked back at the 360 since. I can't believe there was this much of a difference. Games on the pc just blow their console counterparts right out of the water. Well, for most of the games anyhow. I have come across a couple console-2-pc ports that were just terrible.

I'm still in awe with the better graphics alone. Not to mention that being mainly a fps player the ease of the kb/m. Although I was semi use to using the kb/m as on my 360 I used an XIM360 adapter.

Now pc gaming has got me by the b@lls. I'm hooked. I'm running 3:1 monitors using an XFX hd 5870 with Eyefinity. Having the panoramic view is awesome.

And I'm still upgrading. Although my setup is only 2 months old, I've already ordered 2- 480's to replace my 5870 and I'm selling my 3- Samsung P2450's and buying 3 of the new Acer 24" 3D lcds. I'm a self admitted graphics whore now.

Careful, you don't want to be one of those people that goes hardware crazy, spends too much money, then complains that PC gaming is way too expensive.

 

[Anubis]

It is completely out of the realm of possibility for me to have a PC worth gaming as well as an Xbox360, PS3, and a 46" HDTV. Therefore, I have to be elitist and choose only one. Or graduate from high school and get a decent job.

FWIW my brothers comp monitor is a 46in LCD TV

 

[Phobic9]

It is completely out of the realm of possibility for me to have a PC worth gaming as well as an Xbox360, PS3, and a 46" HDTV. Therefore, I have to be elitist and choose only one. Or graduate from high school and get a decent job.

I guess you're right. Damn me for choosing more than one. Damn me to hell... D:

 

[smackababy]

I guess you're right. Damn me for choosing more than one. Damn me to hell... D:

I love having so much choice. Guess I am the minority. I mean, hell, I suppose I am the only one who enjoys not going to the arcade to play competitive fighters.

 

[Iron Wolf]

I was a little depressed thinking that SC2 was only the second game I've bought all year (after DA), but I've got Elemental coming tomorrow, and Civ V is about to be released, not to mention the 800 lb gorilla that has another xp coming, so while it was a slow year, things are looking up...

 

[mingsoup]

Holding my tongue.

 

[BHetrick]

Careful, you don't want to be one of those people that goes hardware crazy, spends too much money, then complains that PC gaming is way too expensive.

I think it's too late for not being hardware crazy. I knew I didn't need dual 480's to play, but I just can't resist that "Checkout Now" button.

So when are the meetings for the pc addict's support group?

 

[Rakewell]

I was right there with you up until a couple months back. I finally got sick and tired of the (general) level of immaturity on LIVE.

So I finally bit the bullet and built a gaming pc. And I haven't looked back at the 360 since. I can't believe there was this much of a difference. Games on the pc just blow their console counterparts right out of the water. Well, for most of the games anyhow. I have come across a couple console-2-pc ports that were just terrible.

I'm still in awe with the better graphics alone. Not to mention that being mainly a fps player the ease of the kb/m. Although I was semi use to using the kb/m as on my 360 I used an XIM360 adapter.

Now pc gaming has got me by the b@lls. I'm hooked. I'm running 3:1 monitors using an XFX hd 5870 with Eyefinity. Having the panoramic view is awesome.

And I'm still upgrading. Although my setup is only 2 months old, I've already ordered 2- 480's to replace my 5870 and I'm selling my 3- Samsung P2450's and buying 3 of the new Acer 24" 3D lcds. I'm a self admitted graphics whore now.

*drools*

 

[BigDH01]

Steam... is... the devil. ^_^

PC gaming is starting to see a renaissance. I left in 2007 mainly because copy protection was starting to get ridiculous, and quality control wasn't what it should have been. That's changed since then so I'm back. Plus I can get multiplatform titles cheaper. Who needs a 360?

I'm not sure that is exactly accurate. There have been a few horrendously protected games. I think I only have one install left with Spore (which is fine by me, that game sucked anyway).

I don't think PC gaming is dead, the experience is just getting homogenized with console gaming. Sure, I can get BC2 on a PC and have a blast playing it, but it's not drastically different than the console version. When people say PC gaming is dead, what they mean, IMO, is that very few games are created to take advantage of capability exclusive to modern PCs. This is still somewhat hard to quantify as not all modern PCs are built the same. It's not like the last major PC exclusive (Starcraft 2) really taxes the high end rigs. Devs still have to build for the lowest common denominator.

Are people who say that right? I'm inclined to think that PC gaming isn't "dead," but the majority of the time it doesn't really offer anything special other than the option to slightly improve graphics and a kb/m system (which I love, btw). I've played FPSs on my PC and Xbox, and while I prefer the PC, the experience isn't that different. I suppose I should expect as much given how many PC games are ports of console games. It's nice to have a couple exclusive titles like Starcraft 2 and the forthcoming Civ 5, but I don't know if we'll ever go back to the days of Doom and Quake where PC gaming was quite obviously the superior choice.

I think the ultimate trade-off now is flexibility vs cost. With a PC I can buy maximum flexibility and services like Direct2Drive and Steam but with a console I can get 90% of the gaming experience at half the cost.

 

[BHetrick]

I think the ultimate trade-off now is flexibility vs cost. With a PC I can buy maximum flexibility and services like Direct2Drive and Steam but with a console I can get 90% of the gaming experience at half the cost.

Honestly, I don't really thing cost should be considered too much in the debate. The biggest complaint I always read is "but pc gamers have to spend $xxx everytime a new game comes out".

Those console fanboys are sitting there, typing out their complaints on a pc. It may not be set up for gaming, but that pc was still an expense. So they bought a console and a pc. With those 2 purchases they could have easily went with an upgraded pc instead. And honestly, how often does hardware need updated on a pc? Not often at all. When a new console comes out, there's no upgrading their old one. They have to buy a new one.

Also, console games are more expensive and the developers are now starting to charge for online gameplay for used games.

So really if you're comparing apples to apples, meaning a console vs. a bare minimum pc, both playing the same game, you're about neck and neck.

 

[LumbergTech]

i agree but WTF did WoW do to your health?

too many hot pockets and redbull?

lack of sleep etc

some have a harder time than others stepping away from the game

 

[BigDH01]

Honestly, I don't really thing cost should be considered too much in the debate. The biggest complaint I always read is "but pc gamers have to spend $xxx everytime a new game comes out".

Yeah, this is kind of a misnomer. Most PC games don't require the latest hardware as they are built to be run on older machines. This kind of hurts PC gaming as well though as it limits the potential of games to the average machine.

Those console fanboys are sitting there, typing out their complaints on a pc. It may not be set up for gaming, but that pc was still an expense. So they bought a console and a pc. With those 2 purchases they could have easily went with an upgraded pc instead. And honestly, how often does hardware need updated on a pc? Not often at all. When a new console comes out, there's no upgrading their old one. They have to buy a new one.

Honestly, I think you give the consumer too much credit. I think most people would not know enough to upgrade their PC. It also doesn't help that OEMs typically have custom motherboards and cases and usually toss in power supplies that are pretty crappy and just powerful enough for their present system. Most consumers probably do a full upgrade when their PC isn't fast enough.

Also, console games are more expensive and the developers are now starting to charge for online gameplay for used games.

I imagine PC gaming will go this way. Starcraft was priced like a console game and requires me to log in to play. I think we'll see convergence here as developers have learned that this is what makes money.

So really if you're comparing apples to apples, meaning a console vs. a bare minimum pc, both playing the same game, you're about neck and neck.

I think a bare minimum PC required to play many games will still be more expensive. Going to Dell's website, entry level desktop is 399 without a monitor. That's an X2 with 4200 graphics. You'll get more flexibility from the PC, but an inferior gaming experience than a console.

 

[Modelworks]

pc gaming is not dead, it is in a coma though. Unless developers learn the words 'innovation' and 'fun' and quit recycling the same games with new covers the DNR order for PC gaming will remain in effect.

 

[aigomorla]

Now pc gaming has got me by the b@lls. I'm hooked. I'm running 3:1 monitors using an XFX hd 5870 with Eyefinity. Having the panoramic view is awesome.

you understand now why i say people who say consoles are better then pc, just havent built a proper gaming machine yet?

 

[MJinZ]

My ass. I was behind in the Stalker series. Just finished them all back to back. (Vanilla, can't wait to go though them all with Complete and other mods).

Before that, I finished Dragon Age. Just starting DA:A and can't wait to get home to play some more. I was never a Starcraft fiend, but, I know that I am in the minority.

Never mind that I was a WoW addict for 3 years. (Along with MILLIONS of others) And I'd happily still play if I didn't just start a family and saw the toll it took on my health.

Played Bad Company 2 like a fiend until I unlocked all the weapons, then happened to moved onto some other AAA titles.

Steam, and other online distribution sites, are crack.

Long live PC Gaming! I love you man!

lulz

 

[JoshGuru7]

Unless developers learn the words 'innovation' and 'fun' and quit recycling the same games with new covers the DNR order for PC gaming will remain in effect.

Nothing has changed over the last twenty years so I think the doom and gloom is unwarranted. Don't you remember playing Kings Quest 5, Space Quest 4, Wizardy 7, Zork 3, Ultima 5, Monkey Island 3, etc? People have been trying to copy successful things as long as we have been people.

 

[MJinZ]

computers and consoles each have their place.

SC2? PC hands-down.
Playing Madden or Smash Bros? I would prefer playing that on a console in my living room.
FPS? I prefer PC, but not everyone has a PC that can handle it...

Each is good for different things.

RPG.

Only console RPGs that work are JRPGs. But they are more like movies anyway (which I happen to like, so FF7 is still possibly my favorite game ever).

Considering that a console is just a controller attached to a computer (the console), if they actually released fighting games and platforming games on the PC, they would be just fine (same reason as why Street Fighter 4 was fine with an Xbox 360 controller on the PC).

 

[aigomorla]

RPG.

Only console RPGs that work are JRPGs. But they are more like movies anyway (which I happen to like, so FF7 is still possibly my favorite game ever).
.

AMEN!

the only thing my xbox see's now a days is FF13.

 

[smackababy]

I think a bare minimum PC required to play many games will still be more expensive. Going to Dell's website, entry level desktop is 399 without a monitor. That's an X2 with 4200 graphics. You'll get more flexibility from the PC, but an inferior gaming experience than a console.

So, $400 plus the $250 cost of an Xbox, and I can build you a decent PC. Sure, it won't be running an i7 with a top end graphics card, but it will be ample enough to play most, if not all, games.

 

[BigDH01]

So, $400 plus the $250 cost of an Xbox, and I can build you a decent PC. Sure, it won't be running an i7 with a top end graphics card, but it will be ample enough to play most, if not all, games.

You could, but I was looking at it as being one or the other. A gaming PC to match the power of the xbox would probably cost ~550 OEM. So if I already had an old PC that could be used to surf the net and type reports, and looked at buying a console or PC to game, I think the console offers a good value. It probably should too... considering how much of its life is spent subsidized.

 

[mingsoup]

!Steam deals are sweet.! I just picked up all of Borderlands for 20$. Its this kinda of pricing and availability that impresses me with PC gaming. That and no 60$ a year for closed in XboxLive trash. I just picked up a 1Tb Samsung drive for 60$. Try that on a closed up latched key M$ Xbox stronghold that is Xbox360. Its 100's for 120Gb. The open style nature is still the leading draw for me to pc gaming. Mods and cheat codes if I care to use them. Free online play. I can actually do what I want with the experience and not be locked in. However there is still something to be said for plopping down in front of Mario Kart Wii and just not worrying.

PC gaming does require patience and compromise. Sometimes you will need to turn down settings, which is sometimes very very hard for some personality types. (read: me)

 

[dank69]

... I'm inclined to think that PC gaming isn't "dead," but the majority of the time it doesn't really offer anything special other than the option to slightly improve graphics ...

Slightly? Let me know when I can play PS3/360 at 1600p.

 

[aigomorla]

A gaming PC to match the power of the xbox would probably cost ~550 OEM. So if I already had an old PC that could be used to surf the net and type reports, and looked at buying a console or PC to game, I think the console offers a good value. It probably should too... considering how much of its life is spent subsidized.

well your looking at the lower budget aspect of it.

I think it was said many many many many times in the thread, that if you have a decient budget on a gaming PC, it would be no contest.

I agree with ya, if you are on a tight budget, its very hard to beat a console just for gaming.
You can pick up a used Xbox360 for around 100-150 dollars.
You cant pick up a used gaming quality pc for that price.. possibly the CPU or GPU only.

But this thread is saying PC gaming in general is dead.
Its far from dead. Eyefiniti is picking up, and so is multi monitor setups.
You cant get multi monitor setups on a HDTV, consoles wont support that ever.

But i personally look for the game on PC more so then console.
And when im stuck with console, then i will goto my console.
But id honestly rather play it on my PC.

 

[BigDH01]

Slightly? Let me know when I can play PS3/360 at 1600p.

And the vast majority of people out there would have no use for 1600p. When you start talking those resolutions, you are basically talking about a minor proportion of gamers... gamers that don't really warrant a full development cycle (and if there's one thing that we should be learning from consoles is that it doesn't matter what the top 1% of gamers possess, it matters what the majority possess). Sure, you can use your PC to play games at 1600p which is fine and dandy, and I'm sure it's a great experience, it's just not an experience devs are catering to. It doesn't make the game unique or innovative or justify the huge expense, imo.

Most users (including myself) don't invest that kind of money in monitors or video cards. I get a slight increase in graphics quality from my 24" screen (1920x1200 vs 1080p on my tv) and my ability to turn on features that aren't available to me on my 360. I wouldn't call any of these features game changing. And in the latest game I'm playing on the PC (Starcraft 2), resolution doesn't really affect gameplay at all.

What I would look for are games designed specifically to leverage the increased computational power of a PC. I want to see some extreme physics and games built from the ground up to make use of the latest graphics API. You just don't see many of these as then you make the game inaccessible to consoles and, frankly, a huge proportion of PC gamers. Like I said before, PC gaming isn't dead it's just no longer an experience that's vastly different from console games (especially if consoles ever get real kb/m support). I consider it to be more console++ allowing me to play a majority of console ports at higher resolutions with a little more eye candy enabled.

 

[BigDH01]

well your looking at the lower budget aspect of it.

But this thread is saying PC gaming in general is dead.
Its far from dead. Eyefiniti is picking up, and so is multi monitor setups.
You cant get multi monitor setups on a HDTV, consoles wont support that ever.

I'm not saying that PC gaming is dead, in fact, I play a lot of games on my PC and do prefer the PC experience. I'm just saying that the PC experience is converging with the console experience. The prevalence of cross-platform games pretty much means that games will be targeted to the aged hardware of consoles. Sure, PC users, like they do now, can up the resolution and/or change AA and AF, but they're probably not going to get a drastically different gaming experience. I think it's a shame, but the compute power of the PC above and beyond the console of its respective generation will more than likely go to waste.

I'm very excited for the next gen of consoles to be released, not because I'm a huge console fan, but because I recognize that it will likely mean a whole slew of newer and more capable games will be released for PC. That's the reality of the situation.