Is PC gaming dead?

pshtwhatchoo talking 'bout willis, i know xbox live changed things up with halo, but Call of DUty 4?!!? Diablo 3's gonna rbign sexy back and Starcraft is going to muder halo

I wouldnt be so sure of pc games being dead, because no matter how good the graphic are on consoles or how easy it is to play, pc games will always rise to the top of most consoles. With the development of controllers on the pc, and the higher memory that a pc has, the pc should never be looked down at. A pc can always be modified again and again while playstations and xbox have to be replaced for better quality game play.

hey what you doing man over there looking importantPOINTS were deducted for this post by hookshot!Please refer to the forum rules to find out why your points were deducted.

Something that surprises me is the rising popularity of FPS's on consoles. The popularity of such titles seems to have reached absurdity with silly people speaking about how X-BOX 360 and PS3 are made for FPS in various fanboy battles (or maybe in rare cases, debates not involving fanboyism).Seriously, it should be pretty obvious that the keyboard and mouse combination is utterly superior for FPS as compared to the normal hand-held control. Obviously, the wii-mote, much akin to an arcade light con, might make a superior controllers, but other than for that one obvious exception the typical game controller is poor for FPS'. Just as the keyboard and mouse are generally pretty much a hack job for fighters and other game types (this can be remedied to an extent with some peripherals though the ones I have seen cannot compare to a first-party console controller, but that is not the point).I personally have noticed when attempting to play (before getting sick of it after minutes) some random shoddy over rated (maybe if it were for PC....) FPS purchased by my brother how when in combat it is easier to directed my cross-hair to an opponent by moving my character to align with the target instead of moving my weapon (sometimes this is even the case with auto-aim, which appears almost exclusively on console shooters for a REASON). Other times I will be sitting trying to edge my cross-hair closely on some overly sensitive analog.Of course, it may very well be true that there are some shooters that are somewhat optimized (though I haven't played them, then again I have never had access to an X-box or X-box 360 and had only temporary access to a PS3) for such controllers and consoles.So, it seems somewhat sad that many potential PC gamers have become exclusively console gamers for the purpose of playing FPS'....They are obviously wowed by the impressive graphics offered. I think that anybody who played a few FPS' before this gen or has otherwise properly appreciated the delights of Quake and whatnot will see that the console shooters are in fact lacking (unless you just want eye-candy)Once again though, I have never played Halo or Gears of way. I have however, played or at least observed being played for considerable time Black (rubbish), Time splitters 1 and 2 (rubbish), Call of duty 4 (much less experience here, but from what I've seen... rubbish) and probably 1 or 2 others I can't remember now but were probably less than impressive given the fact that I can't remember them.I do make specific mention that this is no attack on consoles. They most certainly currently have their advantages. It is just that sometimes something are optimal for some activities\objectives. Obviously, comps are generally better for RTS, TBS (to a lesser extent) and first person shooters while consoles are better for FPS'.I will say though that my small experience with Wii first person shooters has left the impression of definite potential there. More remarkable is probably the potential for games that exhibit new combat forms or basically other options in combination or addition to the usual blasting of FPS'.Regardless of all this, I am currently quite unimpressed with gaming in general. Other that Brawl (which might not be as good as Melee), I currently only play games many years old (and have been doing so for some time.Then again, I find that I don't really know much about recent and upcoming releases though. A while ago I stopped ''watching'' to an extent as my patience and interest had been exhausted after endless clones and other kinds of manure made up nearly all of the releases. Of course, what matters is the number of good games not how little poor games are released but this was low.

PC gaming is far from dead and its easier to play games like SC,D2,WOW on the PC in my opinion.But the Consoles can handle games with better graphics than PC can.(for now)

I believe that computer gaming will be the way of the future, instead of selling consoles, companies will sell operating programs to run their specific games. True it will be difficult for people who don't have good computers, but then, if you're not buying consoles, that's a bit more money to spend on good computers.

Cool signature by the way (at least, in some ways. It is most annoying when people arbitrarily consider themselves the highest authority on OTHER people.)But if the companies are going to bother selling OS's for their games, why not just set up all their games for PC and the current main OS (unless it is restrictive). Of course they could always do that just to make extra money, but if they're going be like that then they might as well charge more... unless they wanted to go for a ''hidden cost'' type strategy. But if that's the cost then they get a lot more on the same %mark up (relevant for falsely ''justifying'' the cost) on physical hardware than on virtual OS's (with their only cost being development).Well, until comps or consoles have decent controls to play all genres, there will be reason for both.

Edited by Kirby Gotenks absorbed, 08 September 2008 - 02:58 AM.

I believe that computer gaming will be the way of the future, instead of selling consoles, companies will sell operating programs to run their specific games.

And we can only hope it's something better than Vista >_< And as someone else said before, PCs can do a lot of work for us AND let us play games, but consoles can only play games and other multimedia, it can't do much more. So of course many (including me) will be interested more in PC games. Plus I personally can't handle FPS games very well on consoles; I only play RPG console games... All FPS games I have are for PC.

Edited by Kichiku Senshi Rance, 08 September 2008 - 05:12 PM.

I don't think that PC is dead. Sometimes you may have to upgrade you computer, but I still think it's going to last.

Well, one good thing about consoles is that the developers are forced to develop for what is their. Lately it seems like PC developers are only interested in developing for the very latest graphics card. Kind of seems like they do this because they need a crutch. Why work on making a better game when you can just have it use better graphics cards to have better graphics to be a ''better game''? Probably much less work than the option of having better graphics by superior work or by making the game better through means other than improving graphics.Purchasing a console is slightly akin to entering a contract where you are guaranteed that you're set up will be sufficient for a few years simply due to inflexibility (how ironic that inflexibility becomes a big pro?).

Well, one good thing about consoles is that the developers are forced to develop for what is their. Lately it seems like PC developers are only interested in developing for the very latest graphics card. Kind of seems like they do this because they need a crutch. Why work on making a better game when you can just have it use better graphics cards to have better graphics to be a ''better game''?

Well, I usually don't need to update my graphics card more frequently than every... 5 years. At least my card meets the min. requirements for the latest games and runs well with medium/high settings even if it's not the latest card...

Purchasing a console is slightly akin to entering a contract where you are guaranteed that you're set up will be sufficient for a few years simply due to inflexibility

But also, when that "contract" expires, you need a fresh console to play the new games, and if that new console has backward compatibility, the older console becomes useless... In case of computer, you don't have to trash the entire machine, just remove some older parts for the new ones (GPU or RAM)...

Edited by Kichiku Senshi Rance, 09 September 2008 - 12:58 PM.

At the moment, PC gaming is still very much alive - the only way to play an FPS with real accuracy is with keyboard and mouse, and PCs have the advantage of being able to upgrade quickly and easily without the need for a whole new computer. I think that as time goes on, consoles may contain more and more features up to the point where they are essentially PCs themselves.

Well, I usually don't need to update my graphics card more frequently than every... 5 years. At least my card meets the min. requirements for the latest games and runs well with medium/high settings even if it's not the latest card... :)But also, when that "contract" expires, you need a fresh console to play the new games, and if that new console has backward compatibility, the older console becomes useless... In case of computer, you don't have to trash the entire machine, just remove some older parts for the new ones (GPU or RAM)...

yeah, I actually think I am completely in agreement with you. The people around me give me (the guy who doesn't know much about comps:D) the impression that you have to upgrade you're comp every 2 or 3 years, but they are probably just spoiled rich guys . It has been my secret feeling that what you said is pretty much true. For me, my comp is at least (I think) 8 years old now. Well, you're 5 year figure might be pretty accurate because I'd say about 2 years ago I was unable to play the latest games on any settings (as opposed to medium/high, but that is probably because my rinky dink machine is pretty much grey-ware stuff thus reducing it's output).Maybe optimistic by about a year or so though.One thing is that huddling 4 guys around a monitor doesn't seem like it works as well as with a console unless you've got a hefty monitor and are willing to position you're comp a tad oddly. Of course, there is lanning, but then convenience flies out the window.Still not really a major point though.

One thing is that huddling 4 guys around a monitor doesn't seem like it works as well as with a console unless you've got a hefty monitor and are willing to position you're comp a tad oddly. Of course, there is lanning, but then convenience flies out the window.Still not really a major point though.

Well, that can be solved easily using gamepads (provided both the game and the OS support it).

No its in a coma. People are flinging to consoles because they're easy to use and you can allmost instantly play a game. Consoles are much harder to mod. I've heard of people who moded thier old xbox. But I never found someone to show me. But pc's and pc games can be moded with very little problum. You can get a console for $200 to $600 with as much power as a pc thats $1000. So people like me who cant afford the extra moolah, console is the next best thing.

Whatever you prefer. But still, again, in case of PC you spend that money one time, and after that, only small amounts every 5 years or so just to upgrade it enough for the next-gen games. In case of consoles, everytime you have to pay all that money for an entire new console... And the way development in progressing, perhaps soon we'll have emulators good enough for all the consoles, and PC alone will let us run games for ALL consoles (of course, in some cases, online gameplay might be difficult to emulate or be unavailable altogether, but still... many of us who use pirated versions are usually satisfied with just single player gaming anyway ).

Edited by Kichiku Senshi Rance, 11 September 2008 - 07:33 PM.

I prefer gaming on consoles.it's also the trend of the last years.

i think gaming on pc is best(more advantages)

''Well, that can be solved easily using gamepads (provided both the game and the OS support it).''Yeah, I know THAT. What I mean is it would probably be less fun having 4 guys with gamepads playing splitscreen on a relatively small moniter in a relatively bad position (on a desk with people on the floor if there isn't enough space for chairs) in a relatively small room (if you station your consoles in the living room).Of course, you can always position your monitor just like you would your TV.Buying a big monitor and proceeding to emulate consoles is also much cheaper than buying a console. So, if there is nothing else to consider... (as is often the case with older consoles... but now that I say that you can find the generally easily emulated older consoles for dirt cheap on e-bay... as in even cheaper than anew monitor).The final (or at least, one of the final) remaining problems for emulating older consoles is that there don't seem to be any good game-pads out there (I at least, haven't found one).''No its in a coma. People are flinging to consoles because they're easy to use and you can allmost instantly play a game. ''As long as your comp can handle the game, it's generally just install and go. The ''downtime'' isn't really getting started, but rather the constant crashing and cr@p one has to put up with a comp.Of course my comp is an 8 year old gray ware piece of sh!t so it's probably not so bad with others.Generally it seems like if you don't mind a bit of fuss then multi-player old console gaming via emulation isn't really too hard, especially if you're going to a LAN anyway (with their excess free space). Should be easy to find players.Of course, most of this is currently moot for current gen consoles that can't be emulated yet anyway.''But still, again, in case of PC you spend that money one time, and after that, only small amounts every 5 years or so just to upgrade it enough for the next-gen games. In case of consoles, everytime you have to pay all that money for an entire new console...''Well, the thing is that consoles generally last at least 5 years till going next-gen. So, it's basically the same there. If you have a nice comp though, then perhaps for the next 5 years you will at least be able to play next-gen games. Bleh, graphics nowadays are reaching the point when it must be asked: who needs high settings!?. Personally, if I look at Zone of the Enders 2, the graphics there are sufficiently good that further improvement of that result in little entertainment increase from me.The main issue is the price of an equally capable (on a gaming front) PC (not including stuff you don't really have to update like monitor, mouse, sound system, case, keyboard, e.t.c... basically just including the GPU,CPU,motherboard and RAM).Well, I saw a build for a good comp that when excluding the ''unnecessaries'' costed about 300$... or something like that anyway. Maybe 400 $. I think the actual thread abounds on this very section (PC section that is) of the boards. That is comparable to Wii prices. Not sure if it can match a PS3 though. It could supposedly run Crysis on close to the highest settings.Then again, you sure as hell don't get such good deals on console bits in SA... well maybe with Retron.But speaking about money brings us to the ultimate advantage of the comp: FREE stuff!Seriously, around here a PS3 games is nearly is about 90$. Not sure about the other consoles. So buy 5 PS3 games and from a good supplier you could have gotten your self a nearly top of the line PC instead (if you already have a monitor, mouse,e.t.c from some comp you have. Everyone should probably have even the most rinky dink comp before getting a console since that cheap-@$$ comp will make your work much easier) that will have a much larger number of games to choose from for free (sure you can cheaper stuff from earlier gens for free, but obviously that doesn't compare to getting everything, older or otherwise, for free).Basically, the amount of cash you will spend on console games in order to play ANYTHING will far outstrip the cash spent on a PC. Even via renting and sticking mostly to a few purchased oldies you will still pay more.If your unwilling to break the law (in some case) then that great advantage disappears. Now, I don't wish to spark a largely unrelated debate, but frankly it seems to me that those blessed with common sense who are less well bearing in the financial department will care little for breaking the law on such matters. I will admit however, that Super Smash brothers melee on my cube seemed to be worth my entire comp gaming collection combined (well, maybe I exaggerate a little there). Then again, it was definetly (no exaggeration) worth at least my brothers' entire PS2 gaming collection combined (for me at least). So needless to say that a single game having such value is an anomaly.After all is said though, if you have the spare cash then there are some nice games out there that will otherwise have to wait a long time to play though. However, it seems to me that lately most games for console or PC have been cr@p for some time now. Emulation is nearly at the point that I could play anything I wanted emulated anyway, were it not for the highly limited cap set by the heinous corrupt monopolistic Telkom (partially owned by corrupt members of govt who help in imposing said monopoly ) along with their outrageous fees in general (were they 5 or ten times higher than the average?).

The final (or at least, one of the final) remaining problems for emulating older consoles is that there don't seem to be any good game-pads out there (I at least, haven't found one).

Hm? Didn't get that... Most gamepads that work with Windows can be used with most emulators, right? There are plugins to make them work... :|

If your unwilling to break the law (in some case) then that great advantage disappears.

lol If you're here having joined DGEmu, that should imply you're willing to take that great advantage

Edited by Kichiku Senshi Rance, 12 September 2008 - 05:33 AM.

Hm? Didn't get that... Most gamepads that work with Windows can be used with most emulators, right? There are plugins to make them work... :|What I mean is that the gamepads aren't good physically. Their shape, responsiveness,e.t.c are generally inferior to console counterparts. Of course, it's not like I have conducted an examination of all the available gamepads.lol If you're here having joined DGEmu, that should imply you're willing to take that great advantage

Indeed I know, but of course the advantage were speaking of that here take advantage of is just playing ROMS that we already own legitimate copies for right? (you can never be too careful, some mods get annoyed when discussion on such matters is unnecessarily literal and un-ambigous... in case some silly @$$ comp decides to get annoying over some age-old titles that no retailer would continue purchasing from them [even if there is the odd guy who purchases them from a retailer or random guy every once in a while).

I think PC gaming is slowly dying. People i know prefer to play arcade games or PS3 and Xbox 360. They say they only use the computer for MSN messenger these days

well many good pc games are hitting or going to hit the shelves again soon so i guess tere will be a revival

I definitely thought that computer gaming was slowing down for a while. Recently I've been getting down on games like Spore, Call of Duty 4 and Mercenaries 2.. gaming is on an upswing for sure.

It's not even close to being dead. Seeing as how a PC can be so much better then a console and you can multi-task on a comp.

I had thought that PC Gaming was dead until I laid my eyes on Crysis. That game is really good.