Second Take: The PC Gaming Slump

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Ok... here is the low down. I bought Crysis and I wish I hadn't. It runs fine on my PC since I have a C2D and 8800GT 512.

Paying $60 to play Crysis on my XBOX360 and HDTV is something I would rather do than play it on my PC for FREE. Your anti-piracy ranting is pretty far off base as far as I'm concerned. I would bet that the vast majority of people playing games for free would not pay for the game on their PC if they couldn't pirate it. They just aren't worth the money in most cases.

Blizzard makes quality PC games. They also manage to thwart piracy by offering battle.net and wow servers that are very impressive. I'm looking forward to Starcraft II!
 
I've read some valid reasons as well as some that hold no grounds...one reason that I think PC game sales are declining is simply the demographic is narrowing. The most recent consoles are basically standardized PCs anyhow that can easily satisfy the casual gamer's graphical needs. Also, it's makes much more sense to buy a 360 where the dads can play their COD4 and GoWs while the younger kids can pick up and play their viva pinata quite a bit easier than using a mouse/keyboard...just too many buttons.

Although I'm strictly a PC gamer, I do own a Wii for the unique interface. While consoles have taken some of the PC gamers for good, PC gaming is far from "dead" IMHO.

BTW, can we stop using Crysis as the model PC game when comparing PCs to consoles? Why not use cross platform titles like Oblivion/COD4?
 


COD4 and Oblivion are easy examples of games I would much rather pay $60 to play on my 360 instead of pirating for free on my PC. I don't have that choice with Crysis is why I used it as an example.
 
Those numbers are scary, but they are just US numbers. It's not so much that whole pcgaming is doing badly, it's US PCgamign that's doing terrible.
I mean... Witcher sold what? 40K in US so far? It sold over million copies worldwide. STALKER didn't do much better (definitly below 100K), while it sold over 500K in eastern europe alone. CnC3 after 10 months sold less than 250K in US, while it surpassed million copies worldwide in less than two months. A lot of PC developers are saying Europe is 70% of market for them and it will only get worse for US gamers. We already are seeing a lot of smaller and medium sized developers releasing their games in US many months after Euro launches. And who can blame them really? Anno1701 was one of biggest PC hits of 2006, despite being the most expensive german game ever made (that was before Crysis), it did well enough that Ubi bought it's publisher solely for the IP. And yet it did so badly in US that so far it looks like the SunkenDragon add-on might never be released in US at all.
So if you're US PCgamer better start getting used to idea of importing your games from Europe or waiting a year for them to be released in US, becasuse it looks like it will only get worse.
 
first, one game that is hardware limited that u can easily tell is cod 2. Not 4. haven't played that yet on the console. But, my friend has a 52 inch lcd. And i played it on his xbox 360, and hooked up my pc up to it too.. And it is horrible compared to the pc version. Graphics wise, there is no comparison. And while I own a xbox 360 controller for the pc, it's just for lazy hands when it comes to a game. Control wise, nothing beats the old keyboard and mouse.

Consoles are for children.

I disagree on the fact that pc gaming isn't going to make a comeback. I think, it is just in a slump, cuz no one really knows what the pc is capable of. I think that the reason people pirate, is cuz off lack of games in the retail stores, too many faulty downloads. Not the other way around like many people believe. I have never ever seen as many pc games as consoles games on shelves. Have u? I think, if they pushed retail pc games truly like they do consoles, and actually made people aware of the real power of the pc. Sales would surpass consoles by far.
Why? Cuz us real hardcore pc gamers/modders- spend hundreds too thousands a year on our pc's. I alone have over 3000 invested in my pc. And I know 2 friends that have almost 8000 invested in theres. It seems like a lot. But too me, I love playing the latest, and staying on the cutting edge. There is a lot u can do with a pc, that consoles just cannot do. That is why I think, that if they started taking us hardcore gamers seriously, the sales would start rising. But it has to start with the advertising. I always see ps3 and xbox on tv commercials- Anyone ever see pc games?


Personally, if I really like a game, I buy it. I think most people who pirate games also go out and buy games too. If I like a game- I want to support the devs. Plus, it's easier to play a game online then a hacked version. Plus, I am proud too own the game. And, it's easy too get the latest patches and support from a retail ver. of the game. I always buy a game that I really like. The last thing I want is pc gaming too die. It never will, but, it has always been in a slump from what i could see. I think, truly support the pc gamers like they do the consoles, and then the pc gamers will support the developers ,software, and hardware manufacurers. I just think, they all need to get together and figure things out. Like how to create a store for pc games only. See my last post.

I wonder what the sales of pc games where compared to the playstation or ps2 when they came out. ??
 

I just used a no-dvd crack :hello:
 
I have been a die hard PC gamer ever since I first played Doom (the cheesy original DOS version) and Duke Nukem. I prefer using a keyboard and mouse to control my games, because teensy little console controllers are just fine if you have the hands of a 10 year old, but cause repetitive strain injuries if you are an adult. Also, my PC does a whole lot of other things as well as play games. So, over the years I have invested a fortune in upgrading PCs to be able to play the games I like. One of the factors that really hurts PC games is that practically every new PC game is designed to only work properly on a bleeding edge PC. Ooooh, look at the pretty graphics in Doom III. Buy a new graphics card. Get that new processor. Play Doom III and find out that while the graphics are fabulous, after a while you get bored doing the same stuff over and over. Ooooh, look at the pretty graphics in Crysis. Buy a new graphics card. Get that new processor. Upgrade your OS. Spend, spend, spend. Then, after you have upgraded your PC, you find out that the game is really pretty, and quite bloody boring. After you have done this a number of times, you start to get jaded. So, you decide to try a pirated version of the next game, to see if it sucks like the one that made you spend a thousand bucks to be able to play it.

If you have a console, you know that for the next few years, EVERY game that comes out for your console will work on your console. You won’t have to upgrade to Vista. You won’t have to spend three days looking at forums to get Gears of War to work because it is incompatible with your DVD player software. You just shove the damn thing into the drive and play.

Why can’t PC game companies make interesting games that are good enough? Why does everything have to be bleeding edge? Oblivion is my all time favorite game, and I now have a PC that does it justice. Why do I have to continue to upgrade my PC to play the next game? Can you not just make another game that is the same quality as Oblivion? WTF???

Consoles are getting to the point where they are just dedicated computers. You can now get keyboards and mice. You can watch DVDs, surf the net, etc. But the companies that make games for consoles make the game so it works on the console you have, NOT the console you need to buy. You know you have at least 4 to 5 years before you need to buy the new state of the art console, and then it will be half the price of a new computer. So, the problem with PC games is the pinheads that make the games for the PC. Smarten up!
 



For god sakes YES! This is the most annoying factor that keeps me from enjoying my games. I can't even play Warcraft 3 anymore because the disc got scratched sittin on top of my case. Most other games bore me by the time they get scratched, but why, oh why, must we keep the discs out?

Oh yeah, because it stops pirating.

But wait, this is about pirating. So it doesn't stop pirating.

If cd checks haven't worked to stop pirates, then why do publishers continue to make the software so inaccessible? Thats the part I don't get.

Online activation is the answer (without the cd-check).

Also: console pirating is as big as PC pirating. They just can't tell how many fake 360 games are being sold around the world. Mod chips are even legal where I live, and cost 20 bucks to have it professionally installed. Consoles are not pirate safe, and outside North America you can readily buy copied games.
 


I agree what most of you posted and what Rob Wright said, but there are a lot of other factors game developers and vendors must look at and take into consideration.

The pc gaming age category range widely. There are gamers in mid ages, and young ones entering maturity that buy their own games. So pc games are not only limited to a certain age category.

The pc game hardware specs are getting ridiculously high. A game developer may have high spec to develop their game and can't expect consumers to have the latest hardware every other year. When you look at the boxes of all those descent games mention by Rob which I had considered like Call of Duty, Bioshock etc, the spec asks for CPU speed on average over 2GHz. Some games will ask for 1.8GHz but does not say which generation of CPU so you figure ok, I have a dual core 1.8 and should be faster and better than single core. When you install the game and locks you out cause the game check for clock speed and you pc fail. So thats the money you just spend on the game out the window.

The game developers have to look at the range of pc offerings out there. Notebooks/Laptops are getting more affordable, and many students can afford them for daily use and some gaming. Then you look at the average cpu speed and graphic cards offered and they average out around 1.5 to 1.6 GHz for the cpu and 128mb to 256mb on the graphics side for $600 to $1,000. Now most of these notebooks does not meet the min spec to play any of the new games. So no games sale for notebook owners. The games developer have to take into consideration that if they are to sell their games, its the average consumers and they are not the ones plunking down $2,000 to $3,000 for a gaming notebook. Even the desktops, you look at the average dual core and they barely exceed the min spec. Then what, next year these pc can't play any of the new titles. This is just the cpu end, the graphics end is quite demanding as well, and to upgrade is quite expensive. With the rapid changes in the cpu's, a destop to was purchased last year may not even have a motherboard to upgrade the cpu. This is also only limited to custom built desktop pc's. If you own a retail brand name you are pretty limited. Here is what the devolopers and vendors should consider.

-The game developer should come up with a utility for each title like when Vista came up with a little utility to test and see if you pc meet the specs.
-Develop games that can harness the current pc lineup and not ask for such high demanding specs, should consider the notebook market as well. Even though notebook is not ideal for gaming unless one has a gaming notebook, but look at where the market is going. You buy a gaming console and is good for at least 3 years without upgrading the hardware.
-Consider develop game specs that the end user may have to tweak down the settings to make it run but not as appealing. At least the end user has a choice.

This in my opinion is what is hurting the game sales. The arrogant mentality of pc gaming demanding for high spec pc should be reconsidered. If you want to sell, must consider the market spectrum. You can buy a PS3 for $500 but the investment to upgrade or buy a new mid high power pc is way over this figure.

The gaming publishers should consider if they want to sell volume and at the same time make money cumulatively. Selling volume boost their game title success, isn't it. So a gaming publisher should consider selling game at retail at an attractive price that will not psychologically affect the consumers decision to plunk the cash down for the game. Consider selling future games after taxes under $50 and they can have their volume sales figure. This will in return might change the minds of the downloading of games. I think some of the games downloaded are not all of the blame. Some might download to see if it can even run on their pc before plunking down the cash and find out the disappointment.

Another BS thing is when a new title comes out, make the demo readily available instead of making it only accessible through paid game sites. After a while, the novelty wears out on the consumer and hype to buy has been worn off.

I have a notebook with dual core 1.8 with 256 gforce 7000 with 2gig RAM and in my opinion should be able to play with most titles. In 2007 the game spec has already asked for dual core 2GHz +, what next, Quad Core in 2008 and dual video cards. If this continues, won't be selling to many games except for the fortunate ones that can afford the lastest fastest pc. If the devopers/publishers decide to cut off the pc market, its another mistake, they must consider the population of pc's world wide, how many are there in the 18 to late 30s that own a desktop and notebook pc. Access the market hardware trend, cost for consumers to upgrade to play their $50 game.

Hope they are listening?


 
Fletchoid- I dissagree with u. I bought an 8800gtx last year. And haven't had to upgrade since. Everygame plays perfect. even the newest ones. And I don't have problems with my games working. So far all of them work, except i am having a problem patching bf2. But it still works without the patch. I remember consoles not working though. My ps2 wouldn't even play half the discs. And too be honest, I can't play the xbox 360 anymore, cuz after playing on the pc, I think the graphics and game play are so bad, it's like playing a ps2 or something again. Just can't stand it. Just my opinion. I would rather go out and buy a new graphics card or processor every year. Pc's are just fun to me. I love upgrading, and buying parts. I am also a modder. I just enjoy learning about the parts, and seeing what I can get out of them. And, while i think the consoles are getting better at surfing the net and stuff. I just don't think that they can even come close to what a pc can do. Plus, all my friends xbox 360's burned out. besides, what happens when they come out with a new console? All ur games u spent all that money on, won't play. What a waste. All my old games still play. I don't have to have 5 consoles all hooked up with different controllers and crap. Anyways, again just my opinion.


About the ejecting disc thing. Yeah, that pisses me off. Thats what no cd cracks are for. But, most game devs make it hard for u. They should include a nocd crack in the game that works even in multiplayer, or just make the
disc work like on a console. That is definately something they should look into. Anyways, I'm done ranting.

Oh, one more time too burn it into everyone's memories. THEY NEED TO CREATE A GAMING ONLY OPERATING SYSTEM FOR THE PC TO FIX ALL THESE PROBLEMS. (see above).


LOL. sorry so many responses and so long.

 
I think, they should look at the sales, of the game combined- I mean, if it sold a million on the consoles, and 100,000 on the pc. Thats a 1,100,000. Why separate them? 100,000 sales at $50 a pop is still a lot of money. They should look at it in a positive way instead of a negative. Porting from the pc to the console can't be that hard. (Plus it's better than porting from console to pc). They still make money. So, keep doing it. Besides, pc will
always be around, consoles change. So makes more sense to do it that way, plus everyone benefits.

Why can't they just keep doing it this way, and quit pitting console players against pc players (and vise versa) ? We can have both. And lots of people do. SO.... Don't give up on PC players, just cuz of a lil bump in the road.
 
Its called economics. If they are selling 1m console versions and 100k PC versions then it might be getting close to where the company feels it wouldn't be a loss to stop making the PC version (or vise versa).

Last year I bought maybe 3 games, 2 for PC and 1 for my PS2. I don't buy many games these days as there are not really any titles that interest me. I think thats a major issue for PC games, most of the new games are FPS. I personally am not interested in FPS games and prefer RTS and RPG's. Look at games like Starcraft and its expansion, and all 3 Warcraft RTS's, they were hugely successful. I didn't see any RTS games that interested me this past year.

If I was to play a FPS I'll use my PS2. For things like RTS and such I would only ever play on my computer.

Why are PC game sales slumping?

1) mostly FPS games that are usually easier to control and appeal more to console gamers. (note I said "more to" and not "only to")

2) Lack of games like RTS's with imersive and interesting story lines.

3) Piracy is a major issue, but that is for all entertainment items, just ask the RIAA.

4) EA games really sucks at just about everything. They rush titles to release and alot are boring and not well made, or they are rushed for a movie launch. (Ok this is more opinion than anything, but they have jacked up a couple of games I liked)


PC gaming will be around for a while, but I think most people like me want something other than FPS games.
I still play Starcraft and Warcraft, Diablo and D2, among other older titles. I just noticed that most the games I play are from Blizzard and none of them were rushed to release. The genre I like to play just seems to be lacking in new offerings. As somone mentioned above, I'm looking forward to Starcraft 2
 


Dude, seriously, how can u even comment on this if u only bought 3 games for 2 systems? U have been out of the loop. There have been lots of good games out. I myself bought around 20 just for the pc. Not including the demo's I played. Ps2? U still play ps2? I don't understand ur comment. I think that ur idea of econimics is one reason why big companies keep screwing up. They overlook the loyal customers cuz of temporary sales fluctuations due to indirect marketing ploys. Like microsofts vista and direct X 10. The only reason they didn't put direct X 10 on XP is cuz they wanted to push the new OS to make more money. And the only reason devs keep pushing towards consoles is cuz consoles pay for exclusive rights too some of the best titles. Wich leaves pc gamers out of the loops. If devs would consider actually licensing more games, and stop making exclusive titles they would see many more pc sales. Cuz most people buy consoles cuz they have a lot more games. And, If microsoft, all the hardware makers, and developers get together and focus on the PC as actually being a gaming machine, and actually work together, and come up with a solution to the pc's downfalls, like pirating and hardware conflicts, and finding someway to get the public attention, instead of always focusing on consoles in retail stores and tv commercials. Then I bet pc sales would outsell all the consoles combined anyday. But, hey what do I know.

I think the main problem, starts with the companies underestimating the pc as a serious gaming machine,forgetting all the loyal customers, jumping on the bandwagon, and just taking the easy route with consoles. Pc gamers have been supporting these companies for years and years, it's about time they take a moment and think about how many loyal gamers they are overlooking, Cuz of money. I think, that if they forgo the pc as a gaming machine, and stop making good games, or start porting from the consoles to the pc (instead of vise versa),then they are only hurting themselves in the long run. Cuz all those hackers, are just gonna move to the consoles, and start showing everyone how to pirate games for there friends. It's a harsh cold world, but they need to consider the gamers loyal to the pc, even if we are in a slump. As long as people are still dedicated to the pc. Then they should still make games. There is a market. PC gaming is the foundation for gaming as a whole. This is a typical shift. When new consoles, and new hardware and software, and new games comes out so fast, it's like a shark frenzy, and everyone is confused. Like I said, this is only temporary. And in 2 years, when everyone is back playing PC games, cuz ps3 and xbox 360 are has beens. Then the pc gamers are gonna remember who was loyal too them, and who wasn't.

Its just a temporary slump. Get over it. Quit bashing pc gamers cuz of money. Quit overlooking loyal customers.
Quit blaming it all on piracy, when for years this arguement against pc gamers has been played out and played out. We are still here, and not going anywhere. :fou:

I want to know how they came up with those numbers anyways. is it ps1, ps2, ps3, xbox, xbox 360, nintendo, wii, all combined against the PC? If it is, thats not fair. Either way, numbers lie.

If u add in all the hardware, software, isp services, and money people spent on servers, and on private websites too support PC games and gamers. Then im sure the money would be far above what each console is making in profit. The only difference is, no one is putting the numbers together right. And keep overlooking the money factor as a whole. Instead of just current game sales. Like i said, they need to get together. I actually know more people that play on the PC, then I do on any other system. Just, we always get bashed instead of supported. (Excluding crytek, and nvidia or any other company that supports us).

Remember- the pc is where it all starts- games, technologies, gpu's, new hardware, software, most ideas all start on the pc, then shift to the console. Where do u think the ps3 got there gpu, it was taken from a nvidia 7800 pc gpu, and then redesigned for the ps3. Most of it, starts on the pc, then technology migrates to the consoles. U take out the foundation, and the pc gamers who push the edge, and support the companies that design these parts and software, then u r creating a structure that is bound to fail. :pfff:

Sorry so long.

PC'S 4 LIFE!!!
 
I can't understand why the sad face about these PC titles (COD4, Crysis, etc) not selling a lot by the "end of the year." I mean, most of them came out in either Nov or Dec. Ummmm....a second grader could do the math there.

This is in total contrast with everything else I am reading and seeing firsthand with my clan mates and whatnot. I'm reading about quite substantial INCREASES in PC game sales. For instance: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/23/technology/23gaming.html

Hardware sales HAVE to be super high right now. I've had 3 friends build new rigs in just the past 4 weeks. I'm just not buying this viewpoint.

Seriously, they have a Halo2 poster behind them...what did we expect? 😉
 



😀 THANK YOU!! I read ur post and the article, made me feel a lot better about all this. Thanks again.
 

Why would that be a problem, you don't need PCs to make hardware for consoles. Technology doesn't need to migrate from PCs to consoles, that's just how it happens now. Theres no reason why that couldn't change. All that is needed is for hardware manufacturers to put their efforts into console hardware and boom, end of PC gaming as we know it.
 
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/23/ [...] aming.html
Click to expand...

Most of that money, probably, comes from WoW and freakin Sims.

My favorite part of that article:

"And Microsoft has inaugurated a program aimed at making PC gaming more attractive, incorporating console-like features and easier online play."

right...

Here is what kills PC gaming! Microsoft Live! Games for Windows, what a load of bullcrap! :fou:
 


Rta, I applaud your optimism, but...I think you need to re-read the article.

First, it's from APRIL 23, 2007. Um, that's not exactly up to date. In fact, the article is very forward-looking and was anticipating a big holiday season for PC gaming. There are plenty of articles like this because many people felt the fall/holiday 2007 period would be a big one for games like UT3, Quake Wars, Crysis, etc. And that fact was, the numbers for those and other titles were low.

Second, check out the following quote:

"Over all, retail sales of PC-based games in the United States exceeded $970 million in 2006, an increase of about 1 percent of sales the previous year of $953 million, which represented about a 14 percent DROP from $1.1 billion in 2004. By contrast, according to the NPD Group, retail sales for console games in 2006 were $4.8 billion; another $1.7 billion was spent on games for hand-held devices like Sony’s PlayStation Portable."

So people spent more on PSP and DS games in 2006 than they did on PC games. Yikes. Doesn't exactly support the argument that PC gaming is on the rise. And again, the story is from April and has no number about the second half of the year. Yes, NPD said PC games sales in the U.S. were 48 percent higher for the first two months of 2007 than the same period last year. But remember, the only monster selling new PC title of 07 -- Burning Crusade -- came out in January and sold millions of copies. I shudder to think what 07 would have been like without a WoW expansion pack to save the day.

Third, hardware sales might be on the rise. And hey, I'm glad you have three friends that have built new rigs. Power to the PC enthusiast! But the point of the video was to show that people were looking forward to a big fall/holiday sales boom for PC games, and a lot of high profile titles didn't really deliver.

Fourth and finally, the Halo 2 poster. I assure you, I'm neither a console fanboy or Halo Head. This has been well documented in previous articles/columns/videos. I want to see PC gaming thrive like any good PC gaming fan, trust me.

 



LOL, what r they gonna design new parts on a console??? Pc gaming won't end. As long as the pc is around, people are gonna make games for it. It's just up and down. If all the companies and devs stop making games for the pc, another company will start up too fill in the gap. Pc gamers are what pushes the bleading edge, cuz the technology improves much quicker on a pc. On a monthly bases. Not every 6 years like the poor ol' consoles. Sorry, but U R crazy man. But, it's cool. I kinda like u anyways. Ur hilarious.
 
The big problem here is, that people only look at the short term. U can quote sales all day long. But the truth is. PC games are still making money. As is, the new hardware, and software. Not just talking about graphics cards. But anything that gamers buy.

microsoft
graphics cards
soundcards
network adapters
processors
ram
motherboards
coolers
cases
powersupply company's
joystick makers
keyboard makers
mouse makers
monitor makers
software companies
game companies

Thats just a short list, i could break it down into individual companies. But my point is, that gamers are a huge part of the sales for these companies. even the casual pc gamers spend a decent amount on parts for there pc's.
Does anyone honestly think that these companies are gonna let pc gaming fall? Do u have any idea about how much money they would all loose? U really think that people buy the best of parts just too search the internet or run a few bussiness programs? If a few game sales is all that counts, Gaming would have never made it off the ground. PC hackers are the ones who started the gaming revolution. Just remember that. So next time ur playing on ur console, just remember it's only there cuz of the pc, and the people who supported it. And, if pc gaming ever did fall to a point, where people actually thought it would die, do u think all these manufacturers would still be designing parts and new software and merchandise for the pc? All these companies would bring it back, somehow. And, if pc gaming dies, u might as well get used to playing last generation games on ur consoles. LOL. Cuz the pc is what helps push the games and hardware into the cutting edge. Remember, the pc, is the foundation of it all. :pt1cable: :lol: :kaola:
 

That's the beauty of PCs. They are written for a large variety of platforms and although a higher end computer will result in a more visually appealing experience, gameplay isn't really affected. As a host for regular LAN parties I can tell you that the specs on a machine don't provide any significant advantage any more than someone with an HDTV would have an advantage playing against someone with a SDTV on xbox live. The last LAN party I held, we played quite a bit of CoD4, UT3, and UT2004. The guy that did the best in CoD4 had a much slower machine than others who didn't do nearly as well. He used an Athlon 64 3200+ and Geforce 7900 GS while those he was owning were using Core2Duo's and newer graphics cards. Then when we switched to UT2004, some of the guys on newer machines started owning. What does this show? That there is little to no relationship between specs of a machine and how well someone does in a game. That's assuming that the machine is still good enough to get playable framerates, albeit at lower resolutions. I'd say that 95% is skill or luck and not specs of a computer.

The second problem with your reasoning is that there are a large number of console games written for cross-platforms. Apparently they aren't written so optimally if the same game will play on a Wii and an Xbox 360.


I think its safe to say that you could buy a machine about the same time as you buy a console (either PS3 or 360) for a comparable price, and use them for about the same amount of time as you would want to use the console. At the end of the life of the PC, you would have to put your settings lower and lower and at the end of the console's life, the games wouldn't look so hot for their time (eg- Halo 2. For its time, it looked like crap.) The PC would be able to play comparable games to the console for the same amount of time. The difference is that if you wanted to upgrade the PC then that would actually be an option, whereas the console couldn't be upgraded until you bought a whole new nex-gen console.


I have no idea what point you are trying to get across here. Are you trying to say consoles look good even on crappy tvs? I guess you could say the same about a PC. If you don't care about screen size or resolution then a pc game will play equally well on an old 17" CRT monitor that you can pick up used for 20 bucks as it will on a 50" lcd tv.
 


See my previous post where I mentioned how the guy with the old PC was doing better than guys with brand new PCs. I'll say it again, system specs don't play a significant role in how competitive you are in a game. I hold LAN parties regularly and have seen this first hand. Games are made to scale well for older systems. The guy who runs his game at 1024x768 on low settings will do just as well as the guy with the new system running at 1920X1080. No, there wouldn't be a disadvantage with my $345 PC.
 


I think you misunderstood me. I too am a dedicated PC gamer. I prefer the PC as a gaming vehicle. I build my own computers, make minor mods just for the hell of it, and upgrade whenever I can. So, you bought an 8800gtx last year. Woo Hoo! In a couple of years, you will have to drop another $400 or more to get the next one, and the next one, and the next one. I don't have a beef with PC's. My beef is with the folks who make new games that WON'T work on a 2 year old PC. The change from huge boxy pixels to lifelike graphics was most welcome. However, I wish thrilling gameplay was the driving force behind new game creation, NOT pushing the bleeding edge of PC technology on everyone so they can play a beautiful, but mediocre game.
 


This. How can we buy games when we spend all our cash on hardware upgrades? Why are devs. making games like crysis and making more money for NVIDIA, ATI, INTEL, AMD, and MICROSOFT, instead of themselves? Where are the good games? Why arent game being opimized for performance instead of just having more hardware thrown at them?

I was expecting to see FPS, RPG, Sim games with insane AI and high replayability by now.

I hope there is a slump, some fat does need to be trimmed.
 
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