There is more to calculating the cost of a PC vs. a console than raw numbers. Although my PC does cost more than a console, it is useful for a myriad of other things... some of them even productive
A console is a gaming system only, the computer on the other hand is a game system and so very much more. In my case, my computer facilitates capability to make a living as well; show me a console that does that.
Here's what I find funny about the PC vs Console "war".
I recently purchased God of War 2 for my playstation 2. Even by current graphical standards, the game looks really top notch. And this is on a 7ish year old system. Let that sink in for a bit...
Now, why is this? Its because console developers have a static model to work with, and to create better games, they have to... learn to code better. While a PC game developer has absolutely no incentive to create more efficient code, because there is a much easier way for them to get over that hurdle... have the consumer throw their own money at it. One could even argue that the PC gaming industry might just do this on purpose, to fuel the PC market. After all, who needs to buy a new expensive quad core cpu and quad SLI video cards to run Excel?
Here's what I find funny about the PC vs Console "war".
I recently purchased God of War 2 for my playstation 2. Even by current graphical standards, the game looks really top notch. And this is on a 7ish year old system. Let that sink in for a bit...
Now, why is this? Its because console developers have a static model to work with, and to create better games, they have to... learn to code better. While a PC game developer has absolutely no incentive to create more efficient code, because there is a much easier way for them to get over that hurdle... have the consumer throw their own money at it. One could even argue that the PC gaming industry might just do this on purpose, to fuel the PC market. After all, who needs to buy a new expensive quad core cpu and quad SLI video cards to run Excel?
You guys go on and on about the price between the pc/consoles and yes that true. An average person does not know how to find cheap computers for 600$ or spend the time upgrading. It's how company like dell or ibuypower stay in buisness. It way cheaper but MORE TIME consuming to find a great gaming pc setup and build it yourself. I'll prove it by how you can see people ask almost daily for what a good pc spec and video card or so on.
It not the price people like console gaming more. It's the hassel that comes with computer gaming. Drivers, Installing/Upgrading new equipment, performance issues and much more BS. You see a PS2 game you know your PS2 can run it and it will run it fine.
People always said it not the graphic that sell it the art style. You can just look at WoW and most of the FF games. They look great even now.
I love how games like NWN and WC3 have mods and online gaming but with harddrives on every ps3 or maybe majority of xbox360 we might see these games on the consoles. So until all pc games are on the consoles I would still need to spend twice as much money for 2 gaming platforms
about the controllers... with voice chat there less and less need for a keyboard for gaming. You just need a good gaming controller what a few of my friends have.
-- "Any free people have the right to choose how it wants to be govern thats the essence of democracy. It's sad when America has chosen for the stability and consistency of a dictatorship and doing it democratically" -utnow
"Imo, the faster PC gaming dies, the better. I'm sick and tired of spending 2000$ just to be able to play the latest games." Considering most MMOGs are PC format, that makes no sense. PCs will always offer superior gameplay for cutting edge and large scale games like the MMOG genre. Besides, I bet you spend as much upgrading your console models and buying multiple consule brands in order to play various games. PC is much more flexible and customizable and can be used for other things besides gaming. Consules are for kids.
The fact Xbox360 is receiving mmorpg's such as Age of Conan, Huxley, and Final Fantasy XI proves it can handle MMORPG's just as well as PC can. and No, I don't spend as much upgrading on console models. The playstation 2 was released in 2000, the playstation 3 in 2006.thats a 6 year time difference of absolutely NO upgrades. I have to spend more money on upgrades for my computer then I have to spend on a new console. An xbox360 is 350$ (including controller and memory card and things). I dare you to find a computer that runs TES4: Oblivion just as well as an Xbox360 can for 350$. Also I'm speaking from strict gaming perspective. I don't need to use a computer for anything else then college work (aside gaming ofcourse), and everything I need can be done on an old pentium 2.
One big flaw in your logic, you are shifting your statements to suit your needs. Most people do MORE then just play games. THey edit documents, surf the net, create music, watch movies, create movies, design CGI 3d Art, surf porn, write email, read books. Sure, SOME of those activities can be done on P2, but I can reverse that logic back at you, you can play games on SNES and atari, so why do u buy XBOX? Becuase XBOX has better graphics, better games. So do PCs. Just because YOU dont have a need for a PC, doesnt mean the rest of the world is following your footsteps. I will be daring and say that its the other way around, most people in the world do need a PC, not a 2000$ pro-gaming rig, but a 300-500 regular modern P4 rig. Sure, you might not be able to play Oblivion on max settings, but u can play tons of other games that consoles don't have.
Consoles are great for kids and for computer illiterate people because they dont need maintenance or require brain power to setup. PCs are for advanced people who like to do more then just play a game.
Originally posted by peenk
PC gaming dies? LawL, mucho drama
Hm, lets see, started with Dreamcast being able to use a Modem to go online to play games and surf the internet with the DC browser. Followed up by broadband units for PS2 and Gamecube. Xbox comes along with a built-in HD, gets hacked few years later so you can install linux and run emulators and watch some video formats. 360 and PS3 come out, with ATI and Nvidia build cards utilizing DX9 ...
Hm, looks to me like game consoles are getting more and more like computers, instead of computers getting more and more like gaming consoles. I have 360 controller and my PC is as good as any console (I dont need xbox live kthx, especially pay for one). If I put my KB and mouse to 360 ... it will still be a 360.
Yeah ...
Dont like to spend "$2000"? First of all no one is forcing you to own a PC and second of all, L2bulid-your-own-rig. With $2000 you can have a state of the art computer, you can build one to play "latest games" for less than $800 if you count the fact that you will keep using your old monitor/speakers/mouse/kb/HDs/soundcard.
If your PC is as good as any console, then you just proved my point. why should I pay so much money for a PC when I can get the same on a much cheaper console? 800$ you say? Try beating 350$ with your fancy computer and we'll talk.
Originally posted by elvenangel
Originally posted by Gameloading
Imo, the faster PC gaming dies, the better. I'm sick and tired of spending 2000$ just to be able to play the latest games.
Yes so that way we can spend increasing amount sof money to buy a new console every 2 to 3 years that cost an increasing amount of money, then charge you isane prices for extras like extra controllers so that eventually we're spending 2000 dollars anyway. You really don't save any money atleast with pc's your games work longer. I mean look at all our fav atari and nintendo games from back in the day..not one of those cartidges work in anything other than the machine it was made for.
2 or 3 years? Make that 5 of 6 years, and by that time, you have probably spend more money on upgrades then you would have on a new console. also it depends on the console. I can play Playstation 1 games on a playstation 3, and an Xbox1 games on the xbox360
Theres a huge difference in Consol vs Computer.. and it can be costly..
Whether you go for PC or consol is up to your wallet size and demand for up-to-date technology.
As someone mentioned before... the playstation 2 came out in 2000, and then the 3 in 2006. A 6 year difference..
But how much did technology change in that 6 years? Graphics jumped a couple levels between those years.. and computer users, if they have the money could instantly jump up with those graphics and instantly be playing them, all while consol were stuck at the first level until the next system was released 6 years later.
Alot of people say gameplay is better than graphics.. and while that is a good point... none of us would be playing our favorite MMO if it ran and looked like the first installment of mario..
Consols are for the patient and persons with the average wallet size.
Computers are for the look lovers and those with the larger wallet size.. OR those with the willingness to put their credit cards on fire from its usage.
In the electronic world.. its a materialistic world. Who cares if your machine has continued to run since 1998 without trouble... it certainly can't run Crysis.. so no one gives a damn.
Everquest - 2000 - '02 Anarchy Online - '01-'02 Earth and Beyond - '02-'04 Star Wars Galaxies - '03-'06('07) World of Warcraft - '04-'07 Age of Conan - '08 - shelved. -Waiting on- Star Trek Online SW: The Old Republic
Everyone on this forum has a PC, while only some people here have consoles. That, I think, is the key. PCs offer so much more in terms of flexibility and utility than a console that PCs are almost a necessity, while consoles are a luxury. That is why PC gaming won't die out soon: because everyone has a computer and not everyone has a console.
I also tend to agree that consoles are more and more becoming a sort of barebones gaming PC.
Imo, the faster PC gaming dies, the better. I'm sick and tired of spending 2000$ just to be able to play the latest games.
ignorance at its best. PC gaming is the parent to all console gaming. The chicken that made the egg so to speak. PC gaming is freedom.
And why is this ignorance? PC gaming may be the parent to all console gaming..so, what exactly is your point? Should we now keep purchasing PC games because many, many years ago PC gaming was the "Parent" to all console gaming? Hey, leets keep riding old fashioned bikes because they are the parent to all modern bikes!
Whats ignorant is that you think by getting rid of one platform of gaming, thus providing less options for the consumer, that the world is better off, and you base these on clearly biased and ignorant reasons. Computers are not that expensive, they dont require a full on HDTV to enjoy HD rezolutions to play. Hey I own all three consoles (wii360ps3) but unlike you, im not so stupid to not understand the strengths and weaknesses of each system and how they effect eachother.
Gaming PCs will cost you no more than a PS3. Seriously, PCs, even gaming ones, are becoming cheaper as time goes on and they can do more than any console would. Just look at Ibuypower.com (sponsor of these computer contests), the price of a gaming rig is cheap. And, if you know how to put a computer together yourself (its not hard) then you can get a good computer for damn cheap. Easy upgrades as well.
Finds me a computer for 400$ that can run Oblivion just as well as an Xbox360 can. I dare you.
You seem to be an xbox fanboy, so let me set this straight. The gaming industry is not the fekkin highlander, there is no "there can be only one". Competition brings prices lower, get rid of the competition and you are screwwed. So you dare me? Ok I dare you to find an XBOX 360 than can tweek oblivion to look better than the devs intended it to, and that can run user made mods and also make them. Sorry to tell you, but I made mods for Oblivion, and you know what the game really sucks. You have so many more options for oblivion, changing the game music to your own, tweaking, modding, adding. Hell i made a new city just for the hell of it, can you do that on your xbox? I dare you. What? thought not.
You get what you pay for. The difference is, with the xbox, you are resticted.. limited by what they give you. You have no freedom. Did you know microsoft loses money for every console sold? yep. If the PC gaming industry was ruled by one company, and they made profit off of PC games, then PCs would be cheaper than dirt. But since its customizable, moddable, buildable, just like vehicle or legos, and so many companies take part.. we as consumers pay the actual retail price of the product.
But anyways, guess what champ? oblivion is hardly a resource heavy game. Computers have processes running in the background, your xbox is made to do one thing at a time... and thats running one game. Dont fool yourself into thinking it is any thing more. The difference between me and you, I have a job and money. Ouch. If im going to buy a car, i would rather pay a bit extra for the options. The same logic goes for gaming. If you want less, go outside and play reality. Its free and has the best graphics of all.
One other think you are forgetting, that XBOX360 is going to need an HDTV to run those perty graphics that run off those 9 gigabyte dvds. Guess how much those HDTVs cost? yeah thought so. HDTVs dont really get that high resolution,
the PC platform will get you higher resolution graphics (thats part of what HD is) than any TV can currently offer you in regards to video games. If you want wi-fi your spending a lot more to use it on your xbox, what? hd-dvds? buy the 200 dollar external hd-dvd rom that microsoft didnt include in their system. Oh yeah, and you have to pay to use the Live feature. Extra controllers, sure add those too. Wow you just spent a lot. Get real kid.
Lastly, look at the difference between morrowind and oblivion. It is clear how a game made for a console first has effected the game itself. Console gaming is made for the audience with a minimal attentionspan (obviously not the case for all games) but a direct negative result is the dumbing down of games to reach a wider audience. They want your money, and will shovel you crap if you let them. A good rpg was turned into an illogical generated hack and slash with bad game design and good graphics. The truth is, that xbox is limiting what that game can do, and it shows. Its not something you can argue, it just IS what it IS. For many of us that IS is not good enough. Console styled games are good on consoles, Computer games are good on computers, woe is the day they think they can mix the two.
I think console gaming is good for the industry, because it is mainstreaming the video game to the newer generations. Consoles are accessable to small children, and when those children grow up they end up playing PC games for the most part.
I'm sure you have a reliable source to back that up?
LOL, if i said the sky is blue would you want a reliable source for that too. The only reliable source you have is your head, and for you its obviously not reliable. Consoles have mainstreamed gaming by bringing it to children. Do you deny this? Originally games were aimed at adults, they were built on big super computers with the advent of the nes and atari, children started being the focus of marketing. Youtube old nintendo commercials, they are all about children. Gaming at that time exploded and has only grown since, those children have grown up and explored the realm of gaming as a whole, often finding the PC as the end of the road. Google is your friend, you can look it all up yourself. Consoles are easy, set up and have ranged between 100-900 dollars over history. Most generations of gamers have started with a console, even though PC gaming has been in the background since. It has influenced the console market, but in this day and age they are different by what they can offer the consumer. Kids will still go for consoles, thats what they are made for. Hook them while their young. Thats been nintendos marketing strategy since the beginning of their home entertainment system. Here enjoy some history http://www.pbs.org/kcts/videogamerevolution/history/timeline_flash.html
My own evolution as a gamer started with the nes and gameboy, never understood PC gaming untill I actually played some amazing games on one. I never went back. As a gamer I like both platforms for what they offer, but they are not compatible, meaning games often being made for the super super casual gamer/kid end up being on consoles and good concepts are ruined, where as with PCs they are fully realized in a sense. Keyboard and mouse over a controller is better for FPS games, RTS games and most CRPGs. PC gaming has left me with more enjoyment and options than any console ever would, and all PC games are available for one OS, rather than watch sony, nintendo, and microsoft fight over which games will be exclusive to their system (forcing you to buy all the systems if you want to enjoy games.)
Anyways, i really dont like people like you. What you say is like "the sooner jewish people stop running businesses, the more money I wont lose". And thats stupid.
Awww..you don't like me. Yeah, how dare people like me actually want to play games for less money. shame on me.
Saying PC gaming is cheaper or even the same price as console gaming is pure ignorance. the entire reason game consoles exist is because they are much cheaper then a real gaming pc. I can play the newest games with excellent graphics for 5 years for only 400$. You can't do that with a PC.
I think you are stupid. But hey thats just my opinion based off the lame things you are saying. Your logic seems to point towards "if you cant afford it, kill it". Thats retarded. It is not pure ignorance to KNOW for a fact PC gaming is not what you make it to be as far as pricing. You forget those consoles are limited and rely on a tv. This day and age, an HDTV. Go ahead and spend 2000$ on a tv that can have less resolution than my laptop or desktop PC. Consoles require you to spend more but in increments, dont be stupid and believe otherwise. Monitors are cheaper and better than the current HDTV. Go out do your research, build your own PC. The fact is, you dont know what you are talking about, and by your own admission, you are an Xbox fanboy who thinks the answer is to eliminate PC gaming because you cant afford it. (when in reality, you are not smart enough to know how to afford it as its not much more than a nexgen console). Keep living in lala land game loading, maybe one day you might find reality at your doorstep.
response in Blue, if you couldnt figure that out Gameloading. I notice you tend to like a lot of crappy FREE mmorpgs. That says a lot in your mentality. lol (heres a hint, get a job)
Raven, you are such an arrogant nerd, i thought i'd answer to you, why you made with such a long-winded post full of hate and personnal opinion is beyond me, but hey, you do what you want with your free time.
Originally posted by Rabenwolf
Whats ignorant is that you think by getting rid of one platform of gaming, thus providing less options for the consumer, that the world is better off, and you base these on clearly biased and ignorant reasons. Computers are not that expensive, they dont require a full on HDTV to enjoy HD rezolutions to play. Hey I own all three consoles (wii360ps3) but unlike you, im not so stupid to not understand the strengths and weaknesses of each system and how they effect eachother.
If you suppress a paltform, games will go on another - the platform disappears, the game don't.
As for HD, you don't "need" it for recent console games to look absolutely beautiful - it's just a bonus, just like getting that 24" flat LCD instead of the 22"...
You seem to be an xbox fanboy, so let me set this straight. The gaming industry is not the fekkin highlander, there is no "there can be only one". Competition brings prices lower, get rid of the competition and you are screwwed. So you dare me? Ok I dare you to find an XBOX 360 than can tweek oblivion to look better than the devs intended it to, and that can run user made mods and also make them. Sorry to tell you, but I made mods for Oblivion, and you know what the game really sucks. You have so many more options for oblivion, changing the game music to your own, tweaking, modding, adding. Hell i made a new city just for the hell of it, can you do that on your xbox? I dare you. What? thought not.
PCs don't bring price down - in the last years, building any kind of PC has become slightly more expensive than before. The console manufacturers are engaged in very hard price war, and a console at release is sold under its production price.
As for your argument about modding - the current generation of console indeed doesnt offer the ressource necessary for modifying most games. But with the introduction of harddrives and USB ports, you can bet that the next generation is going to be entirely different.
You get what you pay for. The difference is, with the xbox, you are resticted.. limited by what they give you. You have no freedom.
Why should we care? You can install Linux on a PS3, and why would you need to change the hardware when a game coming out in 2007 on a PS2 (1999 hardware) looks as good or better than current PC games? (God of War 2).
The difference between me and you, I have a job and money. Ouch. If im going to buy a car, i would rather pay a bit extra for the options. The same logic goes for gaming. If you want less, go outside and play reality. Its free and has the best graphics of all.
Oh come on - i have a job too, i go out very often and its expensive to go clubbing or invite a girl to the restaurant regularly, funding the car, payting the rent and eventually buying a decent gaming rig (~1500$). What's your job anyway, physician at the NASA?
One other think you are forgetting, that XBOX360 is going to need an HDTV to run those perty graphics that run off those 9 gigabyte dvds. Guess how much those HDTVs cost? yeah thought so. HDTVs dont really get that high resolution,
the PC platform will get you higher resolution graphics (thats part of what HD is) than any TV can currently offer you in regards to video games. If you want wi-fi your spending a lot more to use it on your xbox, what? hd-dvds? buy the 200 dollar external hd-dvd rom that microsoft didnt include in their system. Oh yeah, and you have to pay to use the Live feature. Extra controllers, sure add those too. Wow you just spent a lot. Get real kid.
Extra controllers... what about the fact you have to change your video card every 2 years to continue playing newer games at medium settings? Or the increasing need in RAM forcing you to buy more regularly, or MS announcing that vienna will come out in 2009 and the 6 years between XP/Vista was an exception? For a PC there are extras too, and there are much more expensive than buying a console controller for 50$...
Console styled games are good on consoles, Computer games are good on computers, woe is the day they think they can mix the two.
You're narrow-minded: with a device like the wiimote, you don't need a mouse anymore on a console (something which was difficult to use - need a table etc). hell they could even use the technology of the DS with the digital pen.
The only thing that differentiate console gaming from PC gaming is the keyboard.. and i wouldn't be surprised that the next generation of console comes bundled with one.
Mods? Yes sure, the ancient and newt generation of console are not mod-friendly,a nd i doubt the PS3 and the X360 will be either - however a trend started, consoles are starting to get harddrives, you can install linux on the PS3, you can surf the web with both systems - i'm telling you, it's just a matter of time before PC and console convergence happens.
Consoles have mainstreamed gaming by bringing it to children. Do you deny this?
No. Then again, ever since "gaming" exists, who is mostly playing it? Children... your point is moot.
Originally games were aimed at adults, they were built on big super computers
I can only LoL at you... the Atari, the commodore or whatever, those systems were nopt bought by 30 years old retarted adults, they were bought for kids aged 14 to 20...
Anyway i'm not going to quote you anymore, because your main points are:
- no modding possible
- no hardware flexibility
- no non-gaming software flexibilities
- HDTV ($$$$) required
Here were are discussing the facts based purely on GAMING.
yes today, evereything you say is right, except you don't need a HDTV for X360 of PS3 games to look beautiful, and more impressive than many PC games unless you run them on a high end gaming rig costing you more than 1700$
I'm telling you that in the next decade, consoles will replace PC for GAMING, because the technology is converging, and the "extras" are being standardized with the USB.
And remember, a cheap laptop can be bought for less than 700$, and you can surf the web, DL porn, post crap on, MMORPG.COm forums, type text and many more thing? You're still better off buying a cheap PC + a console $$$ wise.
My addiction History: >> EQ1 2000-2004 - Shaman/Bard/Wizard/Monk - nolife raid-whore >> WoW 2004-2009 + Cataclysm for 2 months - hardcore casual >> Current status : done with MMO, too old for that crap.
I must first qualify this by saying these experiences were from 2005 so granted the climate has changed a bit post WOW.
I appreciate the vigor, used to defend PC gaming but many of you over estimate PC gamings popularity because it's what we (myself included) enjoy most. If I may...submit some personal experience with platforms and what publishers have actually relayed in various meetings.
1) The vast majority of PC titles lose money hence publishers shy away from them.
2) I've personaly had PC skews scrubbed as the demographic just wasn't there.
3) Publishers / Devs are hesitant to devote extra dev time to PCs titles because of the gulf between machines.
4) MMO's (EQ1, WOW) have all but saved PC gaming.
Don't get me wrong creating for PC's & X-Box's was a treat since as an audio person the compression format provided better sound quality. Also the audio footprint was less an issue with X-Box & PC because of their streaming potential and the built in HD's. However unless a title was designed for PC's the programmers usually hated it.
The next five years are going to be an interesting time as XBOX360 & PS3 especially are proving consoles can provide quality gameplay & graphics that rival top end PC's. As HDTV's become more affordable I see the gulf closing even more. Keep in mind just as PC's are used for other things besides gaming so are HDTV's and home theater systems. Let's see a show of hands from those who have a high end Dolby 5.1 let alone 7.1 audio set up for their PCs?
last week I saw a video for the upcoming title Assasin's Creed. My first thought was man that's a nice looking PC title. Imagine my surprise when the lady said it was running on the XBOX 360?!?
Until recently MMO's have been PC gamings saving grace but those days are coming to an end. As newer titles support platform MMO' gaming the PC industry needs an answer. The PC industry has to offer high end gaming around that $600 price point.
No..I've no worries that PC gaming will die but the meal ticket days are ending. The industry has to adapt and it will, the next few years will prove wonderful for all because in the end the consumer benefits.
In the "old days"... what, like 2 to 3 years ago and beyond, the PC was the way to go for the more complex, better done, "refined" games. Civilization 2 for the SNES and whatever was a total failure. Starcraft for the N64 was complete crap. PC was for the "elite", and consoles were for the "masses".
Of course, consoles have practically catched up in terms of gameplay, offering to turn themselves into almost-PCs by getting keyboards, hard drives, internet support, and whatever. The difference is that ALL of those things are directed towards gaming. You can't write an article in your X360, and don't come to me with the "but I got Linux and a keyboard!" crap, 'cause you'll be embarassing yourself.
For me, the decision is obvious and clear: if you want a gaming platform, get a console. If you want a diversion-directed platform (games, webpages) which is at the same time a workstation (who doesn't use the computer to work or do work-related stuff anymore?) then get a PC.
Why are we arguing whether one is better than the other? Consoles are MADE for gaming. PCs are made for a lot of things. I mean, what do you think developers use to make your favorite Playstation game? That's right. A damn computer. Not a Hard-drive enabled Gamecube. They both have their ups and downs. They're both better at some things and worse at others. And you know, that's why the Wii is doing so great. It's all about gaming, like a console, in simple terms, should be. It's not about being a Jukebox for your party, or a DVD player, or a frickin' vending machine. The PC does all that already and it's better at it. People aren't buying a Playstation 3 (apart from the price being outright idiotic) because its games suck. It could have Microsoft Office installed and even then no one would buy it. Get my meaning?
The feeling of elitism that has characterized PC gamers for ages has become obsolete. Consoles can offer very similar experiences now, and the PC is so versatile you can use it exclusively for gaming, which is what some posters around here seem to do. The PC can be viewed as a console. I can't say the same applies viceversa, though. Even then, the argument is still pointless. It seems to me that more than the existence of the PC as a gaming platform being the central point of arguing, it's the stained "pride" of being a PC gamer which is in discussion. Which, for all I care, should die already.
So, stop evading the crux of the matter by going into these silly debates of PC vs Consoles. They're both fine, thank you. Instead of saying "This game would do a lot better in a PC environment... consoles are for kids", say "Man, I believe PC games are superior just because I can play Europa Universalis 3. Yeah, there's really no other reason why, even when I play Company of Heroes like an addict, and it's clearly a console-like game, but I just love the feeling of the mouse under my hand. By the way, consoles suck because I say so!" .... surprise, you can't prove a thing in the PC vs Consoles when it comes to arguments that matter.
I must first qualify this by saying these experiences were from 2005 so granted the climate has changed a bit post WOW.
I appreciate the vigor, used to defend PC gaming but many of you over estimate PC gamings popularity because it's what we (myself included) enjoy most. If I may...submit some personal experience with platforms and what publishers have actually relayed in various meetings.
1) The vast majority of PC titles lose money hence publishers shy away from them.
2) I've personaly had PC skews scrubbed as the demographic just wasn't there.
3) Publishers / Devs are hesitant to devote extra dev time to PCs titles because of the gulf between machines.
4) MMO's (EQ1, WOW) have all but saved PC gaming.
Don't get me wrong creating for PC's & X-Box's was a treat since as an audio person the compression format provided better sound quality. Also the audio footprint was less an issue with X-Box & PC because of their streaming potential and the built in HD's. However unless a title was designed for PC's the programmers usually hated it.
The next five years are going to be an interesting time as XBOX360 & PS3 especially are proving consoles can provide quality gameplay & graphics that rival top end PC's. As HDTV's become more affordable I see the gulf closing even more. Keep in mind just as PC's are used for other things besides gaming so are HDTV's and home theater systems. Let's see a show of hands from those who have a high end Dolby 5.1 let alone 7.1 audio set up for their PCs?
last week I saw a video for the upcoming title Assasin's Creed. My first thought was man that's a nice looking PC title. Imagine my surprise when the lady said it was running on the XBOX 360?!?
Until recently MMO's have been PC gamings saving grace but those days are coming to an end. As newer titles support platform MMO' gaming the PC industry needs an answer. The PC industry has to offer high end gaming around that $600 price point.
No..I've no worries that PC gaming will die but the meal ticket days are ending. The industry has to adapt and it will, the next few years will prove wonderful for all because in the end the consumer benefits.
I can agree with some of what you said but... The vast majority of GOOD computer games do not lose money. Sure the mom & pop bullshyt game goes down in flames. As they should if it sucks. But if that is part of the arguement then consider that all consoles machines lose money and its only game royalties that give them any return at all. The console market is flooded with game failures as well.
For the "Console is best" gamers who love to state how the games are such better quality... Just wait a couple more years until the MS live or Sony Live (or whatever they are called) connections are more standard. At that time you will see quality go downhill fast do to the ability to make money now and patch later thinking that is dominate in the PC game world now.
If you look at the evolution of consoles you will see that every advance brings them closer and closer to just being a pretty little PC box. But do to the lower cost the manufacturers will always set limits on what they can do. That allows them to force purchases of completely new systems or highly priced add ons.
One way to look at it would be.. For someone owning say a PS2 that wants to play a nice new game just released, they more than likely have to buy a PS3 to play it. Where as a fairly mainstream gaming computer now will more then likely be able to play all new versions of games but its up to the user to decide at what quality level through upgrading or not.
Bottom line... Consoles are moving more and more towards a PC type system and will always have forward and backward compatabilty problems with the games. More internet connectivity will bring about less concern about quality at release. And they will always have restrictions on upgradeability. Top that off with steady 75%-100% increases in cost each model released.
Now.. back to playing my x360 game on my PC (using a emulator) .
This is a none issue. Anyone who earns a living, balances their checkbook, has a budget and manages their finances knows that the better value is going to be with a PC. This is purely an ideological argument if anyone takes the time to crunch the numbers this would quickly come to a moot point.
The Old Timers Guild Laid back, not so serious, no drama. All about the fun!
www.oldtimersguild.com An opinion should be the result of thought, not a substitute for it. - Jef Mallett
Imo, the faster PC gaming dies, the better. I'm sick and tired of spending 2000$ just to be able to play the latest games.
ignorance at its best. PC gaming is the parent to all console gaming. The chicken that made the egg so to speak. PC gaming is freedom.
And why is this ignorance? PC gaming may be the parent to all console gaming..so, what exactly is your point? Should we now keep purchasing PC games because many, many years ago PC gaming was the "Parent" to all console gaming? Hey, leets keep riding old fashioned bikes because they are the parent to all modern bikes!
Whats ignorant is that you think by getting rid of one platform of gaming, thus providing less options for the consumer, that the world is better off, and you base these on clearly biased and ignorant reasons. Computers are not that expensive, they dont require a full on HDTV to enjoy HD rezolutions to play. Hey I own all three consoles (wii360ps3) but unlike you, im not so stupid to not understand the strengths and weaknesses of each system and how they effect eachother.
Guess what: A console doesn't need a HDtv, shocking isn't it? A game console can be connected to your computer monitor, just like a computer to run it on HD. Please educate yourself first.
Gaming PCs will cost you no more than a PS3. Seriously, PCs, even gaming ones, are becoming cheaper as time goes on and they can do more than any console would. Just look at Ibuypower.com (sponsor of these computer contests), the price of a gaming rig is cheap. And, if you know how to put a computer together yourself (its not hard) then you can get a good computer for damn cheap. Easy upgrades as well.
Finds me a computer for 400$ that can run Oblivion just as well as an Xbox360 can. I dare you.
I actuallly did run Oblivion on a computer that is roughly equal to those specs. And let me asure you, you don't want to play Oblivion on that. Unless you want to run it on a damn low framerate, its not going to come even close to the Xbox360 version.
You seem to be an xbox fanboy, so let me set this straight. The gaming industry is not the fekkin highlander, there is no "there can be only one". Competition brings prices lower, get rid of the competition and you are screwwed. So you dare me? Ok I dare you to find an XBOX 360 than can tweek oblivion to look better than the devs intended it to, and that can run user made mods and also make them. Sorry to tell you, but I made mods for Oblivion, and you know what the game really sucks. You have so many more options for oblivion, changing the game music to your own, tweaking, modding, adding. Hell i made a new city just for the hell of it, can you do that on your xbox? I dare you. What? thought not.
My answer to that is: Not YET. its simply a matter of time before that gets added to the game consoles. Developers might actually focus more on that if PC gaming died. Bethesda simply couldn't be arsed to add it to the console version. Little big planet on the PS3 does come rather close to that concept. Game consoles do contain the technology, many developers simply refuse to take the time to put it in.
You get what you pay for. The difference is, with the xbox, you are resticted.. limited by what they give you. You have no freedom. Did you know microsoft loses money for every console sold? yep. If the PC gaming industry was ruled by one company, and they made profit off of PC games, then PCs would be cheaper than dirt. But since its customizable, moddable, buildable, just like vehicle or legos, and so many companies take part.. we as consumers pay the actual retail price of the product.
And did you know that every company loses money when selling a console? A gaming console is a long term investment, thats why it takes years before a new one comes out (further proving the point that companies release a new console every 2 - 3 years is rediculous). it takes years and years before a game console becomes profitable.
But anyways, guess what champ? oblivion is hardly a resource heavy game. Computers have processes running in the background, your xbox is made to do one thing at a time... and thats running one game. Dont fool yourself into thinking it is any thing more. The difference between me and you, I have a job and money. Ouch. If im going to buy a car, i would rather pay a bit extra for the options. The same logic goes for gaming. If you want less, go outside and play reality. Its free and has the best graphics of all.
ahh, childish assumptions, how cute. Guess what: I do have a job, I work 40 hours a week and I have plenty of money, thank you very much. ofcourse an Xbox360 only runs one game, Its kind of hard to play two games at the same time, don't you think?
One other think you are forgetting, that XBOX360 is going to need an HDTV to run those perty graphics that run off those 9 gigabyte dvds. Guess how much those HDTVs cost? yeah thought so. HDTVs dont really get that high resolution,
the PC platform will get you higher resolution graphics (thats part of what HD is) than any TV can currently offer you in regards to video games. If you want wi-fi your spending a lot more to use it on your xbox, what? hd-dvds? buy the 200 dollar external hd-dvd rom that microsoft didnt include in their system. Oh yeah, and you have to pay to use the Live feature. Extra controllers, sure add those too. Wow you just spent a lot. Get real kid.
Again, Xbox360 can be hooked up to a monitor that supports HD. Even with all the extra's you CAN purchase, its still much and much cheaper then a high end computer. Your the one who should get real, not me. The whole reason consoles exist is because they are cheaper.
Lastly, look at the difference between morrowind and oblivion. It is clear how a game made for a console first has effected the game itself. Console gaming is made for the audience with a minimal attentionspan (obviously not the case for all games) but a direct negative result is the dumbing down of games to reach a wider audience. They want your money, and will shovel you crap if you let them. A good rpg was turned into an illogical generated hack and slash with bad game design and good graphics. The truth is, that xbox is limiting what that game can do, and it shows. Its not something you can argue, it just IS what it IS. For many of us that IS is not good enough. Console styled games are good on consoles, Computer games are good on computers, woe is the day they think they can mix the two.
Prove or it didn't happen. I see a whole lot of assumptions based on absolutely Nothing, NADA.
I think console gaming is good for the industry, because it is mainstreaming the video game to the newer generations. Consoles are accessable to small children, and when those children grow up they end up playing PC games for the most part.
I'm sure you have a reliable source to back that up?
LOL, if i said the sky is blue would you want a reliable source for that too. The only reliable source you have is your head, and for you its obviously not reliable. Consoles have mainstreamed gaming by bringing it to children. Do you deny this? Originally games were aimed at adults, they were built on big super computers with the advent of the nes and atari, children started being the focus of marketing. Youtube old nintendo commercials, they are all about children. Gaming at that time exploded and has only grown since, those children have grown up and explored the realm of gaming as a whole, often finding the PC as the end of the road. Google is your friend, you can look it all up yourself. Consoles are easy, set up and have ranged between 100-900 dollars over history. Most generations of gamers have started with a console, even though PC gaming has been in the background since. It has influenced the console market, but in this day and age they are different by what they can offer the consumer. Kids will still go for consoles, thats what they are made for. Hook them while their young. Thats been nintendos marketing strategy since the beginning of their home entertainment system. Here enjoy some history http://www.pbs.org/kcts/videogamerevolution/history/timeline_flash.html
Again, proof or its just a whole lot of assumptions, I want official data, proof, not assumptions from your biased mind.
My own evolution as a gamer started with the nes and gameboy, never understood PC gaming untill I actually played some amazing games on one. I never went back. As a gamer I like both platforms for what they offer, but they are not compatible, meaning games often being made for the super super casual gamer/kid end up being on consoles and good concepts are ruined, where as with PCs they are fully realized in a sense. Keyboard and mouse over a controller is better for FPS games, RTS games and most CRPGs. PC gaming has left me with more enjoyment and options than any console ever would, and all PC games are available for one OS, rather than watch sony, nintendo, and microsoft fight over which games will be exclusive to their system (forcing you to buy all the systems if you want to enjoy games.)
Anyways, i really dont like people like you. What you say is like "the sooner jewish people stop running businesses, the more money I wont lose". And thats stupid.
Awww..you don't like me. Yeah, how dare people like me actually want to play games for less money. shame on me.
Saying PC gaming is cheaper or even the same price as console gaming is pure ignorance. the entire reason game consoles exist is because they are much cheaper then a real gaming pc. I can play the newest games with excellent graphics for 5 years for only 400$. You can't do that with a PC.
I think you are stupid. But hey thats just my opinion based off the lame things you are saying. Your logic seems to point towards "if you cant afford it, kill it". Thats retarded. It is not pure ignorance to KNOW for a fact PC gaming is not what you make it to be as far as pricing. You forget those consoles are limited and rely on a tv. This day and age, an HDTV. Go ahead and spend 2000$ on a tv that can have less resolution than my laptop or desktop PC.
For the love of god. EDUCATE YOURSELF.
Consoles require you to spend more but in increments, dont be stupid and believe otherwise.
Its fact that consoles are cheaper then high end PC. its not up for debate, its fact.
Monitors are cheaper and better than the current HDTV
. Go out do your research, build your own PC. The fact is, you dont know what you are talking about,
And thats comming from someone who didn't even know that an Xbox360 can be hooked up to a monitor for HD images.
and by your own admission, you are an Xbox fanboy who thinks the answer is to eliminate PC gaming because you cant afford it. (when in reality, you are not smart enough to know how to afford it as its not much more than a nexgen console). Keep living in lala land game loading, maybe one day you might find reality at your doorstep.
response in Blue, if you couldnt figure that out Gameloading. I notice you tend to like a lot of crappy FREE mmorpgs. That says a lot in your mentality. lol (heres a hint, get a job) wow, you need to go back to your parents and ask them to teach you some maturity. You make a whole lot of assumptions about me. I don't play a lot of crappy free mmorpg's, in fact, I only play one free mmorpg temporary untill the next pay to play mmorpg comes out ( Sword of the New World: Granado Espada). if you actually bothered to take some time to get to know me, you would have known that I DISLIKE the vast majority of free to play mmorpg's. Nice going making a fool out of yourself.
Please grow up before you post again,your assumptions about me are laughable, because they are wrong. and EDUCATE yourself about the subject.
p.s. I do own a high end pc (in fact, I own 3 of them), to further prove how rediculous your assumptions are. I also do have a nice job, thank you.
The next time you want to write a reply to my post, drop the assumptions. In this case, your assumptions about me were completely wrong, and it only makes you look stupid. Your arrogance is simply disgusting.
Well I' not hostile about this issue as I think there needs to be console games as well as the PC genre for success within the gaming world. When you have buddies over at your house they don't want to watch you play your PC game and just sit in the background like a back seat gamer. That's where the console games come in.
Wii did something cool by creating one of the coolest party games. You can make your living room into a golf course, bowling alley, fishing pond, boxing arena, baseball field, and get your butts off the couch at the same time. They even have games that make you do some of the silliest movements that your friends can rag you about later.
The PS3 and XBox 360 are in a battle to deliver the best graphical content that you can enjoy w/ friends, and there are those remade old school titles that we all grew up to love, and still enjoy playing. They are also working to make the consoles more flexible to deliver almost PC like quality... What an incentive for hardware manufactures to push outside of the box and make better more responsive gear for your PC's!
PC's kick butt as it's so flexible, and console games are heading in that direction, but we still have a little ways to go. I think that consoles, and PC games will always be around since variety is the spice of life. I love playing my PC, PS3, and Wii!!! (I'm sure the XBox 360 is cool too, just never tried it)
All are needed to make sure the gaming industry is ever expanding and always growing. We are LUCKY to have all of the options at our fingertips! Think back into the commodore64, and Atari... Now look where gaming is today! Just think where we will be at in 10 more years! The gaming industry will change again, and I am sure we will all be pleased with the results!
We will always be sad to see a game not go to the platform that we wanted it to, but you know there will be another cool title w/ a good storyline, graphics, and tons of little extras that will treat the senses to a great gaming expereince!
I didn't read all 7 pages of this thread, but I did read the first 3. (Personally I've done enough reading this weekend ^_^). However, what I did read was kinda strange (not like 8 finger strange), the people who prefer console gaming say you can hook up a keyboard and mouse to a Ps3 and Xbox 360 (which have harddrives, etc.), and my friend modded his xbox360 to run linux. Well, if you added a mouse and keyboard to that, would it basically be a computer?
Each time a new console comes out, it becomes more and more like computers (now-a-days). Harddrives, internet connection, etc.
Nothing is like the old consoles in which, yes you had your computer that could run spreadsheets; but the old consoles were for gaming, and the old computers were for "office" type of stuff (generally speaking.)
It seems to me that consoles are becoming PCs. I mean, they practically are... you can get gaming controllers for your computer.
I didn't read all 7 pages of this thread, but I did read the first 3. (Personally I've done enough reading this weekend ^_^). However, what I did read was kinda strange (not like 8 finger strange), the people who prefer console gaming say you can hook up a keyboard and mouse to a Ps3 and Xbox 360 (which have harddrives, etc.), and my friend modded his xbox360 to run linux. Well, if you added a mouse and keyboard to that, would it basically be a computer?
Each time a new console comes out, it becomes more and more like computers (now-a-days). Harddrives, internet connection, etc.
Nothing is like the old consoles in which, yes you had your computer that could run spreadsheets; but the old consoles were for gaming, and the old computers were for "office" type of stuff (generally speaking.)
It seems to me that consoles are becoming PCs. I mean, they practically are... you can get gaming controllers for your computer.
Exactly my point, You know the difference? The Price tag. When talking in terms of gaming, there really isn't that much difference between Console gaming and PC gaming. Pc is just MUCH more expensive.
Imo, the faster PC gaming dies, the better. I'm sick and tired of spending 2000$ just to be able to play the latest games.
I'm with you I'm going out right now to get a PS3, ok there is no (good) games for it and the games that are out there are WAY over priced, and you have to deal with a system that is one step from breakdown that you have to send back to Sony to fix and then they send you another defective one back to you.
But hold up did'nt PC graphics surpass anything the console market had to offer BEFORE they consoles even came out? is'nt the ability to chat with other people over the internet that have PC's a good thing? is the internet a good place to get info and fun stuff, Forums, Chat sites, Games info/news, World news Etc etc etc.
Can't you build a great rig for less than the price of a PS3?
arn't PC's Upgradeable so you can get the best with out having to throw away all your old games because the new rig does'nt support them ?
Ok /Rantoff
you don't have to spend $2000 to get a good rig, PC gaming is here to stay and the soon people get a grip and say look the console market is holding PC gaming back by having to dumb down games for the Consoles the better we will be, lets make great games for PC's and then make a 2nd lower grade one for the Console market, (Battlefield 2 jumps to mind)
I normally only buy about one or two PC games A YEAR!! Face it, once you've bought BF 2 (or Half-Life 2), Dawn of War, Neverwinter Nights 2, and WoW, what else to you need? PC games are confined to FPS, RTS, and MMORPGs / RPGS. Anything outside of those genres on the PC is most likely a console port. Given, the lifespan of those games is waaayyy longer than console games, people are still playing Starcraft and Diablo 2 almost a decade after release, but that's kind of a double edged sword. The cost of development mixed with the fact that PC gamers stick with their games forever, makes producing a PC title a lose / lose situation. Unless you plan on releasing a subscription modeled game, which is why most of the PC gaming buzz is around MMOs right now. Without MMORPGs, the PC would be a trashbin of console ports. Problem is, MMORPGs suck in general.
On consoles, it's a whole 'nother ball game. The cost of development peaks during launch and then goes down throughout a given console's life cycle. There's also a wider variety of games on consoles. Everything from Madden to more experimental stuff like Okami and Katamari Damacy. I also don't have the compatibility issues with consoles that I have with PCs. Show of hands: how many of you have ever bought a game that didn't run on your computer even though you fit all the specs on the box? With consoles, you don't have to check the specs, just buy the game that's made for your console. Oh yeah, and I can go down to the local video store and RENT console games. The end result is that I don't have to go out and buy the latest and greatest games when I can just rent them for about about a week or two and beat them. I also don't have to pay for a game to find out the online component sucks. They could probably do this with PC games, but no one wants to make Plug 'N play PC games where you just pop in the disk and play. There's been some talk of doing this with Windows Vista but.... We'll see....
Online gaming, Xbox hit the nail on the head with XBox Live which blows away the Gamespy powered games of the PS2 and the painfully limiting Nintendo Wi-Fi service. Thus far, the PS3 has no online capability and the PC feels extremely primitive in comparison to XBox Live. Yeah, the PC can do everything that XBox Live does, but you have to do those things from several different services. Maybe somebody should create a similar "one size fits all" app for PC gaming (hint, hint, wink, wink). Seriously, I have to use Yahoo / AOL / Microsoft / ICQ messenger just to keep track of people that I game with, then log onto Ventrillo / Roger Wilco / Teamspeak before even starting up the game that I want to play.....AAAAAAARRRRRGGGGGGHHHHH!!!! Somebody needs to make just one thing that will provide messaging, voice chat, and instant matching in one fell swoop. Xfire sucks and Gamespy is just too damn laggy. Let's also not forget that with PC games, you're pretty much stuck trying to play the games that the majority of other people are playing. It's not exactly a walk in the park setting up an online game of Red Alert 2 with your friends if you're behind a firewall or you've had to reinstall more than once. Hell, with Starcraft, Diablo, and Red Alert you can't even set up a direct IP game!!!
Then there's the LAN party factor. If you want to play your friends with zero lag, you have to play on a LAN. This means breaking down your computer, loading it in the car, unloading once you arrive at the party, setting it back up, dicking with the network settings for about 2 hours, only to repeat the process in reverse after you're finished. With consoles, you just grab your controller and your favorite games. Some consoles even have portable screen accessories so that you can take the hole thing with you and put it on a LAN with other consoles. This is about the only way to play Tribes: Aerial Assault or Star Wars: Battlefront 2 on the PS2. Still, I can fit all that shit in my backpack and for way less than a gaming laptop. Come to think of it, they don't really make gaming laptops, do they? Yeah, to bad about that.
There's always going to be PC games since it's an open development platform. That said, I can buy a cheap PC to browse the web, run spread sheets, and write letters plus a couple of consoles for less than a top of the line, water cooled Quad-Core PC with both Windows Vista and Linux installed. I could buy all three consoles right now for less than the cost of a top of the line Alienware PC and be able to play games on them the same day with a trip to Blockbuster or by just changing a few settings at Gamefly about a week before purchase. You just can't do that with PCs.
The problem with Console games are they look like crap compared to PC games. I hate the fact that you go out and buy a brand new piece of equipment and it is completely outdated by the PC gear.
Show me a console game that can look like this:
Currently playing: LOTRO & WoW (not much WoW though because Mines of Moria rocks!!!!)
Looking Foward too: Bioware games (Dragon Age & Star Wars The Old Republic)
Also, cant forget to take advantage of the best quality of Console Game graphics you have to add the price of an HD tv to that package. Heck even a regular TV just to compare. So yes you can purchase a console with all the extras you need for around 400 dollars, but you need to add another 200-300 dollars just for a crappy TV to play it on or 1000-6000 dollars for a good HD TV to get the quality out of your console.
And before you say no GL. Yes you do need to add the price of the TV in to make the comparison fair and no it doesn't matter if you already have a TV for watching, because I already had a PC for surfing the internet, doing work at home, etc. And all I needed to add to my home PC was a decent Video Card and maybe a bit more Ram and presto I have my work PC/Gaming rig.
So in order to make the comparison true, you really are comparing atleast 600 dollars for a console to 6400ish dollars for a console and around 800 dollars to 2000 dollars for a PC.
So which one is truely the more expensive?
Currently playing: LOTRO & WoW (not much WoW though because Mines of Moria rocks!!!!)
Looking Foward too: Bioware games (Dragon Age & Star Wars The Old Republic)
Comments
A console is a gaming system only, the computer on the other hand is a game system and so very much more. In my case, my computer facilitates capability to make a living as well; show me a console that does that.
Maybe someday there will be a console that can handle a decent game, but not any of the existing ones, nor in the foreseeable future.
I recently purchased God of War 2 for my playstation 2. Even by current graphical standards, the game looks really top notch. And this is on a 7ish year old system. Let that sink in for a bit...
Now, why is this? Its because console developers have a static model to work with, and to create better games, they have to... learn to code better. While a PC game developer has absolutely no incentive to create more efficient code, because there is a much easier way for them to get over that hurdle... have the consumer throw their own money at it. One could even argue that the PC gaming industry might just do this on purpose, to fuel the PC market. After all, who needs to buy a new expensive quad core cpu and quad SLI video cards to run Excel?
Equal opportunity troll.
It not the price people like console gaming more. It's the hassel that comes with computer gaming. Drivers, Installing/Upgrading new equipment, performance issues and much more BS. You see a PS2 game you know your PS2 can run it and it will run it fine.
People always said it not the graphic that sell it the art style. You can just look at WoW and most of the FF games. They look great even now.
I love how games like NWN and WC3 have mods and online gaming but with harddrives on every ps3 or maybe majority of xbox360 we might see these games on the consoles. So until all pc games are on the consoles I would still need to spend twice as much money for 2 gaming platforms
about the controllers... with voice chat there less and less need for a keyboard for gaming. You just need a good gaming controller what a few of my friends have.
--
"Any free people have the right to choose how it wants to be govern thats the essence of democracy. It's sad when America has chosen for the stability and consistency of a dictatorship and doing it democratically" -utnow
One big flaw in your logic, you are shifting your statements to suit your needs. Most people do MORE then just play games. THey edit documents, surf the net, create music, watch movies, create movies, design CGI 3d Art, surf porn, write email, read books. Sure, SOME of those activities can be done on P2, but I can reverse that logic back at you, you can play games on SNES and atari, so why do u buy XBOX? Becuase XBOX has better graphics, better games. So do PCs. Just because YOU dont have a need for a PC, doesnt mean the rest of the world is following your footsteps. I will be daring and say that its the other way around, most people in the world do need a PC, not a 2000$ pro-gaming rig, but a 300-500 regular modern P4 rig. Sure, you might not be able to play Oblivion on max settings, but u can play tons of other games that consoles don't have.
Consoles are great for kids and for computer illiterate people because they dont need maintenance or require brain power to setup. PCs are for advanced people who like to do more then just play a game. If your PC is as good as any console, then you just proved my point. why should I pay so much money for a PC when I can get the same on a much cheaper console? 800$ you say? Try beating 350$ with your fancy computer and we'll talk.
Originally posted by elvenangel
Originally posted by Gameloading
Imo, the faster PC gaming dies, the better. I'm sick and tired of spending 2000$ just to be able to play the latest games.
Yes so that way we can spend increasing amount sof money to buy a new console every 2 to 3 years that cost an increasing amount of money, then charge you isane prices for extras like extra controllers so that eventually we're spending 2000 dollars anyway. You really don't save any money atleast with pc's your games work longer. I mean look at all our fav atari and nintendo games from back in the day..not one of those cartidges work in anything other than the machine it was made for.
2 or 3 years? Make that 5 of 6 years, and by that time, you have probably spend more money on upgrades then you would have on a new console. also it depends on the console. I can play Playstation 1 games on a playstation 3, and an Xbox1 games on the xbox360
Your argument wins with the large,red font.
WTB Shadowbane 2
Whether you go for PC or consol is up to your wallet size and demand for up-to-date technology.
As someone mentioned before... the playstation 2 came out in 2000, and then the 3 in 2006. A 6 year difference..
But how much did technology change in that 6 years? Graphics jumped a couple levels between those years.. and computer users, if they have the money could instantly jump up with those graphics and instantly be playing them, all while consol were stuck at the first level until the next system was released 6 years later.
Alot of people say gameplay is better than graphics.. and while that is a good point... none of us would be playing our favorite MMO if it ran and looked like the first installment of mario..
Consols are for the patient and persons with the average wallet size.
Computers are for the look lovers and those with the larger wallet size.. OR those with the willingness to put their credit cards on fire from its usage.
In the electronic world.. its a materialistic world. Who cares if your machine has continued to run since 1998 without trouble... it certainly can't run Crysis.. so no one gives a damn.
Everquest - 2000 - '02
Anarchy Online - '01-'02
Earth and Beyond - '02-'04
Star Wars Galaxies - '03-'06('07)
World of Warcraft - '04-'07
Age of Conan - '08 - shelved.
-Waiting on-
Star Trek Online
SW: The Old Republic
Everyone on this forum has a PC, while only some people here have consoles. That, I think, is the key. PCs offer so much more in terms of flexibility and utility than a console that PCs are almost a necessity, while consoles are a luxury. That is why PC gaming won't die out soon: because everyone has a computer and not everyone has a console.
I also tend to agree that consoles are more and more becoming a sort of barebones gaming PC.
And why is this ignorance? PC gaming may be the parent to all console gaming..so, what exactly is your point? Should we now keep purchasing PC games because many, many years ago PC gaming was the "Parent" to all console gaming? Hey, leets keep riding old fashioned bikes because they are the parent to all modern bikes!
Whats ignorant is that you think by getting rid of one platform of gaming, thus providing less options for the consumer, that the world is better off, and you base these on clearly biased and ignorant reasons. Computers are not that expensive, they dont require a full on HDTV to enjoy HD rezolutions to play. Hey I own all three consoles (wii360ps3) but unlike you, im not so stupid to not understand the strengths and weaknesses of each system and how they effect eachother.
Gaming PCs will cost you no more than a PS3. Seriously, PCs, even gaming ones, are becoming cheaper as time goes on and they can do more than any console would. Just look at Ibuypower.com (sponsor of these computer contests), the price of a gaming rig is cheap. And, if you know how to put a computer together yourself (its not hard) then you can get a good computer for damn cheap. Easy upgrades as well.
Finds me a computer for 400$ that can run Oblivion just as well as an Xbox360 can. I dare you.
http://www.ibuypower.com/ibp/store/configurator.aspx?mid=182
You seem to be an xbox fanboy, so let me set this straight. The gaming industry is not the fekkin highlander, there is no "there can be only one". Competition brings prices lower, get rid of the competition and you are screwwed. So you dare me? Ok I dare you to find an XBOX 360 than can tweek oblivion to look better than the devs intended it to, and that can run user made mods and also make them. Sorry to tell you, but I made mods for Oblivion, and you know what the game really sucks. You have so many more options for oblivion, changing the game music to your own, tweaking, modding, adding. Hell i made a new city just for the hell of it, can you do that on your xbox? I dare you. What? thought not.
You get what you pay for. The difference is, with the xbox, you are resticted.. limited by what they give you. You have no freedom. Did you know microsoft loses money for every console sold? yep. If the PC gaming industry was ruled by one company, and they made profit off of PC games, then PCs would be cheaper than dirt. But since its customizable, moddable, buildable, just like vehicle or legos, and so many companies take part.. we as consumers pay the actual retail price of the product.
But anyways, guess what champ? oblivion is hardly a resource heavy game. Computers have processes running in the background, your xbox is made to do one thing at a time... and thats running one game. Dont fool yourself into thinking it is any thing more. The difference between me and you, I have a job and money. Ouch. If im going to buy a car, i would rather pay a bit extra for the options. The same logic goes for gaming. If you want less, go outside and play reality. Its free and has the best graphics of all.
One other think you are forgetting, that XBOX360 is going to need an HDTV to run those perty graphics that run off those 9 gigabyte dvds. Guess how much those HDTVs cost? yeah thought so. HDTVs dont really get that high resolution,
the PC platform will get you higher resolution graphics (thats part of what HD is) than any TV can currently offer you in regards to video games. If you want wi-fi your spending a lot more to use it on your xbox, what? hd-dvds? buy the 200 dollar external hd-dvd rom that microsoft didnt include in their system. Oh yeah, and you have to pay to use the Live feature. Extra controllers, sure add those too. Wow you just spent a lot. Get real kid.
Lastly, look at the difference between morrowind and oblivion. It is clear how a game made for a console first has effected the game itself. Console gaming is made for the audience with a minimal attentionspan (obviously not the case for all games) but a direct negative result is the dumbing down of games to reach a wider audience. They want your money, and will shovel you crap if you let them. A good rpg was turned into an illogical generated hack and slash with bad game design and good graphics. The truth is, that xbox is limiting what that game can do, and it shows. Its not something you can argue, it just IS what it IS. For many of us that IS is not good enough. Console styled games are good on consoles, Computer games are good on computers, woe is the day they think they can mix the two.
I think console gaming is good for the industry, because it is mainstreaming the video game to the newer generations. Consoles are accessable to small children, and when those children grow up they end up playing PC games for the most part.
I'm sure you have a reliable source to back that up?
LOL, if i said the sky is blue would you want a reliable source for that too. The only reliable source you have is your head, and for you its obviously not reliable. Consoles have mainstreamed gaming by bringing it to children. Do you deny this? Originally games were aimed at adults, they were built on big super computers with the advent of the nes and atari, children started being the focus of marketing. Youtube old nintendo commercials, they are all about children. Gaming at that time exploded and has only grown since, those children have grown up and explored the realm of gaming as a whole, often finding the PC as the end of the road. Google is your friend, you can look it all up yourself. Consoles are easy, set up and have ranged between 100-900 dollars over history. Most generations of gamers have started with a console, even though PC gaming has been in the background since. It has influenced the console market, but in this day and age they are different by what they can offer the consumer. Kids will still go for consoles, thats what they are made for. Hook them while their young. Thats been nintendos marketing strategy since the beginning of their home entertainment system. Here enjoy some history http://www.pbs.org/kcts/videogamerevolution/history/timeline_flash.html
My own evolution as a gamer started with the nes and gameboy, never understood PC gaming untill I actually played some amazing games on one. I never went back. As a gamer I like both platforms for what they offer, but they are not compatible, meaning games often being made for the super super casual gamer/kid end up being on consoles and good concepts are ruined, where as with PCs they are fully realized in a sense. Keyboard and mouse over a controller is better for FPS games, RTS games and most CRPGs. PC gaming has left me with more enjoyment and options than any console ever would, and all PC games are available for one OS, rather than watch sony, nintendo, and microsoft fight over which games will be exclusive to their system (forcing you to buy all the systems if you want to enjoy games.)
Anyways, i really dont like people like you. What you say is like "the sooner jewish people stop running businesses, the more money I wont lose". And thats stupid.
Awww..you don't like me. Yeah, how dare people like me actually want to play games for less money. shame on me.
Saying PC gaming is cheaper or even the same price as console gaming is pure ignorance. the entire reason game consoles exist is because they are much cheaper then a real gaming pc. I can play the newest games with excellent graphics for 5 years for only 400$. You can't do that with a PC.
I think you are stupid. But hey thats just my opinion based off the lame things you are saying. Your logic seems to point towards "if you cant afford it, kill it". Thats retarded. It is not pure ignorance to KNOW for a fact PC gaming is not what you make it to be as far as pricing. You forget those consoles are limited and rely on a tv. This day and age, an HDTV. Go ahead and spend 2000$ on a tv that can have less resolution than my laptop or desktop PC. Consoles require you to spend more but in increments, dont be stupid and believe otherwise. Monitors are cheaper and better than the current HDTV. Go out do your research, build your own PC. The fact is, you dont know what you are talking about, and by your own admission, you are an Xbox fanboy who thinks the answer is to eliminate PC gaming because you cant afford it. (when in reality, you are not smart enough to know how to afford it as its not much more than a nexgen console). Keep living in lala land game loading, maybe one day you might find reality at your doorstep.
response in Blue, if you couldnt figure that out Gameloading. I notice you tend to like a lot of crappy FREE mmorpgs. That says a lot in your mentality. lol (heres a hint, get a job)
My addiction History:
>> EQ1 2000-2004 - Shaman/Bard/Wizard/Monk - nolife raid-whore
>> WoW 2004-2009 + Cataclysm for 2 months - hardcore casual
>> Current status : done with MMO, too old for that crap.
I must first qualify this by saying these experiences were from 2005 so granted the climate has changed a bit post WOW.
I appreciate the vigor, used to defend PC gaming but many of you over estimate PC gamings popularity because it's what we (myself included) enjoy most. If I may...submit some personal experience with platforms and what publishers have actually relayed in various meetings.
1) The vast majority of PC titles lose money hence publishers shy away from them.
2) I've personaly had PC skews scrubbed as the demographic just wasn't there.
3) Publishers / Devs are hesitant to devote extra dev time to PCs titles because of the gulf between machines.
4) MMO's (EQ1, WOW) have all but saved PC gaming.
Don't get me wrong creating for PC's & X-Box's was a treat since as an audio person the compression format provided better sound quality. Also the audio footprint was less an issue with X-Box & PC because of their streaming potential and the built in HD's. However unless a title was designed for PC's the programmers usually hated it.
The next five years are going to be an interesting time as XBOX360 & PS3 especially are proving consoles can provide quality gameplay & graphics that rival top end PC's. As HDTV's become more affordable I see the gulf closing even more. Keep in mind just as PC's are used for other things besides gaming so are HDTV's and home theater systems. Let's see a show of hands from those who have a high end Dolby 5.1 let alone 7.1 audio set up for their PCs?
last week I saw a video for the upcoming title Assasin's Creed. My first thought was man that's a nice looking PC title. Imagine my surprise when the lady said it was running on the XBOX 360?!?
Until recently MMO's have been PC gamings saving grace but those days are coming to an end. As newer titles support platform MMO' gaming the PC industry needs an answer. The PC industry has to offer high end gaming around that $600 price point.
No..I've no worries that PC gaming will die but the meal ticket days are ending. The industry has to adapt and it will, the next few years will prove wonderful for all because in the end the consumer benefits.
Dutchess Zarraa Voltayre
Reborn/Zero Sum/Ancient Legacy/Jagged Legion/Feared/Nuke & Pave.
Of course, consoles have practically catched up in terms of gameplay, offering to turn themselves into almost-PCs by getting keyboards, hard drives, internet support, and whatever. The difference is that ALL of those things are directed towards gaming. You can't write an article in your X360, and don't come to me with the "but I got Linux and a keyboard!" crap, 'cause you'll be embarassing yourself.
For me, the decision is obvious and clear: if you want a gaming platform, get a console. If you want a diversion-directed platform (games, webpages) which is at the same time a workstation (who doesn't use the computer to work or do work-related stuff anymore?) then get a PC.
Why are we arguing whether one is better than the other? Consoles are MADE for gaming. PCs are made for a lot of things. I mean, what do you think developers use to make your favorite Playstation game? That's right. A damn computer. Not a Hard-drive enabled Gamecube. They both have their ups and downs. They're both better at some things and worse at others. And you know, that's why the Wii is doing so great. It's all about gaming, like a console, in simple terms, should be. It's not about being a Jukebox for your party, or a DVD player, or a frickin' vending machine. The PC does all that already and it's better at it. People aren't buying a Playstation 3 (apart from the price being outright idiotic) because its games suck. It could have Microsoft Office installed and even then no one would buy it. Get my meaning?
The feeling of elitism that has characterized PC gamers for ages has become obsolete. Consoles can offer very similar experiences now, and the PC is so versatile you can use it exclusively for gaming, which is what some posters around here seem to do. The PC can be viewed as a console. I can't say the same applies viceversa, though. Even then, the argument is still pointless. It seems to me that more than the existence of the PC as a gaming platform being the central point of arguing, it's the stained "pride" of being a PC gamer which is in discussion. Which, for all I care, should die already.
So, stop evading the crux of the matter by going into these silly debates of PC vs Consoles. They're both fine, thank you. Instead of saying "This game would do a lot better in a PC environment... consoles are for kids", say "Man, I believe PC games are superior just because I can play Europa Universalis 3. Yeah, there's really no other reason why, even when I play Company of Heroes like an addict, and it's clearly a console-like game, but I just love the feeling of the mouse under my hand. By the way, consoles suck because I say so!" .... surprise, you can't prove a thing in the PC vs Consoles when it comes to arguments that matter.
For the "Console is best" gamers who love to state how the games are such better quality... Just wait a couple more years until the MS live or Sony Live (or whatever they are called) connections are more standard. At that time you will see quality go downhill fast do to the ability to make money now and patch later thinking that is dominate in the PC game world now.
If you look at the evolution of consoles you will see that every advance brings them closer and closer to just being a pretty little PC box. But do to the lower cost the manufacturers will always set limits on what they can do. That allows them to force purchases of completely new systems or highly priced add ons.
One way to look at it would be.. For someone owning say a PS2 that wants to play a nice new game just released, they more than likely have to buy a PS3 to play it. Where as a fairly mainstream gaming computer now will more then likely be able to play all new versions of games but its up to the user to decide at what quality level through upgrading or not.
Bottom line... Consoles are moving more and more towards a PC type system and will always have forward and backward compatabilty problems with the games. More internet connectivity will bring about less concern about quality at release. And they will always have restrictions on upgradeability. Top that off with steady 75%-100% increases in cost each model released.
Now.. back to playing my x360 game on my PC (using a emulator)
The Old Timers Guild
Laid back, not so serious, no drama.
All about the fun!
www.oldtimersguild.com
An opinion should be the result of thought, not a substitute for it. - Jef Mallett
And why is this ignorance? PC gaming may be the parent to all console gaming..so, what exactly is your point? Should we now keep purchasing PC games because many, many years ago PC gaming was the "Parent" to all console gaming? Hey, leets keep riding old fashioned bikes because they are the parent to all modern bikes!
Whats ignorant is that you think by getting rid of one platform of gaming, thus providing less options for the consumer, that the world is better off, and you base these on clearly biased and ignorant reasons. Computers are not that expensive, they dont require a full on HDTV to enjoy HD rezolutions to play. Hey I own all three consoles (wii360ps3) but unlike you, im not so stupid to not understand the strengths and weaknesses of each system and how they effect eachother.
Guess what: A console doesn't need a HDtv, shocking isn't it? A game console can be connected to your computer monitor, just like a computer to run it on HD. Please educate yourself first.
Gaming PCs will cost you no more than a PS3. Seriously, PCs, even gaming ones, are becoming cheaper as time goes on and they can do more than any console would. Just look at Ibuypower.com (sponsor of these computer contests), the price of a gaming rig is cheap. And, if you know how to put a computer together yourself (its not hard) then you can get a good computer for damn cheap. Easy upgrades as well.
Finds me a computer for 400$ that can run Oblivion just as well as an Xbox360 can. I dare you.
http://www.ibuypower.com/ibp/store/configurator.aspx?mid=182
I actuallly did run Oblivion on a computer that is roughly equal to those specs. And let me asure you, you don't want to play Oblivion on that. Unless you want to run it on a damn low framerate, its not going to come even close to the Xbox360 version.
You seem to be an xbox fanboy, so let me set this straight. The gaming industry is not the fekkin highlander, there is no "there can be only one". Competition brings prices lower, get rid of the competition and you are screwwed. So you dare me? Ok I dare you to find an XBOX 360 than can tweek oblivion to look better than the devs intended it to, and that can run user made mods and also make them. Sorry to tell you, but I made mods for Oblivion, and you know what the game really sucks. You have so many more options for oblivion, changing the game music to your own, tweaking, modding, adding. Hell i made a new city just for the hell of it, can you do that on your xbox? I dare you. What? thought not.
My answer to that is: Not YET. its simply a matter of time before that gets added to the game consoles. Developers might actually focus more on that if PC gaming died. Bethesda simply couldn't be arsed to add it to the console version. Little big planet on the PS3 does come rather close to that concept. Game consoles do contain the technology, many developers simply refuse to take the time to put it in.
You get what you pay for. The difference is, with the xbox, you are resticted.. limited by what they give you. You have no freedom. Did you know microsoft loses money for every console sold? yep. If the PC gaming industry was ruled by one company, and they made profit off of PC games, then PCs would be cheaper than dirt. But since its customizable, moddable, buildable, just like vehicle or legos, and so many companies take part.. we as consumers pay the actual retail price of the product.
And did you know that every company loses money when selling a console? A gaming console is a long term investment, thats why it takes years before a new one comes out (further proving the point that companies release a new console every 2 - 3 years is rediculous). it takes years and years before a game console becomes profitable.
But anyways, guess what champ? oblivion is hardly a resource heavy game. Computers have processes running in the background, your xbox is made to do one thing at a time... and thats running one game. Dont fool yourself into thinking it is any thing more. The difference between me and you, I have a job and money. Ouch. If im going to buy a car, i would rather pay a bit extra for the options. The same logic goes for gaming. If you want less, go outside and play reality. Its free and has the best graphics of all.
ahh, childish assumptions, how cute. Guess what: I do have a job, I work 40 hours a week and I have plenty of money, thank you very much. ofcourse an Xbox360 only runs one game, Its kind of hard to play two games at the same time, don't you think?
One other think you are forgetting, that XBOX360 is going to need an HDTV to run those perty graphics that run off those 9 gigabyte dvds. Guess how much those HDTVs cost? yeah thought so. HDTVs dont really get that high resolution,
the PC platform will get you higher resolution graphics (thats part of what HD is) than any TV can currently offer you in regards to video games. If you want wi-fi your spending a lot more to use it on your xbox, what? hd-dvds? buy the 200 dollar external hd-dvd rom that microsoft didnt include in their system. Oh yeah, and you have to pay to use the Live feature. Extra controllers, sure add those too. Wow you just spent a lot. Get real kid.
Again, Xbox360 can be hooked up to a monitor that supports HD. Even with all the extra's you CAN purchase, its still much and much cheaper then a high end computer. Your the one who should get real, not me. The whole reason consoles exist is because they are cheaper.
Lastly, look at the difference between morrowind and oblivion. It is clear how a game made for a console first has effected the game itself. Console gaming is made for the audience with a minimal attentionspan (obviously not the case for all games) but a direct negative result is the dumbing down of games to reach a wider audience. They want your money, and will shovel you crap if you let them. A good rpg was turned into an illogical generated hack and slash with bad game design and good graphics. The truth is, that xbox is limiting what that game can do, and it shows. Its not something you can argue, it just IS what it IS. For many of us that IS is not good enough. Console styled games are good on consoles, Computer games are good on computers, woe is the day they think they can mix the two.
Prove or it didn't happen. I see a whole lot of assumptions based on absolutely Nothing, NADA.
I think console gaming is good for the industry, because it is mainstreaming the video game to the newer generations. Consoles are accessable to small children, and when those children grow up they end up playing PC games for the most part.
I'm sure you have a reliable source to back that up?
LOL, if i said the sky is blue would you want a reliable source for that too. The only reliable source you have is your head, and for you its obviously not reliable. Consoles have mainstreamed gaming by bringing it to children. Do you deny this? Originally games were aimed at adults, they were built on big super computers with the advent of the nes and atari, children started being the focus of marketing. Youtube old nintendo commercials, they are all about children. Gaming at that time exploded and has only grown since, those children have grown up and explored the realm of gaming as a whole, often finding the PC as the end of the road. Google is your friend, you can look it all up yourself. Consoles are easy, set up and have ranged between 100-900 dollars over history. Most generations of gamers have started with a console, even though PC gaming has been in the background since. It has influenced the console market, but in this day and age they are different by what they can offer the consumer. Kids will still go for consoles, thats what they are made for. Hook them while their young. Thats been nintendos marketing strategy since the beginning of their home entertainment system. Here enjoy some history http://www.pbs.org/kcts/videogamerevolution/history/timeline_flash.html
Again, proof or its just a whole lot of assumptions, I want official data, proof, not assumptions from your biased mind.
My own evolution as a gamer started with the nes and gameboy, never understood PC gaming untill I actually played some amazing games on one. I never went back. As a gamer I like both platforms for what they offer, but they are not compatible, meaning games often being made for the super super casual gamer/kid end up being on consoles and good concepts are ruined, where as with PCs they are fully realized in a sense. Keyboard and mouse over a controller is better for FPS games, RTS games and most CRPGs. PC gaming has left me with more enjoyment and options than any console ever would, and all PC games are available for one OS, rather than watch sony, nintendo, and microsoft fight over which games will be exclusive to their system (forcing you to buy all the systems if you want to enjoy games.)
Anyways, i really dont like people like you. What you say is like "the sooner jewish people stop running businesses, the more money I wont lose". And thats stupid.
Awww..you don't like me. Yeah, how dare people like me actually want to play games for less money. shame on me.
Saying PC gaming is cheaper or even the same price as console gaming is pure ignorance. the entire reason game consoles exist is because they are much cheaper then a real gaming pc. I can play the newest games with excellent graphics for 5 years for only 400$. You can't do that with a PC.
I think you are stupid. But hey thats just my opinion based off the lame things you are saying. Your logic seems to point towards "if you cant afford it, kill it". Thats retarded. It is not pure ignorance to KNOW for a fact PC gaming is not what you make it to be as far as pricing. You forget those consoles are limited and rely on a tv. This day and age, an HDTV. Go ahead and spend 2000$ on a tv that can have less resolution than my laptop or desktop PC.
For the love of god. EDUCATE YOURSELF.
Consoles require you to spend more but in increments, dont be stupid and believe otherwise.
Its fact that consoles are cheaper then high end PC. its not up for debate, its fact.
Monitors are cheaper and better than the current HDTV
. Go out do your research, build your own PC. The fact is, you dont know what you are talking about,
And thats comming from someone who didn't even know that an Xbox360 can be hooked up to a monitor for HD images.
and by your own admission, you are an Xbox fanboy who thinks the answer is to eliminate PC gaming because you cant afford it. (when in reality, you are not smart enough to know how to afford it as its not much more than a nexgen console). Keep living in lala land game loading, maybe one day you might find reality at your doorstep.
response in Blue, if you couldnt figure that out Gameloading. I notice you tend to like a lot of crappy FREE mmorpgs. That says a lot in your mentality. lol (heres a hint, get a job) wow, you need to go back to your parents and ask them to teach you some maturity. You make a whole lot of assumptions about me. I don't play a lot of crappy free mmorpg's, in fact, I only play one free mmorpg temporary untill the next pay to play mmorpg comes out ( Sword of the New World: Granado Espada). if you actually bothered to take some time to get to know me, you would have known that I DISLIKE the vast majority of free to play mmorpg's. Nice going making a fool out of yourself.
Please grow up before you post again,your assumptions about me are laughable, because they are wrong. and EDUCATE yourself about the subject.
p.s. I do own a high end pc (in fact, I own 3 of them), to further prove how rediculous your assumptions are. I also do have a nice job, thank you.
The next time you want to write a reply to my post, drop the assumptions. In this case, your assumptions about me were completely wrong, and it only makes you look stupid. Your arrogance is simply disgusting.
k/m
nuff said.
Well I' not hostile about this issue as I think there needs to be console games as well as the PC genre for success within the gaming world. When you have buddies over at your house they don't want to watch you play your PC game and just sit in the background like a back seat gamer. That's where the console games come in.
Wii did something cool by creating one of the coolest party games. You can make your living room into a golf course, bowling alley, fishing pond, boxing arena, baseball field, and get your butts off the couch at the same time. They even have games that make you do some of the silliest movements that your friends can rag you about later.
The PS3 and XBox 360 are in a battle to deliver the best graphical content that you can enjoy w/ friends, and there are those remade old school titles that we all grew up to love, and still enjoy playing. They are also working to make the consoles more flexible to deliver almost PC like quality... What an incentive for hardware manufactures to push outside of the box and make better more responsive gear for your PC's!
PC's kick butt as it's so flexible, and console games are heading in that direction, but we still have a little ways to go. I think that consoles, and PC games will always be around since variety is the spice of life. I love playing my PC, PS3, and Wii!!! (I'm sure the XBox 360 is cool too, just never tried it)
All are needed to make sure the gaming industry is ever expanding and always growing. We are LUCKY to have all of the options at our fingertips! Think back into the commodore64, and Atari... Now look where gaming is today! Just think where we will be at in 10 more years! The gaming industry will change again, and I am sure we will all be pleased with the results!
We will always be sad to see a game not go to the platform that we wanted it to, but you know there will be another cool title w/ a good storyline, graphics, and tons of little extras that will treat the senses to a great gaming expereince!
Each time a new console comes out, it becomes more and more like computers (now-a-days). Harddrives, internet connection, etc.
Nothing is like the old consoles in which, yes you had your computer that could run spreadsheets; but the old consoles were for gaming, and the old computers were for "office" type of stuff (generally speaking.)
It seems to me that consoles are becoming PCs. I mean, they practically are... you can get gaming controllers for your computer.
I'm with you I'm going out right now to get a PS3, ok there is no (good) games for it and the games that are out there are WAY over priced, and you have to deal with a system that is one step from breakdown that you have to send back to Sony to fix and then they send you another defective one back to you.
But hold up did'nt PC graphics surpass anything the console market had to offer BEFORE they consoles even came out? is'nt the ability to chat with other people over the internet that have PC's a good thing? is the internet a good place to get info and fun stuff, Forums, Chat sites, Games info/news, World news Etc etc etc.
Can't you build a great rig for less than the price of a PS3?
arn't PC's Upgradeable so you can get the best with out having to throw away all your old games because the new rig does'nt support them ?
Ok /Rantoff
you don't have to spend $2000 to get a good rig, PC gaming is here to stay and the soon people get a grip and say look the console market is holding PC gaming back by having to dumb down games for the Consoles the better we will be, lets make great games for PC's and then make a 2nd lower grade one for the Console market, (Battlefield 2 jumps to mind)
ok ok /Rantoff
IT'S ABOUT THE GAMES STUPID!!!!
I normally only buy about one or two PC games A YEAR!! Face it, once you've bought BF 2 (or Half-Life 2), Dawn of War, Neverwinter Nights 2, and WoW, what else to you need? PC games are confined to FPS, RTS, and MMORPGs / RPGS. Anything outside of those genres on the PC is most likely a console port. Given, the lifespan of those games is waaayyy longer than console games, people are still playing Starcraft and Diablo 2 almost a decade after release, but that's kind of a double edged sword. The cost of development mixed with the fact that PC gamers stick with their games forever, makes producing a PC title a lose / lose situation. Unless you plan on releasing a subscription modeled game, which is why most of the PC gaming buzz is around MMOs right now. Without MMORPGs, the PC would be a trashbin of console ports. Problem is, MMORPGs suck in general.
On consoles, it's a whole 'nother ball game. The cost of development peaks during launch and then goes down throughout a given console's life cycle. There's also a wider variety of games on consoles. Everything from Madden to more experimental stuff like Okami and Katamari Damacy. I also don't have the compatibility issues with consoles that I have with PCs. Show of hands: how many of you have ever bought a game that didn't run on your computer even though you fit all the specs on the box? With consoles, you don't have to check the specs, just buy the game that's made for your console. Oh yeah, and I can go down to the local video store and RENT console games. The end result is that I don't have to go out and buy the latest and greatest games when I can just rent them for about about a week or two and beat them. I also don't have to pay for a game to find out the online component sucks. They could probably do this with PC games, but no one wants to make Plug 'N play PC games where you just pop in the disk and play. There's been some talk of doing this with Windows Vista but.... We'll see....
Online gaming, Xbox hit the nail on the head with XBox Live which blows away the Gamespy powered games of the PS2 and the painfully limiting Nintendo Wi-Fi service. Thus far, the PS3 has no online capability and the PC feels extremely primitive in comparison to XBox Live. Yeah, the PC can do everything that XBox Live does, but you have to do those things from several different services. Maybe somebody should create a similar "one size fits all" app for PC gaming (hint, hint, wink, wink). Seriously, I have to use Yahoo / AOL / Microsoft / ICQ messenger just to keep track of people that I game with, then log onto Ventrillo / Roger Wilco / Teamspeak before even starting up the game that I want to play.....AAAAAAARRRRRGGGGGGHHHHH!!!! Somebody needs to make just one thing that will provide messaging, voice chat, and instant matching in one fell swoop. Xfire sucks and Gamespy is just too damn laggy. Let's also not forget that with PC games, you're pretty much stuck trying to play the games that the majority of other people are playing. It's not exactly a walk in the park setting up an online game of Red Alert 2 with your friends if you're behind a firewall or you've had to reinstall more than once. Hell, with Starcraft, Diablo, and Red Alert you can't even set up a direct IP game!!!
Then there's the LAN party factor. If you want to play your friends with zero lag, you have to play on a LAN. This means breaking down your computer, loading it in the car, unloading once you arrive at the party, setting it back up, dicking with the network settings for about 2 hours, only to repeat the process in reverse after you're finished. With consoles, you just grab your controller and your favorite games. Some consoles even have portable screen accessories so that you can take the hole thing with you and put it on a LAN with other consoles. This is about the only way to play Tribes: Aerial Assault or Star Wars: Battlefront 2 on the PS2. Still, I can fit all that shit in my backpack and for way less than a gaming laptop. Come to think of it, they don't really make gaming laptops, do they? Yeah, to bad about that.
There's always going to be PC games since it's an open development platform. That said, I can buy a cheap PC to browse the web, run spread sheets, and write letters plus a couple of consoles for less than a top of the line, water cooled Quad-Core PC with both Windows Vista and Linux installed. I could buy all three consoles right now for less than the cost of a top of the line Alienware PC and be able to play games on them the same day with a trip to Blockbuster or by just changing a few settings at Gamefly about a week before purchase. You just can't do that with PCs.
Show me a console game that can look like this:
Currently playing:
LOTRO & WoW (not much WoW though because Mines of Moria rocks!!!!)
Looking Foward too:
Bioware games (Dragon Age & Star Wars The Old Republic)
Mass Effect:
Currently playing:
LOTRO & WoW (not much WoW though because Mines of Moria rocks!!!!)
Looking Foward too:
Bioware games (Dragon Age & Star Wars The Old Republic)
Mass effect:
www.mtv.com/games/video_games/images/promoimages/d/dime/e3_06s_most_anticipated/mass_effect.jpg
www.gamert.nl/upload/mass2.jpg
The difference in graphics isn't all that big. + your going to need a NASA computer to run Crysis on those settings, thats for sure.
And before you say no GL. Yes you do need to add the price of the TV in to make the comparison fair and no it doesn't matter if you already have a TV for watching, because I already had a PC for surfing the internet, doing work at home, etc. And all I needed to add to my home PC was a decent Video Card and maybe a bit more Ram and presto I have my work PC/Gaming rig.
So in order to make the comparison true, you really are comparing atleast 600 dollars for a console to 6400ish dollars for a console and around 800 dollars to 2000 dollars for a PC.
So which one is truely the more expensive?
Currently playing:
LOTRO & WoW (not much WoW though because Mines of Moria rocks!!!!)
Looking Foward too:
Bioware games (Dragon Age & Star Wars The Old Republic)