Sales of PC games were up 19% in the UK in 2007. http://www.elspa.com/assets/files/t/tablefigureswks1262006and2007_375.pdf A couple of years ago, Britain alone was buying more PC games than all of North America combined. I don't really think the U.S. is in the driving seat for PC games. Was the best selling game of 2007, Fifa 2007 even on sale in the U.S.?
Yes, Fifa is sold in the US. Yet despite a major cultural push to adopt soccer here in the U.S., Americans just aren't into such an effeminate sport. Rugby, on the other hand, is gaining in popularity....
I think it really means PC gamers won't just buy any piece of shit on the shelf anymore. We have become very demanding in getting good products and if they are not there we will not buy.
The problem is , in my opinion HARDWARE
I believe this is the true reason.
My computer has aged. Going on 6 years right now. It can still run a few new games on low to extremely low settings. The reality is that my computer works fine for 95% of what I do. Just not new games. So it's not really worth the $1000+ to get a machine that can play newer games. Especially when I can buy a console for half the price. If my old machine kicks the bucket. Then technically I'd only attribute the cost of a video card and extra stick of ram to video game playing($200-400) and I'd be back in action.
Until then it's easier to just buy a console and know that whatever games you purchase afterward will work with it as long as they were designed for that system.
This whole thing reads like a comparison between linux to windows in regard to what a software developer would develop for. Whether or not linux is better than windows is IRRELEVANT. Devs are going to follow the money. The only question a dev should ask themself: "do I even bother doing a PC game? My profit will be PC-only customer purchases minus piracy losses minus dev-costs... so is it worth doing? OR should I invest that same dev-time in console-game number 2, because my profit there is just sales... which if these sales figures are correct and complete, is around 10 times as much quantity.... ?!" IF those sales numbers above are true and complete, then it looks pretty bleak for PC games... maybe a big if.... need more data on digital download sales now I think...
You have to figure in the monthly subscription dollars as well. MMO's make most of their money from monthly subscriptions, not from selling the box.
[soccer an] Effiminate sport? Don't your males all play Netball and Rounders?
Depends on who's playing. I absolutely detest players who make runs into the box, realise they aren't going to score, and throw themselves over a defenders leg to grab a penalty. Or the players that drop to their knees clutching their faces, when all that happened is they got their shirt pulled. And any team that wins in such a manner is a disgrace to all soccer.
On the other hand, some of the two-footed jumping tackles with studs showing are anything but effeminate. Flipping dangerous, actually. Especially since soccer players aren't wearing all that padding that football players do.
Soccer is, indisputably, a game of skill. Just come to Europe and tell us any different
My computer has aged. Going on 6 years right now. It can still run a few new games on low to extremely low settings. The reality is that my computer works fine for 95% of what I do. Just not new games. So it's not really worth the $1000+ to get a machine that can play newer games. Especially when I can buy a console for half the price. If my old machine kicks the bucket. Then technically I'd only attribute the cost of a video card and extra stick of ram to video game playing($200-400) and I'd be back in action. Until then it's easier to just buy a console and know that whatever games you purchase afterward will work with it as long as they were designed for that system.
I disagree. PC's aren't really that much more expensive than a new console is these days if you don't count the monitor and video card. I've used the same monitor for the last couple of years and just replaced the CPU and swap the graphics card and you only need spend say $500 to get a PC capable of running most of today's games. Sure, it won't be on the high-end performance wise, but it will do the job. I never buy the latest and greatest video card for 2 or 3 hundred dollars. I simply wait 6 months to a year for that card to come down to $100 and then buy it when the new cards are now selling for 2 hundred dollars. Don't believe the hype. You DON'T need a $1000 gaming rig unless you spend $300 on the video card and $300 on monitor. A fairly new CPU with a couple gig of ram and a fast enough processor to play the current games costs $500 or less. Upgrade the video card once a year or so and you're all set for 3 or 4 years. Trying to keep up with the new consoles that come out every year or 2 will cost you just about as much. Then when you figure in the cost of the games which PC games tend to be a bit cheaper, you might even break even.
Rofl, yes discourage PC game developers! It'll be M$'s death. They claim their 360 can run MMO's as well... BUT, did they ever test their hosting capabilities? Huge lags will break the 360, literally. It's a powerful machine, but get 2000+ people together, a nice amount of poly's, 10+ light sources, ... And you'll have a fried 360. It'll break a lot of MMO's too, people'll try it on the 360, hate the performance, and quit...
You know it, the best way to realize your dreams is waking up and start moving, never lose hope and always keep up.
Well, you can't blame the publisher/developer for bad software because the *same* game sells a lot less on the PC (even with digital download add in).
PC gaming won't die because of MMORPG. However, the failure of Crysis is a sign that we will see much less PC only SP development. Sure, we will get multiplatform game (while COD4 sells more on the 360, its sales still justify a port).
Personally, I don't really care that much. I would much prefer to play a FPS on my big screen tv sitting on the couch than on my PC. Plus, there is a lot less set-up hassle (no installation, no playing with video settings).
Crysis, delta mode, beat it in 12 hours my first time playing a FPS (And just cause I love to destroy cities with cars exmplosions, I spent almost 3 hours trying to melee my friends and destroying cities, died like 2 times, no guides).
Knowing that game is the reference on PC gaming this year, don't expect me to be impressed about those sales.
Bought it just to check my new PC, it did that task well.
I'm sorry, but yes FPS's are easier with a mouse. does that make it more fun? NO. playing them with a controller actually takes some skill and is a challenge. the same challenge everyone faces when say you play on xbox live. plus imo its more realistic as there is actually some wieght or feel to your arm and weapon, as there is some lag when you move it. to me it feels more like i'm shooting a weapon and not just clicking on people. especially on say the n64 controller which had a proper gun like handle. anyway yes If I play crysis online I will use a mouse, but for single player i'll stick to my realism with the controller thanks.
anyhow I already answered this question in my previous post. computers are too temperamental!
I can't believe this is surprising to anyone. The reasons are obvious.
Those guys in the video are whiny and ... well, kinda stupid. Especially the one on the right.
If console games more widely supported mouse + keyboard, it would be the absolute end of the PC game. That consoles don't do mouse + keyboard -- THAT's the real surprise.
Wow, get out of here with your rediculous post that has nothing to do with this topic - anyone who thinks a CONTROLLER is any more realistic than anything else needs to get their head checked.. it also sounds like you can't hang with good FPS players on the PC so you play in a field where everyone is handicapped with auto aim strapped onto your CONTROLLER yea much more skill involved! (thats sarcasm.. console FPSers usually don't know what that is)
Someone said Crysis sales are what proves how bad PC Gaming is doing... Why do you even use the internet? Crysis sales are bad because its a game premade for computers a year or more down the road... good idea? NOPE and they sure learned that lesson. If only you guys would stop making up these rediculous reasons and actually base it on fact instead of personal opinion(and the majority of people who replied to this thread are clearly console gamers who use the PC to play MMOs) which happen to not only be wrong but when said outloud makes it sound like you didn't even think about it before spewing the stupidity all over this thread
Anyway actually on topic
The OP hasn't responded to anyone pointing out that Digital Downloads (steam etc) take up a big portion of PC sales... I have not bought a game off the shelf in a very long time and will continue to buy my games from steam
man up OP, this thread wasn't enlightening or informational and has already been beaten to death on other forums only to come to one conclusion.. the guy who posts about the death of PC gaming is an uninformed sensationalist and nothing more
This has nothing to do really with mouse + keyboard vs console controller.
I just watched the video. There are 2 main factors to why in 2007 PC games sales did not produce thenumbers they were trying to attain. Each of these reason are very simple.
1. Hack/Crack of PC games.
This is a HUGE problem in the PC FPS and RTS game market. It isn't so much of a problem for MMO's because the companies themselves monitor the games in real time as to cracks and keys, cheats, exploits ect.
When it comes to a FPS / RTS stand alone game, any noob can wonder to their favorite bittorrent site and download + crack any of these games with-in an hours time. Why buy what you can get for free? This is the common mentality of cracker / hacker. I personally know 20 people who did not buy COD4 because they had it downloaded and cracked within the first 12 hours of release. I personally could care less about other people's piracy morality issues. I can't really get mad at an extremely smart person for being smarter than a game developer.... when the developer gets paid to prevent this from happening. Tough love buddy get better at making games and hire someone who is better at game security measures.
2. PC hardware pricing
When Crytek made Crysis after years of development. They knew precisely what would be needed to push this game in PC hardware. Hell it's stated right on the box with MIN vs MAX requirements.
To play Crysis smooth, Which I have and do, You need some pretty astounding and might I add COSTLY PC hardware parts. I have 3 PC's in my house. My computer, My wifes computer and My old faithful standby (an Alienware 2nd Gen).
Without going into great depth on each of them I will break down the 3 major components needed to play a game and play it well.
My personal PC - 2 8800GT's in SLi Mode, 6000+ Duel AMD, 4 Gigs RAM
Plays Crysis and COD4 Flawless MAX
My Wifes PC - 2 7800GT's in SLi Mode, 5800 AMD, 2 Gigs RAM
Can't really play Either with any amount of "gameplay" factor.
Now my machine is a extreme example of what is needed to play Crysis and COD4 MAX flawlessly. However most people and I need to stress this MOST people cannot afford a PC like the one on the top of this list. This PC was hand built and cost in upwards of $3200+ dollars. I would assume that the average PC gamer in 2007 is either at my wifes PC specs or somewhere between my old standby and my wifes PC. Alot of adults may be playing at specs like mine but MOST kids are not. I do not care how much money mommy and daddy have, I dont see them handing a 13 year old kid $3200 bucks and saying "here baby go build a new pc so you can play crysis with your friends."
HOW DO YOU EXPECT TO SELL 1 MILLION COPIES OF CRYSIS IN 1 MONTH WHEN THERE PROBABLY ARE NOT 1 MILLION PEOPLE IN THE US WHO OWN COMPUTERS HIGH END ENOUGH TO PLAY IT.
come on now Crytek use your brain some guys.
So these new games being produced are targeted for users on high end gaming rigs... when most of the populace has not caught up to the "norm" of pc hardware yet.
Pretty simple... Noone is going to buy your game... if they can't play it at a reasonable quality level.
Wow, get out of here with your rediculous post that has nothing to do with this topic - anyone who thinks a CONTROLLER is any more realistic than anything else needs to get their head checked.. it also sounds like you can't hang with good FPS players on the PC so you play in a field where everyone is handicapped with auto aim strapped onto your CONTROLLER yea much more skill involved! (thats sarcasm.. console FPSers usually don't know what that is)
Someone said Crysis sales are what proves how bad PC Gaming is doing... Why do you even use the internet? Crysis sales are bad because its a game premade for computers a year or more down the road... good idea? NOPE and they sure learned that lesson. If only you guys would stop making up these rediculous reasons and actually base it on fact instead of personal opinion(and the majority of people who replied to this thread are clearly console gamers who use the PC to play MMOs) which happen to not only be wrong but when said outloud makes it sound like you didn't even think about it before spewing the stupidity all over this thread
Anyway actually on topic
The OP hasn't responded to anyone pointing out that Digital Downloads (steam etc) take up a big portion of PC sales... I have not bought a game off the shelf in a very long time and will continue to buy my games from steam
man up OP, this thread wasn't enlightening or informational and has already been beaten to death on other forums only to come to one conclusion.. the guy who posts about the death of PC gaming is an uninformed sensationalist and nothing more
It's always fun to see PC fanatics jump up in denial as soon as it becomes clear the platform isn't selling well. As much as you like to believe I'm sure, digital downloads to not make up for the majority of sales. Even if it sold just as much as retail the sales would still pale compared the console sales.
Also, what the heck does playing a fps on a console of computer has to do with detecting sarcasm?
Crysis actually sold better then Unreal Tournament 3, another high profile PC game, with specs much more down to earth. If only games that are made for years old computers sell, then what is the point of having a PC in the first place?
the NPD numbers are posted on this website and the video the OP posted also makes arguements on actual numbers, Instead of pretending like every PC gamer suddenly jumped on digital downloads, try using those numbers as an arguement.
This has nothing to do really with mouse + keyboard vs console controller.
I just watched the video. There are 2 main factors to why in 2007 PC games sales did not produce thenumbers they were trying to attain. Each of these reason are very simple. 1. Hack/Crack of PC games. This is a HUGE problem in the PC FPS and RTS game market. It isn't so much of a problem for MMO's because the companies themselves monitor the games in real time as to cracks and keys, cheats, exploits ect. When it comes to a FPS / RTS stand alone game, any noob can wonder to their favorite bittorrent site and download + crack any of these games with-in an hours time. Why buy what you can get for free? This is the common mentality of cracker / hacker. I personally know 20 people who did not buy COD4 because they had it downloaded and cracked within the first 12 hours of release. I personally could care less about other people's piracy morality issues. I can't really get mad at an extremely smart person for being smarter than a game developer.... when the developer gets paid to prevent this from happening. Tough love buddy get better at making games and hire someone who is better at game security measures.
2. PC hardware pricing When Crytek made Crysis after years of development. They knew precisely what would be needed to push this game in PC hardware. Hell it's stated right on the box with MIN vs MAX requirements. To play Crysis smooth, Which I have and do, You need some pretty astounding and might I add COSTLY PC hardware parts. I have 3 PC's in my house. My computer, My wifes computer and My old faithful standby (an Alienware 2nd Gen). Without going into great depth on each of them I will break down the 3 major components needed to play a game and play it well. My personal PC - 2 8800GT's in SLi Mode, 6000+ Duel AMD, 4 Gigs RAM Plays Crysis and COD4 Flawless MAX My Wifes PC - 2 7800GT's in SLi Mode, 5800 AMD, 2 Gigs RAM Plays COD4 on High, Crysis on Low Old Standby - 1 5900 GT Ultra Overclock, 5200 AMD, 2 Gigs RAM Can't really play Either with any amount of "gameplay" factor. Now my machine is a extreme example of what is needed to play Crysis and COD4 MAX flawlessly. However most people and I need to stress this MOST people cannot afford a PC like the one on the top of this list. This PC was hand built and cost in upwards of $3200+ dollars. I would assume that the average PC gamer in 2007 is either at my wifes PC specs or somewhere between my old standby and my wifes PC. Alot of adults may be playing at specs like mine but MOST kids are not. I do not care how much money mommy and daddy have, I dont see them handing a 13 year old kid $3200 bucks and saying "here baby go build a new pc so you can play crysis with your friends." HOW DO YOU EXPECT TO SELL 1 MILLION COPIES OF CRYSIS IN 1 MONTH WHEN THERE PROBABLY ARE NOT 1 MILLION PEOPLE IN THE US WHO OWN COMPUTERS HIGH END ENOUGH TO PLAY IT. come on now Crytek use your brain some guys. So these new games being produced are targeted for users on high end gaming rigs... when most of the populace has not caught up to the "norm" of pc hardware yet. Pretty simple... Noone is going to buy your game... if they can't play it at a reasonable quality level.
Strange, because I have a machine smaller than your wife's, and it plays Crysis on high. (Max needs dx10).
And to add something else, the PC today is for FPS, RTS and the MMOs. Bring back the good ol' days of Fallout, Planescape, Baldur's Gate etc I say!
Modern, high profile RPGs like Mass Effect isn't even for the PC, developers nowadays have no respect for the way RPG's are supposed to be played. (For those who don't know; in a dark cellar on a uncomfortable chair with keyboards and a mouse in front of you. Am I the only one who misses this?)
Um, I didn't say mouse and keyboard had anything to do with 2007 sales. I said that if they brought them to consoles on top of all the other obvious reasons people are mentioning, it would be the final nail in the PC coffin.
Most people just buy one MMO and stick to it. While others will just stick with the old stuff... seriously, PC games are simply asking for more machine power but are they really better then the old ones?
Not really... most games that are coming out lately are pure junk. When they are not pure junk, it's Unreal 3 and Crysis that comes out with top end quality. (Sadly, I'm kinda tired of playing unreal ... it;s been 10 years now.. let's evolve a bit)
Quake Wars is one solid example of hype turned into PURE crap. How can you make something as good as RTCW then start butching it for ET and finaly completely destroy the genre with Quake wars??? Aren't games suppose to evolve or the industry is bent on regression?
Wow, get out of here with your rediculous post that has nothing to do with this topic - anyone who thinks a CONTROLLER is any more realistic than anything else needs to get their head checked.. it also sounds like you can't hang with good FPS players on the PC so you play in a field where everyone is handicapped with auto aim strapped onto your CONTROLLER yea much more skill involved! (thats sarcasm.. console FPSers usually don't know what that is)
Someone said Crysis sales are what proves how bad PC Gaming is doing... Why do you even use the internet? Crysis sales are bad because its a game premade for computers a year or more down the road... good idea? NOPE and they sure learned that lesson. If only you guys would stop making up these rediculous reasons and actually base it on fact instead of personal opinion(and the majority of people who replied to this thread are clearly console gamers who use the PC to play MMOs) which happen to not only be wrong but when said outloud makes it sound like you didn't even think about it before spewing the stupidity all over this thread
Anyway actually on topic
The OP hasn't responded to anyone pointing out that Digital Downloads (steam etc) take up a big portion of PC sales... I have not bought a game off the shelf in a very long time and will continue to buy my games from steam
man up OP, this thread wasn't enlightening or informational and has already been beaten to death on other forums only to come to one conclusion.. the guy who posts about the death of PC gaming is an uninformed sensationalist and nothing more
It's always fun to see PC fanatics jump up in denial as soon as it becomes clear the platform isn't selling well. As much as you like to believe I'm sure, digital downloads to not make up for the majority of sales. Even if it sold just as much as retail the sales would still pale compared the console sales.
Also, what the heck does playing a fps on a console of computer has to do with detecting sarcasm?
Crysis actually sold better then Unreal Tournament 3, another high profile PC game, with specs much more down to earth. If only games that are made for years old computers sell, then what is the point of having a PC in the first place?
the NPD numbers are posted on this website and the video the OP posted also makes arguements on actual numbers, Instead of pretending like every PC gamer suddenly jumped on digital downloads, try using those numbers as an arguement.
PC fanatic? I owned the Atari 2600, NES, Super NES, 3 PS1s, N64, PS2, Gamecube, Dreamcast, 360 and a Nintendo Wii. I am not wealthy and still manage to have a large library of games for the consoles that I still do own. I'm a very dedicated console player, just not an idiot.
Crysis did terribly because it is a game still too advanced to capture most players computers. For example, I don't own the game because even though I'll be able to run it at medium settings(and still have it look amazing) I will wait till I can afford a newer computer to pick it up and appreciate it in its full glory. There was an interview done with the creator before it came out saying they plan on taking a sales hit because it'll be one of those games that will sell for years to come because a year from now it will still be the(if not one of the) best looking game on the market.
Unreal 3 did terribly because it was drowned in better shooters this year. The timing for the game was terrible, especially since it brings nothing to the table.. even hardcore Unreal fans are upset over it.
As far as digital distribution numbers, you can see a press release issued by the NPD here. I have not purchased a physical PC game for over a year and a half. Numbers have not been released, but if you look at how Steampowered.com exploded with games after Half Life 2's huge success(making a note that developers have to approach valve to be added), it's easy to see the results.
In actuality, console sales pale in comparison to PC sales. PC is the largest platform in the world, and sales of games dominate the European and Asian(Excluding Japan) markets.
PC gaming has been "dying"for 15+ years, and yet it's still here. Strange, that.
Lol that title is nothing but doomsaying. I heard the so called death of PC gaming for almost 10 years now year by year.
Fact is that never were produced more PC game titles than now, but since there is so much, many of them are crappy and cheap products. Often we have big companies and bean counters make games, especially for PC games. PC will always have games, and if they receed, its only because so many lackluster games out now.
Guido Henkel, german RPG dev legend who was greatly involved in the RPG pearl "Planescape Torment" said recently in an interview, once game were designed by a hand full of people with a vision. Now there are thousands who have a say in the development of a game: managers, stock holders, forum fans asf. Making games is like making movies, sure many are involved, but you need one or very few persons with a leading vision. Today many PC games are made more on suspected target audience wishes. You may handle a society with democracy, but creativity isnt made that way. When game developers realize this (again) PC games will flourish once more.
Finally, looking at consoles, both XBOX360 and PS3 have their own problems, it seems. *shrug*
People don't ask questions to get answers - they ask questions to show how smart they are. - Dogbert
Comments
Sales of PC games were up 19% in the UK in 2007.
http://www.elspa.com/assets/files/t/tablefigureswks1262006and2007_375.pdf
A couple of years ago, Britain alone was buying more PC games than all of North America combined.
I don't really think the U.S. is in the driving seat for PC games. Was the best selling game of 2007, Fifa 2007 even on sale in the U.S.?
Yes, Fifa is sold in the US. Yet despite a major cultural push to adopt soccer here in the U.S., Americans just aren't into such an effeminate sport. Rugby, on the other hand, is gaining in popularity....
Effiminate sport? Don't your males all play Netball and Rounders?
The problem is , in my opinion HARDWARE
I believe this is the true reason.My computer has aged. Going on 6 years right now. It can still run a few new games on low to extremely low settings. The reality is that my computer works fine for 95% of what I do. Just not new games. So it's not really worth the $1000+ to get a machine that can play newer games. Especially when I can buy a console for half the price. If my old machine kicks the bucket. Then technically I'd only attribute the cost of a video card and extra stick of ram to video game playing($200-400) and I'd be back in action.
Until then it's easier to just buy a console and know that whatever games you purchase afterward will work with it as long as they were designed for that system.
You have to figure in the monthly subscription dollars as well. MMO's make most of their money from monthly subscriptions, not from selling the box.
On the other hand, some of the two-footed jumping tackles with studs showing are anything but effeminate. Flipping dangerous, actually. Especially since soccer players aren't wearing all that padding that football players do.
Soccer is, indisputably, a game of skill. Just come to Europe and tell us any different
Just my opinion, I could be wrong.
Rofl, yes discourage PC game developers! It'll be M$'s death. They claim their 360 can run MMO's as well... BUT, did they ever test their hosting capabilities?
Huge lags will break the 360, literally. It's a powerful machine, but get 2000+ people together, a nice amount of poly's, 10+ light sources, ... And you'll have a fried 360. It'll break a lot of MMO's too, people'll try it on the 360, hate the performance, and quit...
You know it, the best way to realize your dreams is waking up and start moving, never lose hope and always keep up.
Well, you can't blame the publisher/developer for bad software because the *same* game sells a lot less on the PC (even with digital download add in).
PC gaming won't die because of MMORPG. However, the failure of Crysis is a sign that we will see much less PC only SP development. Sure, we will get multiplatform game (while COD4 sells more on the 360, its sales still justify a port).
Personally, I don't really care that much. I would much prefer to play a FPS on my big screen tv sitting on the couch than on my PC. Plus, there is a lot less set-up hassle (no installation, no playing with video settings).
Crysis, delta mode, beat it in 12 hours my first time playing a FPS (And just cause I love to destroy cities with cars exmplosions, I spent almost 3 hours trying to melee my friends and destroying cities, died like 2 times, no guides).
Knowing that game is the reference on PC gaming this year, don't expect me to be impressed about those sales.
Bought it just to check my new PC, it did that task well.
People are crazy to play FPS on consoles.
_______________________________
PM me when an MMO as good as UO was comes out.
I'm sorry, but yes FPS's are easier with a mouse. does that make it more fun? NO. playing them with a controller actually takes some skill and is a challenge. the same challenge everyone faces when say you play on xbox live. plus imo its more realistic as there is actually some wieght or feel to your arm and weapon, as there is some lag when you move it. to me it feels more like i'm shooting a weapon and not just clicking on people. especially on say the n64 controller which had a proper gun like handle. anyway yes If I play crysis online I will use a mouse, but for single player i'll stick to my realism with the controller thanks.
anyhow I already answered this question in my previous post. computers are too temperamental!
My blog:
I can't believe this is surprising to anyone. The reasons are obvious.
Those guys in the video are whiny and ... well, kinda stupid. Especially the one on the right.
If console games more widely supported mouse + keyboard, it would be the absolute end of the PC game. That consoles don't do mouse + keyboard -- THAT's the real surprise.
Wow, get out of here with your rediculous post that has nothing to do with this topic - anyone who thinks a CONTROLLER is any more realistic than anything else needs to get their head checked.. it also sounds like you can't hang with good FPS players on the PC so you play in a field where everyone is handicapped with auto aim strapped onto your CONTROLLER yea much more skill involved! (thats sarcasm.. console FPSers usually don't know what that is)
Someone said Crysis sales are what proves how bad PC Gaming is doing... Why do you even use the internet? Crysis sales are bad because its a game premade for computers a year or more down the road... good idea? NOPE and they sure learned that lesson. If only you guys would stop making up these rediculous reasons and actually base it on fact instead of personal opinion(and the majority of people who replied to this thread are clearly console gamers who use the PC to play MMOs) which happen to not only be wrong but when said outloud makes it sound like you didn't even think about it before spewing the stupidity all over this thread
Anyway actually on topic
The OP hasn't responded to anyone pointing out that Digital Downloads (steam etc) take up a big portion of PC sales... I have not bought a game off the shelf in a very long time and will continue to buy my games from steam
man up OP, this thread wasn't enlightening or informational and has already been beaten to death on other forums only to come to one conclusion.. the guy who posts about the death of PC gaming is an uninformed sensationalist and nothing more
This has nothing to do really with mouse + keyboard vs console controller.
I just watched the video. There are 2 main factors to why in 2007 PC games sales did not produce thenumbers they were trying to attain. Each of these reason are very simple.
1. Hack/Crack of PC games.
This is a HUGE problem in the PC FPS and RTS game market. It isn't so much of a problem for MMO's because the companies themselves monitor the games in real time as to cracks and keys, cheats, exploits ect.
When it comes to a FPS / RTS stand alone game, any noob can wonder to their favorite bittorrent site and download + crack any of these games with-in an hours time. Why buy what you can get for free? This is the common mentality of cracker / hacker. I personally know 20 people who did not buy COD4 because they had it downloaded and cracked within the first 12 hours of release. I personally could care less about other people's piracy morality issues. I can't really get mad at an extremely smart person for being smarter than a game developer.... when the developer gets paid to prevent this from happening. Tough love buddy get better at making games and hire someone who is better at game security measures.
2. PC hardware pricing
When Crytek made Crysis after years of development. They knew precisely what would be needed to push this game in PC hardware. Hell it's stated right on the box with MIN vs MAX requirements.
To play Crysis smooth, Which I have and do, You need some pretty astounding and might I add COSTLY PC hardware parts. I have 3 PC's in my house. My computer, My wifes computer and My old faithful standby (an Alienware 2nd Gen).
Without going into great depth on each of them I will break down the 3 major components needed to play a game and play it well.
My personal PC - 2 8800GT's in SLi Mode, 6000+ Duel AMD, 4 Gigs RAM
Plays Crysis and COD4 Flawless MAX
My Wifes PC - 2 7800GT's in SLi Mode, 5800 AMD, 2 Gigs RAM
Plays COD4 on High, Crysis on Low
Old Standby - 1 5900 GT Ultra Overclock, 5200 AMD, 2 Gigs RAM
Can't really play Either with any amount of "gameplay" factor.
Now my machine is a extreme example of what is needed to play Crysis and COD4 MAX flawlessly. However most people and I need to stress this MOST people cannot afford a PC like the one on the top of this list. This PC was hand built and cost in upwards of $3200+ dollars. I would assume that the average PC gamer in 2007 is either at my wifes PC specs or somewhere between my old standby and my wifes PC. Alot of adults may be playing at specs like mine but MOST kids are not. I do not care how much money mommy and daddy have, I dont see them handing a 13 year old kid $3200 bucks and saying "here baby go build a new pc so you can play crysis with your friends."
HOW DO YOU EXPECT TO SELL 1 MILLION COPIES OF CRYSIS IN 1 MONTH WHEN THERE PROBABLY ARE NOT 1 MILLION PEOPLE IN THE US WHO OWN COMPUTERS HIGH END ENOUGH TO PLAY IT.
come on now Crytek use your brain some guys.
So these new games being produced are targeted for users on high end gaming rigs... when most of the populace has not caught up to the "norm" of pc hardware yet.
Pretty simple... Noone is going to buy your game... if they can't play it at a reasonable quality level.
It's always fun to see PC fanatics jump up in denial as soon as it becomes clear the platform isn't selling well. As much as you like to believe I'm sure, digital downloads to not make up for the majority of sales. Even if it sold just as much as retail the sales would still pale compared the console sales.
Also, what the heck does playing a fps on a console of computer has to do with detecting sarcasm?
Crysis actually sold better then Unreal Tournament 3, another high profile PC game, with specs much more down to earth. If only games that are made for years old computers sell, then what is the point of having a PC in the first place?
the NPD numbers are posted on this website and the video the OP posted also makes arguements on actual numbers, Instead of pretending like every PC gamer suddenly jumped on digital downloads, try using those numbers as an arguement.
Strange, because I have a machine smaller than your wife's, and it plays Crysis on high. (Max needs dx10).
And to add something else, the PC today is for FPS, RTS and the MMOs. Bring back the good ol' days of Fallout, Planescape, Baldur's Gate etc I say!
Modern, high profile RPGs like Mass Effect isn't even for the PC, developers nowadays have no respect for the way RPG's are supposed to be played. (For those who don't know; in a dark cellar on a uncomfortable chair with keyboards and a mouse in front of you. Am I the only one who misses this?)
Um, I didn't say mouse and keyboard had anything to do with 2007 sales. I said that if they brought them to consoles on top of all the other obvious reasons people are mentioning, it would be the final nail in the PC coffin.
For the record, Crysis is the number 3 best selling PC game in Europe. A sales flop? It sold 86,000 in the first month in the U.S. alone.
It will have sold 250,000 in he U.S. by now if not more. God only knows what it has sold in it's core market of the EU.
I think we'll being seeing Crysis in the sales charts for most of this year.
One game I refuse to play because like Bioshock it is setup like a console in my opinion. Yes I did play the demo.
If someone annoys you, it takes 42 muscles to frown, but it only takes 4 muscles to extend your arm and whack them in the head.
really now what online FPS's have auto targeting?
thanks for saying that, it means your whole post had no credit. I must have got my PC fromt he future
and another point i'd like to make is that: games for console are generally way more optimised.
My blog:
Most people just buy one MMO and stick to it. While others will just stick with the old stuff... seriously, PC games are simply asking for more machine power but are they really better then the old ones?
Not really... most games that are coming out lately are pure junk. When they are not pure junk, it's Unreal 3 and Crysis that comes out with top end quality. (Sadly, I'm kinda tired of playing unreal ... it;s been 10 years now.. let's evolve a bit)
Quake Wars is one solid example of hype turned into PURE crap. How can you make something as good as RTCW then start butching it for ET and finaly completely destroy the genre with Quake wars??? Aren't games suppose to evolve or the industry is bent on regression?
It's always fun to see PC fanatics jump up in denial as soon as it becomes clear the platform isn't selling well. As much as you like to believe I'm sure, digital downloads to not make up for the majority of sales. Even if it sold just as much as retail the sales would still pale compared the console sales.
Also, what the heck does playing a fps on a console of computer has to do with detecting sarcasm?
Crysis actually sold better then Unreal Tournament 3, another high profile PC game, with specs much more down to earth. If only games that are made for years old computers sell, then what is the point of having a PC in the first place?
the NPD numbers are posted on this website and the video the OP posted also makes arguements on actual numbers, Instead of pretending like every PC gamer suddenly jumped on digital downloads, try using those numbers as an arguement.
PC fanatic? I owned the Atari 2600, NES, Super NES, 3 PS1s, N64, PS2, Gamecube, Dreamcast, 360 and a Nintendo Wii. I am not wealthy and still manage to have a large library of games for the consoles that I still do own. I'm a very dedicated console player, just not an idiot.
Crysis did terribly because it is a game still too advanced to capture most players computers. For example, I don't own the game because even though I'll be able to run it at medium settings(and still have it look amazing) I will wait till I can afford a newer computer to pick it up and appreciate it in its full glory. There was an interview done with the creator before it came out saying they plan on taking a sales hit because it'll be one of those games that will sell for years to come because a year from now it will still be the(if not one of the) best looking game on the market.
Unreal 3 did terribly because it was drowned in better shooters this year. The timing for the game was terrible, especially since it brings nothing to the table.. even hardcore Unreal fans are upset over it.
As far as digital distribution numbers, you can see a press release issued by the NPD here. I have not purchased a physical PC game for over a year and a half. Numbers have not been released, but if you look at how Steampowered.com exploded with games after Half Life 2's huge success(making a note that developers have to approach valve to be added), it's easy to see the results.
In actuality, console sales pale in comparison to PC sales. PC is the largest platform in the world, and sales of games dominate the European and Asian(Excluding Japan) markets.
PC gaming has been "dying"for 15+ years, and yet it's still here. Strange, that.
Lol that title is nothing but doomsaying. I heard the so called death of PC gaming for almost 10 years now year by year.
Fact is that never were produced more PC game titles than now, but since there is so much, many of them are crappy and cheap products. Often we have big companies and bean counters make games, especially for PC games. PC will always have games, and if they receed, its only because so many lackluster games out now.
Guido Henkel, german RPG dev legend who was greatly involved in the RPG pearl "Planescape Torment" said recently in an interview, once game were designed by a hand full of people with a vision. Now there are thousands who have a say in the development of a game: managers, stock holders, forum fans asf. Making games is like making movies, sure many are involved, but you need one or very few persons with a leading vision. Today many PC games are made more on suspected target audience wishes. You may handle a society with democracy, but creativity isnt made that way. When game developers realize this (again) PC games will flourish once more.
Finally, looking at consoles, both XBOX360 and PS3 have their own problems, it seems. *shrug*
People don't ask questions to get answers - they ask questions to show how smart they are. - Dogbert