As a rule, one shouldn't go to Best Buy to buy a gaming PC, it is far better to build one, but yes, many do buy PCs at Best Buy, just to game. Now, I know the argument "I don't know how to build a PC" will come into play, but I many of y'all kids enjoy tech and the like. It isn't hard to read up on how to put one together, how to build a PC tutorials are all over the internet. MaximumPC has articles on how to build a PC every year and at different price points one for the budget gamer ($500-$750), one for a higher budget (around $1000 or so) and for even higher budgets ($1500 or more). They even recommend parts. Right now PC Gamer has an issue on the Newsstands on this very subject (PC Gamer is a sister publication of MaximumPC and is where the articles come from for the PC Gamer build a PC editions).The problem for a lot of people is accessibility. Have you seen the desktop pc selection at Best Buy lately? It is difficult to just buy a decent gaming pc for reasonable cost. You can just buy a console of your choice and be done with it. Then, if you are young and living with family, usually the pc is not available to you for your gaming needs because Mom, Dad and the brothers and sisters are all vying for time on the PC. Sure, maybe a lot of people are playing pc games, but that can mean anything from Farmville to the Sims and WoW. How many people actually keep the pc hardware and specs up-to-date to play the latest pc games at a level above current console specs? If the games and hardware are not visable at retail, then its kind of out of the consumers mind...and they dont really seem to care with the three very strong and affordable consoles out there.
Videodogg
Is PC gaming all but dead?
This topic is locked from further discussion.
Everytime I come to this place I always catch a thread about how the PC gaming market is dying. Perhaps someday I'll get to understand the infatuation with it.
The only thing more annoying in this place than seeing people constantly complain about how hermits are over their heads, is a daily thread talking about how a very strong market present in the video game industry is about to sink. This coming from a guy who doesn't have a problem of playing on any platform; but seriously guys, I know this is system wars and all, but I still have to wonder--what the hell is your problem with the PC gaming industry?
It's either about this or Crysis. Even though I don't come here often enough it's there... always there.
The PC is upsetting them. Do you have any idea how hard it is to come to System Wars, and know before-hand that there is a system that's, without a doubt, better than yours? That the only defence you have is "it costs more initially" and "I'm not tech savvy enough to avoid getting ripped off"? Better to just discredit it and avoid all the... unfavourable comparisons.
As a rule, one shouldn't go to Best Buy to buy a gaming PC, it is far better to build one, but yes, many do buy PCs at Best Buy, just to game. Now, I know the argument "I don't know how to build a PC" will come into play, but I many of y'all kids enjoy tech and the like. It isn't hard to read up on how to put one together, how to build a PC tutorials are all over the internet. MaximumPC has articles on how to build a PC every year and at different price points one for the budget gamer ($500-$750), one for a higher budget (around $1000 or so) and for even higher budgets ($1500 or more). They even recommend parts. Right now PC Gamer has an issue on the Newsstands on this very subject (PC Gamer is a sister publication of MaximumPC and is where the articles come from for the PC Gamer build a PC editions). And, in just a few minutes and hundreds of dollars less, they can walk out of Best Buy with a spanking new console with a few great games to boot, and happily game on the tv in their bedroom or where ever. No reading, no waiting for buying and getting a gaming rig built and loaded with the operatiing system...and then not be able to play games they actually want to play.[QUOTE="Videodogg"]
The problem for a lot of people is accessibility. Have you seen the desktop pc selection at Best Buy lately? It is difficult to just buy a decent gaming pc for reasonable cost. You can just buy a console of your choice and be done with it. Then, if you are young and living with family, usually the pc is not available to you for your gaming needs because Mom, Dad and the brothers and sisters are all vying for time on the PC. Sure, maybe a lot of people are playing pc games, but that can mean anything from Farmville to the Sims and WoW. How many people actually keep the pc hardware and specs up-to-date to play the latest pc games at a level above current console specs? If the games and hardware are not visable at retail, then its kind of out of the consumers mind...and they dont really seem to care with the three very strong and affordable consoles out there.
WhiteKnight77
The problem with folks who keep using the argument that "Console is cheaper than a decent gaming pc" is that, its not exactly true. Sure, in the US, the console is a cheaper alternative to gaming. But sad to say, the US is not a good reflection to the rest of the planet (yes, my friends, there ARE other countries out there). In certain countries like Brazil or some other south american state, I was told a console like XBox or PS3 actually cost a grand. Same as in the middle east. I'm pretty sure a console platform costs a hefty sum in some asian countries as well. The PC is actually FAR cheaper and since everyone needs a damn pc anyway, those folks will obviously spend money getting a decent gaming rig in the first place. There is a reason why the PC is still the dominant platform in countries other than US, Japan(duh) or mebbe UK and its not exactly hard to figure out..The problem for a lot of people is accessibility. Have you seen the desktop pc selection at Best Buy lately? It is difficult to just buy a decent gaming pc for reasonable cost. You can just buy a console of your choice and be done with it. Then, if you are young and living with family, usually the pc is not available to you for your gaming needs because Mom, Dad and the brothers and sisters are all vying for time on the PC. Sure, maybe a lot of people are playing pc games, but that can mean anything from Farmville to the Sims and WoW. How many people actually keep the pc hardware and specs up-to-date to play the latest pc games at a level above current console specs? If the games and hardware are not visable at retail, then its kind of out of the consumers mind...and they dont really seem to care with the three very strong and affordable consoles out there.
Videodogg
The problem for a lot of people is accessibility. Have you seen the desktop pc selection at Best Buy lately? It is difficult to just buy a decent gaming pc for reasonable cost. You can just buy a console of your choice and be done with it. Then, if you are young and living with family, usually the pc is not available to you for your gaming needs because Mom, Dad and the brothers and sisters are all vying for time on the PC. Sure, maybe a lot of people are playing pc games, but that can mean anything from Farmville to the Sims and WoW. How many people actually keep the pc hardware and specs up-to-date to play the latest pc games at a level above current console specs? If the games and hardware are not visable at retail, then its kind of out of the consumers mind...and they dont really seem to care with the three very strong and affordable consoles out there.
The problem with folks who keep using the argument that "Console is cheaper than a decent gaming pc" is that, its not exactly true. Sure, in the US, the console is a cheaper alternative to gaming. But sad to say, the US is not a good reflection to the rest of the planet (yes, my friends, there ARE other countries out there). In certain countries like Brazil or some other south american state, I was told a console like XBox or PS3 actually cost a grand. Same as in the middle east. I'm pretty sure a console platform costs a hefty sum in some asian countries as well. The PC is actually FAR cheaper and since everyone needs a damn pc anyway, those folks will obviously spend money getting a decent gaming rig in the first place. There is a reason why the PC is still the dominant platform in countries other than US, Japan(duh) or mebbe UK and its not exactly hard to figure out.. Great. How many people in those other countries actually buy games for their PC's?Well PC doesn't get a consistent rate of decent games than i would like to see. Usually there is 3-4 great games that i cannot afford to miss on the PC every year. This year it's Amnesia, and The Witcher 2 for me. Next year maybe diablo 3.
Gets a good consistet rate for me. Usuallly about 9-10 exclusives for me a year that I usually pick up with about 8-9 multiplats that I seriously think about getting as well.Well PC doesn't get a consistent rate of decent games than i would like to see. Usually there is 3-4 great games that i cannot afford to miss on the PC every year. This year it's Amnesia, and The Witcher 2 for me. Next year maybe diablo 3.
Crystal-Rush
[QUOTE="Ultizer"]
EB games, Gamestop whatever hate PC gaming because they cant sell PC games 2nd hand to make more profit, all PC gamers use Steam now anyway
To think that all PC gamers use Steam now is making assumptions and when you assume, well, you know the rest. If I can buy a game via retail, I will.
Its not an assumption though, there's figures showing Steam has dozens of millions of users and controls nearly half the market. It is an assumption when u say "ALL PC gamers use Steam now anyway". Alot of pc gamers only play WOW or starcraft or quakes etcAs a rule, one shouldn't go to Best Buy to buy a gaming PC, it is far better to build one, but yes, many do buy PCs at Best Buy, just to game. Now, I know the argument "I don't know how to build a PC" will come into play, but I many of y'all kids enjoy tech and the like. It isn't hard to read up on how to put one together, how to build a PC tutorials are all over the internet. MaximumPC has articles on how to build a PC every year and at different price points one for the budget gamer ($500-$750), one for a higher budget (around $1000 or so) and for even higher budgets ($1500 or more). They even recommend parts. Right now PC Gamer has an issue on the Newsstands on this very subject (PC Gamer is a sister publication of MaximumPC and is where the articles come from for the PC Gamer build a PC editions). And, in just a few minutes and hundreds of dollars less, they can walk out of Best Buy with a spanking new console with a few great games to boot, and happily game on the tv in their bedroom or where ever. No reading, no waiting for buying and getting a gaming rig built and loaded with the operatiing system...and then not be able to play games they actually want to play. If console gaming is cheaper, explain the extras like XBox Live, the add-on hard drives (if the console didn't come with one) and the like? Honestly though, if console makers didn't sell them at a loss, console gamers would think twice about paying for one or thinking they were cheap. When first released, the PS3 was estimated to actually cost more than $715.[QUOTE="WhiteKnight77"]
[QUOTE="Videodogg"]
The problem for a lot of people is accessibility. Have you seen the desktop pc selection at Best Buy lately? It is difficult to just buy a decent gaming pc for reasonable cost. You can just buy a console of your choice and be done with it. Then, if you are young and living with family, usually the pc is not available to you for your gaming needs because Mom, Dad and the brothers and sisters are all vying for time on the PC. Sure, maybe a lot of people are playing pc games, but that can mean anything from Farmville to the Sims and WoW. How many people actually keep the pc hardware and specs up-to-date to play the latest pc games at a level above current console specs? If the games and hardware are not visable at retail, then its kind of out of the consumers mind...and they dont really seem to care with the three very strong and affordable consoles out there.
Videodogg
As it is now, The True Cost of Console Ownership in 2009 details more of the costs. For a few bills more, one can build their own PC and have an sense of accomplishment.
We will not delve into the need to install games on the PS3 or updates (driver or game) for any console.
The problem with folks who keep using the argument that "Console is cheaper than a decent gaming pc" is that, its not exactly true. Sure, in the US, the console is a cheaper alternative to gaming. But sad to say, the US is not a good reflection to the rest of the planet (yes, my friends, there ARE other countries out there). In certain countries like Brazil or some other south american state, I was told a console like XBox or PS3 actually cost a grand. Same as in the middle east. I'm pretty sure a console platform costs a hefty sum in some asian countries as well. The PC is actually FAR cheaper and since everyone needs a damn pc anyway, those folks will obviously spend money getting a decent gaming rig in the first place. There is a reason why the PC is still the dominant platform in countries other than US, Japan(duh) or mebbe UK and its not exactly hard to figure out..mirgamer
Brazil:
- PS3 Slim - Anywehere between R$1299,99 and R$2099,99 (Rougthly translates to U$690 to U$1110).
- Xbox360 Slim - Anywehere between R$1199,99 and R$2099,99 (Rougthly translates to U$635 to U$1110)
- Gaming Laptop - Anywhere between R$2999,99 and R$3999,99 (Rougthly translates to U$1590 to U$2115)
- Gaming PC - Anywhere between R$1399,99 and R$2699,99 (Rougthly translates to U$740 to U$1430)
I'd personaly go for the PC if I had where to place it...
On topic: People keep saying that PC gaming is "all but dead" since 1980's... than again, it manages to survive up to these days.
[QUOTE="mirgamer"]
[QUOTE="Videodogg"]
The problem for a lot of people is accessibility. Have you seen the desktop pc selection at Best Buy lately? It is difficult to just buy a decent gaming pc for reasonable cost. You can just buy a console of your choice and be done with it. Then, if you are young and living with family, usually the pc is not available to you for your gaming needs because Mom, Dad and the brothers and sisters are all vying for time on the PC. Sure, maybe a lot of people are playing pc games, but that can mean anything from Farmville to the Sims and WoW. How many people actually keep the pc hardware and specs up-to-date to play the latest pc games at a level above current console specs? If the games and hardware are not visable at retail, then its kind of out of the consumers mind...and they dont really seem to care with the three very strong and affordable consoles out there.
Videodogg
The problem with folks who keep using the argument that "Console is cheaper than a decent gaming pc" is that, its not exactly true. Sure, in the US, the console is a cheaper alternative to gaming. But sad to say, the US is not a good reflection to the rest of the planet (yes, my friends, there ARE other countries out there). In certain countries like Brazil or some other south american state, I was told a console like XBox or PS3 actually cost a grand. Same as in the middle east. I'm pretty sure a console platform costs a hefty sum in some asian countries as well. The PC is actually FAR cheaper and since everyone needs a damn pc anyway, those folks will obviously spend money getting a decent gaming rig in the first place. There is a reason why the PC is still the dominant platform in countries other than US, Japan(duh) or mebbe UK and its not exactly hard to figure out..
Great. How many people in those other countries actually buy games for their PC's?How bout we just take a look at the 25 million users figure on Steam? Is it so hard to imagine out of those huge numbers, there aren't gamers from outside the US?
PC Gaming Alliance Report
"Despite the severe worldwide recession, growth in the Asia Pacific region fueled the global PC game market."
""In our surveys of PC gamers in North America and Europe we found that over 70% indicate they have bought a full game online. Furthermore, over 50% indicate that they have bought a virtual item," said DFC Analyst David Cole."This is very positive because, when done successfully, companies in Asia have found the digital distribution model to be significantly more profitable than the traditional retail boxed goods business."
PC Gaming "Rules Supreme" in games world - BBC
Germany and Russia are pretty strong on the PC front and Asia is literally one HUGE MMO-producing sweatshop.
Perhaps PC gaming is not that "invisible" as you think it is, just because you don't see it in Best Buy in your location.
Maybe next time you should do a little more research than the space between the lines before posting a bunch of nonsense.I really cant find a good reason to keep PC gaming around. The only real "thing" PC gaming does right now is take games away from consoles...
Take Starcraft 2 for instance. It was the best seeling PC game of the Year.... in one day.
The best games each year.... are on Consoles, and have been for like the last 10 years.
Obviously, games are more capable on PC, but PC really has no restraints, and because of this Devs constantly require you to upgrade your system to play their games, whereas PS3/360/Wii try and push the limits of thier hardware as far as they can go.
Now i am not opposed to PC continuing to get support as time goes on, but PC should be an afterthought to the consoles.As in, if its not on a console, the game doesnt exist. I know this wont please every single PC owner on the planet.. But even from a developers perspective, what is there to gain from releasing only on PC? Certainly not Money.
Discuss.
PS; If you wanna get all uppity and pissed about what I type and wanna just FLIP OUT, let me warn you,, || See that space between the lines? Hold your thumb and forefinger up. Thats about how much i care.
ShuffleSe7en
I don't know about best buy but my Walmart in Louisiana has a pretty nice selection for Pc games. Maybe his best buy is just trying to please his area's market so they kicked Pc gaming? No idea but in my area, PC still kickin it nicely in stores even with 50%+ pc gamers going digital distribution.
[QUOTE="Skittles_McGee"][QUOTE="WhiteKnight77"]Its not an assumption though, there's figures showing Steam has dozens of millions of users and controls nearly half the market. It is an assumption when u say "ALL PC gamers use Steam now anyway". Alot of pc gamers only play WOW or starcraft or quakes etc And a lot of those WOW, Starcraft, Quakes, etc. players play it through WoW. Ever considered that? I'm kinda getting tired of seeing all my friends on Steam busy with WOW, Empire Total War, etc. Back in the old days they were all CS players.To think that all PC gamers use Steam now is making assumptions and when you assume, well, you know the rest. If I can buy a game via retail, I will.
ucme4k
[QUOTE="mirgamer"][QUOTE="Videodogg"]The problem with folks who keep using the argument that "Console is cheaper than a decent gaming pc" is that, its not exactly true. Sure, in the US, the console is a cheaper alternative to gaming. But sad to say, the US is not a good reflection to the rest of the planet (yes, my friends, there ARE other countries out there). In certain countries like Brazil or some other south american state, I was told a console like XBox or PS3 actually cost a grand. Same as in the middle east. I'm pretty sure a console platform costs a hefty sum in some asian countries as well. The PC is actually FAR cheaper and since everyone needs a damn pc anyway, those folks will obviously spend money getting a decent gaming rig in the first place. There is a reason why the PC is still the dominant platform in countries other than US, Japan(duh) or mebbe UK and its not exactly hard to figure out.. Great. How many people in those other countries actually buy games for their PC's? Plenty actualy. It's different market than console gaming. On consoles most of the time over half of all the sales a game gets happen in US, on PC USA forms much smaller part of all the sales. It's not rare to see game pass 1 mln copies worldwide in a month, but strugle to reach 300K in USA alone in 10 monthsThe problem for a lot of people is accessibility. Have you seen the desktop pc selection at Best Buy lately? It is difficult to just buy a decent gaming pc for reasonable cost. You can just buy a console of your choice and be done with it. Then, if you are young and living with family, usually the pc is not available to you for your gaming needs because Mom, Dad and the brothers and sisters are all vying for time on the PC. Sure, maybe a lot of people are playing pc games, but that can mean anything from Farmville to the Sims and WoW. How many people actually keep the pc hardware and specs up-to-date to play the latest pc games at a level above current console specs? If the games and hardware are not visable at retail, then its kind of out of the consumers mind...and they dont really seem to care with the three very strong and affordable consoles out there.
Videodogg
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