The Big Picture: PC Gaming Is Dead - Long Live PC Gaming!
- Thread starter MovieBob
- Start date
I like it. I mean, I don't neccesarily agree, especially not with the "lots of different devices" thing - technology isn't trying to spread out. It's trying to condense. Each company wants you to buy their thing that does everything. It's why phones and mp3 players are now also web browsers and able to play movies and send email and do a whole lot of other fancy stuff that have nothing to do with telephoning or listening to music.
Along these lines, consoles are trying to be home entertainment centers, doing a whole lot besides play games. That example of not needing the PC for anything but the show? That just means that consoles are trying to become PCs, just plugged into your TV. The days of a centralized hub of computing and stuff aren't done at all. People are lazy and love convenience. We want one thing that will do everything, not a bunch of smaller things that do a bit of what we want.
Other than that, it was interesting, if appropriately shielded. The definitions and boundaries of what "PC gaming" is, exactly, are changing. Just like they always have, and they always will. No big deal there.
Along these lines, consoles are trying to be home entertainment centers, doing a whole lot besides play games. That example of not needing the PC for anything but the show? That just means that consoles are trying to become PCs, just plugged into your TV. The days of a centralized hub of computing and stuff aren't done at all. People are lazy and love convenience. We want one thing that will do everything, not a bunch of smaller things that do a bit of what we want.
Other than that, it was interesting, if appropriately shielded. The definitions and boundaries of what "PC gaming" is, exactly, are changing. Just like they always have, and they always will. No big deal there.
That wouldn't be so bad, but his hands are cold!Jikuu said:
er...
I mean "I think you are right, to a point. I think the PC style form factor will always be obtainable, even if it's because of special keyboard and mice peripheral. He's absolutely right he can run most PC functions from a 360.
In other words, what we consider PC gaming, as he mentioned, will continue on with other machines. There is nothing magical about a lean-forward, stuck in one location, PC as an item. Today the style of game play created on PCs will soon be available elsewhere, with a touch or gesture interface.
Selecting armies and menu items on a touch screen? Very cool.
Someone had to bring it out, so ill volunteer 
But yeah ill have to jump onto the flamewar bandwagon as well sadly. The title, as many others have said, is a flame bait if i ever saw one, and contradicts almost everything you say in the video.
As everyone else has said as well a and a Laptop are the same thing, and their sales are rising rapidly, and most of the anti-pc gaming arguments are BS.
I like this show and i like most of your opinions, but this episode, especially the title, felt far below your standards. Hopefully ill enjoy the next one more.
EDIT:
Of course someone can post a link to a youtube video or blog that completely contradicts that statement
But yeah ill have to jump onto the flamewar bandwagon as well sadly. The title, as many others have said, is a flame bait if i ever saw one, and contradicts almost everything you say in the video.
As everyone else has said as well a and a Laptop are the same thing, and their sales are rising rapidly, and most of the anti-pc gaming arguments are BS.
I like this show and i like most of your opinions, but this episode, especially the title, felt far below your standards. Hopefully ill enjoy the next one more.
EDIT:
Ive noticed that too and it may be that, please forgive the possible elitist douche statement, Pc gamers are generally older and therefore more calm and collective about defending the platform then say the teenagers that are a large demographic of consoles.saxybeast418 said:Although I haven't thoroughly read the entire forum yet, the bits that I have read have actually been relatively un-flamey. People are at least attempting arguments, which are at least a step in the right direction.
As I continue following this thread, we'll see if my tempting fate will go unpunished
Of course someone can post a link to a youtube video or blog that completely contradicts that statement
That summed nicely some of my feelings, and I appreciate you posting that.Void(null) said:
OT: I usually do not so directly disagree with our dear host. Usually I can cling to some facet of truth, at minimum.
I appreciate his perspective and can even agree that we are moving towards "smaller is better." He has, however, rebuffed an entire interface. I continually gave him latitude to explain why that interface would soon be dissolved. It would seem that he failed to convince me, and I was left somewhat perplexed as to what I was waiting for all that time.
Wow this grew in the time it took me to watch the video.
Welp, I'm going to headbutt my opinion which will probably be ignored in here.
Bob, I like you, I like your shows, I respect you and agree with a lot of your opinions but, I disagree here.
First and for most, what is a console? It's a computer. Plain and simple, it is a computer with limited software and specific hardware designed to play games on. Whether you play games on a computer or a console you're still using a computer, your console just happens to be much more limited (Blah, blah, blah, I'm not bitter about being a computer game, I owned a SNES, Sega Genesis, N64, PS1, and a PS2 growing up, as well as a computer around the same time I got an N64, I also own an xbox 360 and a wii right now).
"A video game console is an interactive entertainment computer or modified computer system that produces a video display signal which can be used with a display device (a television, monitor, etc.) to display a video game. ..."
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Game_console
"A scientific instrument consisting of displays and an input device that an operator can use to monitor and control a system (especially a computer system)"
wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn
Right now, riddle me this, can you adjust graphical settings on your console? No? Why not? Because you can't customize the hardware, there is always going to be a limit of current geenration of tech on consoles, that can't be replaced until the next console generation, while I can swap out bits or upgrade my computer at any time.
Consoles are evolving now, as you said yourself, but they're evolving to be more and more like PCs except with a gaming focus (not to say that many computers aren't designed with a gaming focus). Also note the irony in talking about a computer and monitor taking up space, guess what your TV and console takes up the same or more, hyuk hyuk hyuk.
Games are made multi-platformed for a reason, there are SOME exclusive for the consoles and some for the PC.
Also todays Steam statistics (15/03/2011 18:00 GMT +0):
Concurrent Steam Users:
current
2,912,261
peak
3,475,838
Peak referring to this months peack as opposed to todays. Does that look like dying to you?
And that's JUST Steam.
I could go on and on, but whatever a base is here, PC gaming is hardly dying. It seems like (and I won't go deep into this) that you just don't like PC gaming as much, and are taking the signs of some changes as PC gaming dying.
Welp, I'm going to headbutt my opinion which will probably be ignored in here.
Bob, I like you, I like your shows, I respect you and agree with a lot of your opinions but, I disagree here.
First and for most, what is a console? It's a computer. Plain and simple, it is a computer with limited software and specific hardware designed to play games on. Whether you play games on a computer or a console you're still using a computer, your console just happens to be much more limited (Blah, blah, blah, I'm not bitter about being a computer game, I owned a SNES, Sega Genesis, N64, PS1, and a PS2 growing up, as well as a computer around the same time I got an N64, I also own an xbox 360 and a wii right now).
"A video game console is an interactive entertainment computer or modified computer system that produces a video display signal which can be used with a display device (a television, monitor, etc.) to display a video game. ..."
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Game_console
"A scientific instrument consisting of displays and an input device that an operator can use to monitor and control a system (especially a computer system)"
wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn
Right now, riddle me this, can you adjust graphical settings on your console? No? Why not? Because you can't customize the hardware, there is always going to be a limit of current geenration of tech on consoles, that can't be replaced until the next console generation, while I can swap out bits or upgrade my computer at any time.
Consoles are evolving now, as you said yourself, but they're evolving to be more and more like PCs except with a gaming focus (not to say that many computers aren't designed with a gaming focus). Also note the irony in talking about a computer and monitor taking up space, guess what your TV and console takes up the same or more, hyuk hyuk hyuk.
Games are made multi-platformed for a reason, there are SOME exclusive for the consoles and some for the PC.
Also todays Steam statistics (15/03/2011 18:00 GMT +0):
Concurrent Steam Users:
current
2,912,261
peak
3,475,838
Peak referring to this months peack as opposed to todays. Does that look like dying to you?
And that's JUST Steam.
I could go on and on, but whatever a base is here, PC gaming is hardly dying. It seems like (and I won't go deep into this) that you just don't like PC gaming as much, and are taking the signs of some changes as PC gaming dying.
Although I haven't thoroughly read the entire forum yet, the bits that I have read have actually been relatively un-flamey. People are at least attempting arguments, which are at least a step in the right direction.
As I continue following this thread, we'll see if my tempting fate will go unpunished
I have read several arguments against Bob's video, and they all follow one of two lines of thought:
1) Look at all of the great stuff coming out exclusively for the PC this year alone. How can you say that PC gaming is dead?
2) I have played both, and the consoles simply are not up to par.
These are actually fair arguments. However, they are both fatally flawed for a simple reason: these arguments only address the most immediate future for PC gaming. This video is addressing a long term change over a period of at least a few years, well beyond the current fiscal year.
If the last few years have convinced me of anything, it is this: the only genre that has *yet* to be proven doable on a console format is the RTS. Every other established genre, as well as genres that haven't been established on the PC and haven't even been created yet, has been put on the console to both critical and commercial acclaim.
The "decline" of the PC gaming platform is really a misnomer. "Evolution" is a much better word, because it regards the various platforms (Playstation, DS, PC, iPhone, etc.) not as separate entities, but as a continuum in the advancement of technology, specifically in regards to video games.
A few months ago, I built my first gaming PC. It is wonderful, and I enjoyed both the experience and the amazing results. However, it was not a simple process. I had to buy each part, educate myself as how to put them all together, and mess around with software and settings. Practically, not to mention financially, it simply makes more sense to invest in a console, or even limit gaming to technology you already use.
If you want a preview of the future, look at Japan. PC gaming is virtually non-existent there, because the data infrastructure is so advanced, and everyone has a futuristic cell phone.
In the relatively short term, there may be some things that suck. Certain PC-centric genres that can't make transitions to other platforms might die. And then technology will get better, to the point that the future equivalent of facebook will be able to support games that will make crysis look like it was rendered with crayons.
As I continue following this thread, we'll see if my tempting fate will go unpunished
I have read several arguments against Bob's video, and they all follow one of two lines of thought:
1) Look at all of the great stuff coming out exclusively for the PC this year alone. How can you say that PC gaming is dead?
2) I have played both, and the consoles simply are not up to par.
These are actually fair arguments. However, they are both fatally flawed for a simple reason: these arguments only address the most immediate future for PC gaming. This video is addressing a long term change over a period of at least a few years, well beyond the current fiscal year.
If the last few years have convinced me of anything, it is this: the only genre that has *yet* to be proven doable on a console format is the RTS. Every other established genre, as well as genres that haven't been established on the PC and haven't even been created yet, has been put on the console to both critical and commercial acclaim.
The "decline" of the PC gaming platform is really a misnomer. "Evolution" is a much better word, because it regards the various platforms (Playstation, DS, PC, iPhone, etc.) not as separate entities, but as a continuum in the advancement of technology, specifically in regards to video games.
A few months ago, I built my first gaming PC. It is wonderful, and I enjoyed both the experience and the amazing results. However, it was not a simple process. I had to buy each part, educate myself as how to put them all together, and mess around with software and settings. Practically, not to mention financially, it simply makes more sense to invest in a console, or even limit gaming to technology you already use.
If you want a preview of the future, look at Japan. PC gaming is virtually non-existent there, because the data infrastructure is so advanced, and everyone has a futuristic cell phone.
In the relatively short term, there may be some things that suck. Certain PC-centric genres that can't make transitions to other platforms might die. And then technology will get better, to the point that the future equivalent of facebook will be able to support games that will make crysis look like it was rendered with crayons.
Well, I played Dead Space on the 360, and had the exact same experience as you. I'd say its because the game itself is just terribly predictable.gigastar said:
As for your games being choppy, well I think C&C4 is a PC only game, and not optimized all that great. As for Left 4 Dead 2, well not sure what to say. Runs great for me, but I play at the medium settings, so whatever.
One of many reasons that PC gaming is the best platform for games.
<a href=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvj7GMhZxC8&feature=player_embedded>Battlefield 3
It's being built around PC hardware by a PC.
also:
<a href=http://vimeo.com/21020148>Console gaming poking fun at PC gaming
<a href=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvj7GMhZxC8&feature=player_embedded>Battlefield 3
It's being built around PC hardware by a PC.
also:
<a href=http://vimeo.com/21020148>Console gaming poking fun at PC gaming
i come home from school. sit down at the pc.
i am proud to be a pc gamer.
i shall wave the pc flag.
i shall stay true to the pc.
we shall never froget!
i am proud to be a pc gamer.
i shall wave the pc flag.
i shall stay true to the pc.
we shall never froget!
I might have believed this last year, but nope, "Hardcore" PC gaming is still as strong as ever.
SC2 is extremely popular right now, the GSL is doing well, and new games PC gamers are craving in the shooter realm are coming this year (RO2 and BF3-don't kid yourself, the PC version is going to be far superior) and there is still the ever-popular enough simulation genre games.
Just because there aren't as many of these games as there is shovelware floating around doesn't mean its dying.
Hell, Valve's steam is EXTREMELY profitable.
Next time, get some facts straight when posting outside your typical domain, moviebob.
Actually, this is the last time I bother looking at your opinion on anything, unless you show you have the ability to admit a mistake such as this.
SC2 is extremely popular right now, the GSL is doing well, and new games PC gamers are craving in the shooter realm are coming this year (RO2 and BF3-don't kid yourself, the PC version is going to be far superior) and there is still the ever-popular enough simulation genre games.
Just because there aren't as many of these games as there is shovelware floating around doesn't mean its dying.
Hell, Valve's steam is EXTREMELY profitable.
Next time, get some facts straight when posting outside your typical domain, moviebob.
Actually, this is the last time I bother looking at your opinion on anything, unless you show you have the ability to admit a mistake such as this.
PLEASE put that list in a spoiler tag. Do you realize how long that post is?Void(null) said:
OT: I have to say that I actually agree with this. We're probably in the middle of the last (possibly second-to-last) generation of dedicated "PC" gaming. Sometimes I disagree with this show greatly, but you do make very good (and insightful) points.
Plus, assuming that other things (like consoles) will begin using a mouse and keyboard, there won't even be a difference in the experience.
I haven't read this entire thread, but I'm sure someone will pull out the "Happily dying since 1985" picture (which actually hurts the PC case more than it helps, since it shows the number of recent AAA PC-exclusive titles reduced to almost nothing), trying to cling to their favorite hobby. I love PC gaming too, but as is said here, the games themselves aren't dying, just the relevance of the PC.
To me, the single most important thing defining PC gaming is the free distribution model. A game developer does not have to get a platform owner's blessing to release a game, and this is what gives PC gaming its soul. In addition, it really would not be the same without a mouse and a keyboard. So, the argument against big beige boxes might be valid, but it has nothing to do with either the death of free distribution or keyboards. If anything, Apple is a larger threat to PC gaming than Sony.ZombieGenesis said:
I approve MovieBob.
I've always been a console whore. Mommy bought me a lot of consoles, but wouldn't let me go near the computer because she believed I would break it or give it a virus.
sure you can do a lot more with pc games, but you can't trade them back.
I've always been a console whore. Mommy bought me a lot of consoles, but wouldn't let me go near the computer because she believed I would break it or give it a virus.
sure you can do a lot more with pc games, but you can't trade them back.
Wow! So many comments already. Loaded topic, Bob. Then again, you never were one to shy away from controversy.
You have a lot of valid points, but I'd say that for right now anyway that the PC is still a viable platform. Some games even like the first Dragon Age or the earlier GTA titles are considered by many to have the best versions on the PC. If that's not the case, then why have I just spent $900 building a new system to play some of the games coming down the pike? And yes, while some of them are cross-platform, I prefer to play these games on the PC because I feel that is the platform best-suited for them:
Bulletstorm
Crysis 2
Portal 2
Dragon Age II
The Witcher 2
Deus Ex: Human Revolution
F.E.A.R. 3
Duke Nukem Forever
Rage
Mass Effect 3
BioShock Infinite
Diablo III
XCOM
Starcraft II: Heart of the Swarm and Legacy of the Void
And while I own both a PS3 and an Xbox360 and have sizable libraries for both, I own those simply because there are certain games I want to play that are either better played on a console or just aren't made for the PC. I'm thinking of game series like Guitar Hero, Dead Space, God of War, Final Fantasy, Kingdom Hearts, and the Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat games. All those are best played with a game controller and take advantage of the respective platforms they were designed for.
So as long as there are certain games that are best played on the PC, I think that it'll still be around for a while.
You have a lot of valid points, but I'd say that for right now anyway that the PC is still a viable platform. Some games even like the first Dragon Age or the earlier GTA titles are considered by many to have the best versions on the PC. If that's not the case, then why have I just spent $900 building a new system to play some of the games coming down the pike? And yes, while some of them are cross-platform, I prefer to play these games on the PC because I feel that is the platform best-suited for them:
Bulletstorm
Crysis 2
Portal 2
Dragon Age II
The Witcher 2
Deus Ex: Human Revolution
F.E.A.R. 3
Duke Nukem Forever
Rage
Mass Effect 3
BioShock Infinite
Diablo III
XCOM
Starcraft II: Heart of the Swarm and Legacy of the Void
And while I own both a PS3 and an Xbox360 and have sizable libraries for both, I own those simply because there are certain games I want to play that are either better played on a console or just aren't made for the PC. I'm thinking of game series like Guitar Hero, Dead Space, God of War, Final Fantasy, Kingdom Hearts, and the Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat games. All those are best played with a game controller and take advantage of the respective platforms they were designed for.
So as long as there are certain games that are best played on the PC, I think that it'll still be around for a while.
