-Dragmire- said:
Keep in mind that your rig that you haven't had to upgrade in 3 years doesn't seem very impressive when compared to the last console generation's 7+ year lifespan.
There's quite a bit to be said about the consumer's comfort and perception of the products they use. Your list of 1080p, 60fps, AA, SSAO and GL goes from something the average consumer knows and understands(though limited, 1080p means squat to a lot of people but they know it's better than 480, 720 etc.. the more 'p' the better) to areas where people have no understanding of and feel the bar for learning is too high.
Both PCs and the consoles are complex machines but consoles have a far more restricted environment with what you can do with it. This works to it's benefit because it requires so little for the consumer to understand as well as creates the perception that little can go wrong with the machine. It seems odd but there are many people that absolutely hate looking at system requirements and feel it's an unnecessary hassle when they want to play a new game.
The barrier of entry to understand enough hardware and software lingo isn't as high as most imagine it to be but their absolute belief that it's an impenetrable miasma of complicated tech speak has defeated them before any attempt has been made.
Oh, and just to cover this, I know consoles have many problems themselves and are starting to inherit a few from PC (updates) but I'm focusing on public perception.
It's not(incredibly low end now), but my point is the whole "2500usd every 6mon basement dwellers" is like calling all console gamers children. I can dump in another 400-500(I rather wait till next year) and my rig is back on top, backwards compatibility and all, and as computers(even tablets and smart phones) expand, evolve, the gap will only increase again. That was the point I was try to make in terms of power.
The other point, which I failed to clarify, was the fact that computer parts are a essentially Lego's now, and SteamMachines and OS are out to make that even simpler.
I do agree with you on terminology, but it's also something you can see, especially in person. PC gamers have always claimed that you need to see it in person because screen shots and videos don't do it justice. The same is starting to be discovered with console gamers and the next generation of consoles. In person, though you might not know the terms, it becomes instantly apparent.
