My state of PC gaming address
Consoles like the DS, PSP, Wii, X360 and PS3 cost from $125-$600 US. Computers to handle simple functions are now down to the top of that range. Computers for playing games cost 2x-5x that. Video cards for those thinking of upgrading their PC can run the price of a DS to that of a PS3.
Pricewise, I can't justify getting a new PC as a gaming machine. My last computer was purchased from Dell's outlet to lower the price. Though I knew enough as a gamer to not get integrated graphics, I still ended up with a GeForce FX5200 128MB card. It could run Far Cry that year but not Oblivion the next.
If I were to spend enough to upgrade, I would instead opt for an X360.
1) I am not one to screw up my computer digging into its innards.
2) My computer still works for everything except high-end games.
3) I would be guaranteed of playing the current games that won't run on my PC.
However I already own a PSP and a Wii. Buying an additional console is not feasible on my gaming entertainment budget.
My PC gaming therefore has been "dumbed down" by graphic restrictions to the casual/mainstream market. I've bought games like Puzzle Quest, Bookworm Adventures, Peggle, and Fairway Solitaire. I enjoy them or I would not buy them. I would buy games out soon like Spore or Mass Effect or even something as old as Oblivion only if it would run on my current computer.
The majority of PC games on NPD charts are Blizzard bundles and Sims 2 expansions. These are the slow burn titles that have stayed on the charts for years rather than a hot spike at release that quickly falls off the charts. Games that shoot for the highest-end of the PC spectrum like Crytek apparently aimed too high and failed to sell significant numbers. Will future PC games follow or adapt?
I leave you with this. Mac gamers have it even worse.
Pricewise, I can't justify getting a new PC as a gaming machine. My last computer was purchased from Dell's outlet to lower the price. Though I knew enough as a gamer to not get integrated graphics, I still ended up with a GeForce FX5200 128MB card. It could run Far Cry that year but not Oblivion the next.
If I were to spend enough to upgrade, I would instead opt for an X360.
1) I am not one to screw up my computer digging into its innards.
2) My computer still works for everything except high-end games.
3) I would be guaranteed of playing the current games that won't run on my PC.
However I already own a PSP and a Wii. Buying an additional console is not feasible on my gaming entertainment budget.
My PC gaming therefore has been "dumbed down" by graphic restrictions to the casual/mainstream market. I've bought games like Puzzle Quest, Bookworm Adventures, Peggle, and Fairway Solitaire. I enjoy them or I would not buy them. I would buy games out soon like Spore or Mass Effect or even something as old as Oblivion only if it would run on my current computer.
The majority of PC games on NPD charts are Blizzard bundles and Sims 2 expansions. These are the slow burn titles that have stayed on the charts for years rather than a hot spike at release that quickly falls off the charts. Games that shoot for the highest-end of the PC spectrum like Crytek apparently aimed too high and failed to sell significant numbers. Will future PC games follow or adapt?
I leave you with this. Mac gamers have it even worse.