A few years ago one kept hearing about how the post-PC era would result in the end of PC gaming in general. We were told how PC gamers would reduce in number as everyone embraced next-generation consoles with adequate graphical horsepower.
For a while it appeared that the PC was second to the console world, with developers making their games for console machines first and then making frequently compromised ports to the PC at a later stage.
Industry critics made daring predictions about how only the most hardcore would be building PC gaming rigs, while the rest of us would be sitting in front of our televisions with a PlayStation, Xbox or something else. Well, it just so happens, that prediction couldn’t have been more wrong.
The Windows-based PC has really recaptured its own. Honestly, it never really lost it; it’s simply that the game reviewers and industry as a whole have at long last had to acknowledge that the pinnacle of gaming takes place on the PC. Developers are finally slowly starting to release games on all platforms, including PC gaming, at once and not only prioritizing consoles.
There are numerous platforms from which gamers can download games these days: top among them is Valve’s Steam. Each developer wishes to get their titles published there and it has become the most reliable and fastest way to reach a mass audience. It also allows developers to provide extra game content, push out updates and patches, and advertise their future creations.
There basically isn’t a better market place for developers to sell their games and for gamers to locate them. Additionally, Steam has become a viable online community for gamers to collaborate, meet and/ or compete on multiplayer games with each other.
Developers are able to offer early access and build an interest in their product prior to release. The indie game scene is another huge part of PC gaming that provides excellent value for money and some amazing ingenuity. Furthermore, PC gaming is on average way cheaper than console gaming. PC gamers on a tight budget are able to find some great freemium games online.
In addition, those with more cash to spend can beef up their systems periodically with better graphics cards and more RAM. On consoles, hardware upgrades simply are not possible. PC gaming is always graphically a few steps ahead of what is possible on PlayStation or Xbox, the eye candy provided from triple A titles is only hindered by what you’ve got under the hood.
The PlayStation 4 and Xbox One remain unready for VR peripherals or 4K graphics, whereas PC gaming already is. PC gaming is also way more adaptable and flexible than a console, so it will continue to lead technical gaming innovations no matter what.
The one true advantage of console gaming is that gaming on the couch is definitely a more comfortable experience. But that comfort comes at a price because consoles are locked down and unmodifiable.
