Cliff Bleszinski, also known as “CliffyB”, Epic Games and a major figure in the PC gaming world, has made some controversial comments about the state of the PC gaming industry. Bleszinski is quoted in Gamasutra as saying “I think PC is just for the masses”. He further comments that “what you’re playing on PC right now is Sims-type games and World of WarCraft and a lot of stuff that’s on a web-based interface. You click on it and play it. The PC direction is evolving for me, the PC is kind of the second part of what we’re doing at.”
While one can say that he simply made these comments to promote his marketing for the console games he puts in the quoted place, or does Bleszinski’s statements speak truth to a larger issue? That is, what is better, PC or console games? Furthermore, what is the future of the PC market?
I’ve been interested in console games for almost 20 years, ever since I was introduced in 1989 to a pair of mushroom-eating, koopa troop-stopping Italian plumbing brothers named Mario and Luigi. Since that time, I have seen console gaming grow from 8-bit games to multi-effects environments in which players are incredibly immersed. Is all this beauty? These game consoles can be played on self-contained systems that are increasingly appealing to the most demanding demographics of all imaginable. While some may laugh at the cost of buying one of today’s high-end gaming consoles, like the Playstation 3 (which was all in one. Easy design selling for more than $600), the cost of the gaming system compares with computers, both desktops and laptops, which cost in the lower thousands.
And what about the idea of kids getting out of bed and getting some activity? Well, at least there are game consoles that young and old gamers go around playing with their video games, including the Nintendo Wii Coaster, one of the first PC titles I played back in the mid 90s. My dad and sister are both Freecell, Minesweeper, and Riven fans, and Dad loved Doom. She loved King’s Quest > i> series.
PC games have an audience, but that’s the point: PC games seem to be filling a niche role while console games are taking away. That’s because game consoles are self-contained, portable (Travel? Simply put in a console, some games, and a few cables and connect the system to most relatives, friends, or hotel televisions), and offer dozens—even hundreds—of titles. . Today’s console games are so super-powered, they can literally bring the player into the video game world thanks dazzling special effects, ever-improving sound technology, and crisp resolutions.
PC games will always have a market, but increasingly they will become a niche market that caters to young males; meanwhile, game consoles continue to appeal to gamers of all ages, even the elderly, who now look to games like Nintendo’s Age Brain to keep their minds sharp. With Atari, ColecoVision, Nintendo, Sega, and PlayStation all major players in the gaming console market, the industry has thrived for thirty years. Meanwhile, the PC gaming market had to work hard to keep players in their games for a long period of time, since computer operating systems have changed dramatically, making it difficult for many people who simply cannot afford to constantly update computer systems to play. multiple sequels that some titles, such as those originating from Myst, and King’s Quest have been released over the years.
While the console systems of the players have also undergone years technological changes that players need to buy whole new systems to play playing new ones, at least once on the game console and purchased games, can return and enjoy the games almost forever. While desktop computer my family is now based on a platform too large to handle my decade, floppy-based Coaster game, I can still play our games. Nintendo Entertainment System, Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Nintendo 64, and PlayStation 2. Ah, the joy of having a self-contained gaming console.
Resources:
http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=17382
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/06/20/eveningnews/main1731356.shtml
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wii_Sports
