I still find it interesting how different the responses are in a thread like this to basically all the other threads on gaming side. This is a forum where you see so many people who own multiple, if not all of the consoles (and possibly handhelds too). People who buy tons of games even buying them new. As soon as PC gaming is mentioned though all of a sudden everyone is simply unable to afford to do it (even when they're shown that it really isn't much more expensive if any).
There's also the threads about IOS gaming or casual games. These types of games get so much hate for being way too simple, this is a hardcore gaming forum afterall. Yet seemingly no one is willing to put in the slightest bit of effort to set up a gaming PC. It's not even hard, i know fuck all about computers and i had no problem doing it (you can easily get help after all) and once it's set up you don't have to worry anymore. I really don't think it's any harder than console gaming but seemingly this small barrier is enough to instantly turn off supposed hardcore gamers from giving it a go.
Then there is the whole hating the 'PC crowd'. This supposed master race that sits around on their high horse insulting everyone else. Yet no body seems to give a shit about the constant console wars and the looking down on other people for their platform choices. How many times have you seen people insulting the wii, wii U, DS, 3DS and much more commonly smarthphones? Even the xbone which is pretty damn close to the PS4 cops constant shit. You see far more of this shit from console gamers than you do from PC gamers.
Another one that i don't understand is this all the people who simply don't like 'PC games'. What does that even mean? The PC has a huge library that dwarfs any of the consoles. Not only that but it receives a lot of the same games that consoles do and can be used to emulate most old consoles. I just don't see how anyone can make a statement like they don't PC games. It's such a wide reaching statement that really just shows a persons ignorance of what the PC has to offer in terms of library (which i can admit i am guilty of this as well).
I can totally understand preferring what consoles have to offer. For me most of my favourite games are exclusive to nintendo and some of my other favourite games are console exclusive (like halo or gears). I also love local co-op/splitscreen gaming which is much better and more common on consoles. Saying that is very different to saying you don't like anything PC has to offer.
In general most of the reasons people post basically boil down to not being willing to put in a small amount of effort into a hobby we all spend heaps of time with. I understand that, personally i hate fiddling with graphics settings and making PC's and all that bullshit. It's why i've always enjoyed my consoles, being able to pick up and play is awesome. Nowadays though having a gaming PC (or laptop) really isn't much of a hassle and if anything consoles have slowly been getting more and more clunky to use imo.
I probably sound condescending but i'm not trying to be. I too put very little effort into my set-ups and i understand not wanting to put in any time or effort if i don't have to. I will never have an optimal PC set-up or home theatre or anything else of that nature. I am willing to admit exactly why that's the case. It's not because it's too expensive or too hard. I'm just way too casual and admittedly lazy when it comes to this type of stuff.
Well that was a whole bunch of rambling and random thoughts. Just before anyone says it i realise that GAF isn't a hivemind and that likely it's different people posting in these different threads.
Seems like a lot of people on GAF are trying to get into PC gaming by investing in a "gaming" laptop. You're doing it wrong guys.
Why do people think they need laptops these days? If you're a developer, sure get a MacBook Air, otherwise a phone or tablet will cover your mobility and a tower will allow you the power and flexibility you need to build a proper gaming rig.
Laptops are just so easy and convenient to use. If i'm traveling i can just pick it up and take it with me, it takes up minimal space and requires no set up. Even if i just want to move to another room in my house it's so much easier. I don't want another device to cover for my mobility when i can have one that does all of those things. Frankly if you don't really care about graphics isn't there anything that a proper gaming rig offers that a laptop doesn't? I know most of my friends have now went down this route.
Having said all that i'm considering finally going all in and getting an awesome set-up but it's by no means necessary.