What`s the point in buying consoles if they take PC like approaches?

People would still be buying consoles over PCs.

The reason is convenience. Not the real convenience either but the one in my mom's head when she decided to buy a Wii U instead of a PC.

Most people learned at one point that consoles are easy to use and PCs are complicated and break all the time.

This perception will still make them go buy the console.
 
televator said:
Why? A good percentage of my time on my gaming PC is spent fixing issues. From games that fail to instal, clients like steam causing conflict or failing to update, and instabilities that lead to CTD or complete system lock. No casual would put up with that.
Click to expand...

You just need to download more ram.
 
For as long as consoles remain the place where I can buy most of my games physically they will be my preferred place where I buy and play games, exclusives of course too.
 
bj00rn_ said:
What year is it, and what computer do you have? A Compaq 386 and messing with your bat file to gain more memory in DOS..? I have none of that. Seriously, none. So how on earth do you manage to get into this much trouble.
Click to expand...

Yep, most of the post didn't even make sense. Steam fails to update? Steam causes a conflict? Hmmm
 
LilJoka said:
Yep, most of the post didn't even make sense. Steam fails to update? Steam causes a conflict? Hmmm
Click to expand...

hqdefault.jpg
 
For me it's just the exclusives that motivate me to purchase consoles these days. The PC market with it's lower digital prices, continious sales, superior performance and it's more open approach to modding and indie development left consoles in the dust for me. I think it's why I love the Wii U so much over the Xbox One and PS4. Great exclusive games, high level of QA across the board, and a system that mostly cuts out the "social" bullshit of most big console AAA games these days. That all takes a backseat to the games, and I adore the system for that. It's also nice not having to install entire games onto the system constantly as well, just updates. Something which consoles used to have over PC's. And something which was refreshing.

Sony and Microsoft are trying to bring a lot of PC features over, as well as pushing digital sales like the PC has, but the lack of a flexible and competitive marketplace helping customers get better deals like the PC games marketplace really drags down any potentional changing the way consoles work could give to the consumer, instead punishing the consumer for going digital with steeper prices that are far more static, and it's sad really, coming from an owner of all three of the current systems. They're all starting to feel more and more like inferior PC mimics with each generation. A bit depressing, and a reason why I keep buying physical copies.
 
oddvintagechap. said:
  • Cause millions of people hate you.
  • Also they might have a Mac.
  • And won't install windows on it.

Honestly this question is getting extremely old. It'll be asked tomorrow. And the day after that. Another thread about it a month from now. When Uncharted 4 comes out and doesn't get a perfect score from everyone, someone will ask. We all know the answers. But again we ask.

There isn't one answer.
But simply a PC isn't as nicely put together in nice small pretty box as a console.
So easy, even a cavemen can play. PC gamers can shout all they want how PCs are plug and play as well. But they really aren't. Consoles will be here for a while.

P.S. PC gamers can have their FTP games, and phone gamers can have their 1$ games. B mad.
Click to expand...

What about Alienware Alpha?

Don't know why I am surprised when I come into these threads and see the same arguments and misconceptions being used as ammo to argue for or against PCs and consoles. Consoles are still easier to use than PCs I guess initially, but PCs are easier than ever to use. I would say PCs are pretty much just as easy unless you want to get an even more refined experience. I used PC for years with out MSI afterburner, RTSS, or D3D overrider. They have all made playing on the PC even better though.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that once a PC is set up it pretty much takes care of it's self.
 
Clarkus Darkus said:
Remember tho it is consoles that drive the industry forward with innovation.
Click to expand...
You can't be serious.

From popular new genres, to new gameplay elements, over new control methods, new distribution mechanisms, even new methods of funding, all the way to entirely novel hardware platforms like VR it is primarily PC gaming driving innovation.
 
it used to be that a $300 launch day console could deliver better visuals than PCs that cost 2-3 times that much, and they actually got price-drops to stay way cheaper than a PC solution, but that doesn't happen anymore

just in terms of hardware, PCs are probably still a little more expensive, but if you're willing to play at console settings and console resolutions I don't think the cost difference is significant
 
Beerman462 said:
What about Alienware Alpha?
Click to expand...

Alpha owner here and I've never been happier.

I do admit there are annoyances that can pop up with any PC game but nothing I couldn't resolve after a quick google search.

And that used to happen more at the onset of my switch from console to PC, but now I'm having a blast and everything is smooth and capable.

I have a full library of digital games that cover every genre of gaming. They run well and I got them all cheap (and legitimately) on Steam.

I can play keyboard and mouse games with a controller if I want and you can buy a tiny mini keyboard for $20 which comes with a track pad.

I've got plenty of space left on my HDD and I'm already satisfied that there is enough to play or replay for decades. I don't have to worry about backwards compatibility because the games and saves will carry over to any new hardware I decide to get.

The only negative would be exclusives for consoles but I have a Wii U and have no desire to get exclusives for the other consoles really.

One common complaint is cost, but you can get an Alpha for not much more than a PS4 and the cost of the games will more than make up the value.

Also, you can go on a no interest payment plan with many PC manufacturers and there isn't that kind of option for consoles.
 
EventHorizon said:
1) Consoles will still have much few versions than PCs. They will probably have a new version about every 3 years with guaranteed support for 6-8 years. That'll mean that any game that comes out on that console platform during that timeframe will have to supply a version that runs on that console. Games will be changed to work on your console. You will not be required to change your console (outside of addons like VR and music peripherals) to play games.

2) There are numerous advantages due to the fact that consoles are a locked down hardware platform.
  • There are fewer cheaters and hacks to give advantages in online multiplayer games.
  • Use of a controller is enforced so controller users aren't at a disadvantage in online games
  • No need to worry about viruses
  • You are assured that in online games everyone is on an equal footing. Everybody has the same graphics settings and FPS. Even with more hardware versions existing at the same time, due to have so few of them developers will be able to specifically tune games so that the latest hardware doesn't provide an online gaming advantage.
4) Consoles are a less expensive appliance that are a no brainer purchase. Customers will know exactly what to expect for the life of the console.

5) Games for consoles will be guaranteed to work. Troubleshooting on console is the responsibility of the game creators since they are targeting a fixed hardware spec. On PCs if some is wrong there is a decent chance that is a local problem specific to that hardware/software configuration.

6) There are games that are far more popular on consoles. If you like those types of games, consoles will be the place to place them. That is especially true for online games that require a large community.

7) Though support has waned in recent years, local coop is supported more on consoles.

Generally put, consoles are easier to get and just plain work. You can walk into a store on a moments notice right now and get a PS4. You'll know the purchase of that exact product will be supported for years and you'll have to do nothing during that time to keep it that way.
Click to expand...
1) Once you've built a PC, it should run games for the same amount of time as a console. In fact, it will probably last longer because you can reduce graphical effects to run newer games. I only upgraded my 2012 PC so that I could play new games at 60FPS but I was easily hitting console settings.

2) Consoles aren't as locked down as they used to be. Upgrading your hard drive to an SSD can give you an advantage with loading times in games like Battlefront where you don't always have to wait for everyone to load the map before starting.

The controller issue is a good point when compared to a mouse but what about things like the Xbox One Elite Controller or people using FightSticks in games like Street Fighter? It's very easy to be disadvantaged in these situations so consoles aren't completely level playing grounds.

3 4)Customers can know exactly what to expect from a PC with a bit of knowledge. People weren't born information about the difference between a PS4 and a Wii U so why can't they learn a bit about PCs?

5) Were Halo: Master Chief Collection or Driveclub guaranteed to work when they launched? How did they turn out? Why is it an advantage that you can't troubleshoot a game yourself and instead have to wait for the developer to fix it? Arkham Knight launched in a terrible state but people with better hardware could brute force but no such remedy existed for Halo or Driveclub.

6) Popular games tend to have longer lives on PC thanks to near perpetual backwards compatibility and the community support.

7) I can't think of any games that have splitscreen co-op modes that are exclusive to consoles.
 
dragonfart28 said:
Alpha owner here and I've never been happier.

I do admit there are annoyances that can pop up with any PC game but nothing I couldn't resolve after a quick google search.

And that used to happen more at the onset of my switch from console to PC, but now I'm having a blast and everything is smooth and capable.

I have a full library of digital games that cover every genre of gaming. They run well and I got them all cheap (and legitimately) on Steam.

I can play keyboard and mouse games with a controller if I want and you can buy a tiny mini keyboard for $20 which comes with a track pad.

I've got plenty of space left on my HDD and I'm already satisfied that there is enough to play or replay for decades.

The only negative would be exclusives for consoles but I have a Wii U and have no desire to get exclusives for the other consoles really.

One common complaint is cost, but you can get an Alpha for not much more than a PS4 and the cost of the games will more than make up the value.

Also, you can go on a no interest payment plan with many PC manufacturers and there isn't that kind of option for consoles.
Click to expand...

The Alpha seems like a great piece of hardware. A lot of happy owners here on GAF at least. They were as low as $350 at one point which was a crazy good value.
 
Finaika said:
I can plug my PC into my TV and play too.
Click to expand...

You can but most people either d
Can't or don't want to go through the trouble. And I'm not talking about people on gaf. If it was that easy then valve would not be trying to sell steam machines. There is a simplicity in consoles that Pc's in their current state don't have.
 
Sword Of Doom said:
You can but most people either can't or don't want to go through the trouble. And I'm not talking about people on gaf. If it was that easy then valve would not be trying to sell steam machines. There is a simplicity in consoles that Pc's in their current state don't have.
Click to expand...

What kind of trouble though?
All you need to do is connect your PC dvi/hdmi cable to your TV and all is set. Except if consoles are wireless nowadays. And you're answering your own concern, there are simplistic PCs like steam machines and alienware alpha that are pretty much a console PC. I have both my PS3 and PC plugged into my TV.
 
TheLaughingStock said:
Some of the answers of why they buy are because of name recognition, perceived value, copying others, convinced by marketing, satisfied by previous purchase, etc.
Click to expand...

This factor is seldom mentioned but it does play a big role. Things would be quite different if there was some company behind PC gaming that spent tens or hundreds of millions each year on advertizing the platform.
 
EventHorizon said:
1) Consoles will still have much few versions than PCs. They will probably have a new version about every 3 years with guaranteed support for 6-8 years. That'll mean that any game that comes out on that console platform during that timeframe will have to supply a version that runs on that console. Games will be changed to work on your console. You will not be required to change your console (outside of addons like VR and music peripherals) to play games.

2) There are numerous advantages due to the fact that consoles are a locked down hardware platform.
  • There are fewer cheaters and hacks to give advantages in online multiplayer games.
  • Use of a controller is enforced so controller users aren't at a disadvantage in online games
  • No need to worry about viruses
  • You are assured that in online games everyone is on an equal footing. Everybody has the same graphics settings and FPS. Even with more hardware versions existing at the same time, due to have so few of them developers will be able to specifically tune games so that the latest hardware doesn't provide an online gaming advantage.
4) Consoles are a less expensive appliance that are a no brainer purchase. Customers will know exactly what to expect for the life of the console.

5) Games for consoles will be guaranteed to work. Troubleshooting on console is the responsibility of the game creators since they are targeting a fixed hardware spec. On PCs if some is wrong there is a decent chance that is a local problem specific to that hardware/software configuration.

6) There are games that are far more popular on consoles. If you like those types of games, consoles will be the place to place them. That is especially true for online games that require a large community.

7) Though support has waned in recent years, local coop is supported more on consoles.

Generally put, consoles are easier to get and just plain work. You can walk into a store on a moments notice right now and get a PS4. You'll know the purchase of that exact product will be supported for years and you'll have to do nothing during that time to keep it that way.
Click to expand...

Thanks for writing my paper.
 
silvermember said:
So you are saying it is difficult because that is what the bold statement implies. If someone isn't easily doable by default it means it is hard. That's like saying learning french isn't hard, all you have to do is grow up speaking it. It is a meaningless statement because it doesn't change the fact I did not grow up using Linux and neither did most people. Also relying on guides makes it even more difficult since it is not inuitive as windows. Even a child can easily learn it.

Or for that matter a great platform for software. Since it lacks a lot of important software needed for real productivity.
Click to expand...

Windows is not intuitive if you don't learn how it works. Same with Linux. I'm saying it's different the way it works.

My mother uses Linux Mint and she is not IT graduate. Browsing the web, listening to internet radio, watching movies from time to time, and writing some stuff in LibreOffice. The only thing she complained about was lack of solitaire. Which she now have thanks to wine.

Linux is difficult for people who want windows not made by Microsoft.
 
EventHorizon said:
1) Consoles will still have much few versions than PCs. They will probably have a new version about every 3 years with guaranteed support for 6-8 years. That'll mean that any game that comes out on that console platform during that timeframe will have to supply a version that runs on that console. Games will be changed to work on your console. You will not be required to change your console (outside of addons like VR and music peripherals) to play games.

2) There are numerous advantages due to the fact that consoles are a locked down hardware platform.
  • There are fewer cheaters and hacks to give advantages in online multiplayer games.
  • Use of a controller is enforced so controller users aren't at a disadvantage in online games
  • No need to worry about viruses
  • You are assured that in online games everyone is on an equal footing. Everybody has the same graphics settings and FPS. Even with more hardware versions existing at the same time, due to have so few of them developers will be able to specifically tune games so that the latest hardware doesn't provide an online gaming advantage.
4) Consoles are a less expensive appliance that are a no brainer purchase. Customers will know exactly what to expect for the life of the console.

5) Games for consoles will be guaranteed to work. Troubleshooting on console is the responsibility of the game creators since they are targeting a fixed hardware spec. On PCs if some is wrong there is a decent chance that is a local problem specific to that hardware/software configuration.

6) There are games that are far more popular on consoles. If you like those types of games, consoles will be the place to place them. That is especially true for online games that require a large community.

7) Though support has waned in recent years, local coop is supported more on consoles.

Generally put, consoles are easier to get and just plain work. You can walk into a store on a moments notice right now and get a PS4. You'll know the purchase of that exact product will be supported for years and you'll have to do nothing during that time to keep it that way.
Click to expand...

This post is cogent and comprehensive, providing real world, non-hyperbolic points about why there is a value for many people in preferring to play on consoles.

I look forward to the litany of edge-cases that some over-defensive person gives you to try to rebut each point.
 
The Albatross said:
I look forward to the litany of edge-cases that some over-defensive person gives you to try to rebut each point.
Click to expand...

No kidding. The idea that portraying anyone who would finds console gaming preferable as a bumbling idiot will convert us is laughable. I've been a software industry veteran for decades and I've watched companies make the same mistakes. Assuming people wouldn't trade control and configurability for ease of use opened the door wide for tablets and phone to erode the PC market. Consoles are just another example of the same phenomenon.
 
The Albatross said:
This post is cogent and comprehensive, providing real world, non-hyperbolic points about why there is a value for many people in preferring to play on consoles.

I look forward to the litany of edge-cases that some over-defensive person gives you to try to rebut each point.
Click to expand...

I'm sorry but that's just not true. I'll give the poster has some valid points but the rest are out dated or just plain false.

What does point 1 even mean? "Consoles will still have much few versions than PCs." Fewer versions of what? Games? You can get away with playing newer games on 7 year old hardware if you wanted to and then some. Only recently are some games pushing x64 builds where you need a 64-bit operating system to run them. Other than that, you've been able to run PC games from the early 80's up until now. Hell you can even play other systems games. I don't see how the poster thinks this is a valid point? Sure eventually you're going to need to replace your PC. But it doesn't have to be sooner than a console, does it? So how is this a point as to why buying a console would be beneficial? A lot of console owners seem to get upset that they can't play their previous console games on the new one and barely get supported if you can.

Point 2 has more valid points like having fewer cheaters, everyone using the same input, no viruses and everyone having equal footing in multiplayer games (to an extent though this seems to be more the responsibility of the developers than the system).

Although you can put me in the PC games camp, point 4 (where did 3 go?) is true enough.

This next point is off by a long shot though. Consoles are not guaranteed to work. They never have been and never will be. From the 72 pin connector on the NES to the RRoD on the 360 to the self ejecting disc drive of the PS4. Conoles have always had decent amounts of failures. Historically I could see it having been less so than computers, but that has been less true up until this point in time. Console owners need tech help forums now more than ever seeing as how console failures seem to happen right when warranties expire.

I think the best reason to own a console is by wanting to be where your friends are. So point 6 is okay.

7 is true enough though I'd say the increase of indie games on PC caused some innovation on that point in which a fair share ended up being ported to consoles and then eventually being developed along side consoles or just straight up switching platforms.

"Generally put, consoles are easier to get and just plain work" Sure, while under the 2 year warranty. After that all bets are off. Last two sentences are true enough.

Lady Gaia said:
No kidding. The idea that portraying anyone who would finds console gaming preferable as a bumbling idiot will convert us is laughable. I've been a software industry veteran for decades and I've watched companies make the same mistakes. Assuming people wouldn't trade control and configurability for ease of use opened the door wide for tablets and phone to erode the PC market. Consoles are just another example of the same phenomenon.
Click to expand...

You have to remember, the PC gaming industry doesn't have one big company behind it. It needs word of mouth by its users to be able to get people excited and wanting to play on a computer. I've seen some attempts, but nothing like having one company to hype up their own product. It's also going to have zealots, but so do consoles. For every idiot that's scoffs at the idea of a console for dumb reasons, there is an idiot scoffing at the idea of PC's for equally dumb reasons.

What I've think these threads that have popped up here have shown that there are good reasons to have either or both to play games on. Both sides have done a lot in the years to close the gap on what used to make them different for better or worse.

At this point in time, I think if somebody put together real pros and cons of owning a pc or console, the list would be quite small and the only differences people would choose from would be very subjective to that person.
 
Jams775 said:
I'm sorry but that's just not true. I'll give the poster has some valid points but the rest are out dated or just plain false.

What does point 1 even mean? "Consoles will still have much few versions than PCs." Fewer versions of what? Games? You can get away with playing newer games on 7 year old hardware if you wanted to and then some. Only recently are some games pushing x64 builds where you need a 64-bit operating system to run them. Other than that, you've been able to run PC games from the early 80's up until now. Hell you can even play other systems games. I don't see how the poster thinks this is a valid point? Sure eventually you're going to need to replace your PC. But it doesn't have to be sooner than a console, does it? So how is this a point as to why buying a console would be beneficial? A lot of console owners seem to get upset that they can't play their previous console games on the new one and barely get supported if you can.

Point 2 has more valid points like having fewer cheaters, everyone using the same input, no viruses and everyone having equal footing in multiplayer games (to an extent though this seems to be more the responsibility of the developers than the system).

Although you can put me in the PC games camp, point 4 (where did 3 go?) is true enough.

This next point is off by a long shot though. Consoles are not guaranteed to work. They never have been and never will be. From the 72 pin connector on the NES to the RRoD on the 360 to the self ejecting disc drive of the PS4. Conoles have always had decent amounts of failures. Historically I could see it having been less so than computers, but that has been less true up until this point in time. Console owners need tech help forums now more than ever seeing as how console failures seem to happen right when warranties expire.

I think the best reason to own a console is by wanting to be where your friends are. So point 6 is okay.

7 is true enough though I'd say the increase of indie games on PC caused some innovation on that point in which a fair share ended up being ported to consoles and then eventually being developed along side consoles or just straight up switching platforms.

"Generally put, consoles are easier to get and just plain work" Sure, while under the 2 year warranty. After that all bets are off. Last two sentences are true enough.



You have to remember, the PC gaming industry doesn't have one big company behind it. It needs word of mouth by its users to be able to get people excited and wanting to play on a computer. I've seen some attempts, but nothing like having one company to hype up their own product. It's also going to have zealots, but so do consoles. For every idiot that's scoffs at the idea of a console for dumb reasons, there is an idiot scoffing at the idea of PC's for equally dumb reasons.

What I've think these threads that have popped up here have shown that there are good reasons to have either or both to play games on. Both sides have done a lot in the years to close the gap on what used to make them different for better or worse.

At this point in time, I think if somebody put together real pros and cons of owning a pc or console, the list would be quite small and the only differences people would choose from would be very subjective to that person.
Click to expand...
everything you said is really subjective and you pretty much agreed with all his points. I find his points ring true for a lot of people which is why more casual gamers game on consoles or mobile phones then PC.
 
Convenience is king for the vast majority of users.

If you're more of a power user who's willing to fiddle with config files, inis, and building you're own PC, then yeah, there's really not much of a point to consoles outside of first party development and exclusive deals. Most people aren't those kinds of users, though.

It's like asking why run IOS when Windows and Linux exist.
 
dragonfart28 said:
They have payment plans for consoles?
Click to expand...

You can get a payment plan for anything.

The main draw for consoles has always been convenience. That draw is still there even as consoles become infected with many of the problems once limited to PC.

I say that as somebody who skipped this console generation entirely and most of last, opting for PC+handhelds. As somebody comfortable with PC architecture the only appeal of a console is the exclusives, of which there seem to be fewer every year, at least ones that interest me. When there are only a couple I can just borrow/rent a console for them, which is what I did for RDR.
 
alexandros said:
This factor is seldom mentioned but it does play a big role. Things would be quite different if there was some company behind PC gaming that spent tens or hundreds of millions each year on advertizing the platform.
Click to expand...

Who in the PC gaming would spend that coin? If Microsoft advertises the Xbox, it's clear who's benefiting. Ditto for Sony and Nintendo. The PC gaming platform is incredibly fragmented, and it's not like OEMs are even making much money off it—because so many gamers say making your own rig is the way to go.

As for the OP's question, I definitely feel that pain—in some ways it feels like the current gen has absorbed a lot of the annoying problems of PC gaming, forsaking some of the benefits the platform has. But my friends play consoles (aside from the NeoCraft Minecraft community there's no similar social scene for me on PC) and as a Mac user it's far easier to just play games on my Xbox and save my Mac for Minecraft, Dota, etc. than it is to deal with Windows via Boot Camp or getting another computer just for gaming. Fiscally, as well, I'm still coming out ahead in terms of the money I'm putting into the hobby in most respects.
 
SarusGray said:
everything you said is really subjective and you pretty much agreed with all his points. I find his points ring true for a lot of people which is why more casual gamers game on consoles or mobile phones then PC.
Click to expand...

I don't think my counter points in which I disagree with the post s points are subjective. Saying "consoles just work" is very false and me pointing that out isn't really subjective. The ones he gets wrong irk me the most. Especially when they're parroted by everybody as if it's true. I don't want to just stand by and let people repeat the ones that may have held true in the 90's and early 2000's but not now.

The poster made some good points and I've seen thoughts repeated in this thread. But I've seen the false points repeated more and it needs to really stop.

Honestly I'll always buy which one appeals to me most and I'd like for everyone to get all the facts and make the decision best for them.
 
alexandros said:
Maybe he's this guy:

c9Ups.gif
Click to expand...

The other version of this is funnier, related to the Tetris thread.

"Generally put, consoles are easier to get and just plain work" Sure, while under the 2 year warranty. After that all bets are off. Last two sentences are true enough.
Click to expand...

lol
I've bought:

1 replacement PS3
2 replacement 360
0 replacement PS2
0 replacement PS1
0 replacement SNES
0 replacement Genesis
0 replacement SMS
0 replacement NES
0 replacement Game Gear
0 replacement Game Boy
0 replacement PSP
0 replacement Vita

laughable point. I've had to fix more PC components than any of those up there.

"Consoles will still have much few versions than PCs." Fewer versions of what? Games?
Click to expand...

Systems, not games. There are less revisions, or more accurately, the revisions sold do not increase base price. If I bought a PS2+, it was still the same as a PS2 vs yearly upgrades.

This factor is seldom mentioned but it does play a big role. Things would be quite different if there was some company behind PC gaming that spent tens or hundreds of millions each year on advertizing the platform.
Click to expand...

Not really. The challenges are still the same.

You can but most people either Can't or don't want to go through the trouble. And I'm not talking about people on gaf. If it was that easy then valve would not be trying to sell steam machines. There is a simplicity in consoles that Pc's in their current state don't have.
Click to expand...

Others have said the same thing. It can also be as simple as the spouse not wanting a PC in the living room. There's parts of the argument that are really just made for argument's sake, but a fair amount of that shows being out of touch.

If you're more of a power user who's willing to fiddle with config files, inis, and building you're own PC, then yeah, there's really not much of a point to consoles outside of first party development and exclusive deals.
Click to expand...

Not necessarily true either.
My office downstairs is a custom built PC with i7, 980, etc.
The laptop in the mancave is an i7, 780, ssd hd, etc.

PS4 gets the most playtime, because I don't want sit at my desk for that long. I want the couch. I also would've missed out on RDR, a working copy of Arkham Knight, had to wait 2 years for GTA V and no Destiny to start.

The best experience is both platforms. It's fine to have a preference, but the reasons for one being "better" than the other are fairly dubious.

"I can't tweak the PS4 beyond hard drive" - Neither can anyone else. Let it go.

"Sometimes, there's gigs of audio that add to install time" - Yes, but the other option is no sound, so...

"Occasionally, there might be something incompatible" - Goes with the territory.

"PSN/Live could go down" - DDoS attacks are not new.

"Controller battery life needs work" - a KB/M that's right for you will take a while to find, and god help you if they go out of business or get bought and shut down/prices inflate.
 
when I see people bitch about having to fuck with drivers or games constantly crashing or things of that sort, all I can imagine is that their computer is a spyware infested mess from years of going to shady websites and things of that sort.

Kind of like when my computer illiterate family asks me to fix their computer because they've gone around clicking on banner ads. You know the type, the sort that has capable hardware but still takes 20 minutes to boot.

When I post videos of steam on youtube, people ask me "how come your interface is so smooth and snappy?" I'm not doing anything special, I'm just not destroying my PC by doing really dumb things.
 
Boombloxer said:
My office downstairs is a custom built PC with i7, 980, etc.
The laptop in the mancave is an i7, 780, ssd hd, etc.

PS4 gets the most playtime, because I don't want sit at my desk for that long. I want the couch. I also would've missed out on RDR, a working copy of Arkham Knight, had to wait 2 years for GTA V and no Destiny to start.
Click to expand...

HDMI cables are hard.

Your 980 would have powered through Arkham even in its launch state at better-than-console settings. And GTA plays better >25fps.
 
Boy this is childish.

As a sys admin and someone who builds gaming rigs for side cash, I still prefer Console gaming.

There are tons of advantages that come with PC gaming. Tons. Can't list them all.

But you guys want to act like it's a perfect experience and PC games never mess up. You're fluffing it up. Not everyone's build is the same. Games (especially older games) can crash on your system without warning. I can fix it with a few minutes of research but to the general public? I wouldn't have a job if everyone could solve their own PC problems. Think about it.


Anyway, my reasons for primarily gaming on a console:

-Knowledge gap.
PC gamers will never understand that some people, no matter how easy it is to fix, don't want to spend the time to research and fix it themselves. A lot of simple issues can occur on a beefy PC if you don't know what you're doing.

Forget simple issues for a moment and also realize that a lot of people don't know much about Steam, or they don't know where to get cheap deals on games, or they don't know how to increase a framerate, etc etc. Regular consumers don't know a lot of what NeoGAF takes for granted. They don't want to spend the time to close the knowledge gap.

-Local Coop games.
Yes they're becoming more and more rare, but they still exist for the games that count. I'm glad BLOPs III kept it. I also think developers are more aware of gamers complaining about the lack of coop in some games.

-Same controller for everyone.
It's not even the fact that the controllers are all the same, it's the fact that the online community is all playing with some type of controller. Nobody has a keyboard and mouse advantage. (some cheat and use it but that's neither here nor there).

Try playing some FPS games on the PC with a controller. I don't think you'll do as well as you'd hoped. Especially if you're playing someone with a very nice kb/m combo.

Also, try having multiple wireless controllers on a PC consistently without having an issue. It can be frustrating if your goolge-fu is weak.

-Same hardware for everyone.
Everybody is on the same page as far as hardware goes. Competitiveness is great because I'm not playing someone who is in a dark room, inches from their 2k/4k monitor. We're all playing at the same res.

-Real comfy couch gaming.
People say they can game from their comfy couch on PC too. I somewhat agree and I've built "couch gaming PCs" before. But it's not really "comfortable". Like I said earlier, when you're not up close to the monitor, you miss some details that others can see because they're simply closer to the image. And, there are a lot of games that have GUIs that are not meant to be seen from far away. Some are outright horrid.

-Cheating
Not all games suffer from this. But there are lots of auto aiming and auto head shot BS on certain PC games. COD being one of them. It occurs to a lesser extent on older consoles (PS3 I'm looking at you) but from my experience, it doesn't happen as often as it does on PC.

-Small tech issues.
PC gaming isn't issue free. Different people have different setups. Gaming with a second monitor can be frustrating if you don't know how to fix it. I have people asking me if they should buy a program that makes their games run fullscreen... I have to tell them there are numerous free programs out there to fix it. But they didn't know that.

Don't get me wrong, there isn't an issue I can't fix, but that's me. I do this kind of stuff for a living. A lot of these issues are nothing to us, and it's really not an issue for me... at least it wasn't. But now I have an eight month old daughter, and I like to get my gaming fix in quick with no (possible) issues. That and I look at hundreds of computers a day. I really don't need to game on one. Plus I really like the exclusives on Playstation.

To each their own though. Nothing wrong with console or PC gaming. They both have their downsides and advantages.

Oh, and for those who say the PS4 has day one patches and installs... That's true, but this isn't the PS3. Mine is quick, really quick. A lot of my games let me play while they install. I don't know of any PC games that can do that.
 
BlackGoku03 said:
Boy this is childish.

As a sys admin and someone who builds gaming rigs for side cash, I still prefer Console gaming.

There are tons of advantages that come with PC gaming. Tons. Can't list them all.

But you guys want to act like it's a perfect experience and PC games never mess up. You're fluffing it up. Not everyone's build is the same. Games (especially older games) can crash on your system without warning. I can fix it with a few minutes of research but to the general public? I wouldn't have a job if everyone could solve their own PC problems. Think about it.


Anyway, my reasons for primarily gaming on a console:

-Knowledge gap.
PC gamers will never understand that some people, no matter how easy it is to fix, don't want to spend the time to research and fix it themselves. A lot of simple issues can occur on a beefy PC if you don't know what you're doing.

Forget simple issues for a moment and also realize that a lot of people don't know much about Steam, or they don't know where to get cheap deals on games, or they don't know how to increase a framerate, etc etc. Regular consumers don't know a lot of what NeoGAF takes for granted. They don't want to spend the time to close the knowledge gap.

-Local Coop games.
Yes they're becoming more and more rare, but they still exist for the games that count. I'm glad BLOPs III kept it. I also think developers are more aware of gamers complaining about the lack of coop in some games.

-Same controller for everyone.
It's not even the fact that the controllers are all the same, it's the fact that the online community is all playing with some type of controller. Nobody has a keyboard and mouse advantage. (some cheat and use it but that's neither here nor there).

Try playing some FPS games on the PC with a controller. I don't think you'll do as well as you'd hoped. Especially if you're playing someone with a very nice kb/m combo.

Also, try having multiple wireless controllers on a PC consistently without having an issue. It can be frustrating if your goolge-fu is weak.

-Same hardware for everyone.
Everybody is on the same page as far as hardware goes. Competitiveness is great because I'm not playing someone who is in a dark room, inches from their 2k/4k monitor. We're all playing at the same res.

-Real comfy couch gaming.
People say they can game from their comfy couch on PC too. I somewhat agree and I've built "couch gaming PCs" before. But it's not really "comfortable". Like I said earlier, when you're not up close to the monitor, you miss some details that others can see because they're simply closer to the image. And, there are a lot of games that have GUIs that are not meant to be seen from far away. Some are outright horrid.

-Cheating
Not all games suffer from this. But there are lots of auto aiming and auto head shot BS on certain PC games. COD being one of them. It occurs to a lesser extent on older consoles (PS3 I'm looking at you) but from my experience, it doesn't happen as often as it does on PC.

-Small tech issues.
PC gaming isn't issue free. Different people have different setups. Gaming with a second monitor can be frustrating if you don't know how to fix it. I have people asking me if they should buy a program that makes their games run fullscreen... I have to tell them there are numerous free programs out there to fix it. But they didn't know that.

Don't get me wrong, there isn't an issue I can't fix, but that's me. I do this kind of stuff for a living. A lot of these issues are nothing to us, and it's really not an issue for me... at least it wasn't. But now I have an eight month old daughter, and I like to get my gaming fix in quick with no (possible) issues. That and I look at hundreds of computers a day. I really don't need to game on one. Plus I really like the exclusives on Playstation.

To each their own though. Nothing wrong with console or PC gaming. They both have their downsides and advantages.

Oh, and for those who say the PS4 has day one patches and installs... That's true, but this isn't the PS3. Mine is quick, really quick. A lot of my games let me play while they install. I don't know of any PC games that can do that.
Click to expand...

Thank you for your insightful post. I agree with a lot of what you say, especially the competitiveness regard.

Krejlooc said:
when I see people bitch about having to fuck with drivers or games constantly crashing or things of that sort, all I can imagine is that their computer is a spyware infested mess from years of going to shady websites and things of that sort.

Kind of like when my computer illiterate family asks me to fix their computer because they've gone around clicking on banner ads. You know the type, the sort that has capable hardware but still takes 20 minutes to boot.

When I post videos of steam on youtube, people ask me "how come your interface is so smooth and snappy?" I'm not doing anything special, I'm just not destroying my PC by doing really dumb things.
Click to expand...

Implying console gamers are all morons that go on shady websites etc because games sometimes don't work perfectly on our PC. Thanks. Just a P.S. I use my laptop exclusively for work and some games and I still have issues. Let's drop this silly act.
 
StevieP said:
They don't make fight sticks or elite controllers or anything like that on consoles.
Click to expand...

I don't have to worry about frame advantage which is the worst. And you heard of the guy who won with a PS1 controller in a tournament? I'm most comfortable knowing that the person I'm fighting doesn't have an advantage with extra FPS, or better or worst hardware that allows me either to lose or win. We're at an equal playing field and I LOVE the PS controller for fighting games. Also using a stick doesn't necessarily make you better or worse than other players, its what you're most comfortable with. Mouse is a different story as its much quicker and accurate in a shooter while in a console environment, that's not able to be utilized. Sticks, elite controllers don't have this capability as far as I'm aware and either way, the playing field is much more equal in the console platform. Which is not to put down competitive PC gaming, as it very much exists, but just pc gaming competitively when I'm bored, I know I'm at a disadvantage if my laptop isn't up to par with someone else.
 
SarusGray said:
Implying console gamers are all morons that go on shady websites etc because games sometimes don't work perfectly on our PC. Thanks. Just a P.S. I use my laptop exclusively for work and some games and I still have issues. Let's drop this silly act.
Click to expand...

You're telling me you game on a laptop at the same time you are insisting you know what you're doing RE: pc gaming.

you're sending mixed signals duder.
 
Krejlooc said:
You're telling me you game on a laptop at the same time you are insisting you know what you're doing RE: pc gaming.

you're sending mixed signals duder.
Click to expand...

I play Maplestory, Vanguard Princess and Trails in The Sky which require very low specs and still run into issues. I'm not trying to send mixed signals dude. I don't go on any random websites or anything, it just happens. The part I dislike about some PC gamer is how they somehow insult console gamers or people who aren't acclimated to PC and that they must be going on random virus infested websites. Sometimes it's compatibility problems that do indeed require troubleshooting. You're lucky all you have to do is avoid those sites to have any games and streams work for you. That's not the case for me and although it can take me probably 10 minutes to troubleshoot an error, I'd just rather not deal with it outright
 
Krejlooc said:
when I see people bitch about having to fuck with drivers or games constantly crashing or things of that sort, all I can imagine is that their computer is a spyware infested mess from years of going to shady websites and things of that sort.

Kind of like when my computer illiterate family asks me to fix their computer because they've gone around clicking on banner ads. You know the type, the sort that has capable hardware but still takes 20 minutes to boot.

When I post videos of steam on youtube, people ask me "how come your interface is so smooth and snappy?" I'm not doing anything special, I'm just not destroying my PC by doing really dumb things.
Click to expand...

Lol. So true. I've been "donating" old Mac products to family cuz I'm so tired of troubleshooting their PCs for 20+ years that you have so perfectly described.

At worst now I can tell them to ask the Apple Store for advice lol.

And per this discussion, I never get a "how do I do this on my Xbox" question from the same family/friends. That's why consoles have "a point". I include myself in that group too - inadvertently messed up my PC on occasion. I like that I can't mess up my Xbox.
 
I actually prefer the closed environment of a console... I can play with a controller knowing everyone else has the same thing, I get to see the progress and uploaded content of all my freinds for every game they play, if I want to play with a freind it's as simply as pressing x on his name and plugging my mic in. It's quite simply much less of a hassle to use. On PC, I have freinds playing on Bnet, freinds playing on Steam, freinds playing on origin and each service has its own set of rules and features.

I also feel a console is much better suited for family room play where as a PC is much better suited for playing at a desk.

It also has other benefits like you don't have to research what parts and stuff to get for it you can just go to the store and buy one knowing full well you will be able to play everything on the thing and if it breaks simply exchange the whole thing under warranty. Heck if the thing has a problem it's usually fixed by a hard reset where as on PC it usually involves Google and changing some settingsort.

It also has a ton of games that simply aren't on PC like all the system exclusives as well as most EA sports titles and destiny.
 
Normal people, guys. Normal people. None of whom are on this forum.

NORMAL PEOPLE want a game. Not a console. Or a pc. They just want Destiny. They want Grand Theft Auto. Maybe because their friends are playing it. They buy the game-player because they need it to play the game. From that point of view, there's little reason to build a pc.

Abnormal specimens like gaffers may have other reasons for preferring consoles. But for the sane consumer, they just want the path of least resistance to playing their game.
 
Crayon said:
Normal people, guys. Normal people. None of whom are on this forum.

NORMAL PEOPLE want a game. Not a console. Or a pc. They just want Destiny. They want Grand Theft Auto. Maybe because their friends are playing it. They buy the game-player because they need it to play the game. From that point of view, there's little reason to build a pc.

Abnormal specimens like gaffers may have other reasons for preferring consoles. But for the sane consumer, they just want the path of least resistance to playing their game.
Click to expand...

There are far, far, FAR more people playing games on PC than there are on these consoles. It's not even close. Between mobile and PC, console players are the tiny minority, despite what the giant ad campaigns and moneyhats want you to believe.
 
StevieP said:
There are far, far, FAR more people playing games on PC than there are on these consoles. It's not even close. Between mobile and PC, console players are the tiny minority, despite what the giant ad campaigns and moneyhats want you to believe.
Click to expand...

These are different markets entirely, as the core market that actually keeps AAA gaming alive (output from 3rd party and 1st party studios) are predominately dependent on console sales.

TW3, for instance, would not have been made if it were solely dependent on the core PC players that bother with AAA gaming.
 
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