Slashdot Mirror
PC Gaming's Future Evolution
Dr. Eggman writes "1up.com is reporting on the GDC panel from last week entitled PC Gaming in an Age of Connected Consoles. Unlike the usual doom and gloom about the 'death' of PC games, this panel suggested that the death is of PC games as we know them - PC gaming will evolve. They believe the future of gaming on the PC lies in strengths like persistent-world environments; not just as MMOs but anything that has elements of a persistent nature such as Battlefield 2142. They go on to describe the PC's greatest edge over consoles: user created content and the supportive game communities built around it. The article also cited the panel's views on the weaknesses inherent in consoles' closed networks and content control."
They go on to describe the PC's greatest edge over consoles: user created content
Thats why consoles dont suffer from cheating.
Libertarian Leaning Political Discussion Forum.
You're an idiot.
The point is that you can't say PC gaming is dead or dying when there are countless people for whom a PC experience trumps that of a console experience, even with all the trimmings. And how is stating what you're playing your games on "bragging"?! My system is a mid-range system. Hardly something to "brag" about. But be a whiny pussy if it suits you.
Frankly, there are a couple things that are three major hindrances for me on the console.
The first hindrance is that a lot of console games are nothing more than ports of PC games. I'm seeing commercials for FEAR on the XBOX 360 as if it's a new game. It was out for the PC a year and a half ago!
The second hindrance is that the online multiplayer experience always sucks. Ridiculous limitations on the number of people that can play in any one game. Little or no persistence in any game beyond that one session. Terrible FPS games. Honestly, how is Halo the greatest FPS of all time? Average graphics and less than average gameplay?! Other than vehicles, what did Halo ever offer that Quake didn't offer years ahead of time? Just because it's new to the console world doesn't make it a revolution.
The third hindrance - and the most significant - is that console controllers are complete crap. Terribly inaccurate analog sticks and a bunch of clumsy buttons on a batwing? It's going to be hard to ever top a keyboard and mouse. I'm sure as hell not going to play RTS, strategy, or serious RPG and MMORPG games with a console controller. And even if they simply stuck a mouse and keyboard into the box with your console (a good idea, if you can use ANY USB mouse/keyboard you want and not just some klunky poorly made expensive one made by the console manufacturer), the screen resolution is still too poor for enough depth and detail for a highly text-oriented game.
The benefit of the console is that it's a good time when you want to just plop on the couch and brain-drain for a couple hours instead of sitting at your desk. I'd be more inclined to spend time with my consoles if at least the controller was improved. That is my single greatest gripe.