Where does PC gaming go from here?
Whenever a new gaming console is released, the old
"Console vs PC" debate is waged once again. It happened when the XBOX
360 was released and it's happening again with the PlayStation 3's upcoming
release. We've seen some rather outspoken comments on the matter from Epic's
Mark Rein who blames Intel’s
embrace of underperforming integrated graphics solutions on desktops and
notebooks for the decline in PC gaming sales. Rein followed up by saying that retail outlets are
putting more focus on selling console games while relegating PC games to
second-tier status.
The folks at Gamasutra
wanted to get some analyst insights on the current state of PC gaming and
gathered commentary from Wedbush Morgan's Michael Pachter, Screen Digest's Ed
Barton, and DFC Intelligence's David Cole. When asked about the current state
of the PC games market, this is what Michael Pachter had to say:
"The PC games
market is becoming a niche, substantial in size, but a niche nonetheless. There
will always be PC games, and the MMOs are likely going to remain PC-based
because of the required Internet connection. There are also games that just
make sense on a PC, like RPG, RTS and certain puzzle games…the relatively high
costs of developing console games could keep a steady supply of PC games coming
as a low-cost alternative (to produce). The digital distribution model is
probably going to be extremely limited and packaged products will likely rule
for a long time.”
David Cole had a slightly different perspective on the
matter:
"The PC game
business more than ever is an essential part of the overall game industry. It
is at the cutting edge of new trends and has a very diversified consumer base.
Unfortunately, being at the cutting edge is not always the most profitable
place to be.”
Gamasutra also
takes the time to ask the analysts their thoughts on piracy with PC-based games
as well as Microsoft’s role in PC gaming with Windows Vista. With the
increasing popularity of online-based console gaming and the thriving community
as witnessed by Microsoft’s XBOX Live and forthcoming
free online services from Nintendo and Sony, many PC
gamers are jumping ship.
"Game reviewers fought each other to write the most glowing coverage possible for the powerhouse Sony, MS systems. Reviewers flipped coins to see who would review the Nintendo Wii. The losers got stuck with the job." -- Andy Marken
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